great advice esp. #'s 4, 5 & 6 - that's for me. Though I'm not so sure about # 10. It's a very safe advice but it limits the time you'll be willing to spend as an artist plus your drawings won't be that great since you'll be thinking: You have another source of income so no biggy. It's just me, I'd rather do or die.
Neko Kouhai (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/07/08 | Reply
My dad's going to college right now to become a graphic designer. He really should read this. ^.~ Of course knowing him, he won't. So I'll nag him from time to time with what you said, if you don't mind. X3
This was a truly great article. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I get told these things from my teachers at uni, since I'm studying to become a translator (most probably freelance). It's reassuring to know that other people, from other professions, have to deal with this too. And it's even more reassuring to know it's possible. And I'll actually listen to these advices just coz it didn't come from a teacher! XD
Alright, my previous post was destroyed because I didn't have an account, NOW I DO! FEAR!
I do have a bit of advice for freelancing, well this is what - I - think, so take it as you will:
Try your hand at customer service. By the time you're through with that line of work you'll have A) tough skin B) Customer service SKILLS that will help you get through a convention/commissions C) The ability to SMILE and MEAN IT (even though you're stressed and tired) D) In refrence to A., nothing will really phase you to the point of going ballistic.
Professionalism is a big thing for going independent. I'd give the same advice to those who want working for a Anime Convention to be their life's hobby. IT HELPS. A. LOT.
A very helpful article, and an interesting read to the non-artists. It's a great lay-out and the words are positive but truthful. I hope this helps a lot of people
Wonderful article! This is really good advice for any artist, even if they're not a freelancer. This would've come in handy a few months ago, when I started trying to compile a portfolio for art school. Back in January, I had made a little deal for myself: in order to go to Tekkoshocon, I had to finish four pieces of art, three of which had to be from life, before the end of the pre-registration period. I started a few pictures, but nothing really seemed to come out right, so I ended up not working on it for a while. At the same time, I was trying to work on commissions for people on Gaia (the people at my shop are incredibly patient), and I was attempting to post and color some comics I had made. Once March rolled around, I was freaking out, because the deadline was the end of the month. Block started to set in, and I wasn't sure what to do. I ended up making sketches of a few posed, beat-up wooden figures, my Super Silver Brick Nintendo DS, and a three quarters self portrait, along with a character design sheet.
Anyway, long story short, if I'd had this advice, I might've gotten all of that managed and done a lot faster. I'll be sure to keep these things in mind from now on.
Speaking of which, I still have those commissions to do...
Darn good advice, especially before the list when you say it's where your heart is too true I remember my father giving me some very similar advice when I was young and it sticks with me to this day, "do what's in your heart." Superb article definitely favoring so I can read it again.
That is very good advise! I can clearly see the value of all points and it's good to hear advice from someone who is a freelancer and knows all about it ;P
Great advice! And what's even better is a lot of this is still valid even for those who might not be becoming an artist full-time.
I can't agree more with points 1, 6 and 7 though, particularly 7. For instance, at some of the larger cons I'll see certain artists, I won't mention names, that are quite popular and get front paged constantly on art communities that will also remain unnamed for now. After finally getting a break from manning my own table I will take a walk through the AA and meet some of the other artists. When meeting a few of the artists in question I would be greeted with an unfriendly and flat hello. Not the kind of greeting like they are having a bad day, but the kind as if I'm wasting their time. And they react this way to the others who come up to their table. Regardless if I like their artwork or not, it makes me not want to buy anything from them nor commission them. And this goes double in the real world!
As for Number 6, that's something everyone needs to take note of. I've known several people who just can't take constructive critiques and because of that their artwork hasn't improved in years versus those who can and I've seen them take the critiques and work on it and improve over leaps and bounds in relatively short times.
VG GRL 2000
Senior Otaku | Posted 03/21/09 | Reply
That's awesome. I'm spechless, I actually need this. I'm going in the Art career. This is perfect! Great job!
noel4037
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/23/08 | Reply
great advice esp. #'s 4, 5 & 6 - that's for me. Though I'm not so sure about # 10. It's a very safe advice but it limits the time you'll be willing to spend as an artist plus your drawings won't be that great since you'll be thinking: You have another source of income so no biggy. It's just me, I'd rather do or die.
Raina
Neko Kouhai (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/07/08 | Reply
My dad's going to college right now to become a graphic designer. He really should read this. ^.~ Of course knowing him, he won't. So I'll nag him from time to time with what you said, if you don't mind. X3
This was a truly great article. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I get told these things from my teachers at uni, since I'm studying to become a translator (most probably freelance). It's reassuring to know that other people, from other professions, have to deal with this too. And it's even more reassuring to know it's possible. And I'll actually listen to these advices just coz it didn't come from a teacher! XD
Thank you again!
