Design houses are groups of (as the name implies) designers (illustrators, graphic designers) that all work within the same house style. Those within these groups often have to adopt a certain style and work to that. People of design houses usually work with clients who have been discovered by the company itself, working through an agent, it is easier to find work, and will be a lot more regular than those in freelance.
These jobs supply a lot more security in that you don't have to depend on your own networking to find work, and your work will usually be shown to a fairly large audience. However, it has its drawbacks - most companies require you to conform to a certain style and cater to more corporate customers; those that don't demand you have very impressive work and stand out. In order to have your creative freedom, you need to work much harder for it.
This way of working is a lot more stable and probably offers a lot more restful nights - however I personally don't think I could work this way, as I require a lot more freedom; the stability would be nice but it is more my style to work hard for a more regular income than to give up some of my creative freedom.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Freelance
Freelance illustration is a very independent way to go - you get to keep your own style, work your own hours, and work from the comfort of your own home- this makes it sound like the ideal lifestyle with a lot of creative freedom.
Whilst the latter is true, this ideal lifestyle doesn't come without its hardships. Though you get to choose when you work, you will have to work hard and often and this requires a lot of self motivation - especially in the beginning. You can go weeks without work, only for it to all come through at once, which can seem quite overwhelming. Though you get to keep your own style, you have to make sure you sell it well - and to top it off you have to network as if your life depends on it (which, it kind of does).
All of these facts make freelancing a difficult (but enjoyable) path of work. It is important to keep enthusiastic about what you're doing, and to never turn down any opportunities - this includes competitions, exhibitions (make sure you photograph them well!) and - mainly in the beginning - any cheap or free work. Collaborations are important too, as they expand your network and show your work to a wider audience - not only to your own following but the person(s)' you collaborate with too
Ultimately, it seems like something I would find difficult but much prefer over to any other style of work. Though I like working to a brief, I love to have my own freedom, and freelancing is a bit of a mix of the two.
Whilst the latter is true, this ideal lifestyle doesn't come without its hardships. Though you get to choose when you work, you will have to work hard and often and this requires a lot of self motivation - especially in the beginning. You can go weeks without work, only for it to all come through at once, which can seem quite overwhelming. Though you get to keep your own style, you have to make sure you sell it well - and to top it off you have to network as if your life depends on it (which, it kind of does).
All of these facts make freelancing a difficult (but enjoyable) path of work. It is important to keep enthusiastic about what you're doing, and to never turn down any opportunities - this includes competitions, exhibitions (make sure you photograph them well!) and - mainly in the beginning - any cheap or free work. Collaborations are important too, as they expand your network and show your work to a wider audience - not only to your own following but the person(s)' you collaborate with too
Ultimately, it seems like something I would find difficult but much prefer over to any other style of work. Though I like working to a brief, I love to have my own freedom, and freelancing is a bit of a mix of the two.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)