Lecture from freelance illustrator Anna Steinberg

This afternoon we had a compulsory lecture with Anna Steinberg. I have to say, I'm glad it was compulsory as I may not have attended otherwise, being a graphic designer & not an illustrator. I did find it really interesting though. Anna basically talked us through the process of working on a freelance project, relevant to me as a designer as well as the illustrators of the class.

These are the notes I took:

• Send out promotional stuff to people who might employ you (e.g. art director of mags) Build up a record of potential employers to send stuff out to. Find out their name first, makes it more personal.
• When a client calls: Take contact details, deadline, what job is, what it's for (magazine, book etc), what work of yours they've seen (so you know what kind of thing they're expecting, & which of your promotions has worked). ***Be prepared for a call at any time - carry pen/paper, think of what you need to say beforehand. If unsure, e.g. about fee, say "can I get back to you later this afternoon" to give you space to think.
• Decide on a fee based on how much the image will be used, e.g. print run of 500 leaflets, or magazine with a hundred thousand copies.
• Keep financial records: Date of Commission | Details | Invoice Ref. | Total Received | Date received.
• Keep record of expenses: Date | Details | Ref. | Total.
• Once you've accepted a job the client will send you job details, you accept & send back an Acceptance of Commission form & terms & details.
• You complete rough / roughs, send to client & wait for a response. 
• Make any alterations & send rough back for more feedback, or complete artwork.
• Send off for approval.
• Send invoice.
• ALWAYS be: organised, efficient. Keep a good filing system. Reliable, so clients want to work with you again. Self motivated.
• Good book for freelancers: Rights: A Guide to Business Law, by Simon Stern.
• Q: Do you get paid if a client backs out? A: she outlines fees in contract, alongside copyright, ownership, payment etc. She charges 25% if ended before roughs, 33% if ended at rough stage, 100% if cancelled on the delivery of artwork.
• Q: How do you work out fee? A: Don't calculate it from hours worked, do it from how much the image will be used (print run etc.)
• Q:What do you do if a client doesn't pay you? A: Be polite initially, but get firmer & always be persistent. State a date for payment then chase up. Don't give up, keep calling, emailing, turning up in office etc.

All in all I think Anna gave us a good idea of what the freelance working process is like, & I'd definitely feel more confident in a freelance situation now. The talk has increased my confidence as a designer, as I feel I am definitely capable of producing work as good as Anna's, & as she makes a living from freelancing I feel that I've got it within me to forge a career out of design. This is something I struggle with, as I often lack confidence in my own abilities. I left the talk feeling positive & motivated.