Today we will be diving into tip number 8 of my top ten tips for getting a freelance gig in the field of fantasy art. In tip 10, I told you to build yourself a website, which is much easier than you may think. Don’t believe me? Then I suggest you read tip 10. In tip 9, I gave you options and advice on where to look for work. So with that being said the next step is approaching potential clients, which leads us to tip numero ocho (that’s eight in Spanish…wow I’m smart.)
Tip #8 BE PROFESSIONAL
Approaching a potential client should be no different than handling any other job offer. I don’t know why but for some reason people feel that they can simply email, or send a private message using the forum software the person and say “Hey look at this picture. I drawed that. Wanna give me work?” I mean really come on people be professional.
I know the reason you are becoming an artist is because you like to be casual and laid back blah blah blah. Fact is your attentiveness, professionalism, and overall rapport is what is going to set you apart from all the others in the beginning. Let’s face it this list is for those just starting to get your feet wet in the freelance industry. Therefore you are going against a lot of other artists, most of which will already have experience and quite frankly will be better than you.
But if you send a follow up email a couple days after your initial submission and you are well spoken and professional that alone sometimes means more to a client than a guy with talent falling out of his ass who just sends out one email saying “Here’s my work. Let me know if you like it”
Simply put editors want results. Most editors will gladly take an average piece delivered on time over an exceptional piece that is 2 weeks late. I know there are artists out there who get work and are known for being famously slow ahem..Ahhtravischaresthem. But again you are just starting out and don’t have some sort of Rock star status that allows you to show up late and leave early.
I know that a lot of you out there may be thinking “My God this guy is really smart. Like you could be the smartest person ever.” And you would be right for thinking that. But you may also be thinking I wish he would post an example of what a submission offer should look like. Well today is your lucky day buddy boy. Below is an example to get you going.
Hello my name is _______________ and I saw your post on _________________ regarding your upcoming ____________ project. I would love an opportunity to work with you on your project because I love the genre of _____________.
I work in ___________ formats, and have very quick turnaround times. You may view examples of my work at ___________________
Thank you again for this great opportunity and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Now really is that so bad? Oh good lord it is not you cry baby! And trust me just a little professionalism goes a long way. Plus you do want to be a pro right? And you know that pro is an abbreviation for professional. Right? Ok then get to it.
Oh and again if you have any questions just email me and I will see what I can do to help. I would really love to hear back from you guys and find out how the job hunting is going. I will see you guys here tomorrow for tip #7 Stripping for money while retaining your dignity.
Wait…uh…sorry about that. Wrong list
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