Love Bug =X3
ThunderGodNick
Otakuite | Posted 04/06/08 | Reply
Alright, my previous post was destroyed because I didn't have an account, NOW I DO! FEAR!
I do have a bit of advice for freelancing, well this is what - I - think, so take it as you will:
Try your hand at customer service. By the time you're through with that line of work you'll have A) tough skin B) Customer service SKILLS that will help you get through a convention/commissions C) The ability to SMILE and MEAN IT (even though you're stressed and tired) D) In refrence to A., nothing will really phase you to the point of going ballistic.
Professionalism is a big thing for going independent. I'd give the same advice to those who want working for a Anime Convention to be their life's hobby. IT HELPS. A. LOT.
gaaragirl911
Otaku Eternal | Posted 04/05/08 | Reply
coolio!
guessI needed that.Surprise me ;]
ZeelZy
Otakuite++ | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
@Rokuchan:
I no...ahhh!
Rokuchan
Otakuite | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
@ZeelZy:
Not when I've had three hours of sleep, no. XD fixed. thank you for pointing it out though.
Rokuchan
Otakuite | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
@ZeelZy:
Oh yesh, me big scary arteest! GRRR!
ZeelZy
Otakuite++ | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
and you can't count to 11 lol
ZeelZy
Otakuite++ | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
your very scary...
Rokuchan
Otakuite | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
@tehmime:
LMFAO! No, I noticed it this morning while I was half asleep. Go me durrrrrrrrrrrrrr! XD
Thanks =)
tehmime
Otakuite | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
great article! Awesome advice for all types of artists
one thing, though...
you have 2 number 10's...
is that just creative license, or... hehe... im nitpicking again...
Calaya
Team | Posted 04/04/08 | Reply
A very helpful article, and an interesting read to the non-artists. It's a great lay-out and the words are positive but truthful. I hope this helps a lot of people
red kie
Otaku Eternal | Posted 04/03/08 | Reply
i agree wiht theas their all so true ^^
)Oo~ Black rabit ~oO(
KaiManga12
Otakuite | Posted 04/03/08 | Reply
Wonderful article! This is really good advice for any artist, even if they're not a freelancer. This would've come in handy a few months ago, when I started trying to compile a portfolio for art school. Back in January, I had made a little deal for myself: in order to go to Tekkoshocon, I had to finish four pieces of art, three of which had to be from life, before the end of the pre-registration period. I started a few pictures, but nothing really seemed to come out right, so I ended up not working on it for a while. At the same time, I was trying to work on commissions for people on Gaia (the people at my shop are incredibly patient), and I was attempting to post and color some comics I had made. Once March rolled around, I was freaking out, because the deadline was the end of the month. Block started to set in, and I wasn't sure what to do. I ended up making sketches of a few posed, beat-up wooden figures, my Super Silver Brick Nintendo DS, and a three quarters self portrait, along with a character design sheet.
Anyway, long story short, if I'd had this advice, I might've gotten all of that managed and done a lot faster. I'll be sure to keep these things in mind from now on.
Speaking of which, I still have those commissions to do...
xaos
Burning Spirit (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/03/08 | Reply
Darn good advice, especially before the list when you say it's where your heart is too true I remember my father giving me some very similar advice when I was young and it sticks with me to this day, "do what's in your heart." Superb article definitely favoring so I can read it again.
just.me
DragonGirl (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/03/08 | Reply
That is very good advise! I can clearly see the value of all points and it's good to hear advice from someone who is a freelancer and knows all about it ;P
Ranefea
Senior Otaku | Posted 04/03/08 | Reply
Great advice! And what's even better is a lot of this is still valid even for those who might not be becoming an artist full-time.
I can't agree more with points 1, 6 and 7 though, particularly 7. For instance, at some of the larger cons I'll see certain artists, I won't mention names, that are quite popular and get front paged constantly on art communities that will also remain unnamed for now. After finally getting a break from manning my own table I will take a walk through the AA and meet some of the other artists. When meeting a few of the artists in question I would be greeted with an unfriendly and flat hello. Not the kind of greeting like they are having a bad day, but the kind as if I'm wasting their time. And they react this way to the others who come up to their table. Regardless if I like their artwork or not, it makes me not want to buy anything from them nor commission them. And this goes double in the real world!
As for Number 6, that's something everyone needs to take note of. I've known several people who just can't take constructive critiques and because of that their artwork hasn't improved in years versus those who can and I've seen them take the critiques and work on it and improve over leaps and bounds in relatively short times.
Any great article Rokuchan!