An excellent way to assess your skills is to compare your work to other artists who use similar mediums in your area. Is your work comparable or better? You can’t expect to be successful if you can’t compete. [1] X Research source Do you frequently have people asking or complimenting you about your work? If so, this might be a good sign that your skills are in demand, especially because word of mouth can be a powerful advertising tool. [2] X Research source Would you be willing to spend money on your creations? If you don’t offer something people—or you—might want, you’re likely to not be a successful freelance artist. [3] X Research source
Are you able to handle the physical demands? Depending on what type of artist you are, you may need to stand or sit hunched over a canvas for long hours. Think about if being a freelance artist fits your personality. Client management is a significant part of the job and if you don’t like working with people, this may not be the right choice for you. You will need to allot specific times to work and find a space to work and meet with clients. Are you willing to structure your time and possibly rent an office?[5] X Research source You will not have benefits or paid sick time as a freelancer. [6] X Research source You may also want to consider your location. If you are in an isolated region, it may be difficult to capture potential clients or for them to reach you. [7] X Research source
The average salary for a freelance artist works out to $13. 85 per hour, which is above the minimum wage. [9] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source An excellent way to gauge prices is by checking the prices of comparable services in your local area. [10] X Expert Source Natasha Dikareva, MFACeramics & Sculpting Instructor Expert Interview. 5 May 2020. You want to stay competitive with your prices while making sure you’re compensated fairly for your work. A mentor may be able to help you figure out fair prices for you and your clients. One aspect to consider when assessing your prices is how long each job and any post-production may take. If it takes you a longer time to produce a work of art, you’ll want to adjust your prices based on your speed to help ensure you’re getting paid an amount commensurate to your skills and work. Start lower with your prices and then increase them as you sell more of your work. [11] X Expert Source Natasha Dikareva, MFACeramics & Sculpting Instructor Expert Interview. 5 May 2020. Remember that you will have to pay taxes and other fees for your business.
Remember that quality equipment is the core of your business and will allow you to garner income. [13] X Research source Many freelance artists often find themselves in feast or famine situations. You may have to fend for yourself as you develop your business. Freelancers have an unsteady income, especially early on, and you should plan on having long periods without income. [14] X Research source
If you have any questions, consult the Small Business Administration, which was set up to help smaller companies. [16] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Check with local authorities to ensure you have all of the correct licenses, certificates, and any insurance you need to start your business. The Small Business Administration can also help if you have any questions. [17] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source In some cases, you may not have to set up a legal entity for a freelance business. However, it may be advisable to establish a proper business to limit your potential personal liability if problems with your business arise. [18] X Research source Make sure to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other tax authorities. You may want to hire a local accountant to help you navigate the financial side of your business, from registering with the IRS to budgeting.
Be as detailed in your plan as possible. List your responsibilities. Create a working list of services and prices that you can tailor to demand. Finally, make sure to calculate any costs you may have to take on for supplies and payroll.
You will need sufficient space to meet with clients, complete your projects, and store your materials. [20] X Research source Make the space warm and inviting to your clients. It should be clean and tidy. [21] X Research source If you are using a space within your home, set up a separate entrance to your studio for your clients. Otherwise, you will have customers walking through your home, which will require you to have it tidy, clean, and presentable at all times.
In addition to having a high-quality tools and a backup materials, make sure you have sufficient supplies. [23] X Research source
This person can offer invaluable advice on everything from pricing to dealing with difficult clients or continuing your education. [25] X Research source
If you decide to offer additional products and services, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of different trends and methods. You can find this information by reading trade publications and art magazines. Even if you offer several different services, it’s a good idea to have a type of art in which you specialize to help attract clients. For example, maybe you make beautiful landscape photographs. Consider specializing in pictures of landscape features and selling them to magazines or local businesses. [27] X Research source It’s important to not be too diversified. Offer several different products or services that you do well instead of dozens that you do marginally. [28] X Research source
You may want to set base rates and tailor them according to how much work each individual job will cost. Looking at what other freelancers charge will give you a point of reference. Make sure your prices are commensurate with your experience and the location in which you’re offering your work for sale. For example, freelance art in places such as Michigan won’t cost as much as New York or Los Angeles.
Make sure to have separate bank accounts for your business and for your personal finances. [29] X Research source Likewise, have separate credit lines for your business and for your personal use. [30] X Research source Make sure every aspect of your pricing and billing is transparent to clients and vendors. Maintaining fair business practices is vital to your success.
Having a special or signature style that distinguishes you from other freelance artists and can attract clients to your business. Take pictures of any works you complete and consistently update them on your web presence. Make sure to include a different types of artwork to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and budgets clients may have.
If you decide to design your own ads and website, research local businesses advertising to guide your design. You want your brand to be simple, distinctive, and attractive to your clients and potential customers. Design your ads to complement your brand. Use similar color and design schemes so that clients and potential customers associate these elements with you. [31] X Research source Freelancers rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Build clientele through referrals and maintaining strong business relationships with your clients. [32] X Research source Partner with other businesses to advertise your business. You can work out a system where other local businesses display your business cards in their office in exchange for putting theirs in your home studio. [33] X Research source Getting involved in community activities is a type of free marketing. Donating an artwork service or making a contribution to a charity gets your name out in the public you want to serve. [34] X Research source
The design should match your brand and mirror the feeling your clients will have when they work together with you: maybe it’s calm and serene; maybe it’s vibrant and lively. Include sections on different services and types of art you do. Include your prices any specials you may offer. Structure the web site so that search engines can easily locate and bring potential clients to you.
Write posts about specials or events happening in your or another gallery, or events at which you’ll display your work for sale. Post pictures of your work and use hashtags to increase your visibility.
Read trade publications, attend conventions or gallery openings, and network with other artist can help you stay current in your skills and styles.
Online venues for artwork are one good place to get broader exposure for your artistic talents. Local craft fairs, farmer’s markets, and festivals may also provide an option for you to sell your work and increase your profits. These venues will also increase your exposure to potential clients in your area.
