Freelance Illustration: 5 Things I WISH I KNEW!

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  • Опубликовано: 7 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 133

  • @alphonzosolorzano5011
    @alphonzosolorzano5011 2 года назад +10

    Great insight! some valuable tips for sure.

  • @sofiamallo4992
    @sofiamallo4992 7 месяцев назад +22

    Man, that last tip 😮‍💨 my husband was just telling me yesterday “stop panicking, you’re taking projects you’ll regret when you know better work is coming and you have personal projects on hold, take a breather” and listening to this today really finished driving that in for me 😅 I’m gonna try and enjoy the slow time

  • @tylergibson7652
    @tylergibson7652 2 года назад +6

    just gonna say this, i feel a kinship with ya just through the fact that we're both anxious punks.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +1

      Haha that’s awesome! 👯‍♂️💀

  • @makingmonsterart
    @makingmonsterart Год назад +6

    Speaking of budget negotiations, yeah having the client throw out the first number is HUGE. I've had it go both ways, where they throw out a number that is much higher than what I would have put out, but also times where their budget was much lower than what I would have thrown out and I would have for sure given them sticker shock. Even when their budget is low, that doesn't always means that I won't work with them. Maybe their project sounds really fun to me (or I just have some time in my schedule I'd like to fill with paying work), or I'd get to do the kind of art I wish I was doing more often and knowing their budget is lower they might be willing to give me more creative control than I might normally expect. Or I might be able to offer an art style that isn't the style I'm best known for, but an alternate style I find fun because it's fast and still an effective attractive look.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад +1

      Yeah that all makes a lot of sense, I’m definitely willing to negotiate and figure out how to make budgets work in certain situations. Thanks for sharing!

  • @Sharkroars
    @Sharkroars Год назад +8

    Out of all the artists i ve watched over the past 2-3 years who make similar contect as yours, you are the only one i ve subscribered to because for some reason i like the way you are in the videos its like im having a conversation with a friend i never had that feeling before. Thank you for your videos its almost therapeutical to me its relaxes me and i feel like my enxaity are getting better when im watching your videos, pretty wierd i know i dont even know what to make yp of it my self but it helps . Thank.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад +2

      Wow, thank you so much! ❤️ I’m so glad you enjoy my videos. This is also super motivating for me as my channel is new, so it can feel like a lot of work for little return. Feedback like this really makes it feel like it’s worth the effort!

  • @heavyiron2
    @heavyiron2 2 года назад +13

    As an accounting professional, I was glad to hear your comment about setting up separate business accounts and keeping all business activity in your business accounts whether checking or credit card or... That is the absolute first thing I tell my new inexperienced (and lots of experienced) clients-KEEP IT SEPARATE! If I have to wade through a tangled mess of co-mingled transactions my bill easily goes up 3X it would be otherwise-not to mention the extra hassle on the client side too! Good Stuff!

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +2

      Thanks so much Brad! It feels good to have an accounting professional tell me I’m doing something correctly! Ha!

  • @carlaladob
    @carlaladob Год назад +3

    Ohh finally a good video!!! I was trying to find something about Upwork, and suddenly bumped into your video. After like 5 horrible, super amateurs ones. What a relief! Amazing infos! Thank you!

  • @BaricaEmanuel
    @BaricaEmanuel 2 месяца назад +2

    Man you changed my life in my 30 im an artist freelancer similar situation and you motivate me .Keep going you hust got a subscriber

  • @greivincruz
    @greivincruz 2 года назад +4

    The freak out part is me everyday right now 🥲
    Once again, great video Chris. Very relatable

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Oh man, well it usually gets better-if that helps! Glad you liked the video!

  • @lady_icarus
    @lady_icarus 2 года назад +10

    THIS IS SO HELPFUL!!! 💜💜💜 I would like to hear more about contracts or stories around contract revisions. It seems boring but I think that’s where a lot of my anxiety lies when approaching client work. I’m new to your channel, so I will check out more of your videos and do independent research, too! But getting your insight is invaluable! Thank you for making it accessible for us. It’s uplifting. Also, I’m a fellow designer turned illustrator, so it is nice to see the nuances between the two paths.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +5

      So glad you found it helpful! I’m definitely planning on making more videos about the boring but important stuff.

