How Does a Freelance Artist Spend a Workday?
Are you considering becoming a freelance artist? Before you take the plunge, it would be a good idea to know how a freelance artist spends a workday. Of course, being a freelance artist means setting your own schedule, so a "typical workday" can vary depending on the artist. However, regardless of how they choose to schedule their day, all freelance artists will spend some time doing the following tasks.
Administrative Work
Being a freelance artist involves a lot more than producing art. As a freelancer, you will also have to deal with the mundane details of running a business. So, at least some part of each day will be be spent tracking finances and talking to clients.
Advertising and Promotion
There are two important things that a freelance artist must have to be successful: talent and visibility. No matter how talented you are, if nobody ever sees your artwork, you will never make any sales or any money from your art. Yes, most freelance artists choose this career because they love art, but "love" does not pay rent or buy groceries. A successful freelance artist will spend a good deal of time on networking and self-promotion. This could include making fliers, talking to art galleries, or working on a promotional website.
Studio Time
The bulk of a freelance artist's workday is spent in the studio, working. Of course, "studio" means different things to different artists. Some artists work in an actual studio while other artists might draw or paint outside. Some artists make the bulk of their income outside in public places, drawing or sketching portraits. Other artists create computer graphics, either at their own computer or at the office of the client who hired them. Another important thing to realize about being a freelance artist is that you may not spend the day making the art you want to make. Many freelance artists do projects on commission for corporate clients to make ends meet. No matter what type of art you do, you will spend most of the day creating art as a freelance artist.
