Ten Quick Rules of the Thumb For Applying For a Freelance Art Gig

I just posted some listings for some work for my flagship book at Army Ant Publishing, and I was thrilled to receive dozens of replies within a short period of time. I was less thrilled when I read them. Despite the fact that I’d taken plenty of time to carefully craft a want ad and include details about what sorts of artists I needed and how they should apply, the majority of applicants didn’t even bother to read the ad — they just scrolled down to my email address and applied for the job. Did they really think I’d hire them?

So, to help those who are clueless, here are some guidelines for applying for a freelance art job. If you’re an artist looking for work, let me assure you — if you follow my guidelines and submit professional-level art, you’ll be much more effective at getting gigs than you would be otherwise. The only exception would be if you already know the publisher or you have a sure-thing referral. But then again, you probably knew that.

Ten Quick Rules of the Thumb For Applying For a Freelance Art Gig
by Sean J. Jordan

http://www.seanjjordan.com

1) Do you hate getting form letter replies when you apply for a job? Perhaps it’s because you sent a form letter inquiry. If you are interested in a job, take the time to write a personal letter of inquiry that explains who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re interested in this specific project.

2) Is the employer looking for a specific style? Take the time to select a few samples of your own that match that style and include them with your inquiry. If you don’t have any samples in that style, create some. After all, if you’re applying for a manga webcomic about elves and you submit a bunch of superhero drawings in the traditional comic book style, do you really think you’re going to be considered for the job?

3) If you are creating samples, go ahead and tailor them to the job you’re applying for. I cannot emphasize enough how refreshing it is to a publisher to see an artist who is willing to go that extra mile. Those are the artists who tend to get gigs regardless of their level of experience.

4) There is a big difference between conceptual artists, cover artists, illustrators and sequential artists. Some artists are good at all three disciplines, but most excel at one and are mediocre at best at the others. So, pay attention to what’s being requested. Don’t send conceptual art samples to someone who’s looking for a comic book artist. And likewise, don’t send black and white comic book pages to someone who’s looking for illustrations for a children’s book. Take the time to send the samples that show you are best qualified for the gig. Leave the rest in your online gallery, where the publisher can browse them if he or she is interested.

5) Do not send samples that are not complete or that don’t showcase your ability. I would particularly advise against sending nudes, self portraits, sketches, or other studies unless they are relevant to the inquiry. Employers want to see your artistic vision and reach, not your exercises.

6) Do not send a resume. Let your work speak for itself. I have never asked an artist for a resume, and I have almost always found that they detract from my overall impression of the artist if they’re supplied.

And if the employer requests that you send a resume, it should be a list of clients, with dates, project summaries and contact information — NOT a business-style resume. Keep it to one page. And don’t even think about including jobs that aren’t linked to your artistic career. If it doesn’t build you up as an expert on creating and developing art, the employer doesn’t need to know about it.

7) It’s all right to ask about rates or to supply your own, but I don’t recommend it. Why? First of all, there are lots of studios out there who provide overseas artists at a fraction of the cost of independent freelancers, and they will try to undercut any bid they hear about. In fact, many publishers check with these studios to see if they can undercut you with someone with a similar style. I don’t do it myself, but I’ve seen it happen.

Second, you may be asking for the wrong amount. If it’s too much, you eliminate yourself from consideration. If it’s too little, you cheat yourself out of the fee you’re worth. Most of the published rates are wrong, anyway. The only rate that matters if what the employer is willing to pay.

I recommend waiting until a publisher has expressed interest and asked you what your rates are. You should counter by asking what their budget is per page or per piece. If they supply it, and it sounds acceptable, tell them that will be fine. If you suspect they’re lowballing you, try for slightly more by saying, “Well, I normally do it for THIS amount…” and gauge their reaction. If they want you, they’ll negotiate. If they look like they’re about to take the deal off the table, quickly add, “but I’m very interested in this project, so I can probably cut you a deal.” That’s music to an employer’s ears.

If the publisher won’t supply any figures, quote rates you’ve received in the past for comparable projects that are in line with what you want. Chances are good they’re not sure what to pay you and they’re waiting on you to make them a reasonable suggestion. Having that history to refer to makes it easier for them to trust that you’re being accurate, especially if they can confirm those rates through your references.

Employers are people, and they behave like people. They like people who are polite and thorough, and whom follow directions; they don’t like people who suck up or whom waste their time. Treat them like you’d want to be treated if you were looking for artists on a project. Don’t spam them with form letters, and don’t send them obnoxiously large attachments or art that’s in print-ready CMYK mode instead of RGB. Don’t be a suck-up, either; be polite, be kind, but keep your dignity about you. No one wants to hire someone who sounds desperate.

9) If you are applying to a want ad, chances are that you’re not a superstar. Why do I say this? Because superstars don’t have to look for work – it looks for them. So, regardless of your experience, don’t act like a superstar. Act like someone who wants to work, who’s eager to please, and who doesn’t mind trying new things. And don’t expect superstar rates for your work. Sorry, but you’re just not THAT good.

After all, if a publisher is posting want ads, it’s because he or she doesn’t have a lot of contacts, or because he or she is looking for someone inexpensive and/or specialized. Employers tend to hire the people they know. It’s easier. So don’t take the want ads for granted. If you’re not hungry for work, someone hungrier will get the job 90% of the time.

10) If you’re going to apply to an add, please at least take the time to get the contact person’s name right! After all… why should they consider your name if you can’t be bothered to call them by theirs?

Copyright 2008, Sean J. Jordan. All Rights Reserved. Yes, you may spread this around like ebola if you like. Post it like crazy, as long as it’s for informational use and not commercial (i.e. “lining your pockets with money”) use.

Writing Scraps

by Sean J. Jordan