Lesson 6: When you open (Patreon)

You’re all set - time to Open for Business! But of course, the work is not yet done.  

Read all the lessons here! 

Firstly

Double check the information you've written for the public. The worst feeling is when you've written something you didn't mean to (or left out something important), and it'll create a misunderstanding between you and the client. Once you've double checked, triple check! 

Secondly

Visuals. You know the importance of having images and examples in your commission info page - it's just as important to have a promotion image. It can be as simple as one of your previous works with “open for commissions” written on it. Or you can go wild and show off your graphic designer side!

Thirdly

Post it everywhere! Twitter, Tumblr, Deviantart, Patreon, wherever you have an account. Print it out and distribute it throughout the city. Shout it from the rooftops.

Okay, maybe not the last two. But talking about it once or twice daily is good to reach all the time zones. But shoving it in people's faces every 2 hours is maybe a bit much.

But keep on talking about it. At least once a week as you go on. Regular reminders for people who might’ve considered commissioning you, but it wasn’t a good time for them when they first saw you were open. 

Shit, I’m not getting clients - what's wrong with me?

Well first of all, don’t panic. When you first open for business, it can take weeks for someone to contact you. Everyone has dry periods, especially when they first start out. People are vary when it comes to commissioning artists with no experience.

There’s mainly two reasons why people don’t get clients. 

1. They don’t have a large enough audience/following 

2. Their art style is not desireable. 

For people who are just starting out as a freelance artist it’s usually a mix of the two. It might feel like your art is not good enough, that you’re unwanted, and it can be quite a downer and a kick in your motivation. My most valuable advice is: just keep drawing! Keep on creating art for yourself. Test yourself, draw different type of designs and characters, practice, practice, practice. Add more pieces to your gallery, show people what you can do! 

Lastly, remember to be professional. When you choose to become an online freelance artist, you make yourself into a brand. The things you say and do will stick with you. You don’t see Walmart on twitter complaining they aren’t making enough sales - and neither should you. Pity points might work in the short run, but it does not work in the long run.