Freelance Illustration: Questions and Answers

I am quite often approached by people regarding my work. A lot of the times it’ll be an inquiry from a potential client, other times it may be another artist or an art student interested in knowing a little bit more about myself and my work practices. The latter of these is always the most humbling as despite having done this for quite a few years now, I’ve never really shaken the feeling that I’m only just getting to grips with it myself. This is mainly due to the fact that there is quite simply so much to know and learn. Still, I always do my best to answer.

Below are my answers to some of the questions that I’ve been asked in the past.

How would you describe your working process?

For the most part, this is project specific. However, if there’s is one constant in all of it, it is the desire to make each project a little bit better than the last. I can honestly say that this is the case. Whether that is a realistic goal to have I couldn’t say for sure but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a goal worth pursuing. I never think “Oh, I’ve done this kind of project before, I can wing this one.” Our experience has been that every project is different and that every project has a unique aspect to it. It is my job to focus on that unique element in order to help it to shine through.

On many occasions, before I even pick up a pencil, a paint brush or a pen, I do a study of the project in order to outline my objectives, goals and intentions and what needs to be achieved.

If you can measure it, you can achieve it.

For more insight into my work process, check out my case studies.

Ever do any exhibitions?

I most certainly do. I would also recommend it to anyone else looking to get involved or make a name for themselves within the creative industry. This may be the digital era with social networking sites popping up under every rock but in a lot of ways, the best way to get yourself and your work seen is to get out of your front door and go do just that. You’ll learn something new every time and you’ll always have a story to tell, I promise!

When and how did you decide on this career?

It was a no-brainer really. It was never going to be the most straight forward of career paths but it was the one that I knew would bring me the most fulfillment. The fact that I quite often look forward to the end of my lunch break so I can get back to work kind of confirms this. It’s a good sign that I’ve chosen the right career path I think.

Early on, I was quite often advised by those that were allegedly wiser than myself, to avoid this career path. That was when my stubborn mule-like character would come out. It made me all the more determined.

I am considering a career in illustration, any advice?

Turn around, walk the opposite way, do something else.

Unless of course you truly love it and wouldn’t dream of doing anything else. I say this because if you don’t love it then you are going to find yourself competing in an industry that’s full of people who do. If you do happen to truly love illustration then great. That’s the first part taken care of.

In simple terms, make sure that you get yourself out there, don’t let others do the talking for you and NEVER work with anybody who wants to “give you a chance to do some great unpaid work to add to your portfolio”. If you go down that track, you’ll most likely still be doing unpaid work and adding to your portfolio in order to find paid work when you’re hitting sixty years of age. Just to be clear, I say this with no hint of exaggeration. If people try to convince you to work for nothing on the basis that it “would be great exposure” then just know that the only thing that you would be exposing is the fact that you are foolish enough to work for free.

You wouldn’t walk into your regular 9-5 job and expect not to get paid, so why would you think even for a second that your time and skills for your art aren’t valuable enough to merit a fee?

In case I’ve not made myself clear so far, “DON’T WORK FOR FREE!”. You and the career that you have chosen are so much better than that. Don’t be bullied people!

So do you just offer Illustration services?

This is not such an easy answer as it once was. A few years ago I probably would have said “No way! I can do your logo, your website, your branding. Everything!” However, I have learned from experience that I would be serving myself and my clients far more effectively if I just focused on my one true passion which is Illustration. I realized that otherwise, I was running the risk of becoming someone that was man of many talents but a master of nothing. Not cool.

However, my head does get very busy with other things. At the moment I’m working on a long term animation project which although it is forced to regularly take  a back seat to all my illustration work, I’m staying involved with it though which is great.

I could easily add animation to my list of services but I’ve got something really special planned for it and I’m not quite ready to let it out of the box yet. It needs room to breath and grow. Watch this space though.

So I guess that’s it for now. If you have an questions that I have answered here then just drop me a line at hello@gregorlouden.com and I’ll do my best to get back to you.

Oh, one more thing. I did a similar interview with illustrator Kirsty Smith-Neale if you feel like reading more(although I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, this one’s been pretty long, har de har har!).