    • @lady_icarus
      @lady_icarus 2 года назад +1

      @@chris-piascik Thank you so much!!!!!!!! 🥹💕

  • @DaleHughesPhotography
    @DaleHughesPhotography 2 года назад +7

    Having ADHD, taking information on is tough, the way you create content is so easy to understand, good job man.
    Edit: i commented before the bank account tip, the thought of paper work kills me i feel the same, that tip alone has just revived me lol

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +2

      Thanks so much, I’m so glad you find my content easy to follow. Maybe I explain things in a way that makes sense to my adhd brain.

    • @DaleHughesPhotography
      @DaleHughesPhotography 2 года назад +1

      @@chris-piascik most definitely, but im sure it will cross over, if my brain can understand it I’m sure the general will.

  • @Andyxcrm
    @Andyxcrm Год назад +4

    I love your videos, I’m majoring in Illustration and Graphic Design in college, and this helps a lot to know what’s gonna be like after I graduate. Any type of videos about projects or working with companies or stuff for beginner professionals artists would be wonderful to hear about!

  • @ab_art_travel
    @ab_art_travel Год назад +3

    Thank you so much for your candid sharing of such valuable things! AlsoI love your awkward humor style!

  • @jessicadalli2965
    @jessicadalli2965 2 года назад +4

    Thank you SOO much for these tips, seriously. Especially the separate bank account. Loving your vids 💛 More about contracts, yes please!!

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Jessica! So glad you’re finding them useful!

  • @justinbooth-aspinall836
    @justinbooth-aspinall836 2 года назад +5

    Really enjoyed this! Good practical advice. I live in the UK and sometimes I’m not sure how transferable advice from illustrators in other countries is. I’m on that scary precipice wondering how to become an illustrator with my cartoon style of drawing and this feels helpful regardless of location👍👍🧙🏽‍♀️

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +3

      Glad you liked it! I’ve actually done quite a bit of work in the UK over the years and it seems pretty comparable in my experience.

  • @emilyhellwig213
    @emilyhellwig213 Год назад +2

    Just stumbled across this gem but I am so glad I did! So many great things to remember and learn to do that are easy to overlook. Appreciate your sharing what you’ve learned and wish you knew with us! I’d love to learn about any and all of the related tangents! Especially contracts and pricing! And how to effectively communicate with clients 😅

  • @ChristopherTrimble
    @ChristopherTrimble 2 года назад +5

    Great video! I did learn the hard way with client revisions and not setting rules when I first started out. Keep up the good work with your videos Chris!

  • @BrentMurrell
    @BrentMurrell 3 месяца назад +2

    what gem of a human you are

  • @KevCraven
    @KevCraven 2 года назад +1

    This is super helpful! I'm sure you're talking about high end clients for them to have those kinds of budgets and usages.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Glad you found it useful! Although bigger clients will certainly have bigger budgets (especially because the bigger they are the more value they're getting out of your work), usage is still an important factor for pricing any illustration project. The rates would just reflect the size and scope of use.

  • @SarahSmith-ze3fp
    @SarahSmith-ze3fp 4 месяца назад +1

    This was really helpful. Do you have anymore videos like this? I feel what’s holding me back from starting a business is understanding the tax side and setting a contract in place. 🤦‍♀️😊

    • @alicequayle4625
      @alicequayle4625 4 месяца назад

      There's a woman who does a business called Art Biz (I think) who gives lots of tips on licensing etc.

  • @PANCAKEPAP1
    @PANCAKEPAP1 Год назад +1

    6:01 that part had me dying 🤣🤣🤣. Humourous and informative video - thank you!

  • @SM-pk7pg
    @SM-pk7pg 5 месяцев назад +1

    Great video Chris, great info. Love the drawing videos, but these bizness tips are invaluable, more please, if possible

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

  • @skinnyd79
    @skinnyd79 2 года назад +1

    Yes! Thank you. Liked. Subscribed. Looking forward to more. 👍👍

  • @clairebethclaire3326
    @clairebethclaire3326 2 года назад +2

    Really helpful, and great to hear this from a fellow neurodivergent creative, thank you. 😃👍🏼

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Thanks! So glad you found it helpful!

  • @KaiBuskirk
    @KaiBuskirk 6 месяцев назад +1

    Sharing Illustration Usage Income is cool!

  • @MrCurtsss
    @MrCurtsss 2 года назад +2

    Definitely digging all the videos you're putting out man, keep up the great work!

