h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello

I'm just dropping by to say hi. I'm trying to start up in freelance illustration myself at the moment. Do you have any tips?

Amy

Hi Amy

Hmm... that's one helluva question as I have only been a freelancer myself for a relatively short time. The thing is, I expect you are already doing all the sort of thing I would suggest already.

What sort of work is it that you do? An illustrator I used to commission years ago did the most fantastic children's illustrations, which is what I would ideally love to do, but I seem to be specialising in illustrations (mainly of people using equipment) that are used in training manuals and posters at the moment. I get most of my work through word of mouth but am considering advertising in the relevant professional journals to help the flow. I am putting a new portfolio together including a series of short stories that I am writing and illustrating in the hope that I will be able to (if not get them published) atleast show that I can do more than people lugging each other aroung with hoists!

So what have you tried so far? Do let me know, perhaps we could come up with some new ideas to sell our skills?

BTW, if I am a bit tardy on responses, I apologise, but I can only post when I have childcare in place and as I haven't much work on at the moment, I can't justify the expense! I will get back to you as soon as I can... I'm not rude, just a mum!