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Curtis! I really appreciate the feedback!

  • @_j_k_w_
    @_j_k_w_ 7 месяцев назад +1

    So much value! Thank you so much!! 🙏🏼✨❤

  • @jespizua
    @jespizua 2 года назад +1

    Thanks!! I really enjoyed this one, full of useful insights.

  • @naveliluka
    @naveliluka 10 месяцев назад

    thank you so much for sharing all the info , talking about numbers is always hard and can be weird but very helpful too , this was great ,thanks Chris

  • @kelfern8226
    @kelfern8226 2 года назад +1

    You had me rolling. I love your sense of humor! Great video! Minute 14! I can relate.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Haha thanks so much! So glad you appreciate my weird sense of humor!

  • @Theoneandonlycrittur
    @Theoneandonlycrittur 24 дня назад +1

    This was quite educational👌

  • @anonymousjedi7063
    @anonymousjedi7063 2 месяца назад +1

    Great input

  • @Oldking3
    @Oldking3 17 дней назад

    Such a great chat - thank you

  • @j.m.hunter6022
    @j.m.hunter6022 2 года назад +1

    So informative and you can do a whole series of these!

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад +1

      Thank you! I’m definitely planning on at least one more.

  • @asmany
    @asmany Год назад +1

    Fantastic video! Thank you!

  • @dreamscaper3624
    @dreamscaper3624 Год назад +1

    Thanks for the insights!!

  • @MrEeeein1969
    @MrEeeein1969 2 года назад +1

    Awesome video! Yes, please do more videos about the business side of illustration. 💵💵💵👨‍🎨

  • @markdorlas1330
    @markdorlas1330 5 месяцев назад

    Dude! I like the hammer intermezzo! I immediately hit the button. Another interesting video :-)

  • @soulbrushcreative
    @soulbrushcreative 2 года назад +1

    Thanks so much for this insight! Another banger! Wish I could ask you a million questions but that’s unreasonable 😂🤙🙏

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Glad you liked it! Also, I like questions-so feel free! I'm committing to posting weekly so you can think of it as content suggestions! I'll always need those.

    • @alicequayle4625
      @alicequayle4625 4 месяца назад

      ​@@chris-piascikI wonder if a q and a on this could work

  • @MomoSimmer
    @MomoSimmer 2 года назад +1

    Smashed it! 😅 Thanks for another awesome video.

  • @alicequayle4625
    @alicequayle4625 4 месяца назад

    Top tips, thanks. For sure these are all good nitty gritty tricky things. I still havent got them nailed. Eg a lot of clients dont like paying by use although its the law. And nailing down number of revisions is a big deal. Ive lost a lot of money on faffy clients who dont respect the work involved in making changes. One Changed it then change it back. I love a client who just makes a few. I usually take examples to the initial meeting even pre the commission so we can establish mood vibe and basic style. Has saved a lot of time. That may be common practice.

  • @KaiBuskirk
    @KaiBuskirk 6 месяцев назад +1

    So Rad!

  • @filnn
    @filnn 2 месяца назад

    Thank you for this video Chris. As an illustrator starting out I realised that I've really undercharged for my work. Is there a guideline that you have in mind that we could work from? Because I constantly feel like I an imposter and never actually know how to charge clients.

  • @Brushcore_art
    @Brushcore_art Год назад +1

    Lol right now I'm on a *slow time* and the last part of the video hit me like a meteorite 😅😂

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      It seems like it’s a slow time for everyone!

  • @123tobiiboii123
    @123tobiiboii123 3 месяца назад

    I assume sketch phase revisions are like back to the drawing board coming up with new ideas, and adjustments are tweaks and clean ups?

  • @stevetgraphixartist
    @stevetgraphixartist 11 месяцев назад +1

    Great info!!!! IM a graphic artist/Illustrator from NY. I have a FT job as a graphic artist but Im trying to break into the freelance world with Editor illustrations. I DO email about 10-15 art directors every week with no reply. I did got ONE job after many many emails but I like to do more work. Any suggestions? Thank you! I did subscribed your channel great info!

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  11 месяцев назад

      Thanks! I recently made another video that should help: ruclips.net/video/Ok8lv-6TGbw/видео.htmlsi=mq_KU4AOhumNPGHy

  • @anyajohnson4471
    @anyajohnson4471 5 месяцев назад +1

    Dude. You are hilarious. Subscribed.

  • @DidatticaScuola
    @DidatticaScuola 4 месяца назад

    How do you decide the price of your job? like what do you consider when proposing a price to people in general and how do you know is the right price?

  • @LoriWolfcat
    @LoriWolfcat Год назад

    Do you actually make a contract, or is it more of a proposal? I would wanna make an Illustrator contract, but also just a Character Art? Also, can you explain a little more about the business account? Are you using a credit card for your business account?

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      It’s an actual contract to make sure everything is clear. The contract is pretty much the same regardless of what the illustration is, I just update it with the specifics for each project. There’s a lot of templates online if you do a quick search. My business bank account is just a regular bank out, but I only use it for business related things. When I’m paid for a project I deposit it into that account. If I buy stuff that’s work related I use that account. I do have a business credit card in addition now. But for a while I didn’t.

  • @thenichelessartist
    @thenichelessartist 5 месяцев назад

    Hahahaha 🔨
    Great tips Chris! Thank you so much!

  • @stephenhalker
    @stephenhalker 4 месяца назад

    Not for nothin, but why aren't you using a vector brush in fresco? Seems like your line work is perfect for the vector brush.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  4 месяца назад

      Sometimes I do, but if it doesn’t need to be vector I prefer the better control/flexibility that pixel brushes have.

  • @lavoncrump7705
    @lavoncrump7705 7 месяцев назад

    How do I get started with prices with not much experience? I’ve done some work but, had no idea about the usage of my work. What to charge is always a challenge.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  7 месяцев назад

      Yeah, it can be tricky for sure. Maybe I can try to put together a video about it.

  • @marcuslyons6622
    @marcuslyons6622 Год назад

    I was wondering what your thoughts were on someone going to school to be and illustrator with having to compete with AI. Is it even worth it anymore.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      To be honest I’m not worried about AI. I think it’s a tool and a solution for lower quality/information content. But it currently can’t create fully original ideas or express uniquely human feelings/emotions/ideas. I do have another video where I talk more about AI stuff. In regard to higher education, I do have mixed feelings about that and don’t think it’s necessary or the right decision for a lot of people.

  • @dwaynecraig5130
    @dwaynecraig5130 4 месяца назад

    so do you have a course (or will you build one) on being a freelance illustrator?

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  4 месяца назад +1

      Hmm not necessarily, but I’ll think about it. There’s some great ones on Skillshare. I just think my experience growing my career was pretty unique in that it was built around a multi year daily drawing process.

    • @dwaynecraig5130
      @dwaynecraig5130 4 месяца назад

      Fair enough. I get that. There is a lot of us (including myself) who look up to you based on either ADHD or stumbling onto illustration like yourself. So they would love to hear more of the business side in depth. I know I would. That being said. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, it was insightful 🙏

  • @LLoydL
    @LLoydL 3 месяца назад

    can you please elaborate on the "kill fee" I'd like to know how you'd deal with a "shit-this-is-getting-out-of-hand-i-want-out" schtick..that would be helpful and would it be ok to introduce that idea to the client even at the earliest phase in the project. I've dealt with clients in the past that're just too hyped with their project(s) and at the beginning one would think or misunderstood that energy as "ah this is a good client since he's/she's really hyped about it he/she knows what she really wants" and at their ideas are like flying around the place like a hyped up toddler. Basically they know what they want (let's say a burger illustration for a logo or package design) but since they have found an illustrator they just went wild and crazy. Normally, I would reign in this excessive energy but most of the time it ruins the entire project it's either I politely say "let's just stop this madness for now and go back to your own drawing board and just decide what you really want" then from there the project just disappears. The revisions part is what I always make sure to be "ironclad" whenever i come across a potential client just to be on the safe side and also to reign in any possible chances of that "raving hyped toddler" persona from ever surfacing.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  3 месяца назад

      I think it’s crucial to put that in place at the beginning before work starts when everyone is still hyped. It should be part of the contract specifying what the work scope/usage is. I specify what’s included, IE 2 rounds of revisions in the sketch phase and 2 rounds of adjustments in the comp phase. If at that point we can’t come to a consensus they can either pay for more revisions or end the project at which point they’d pay the 50% “kill fee”

    • @LLoydL
      @LLoydL 3 месяца назад

      @@chris-piascik what're your usual grounds for leaving the project and that's usually amenable to both parties? well monetarily speaking I'd care less if they'll just keep buying revisions but of course it'd be really annoying if you'd only see that you've been on the same element in the project, getting the initial design in just under 2 weeks but then it's already been 6 months and they're just buying revisions after revisions and you don't see any end in sight. In my case, usually I'd have a heart to heart talk with my client and just give a sort of "ultimatum" if what we're doing are just revisions it's not sustainable for both parties and would say that I would quit the project.
      If you don't mind we'd like to see some example experience that you've had in the past were in you were able to initiate the 50% kill fee with both you and your client just parted ways amicably.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  3 месяца назад

      @@LLoydL honestly I’ve never had a situation where a client just kept buying more time. It’s usually only an extra edit for 2. In my experience, the kill fee is usually a result of the client needing to stop the project due to an outside situation. Like a project is canceled or something like that. Because my style is pretty distinct, when people come to me they’re pretty clear on what they want and what they’ll get.

  • @alicequayle4625
    @alicequayle4625 4 месяца назад

    In the uk I asked the bank about a biz account and the banks charged stupid high fees for a biz account so I just got an extra normal account.

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  4 месяца назад +1

      Yeah, I think I mentioned business account is just a separate account I only use for business stuff

  • @juicyjoye
    @juicyjoye 4 месяца назад +1

    Come on 9k views and 1k likes 🤨 look. Likes and shares don't cost you. Support good information. He's paid the price. To help you out.

  • @madebymarco
    @madebymarco Год назад

    Do you think you can share the Contract template you use with your clients?

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      Shoot me an email!

    • @madebymarco
      @madebymarco Год назад

      @@chris-piascik SENT!

    • @madebymarco
      @madebymarco Год назад

      @@chris-piascik What's your e-mail?

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      @@madebymarco hey I got your email! I’m sorry I haven’t responded yet, I’m actually traveling this week so I haven’t had a chance to make a generic version yet.

  • @patrickvon3215
    @patrickvon3215 Год назад +1

    I smashed the button a little too hard, got a new phone screen?

  • @dplj4428
    @dplj4428 11 месяцев назад

    4:21 if it's budgeted
    6:15 to avoid unlimited revision. Wasted time, wasted development money $$$¥¥¥£££

  • @SaneDelusion
    @SaneDelusion 7 месяцев назад +1

    🔨🔨🔨🔨🔨

  • @MTGSecrets666
    @MTGSecrets666 5 месяцев назад

    Yeah I don't think any one of us is getting paid 40k for a project

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  5 месяцев назад

      I know quite a few illustrators that have had bigger projects like that.

  • @Sharperthanu1
    @Sharperthanu1 5 месяцев назад

    I can tell you're a graphic designer because real artists don't draw and "paint" on computer screens

  • @Froakster
    @Froakster 2 года назад

    Chris, you are hilarious love your humor 😂 I have just started opening up commissions recently for my illustrations/Digital art for RUclips content creators, be it profile pictures,emotes banners etc and always find myself not knowing what to charge fairly for it. Would love to get some insight from you if possible. I have done some research as to what others are doing and what others charge varies greatly. I too am ADHD so while researching I have been distract and start looking at art supplies for traditional art 😅 🫣I consider ADHD as a super power 💪🏼 😁

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Thanks so much! I feel like I have a weird sense of humor, so I'm glad you appreciate it. I don't really have much experience doing those types of commissions. They're a bit trickier to price because even though it's illustration it's sort of more like a design project in terms of how it would be priced. The reason for that is because you're creating branding materials as opposed to creating illustrations for specific usage cases. It's a bit confusing to break down here, but let's say you create an illustration for an advertisement, your pricing would be based on where they were using it, how long, etc. With the RUclips stuff you'd likely be handing off the artwork for them to use however they needed. Also, I agree ADHD can definitely be a super power-but with great power comes great responsibility, lol.

    • @Froakster
      @Froakster 2 года назад +1

      Thanks for the reply Chris! 😁 I will continue researching on the topic 👍🏼

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  2 года назад

      Anytime! I’m sorry it wasn’t more helpful!

  • @Brushcore_art
    @Brushcore_art Год назад +2

    Lol right now I'm on a *slow time* and the last part of the video hit me like a meteorite 😅😂

    • @chris-piascik
      @chris-piascik  Год назад

      Oh man, I think it’s a slow time for everyone right now.