Artist's Problems: The Dark Side of Freelance Illustration

[@hollyexley]

Great topic! I'm glad you made this - and unfortunately I am very familiar with every point you mention! It's not all roses. The point I struggle with most is the feeling of never doing enough. It's unbearable sometimes! Freelance life can be so tough, especially mentally.

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you, Holly! Glad (or should it be sad?) to hear that you can relate. That feeling of never having done enough makes it tough for me to ever really relax and unplug from work. I've been trying to be better about things like exercise, yoga, walking, etc. to combat the mental stress but it can definitely be wearing. One thing I've been noticing lately is even when I do more and more, that feeling never goes away. Frustrating, but paradoxically for me it makes me more motivated to have better boundaries.

[@KatnippStudios]

holly exley oh man!!! I suffer from this SOOOO bad too!!! It’s nice to know I’m not alone! And sometimes I feel extreme guilt for feeling this way too as if I’m not grateful for it!!! 😭😝 sometimes we are too hard on ourselves!

[@raymondfitzgerald-kuhl5976]

I think it's a problem all artists, writers have. I'm always beating myself up over it....

[@Xicolami]

These are not negative things, these are real thing that I'm hearing for the first time! Finally someone honest to tell the world that freelancing is not only freedom, is also having to be able to work whenever is needed! Thank you!

[@romicajones]

As someone about to graduate and wanting to finally start working full time as an illustrator, your video couldn't have been more helpful. Thank you for your honesty. I believe videos like this are really important for the illustration/freelance community as well as the positive/motivating ones, otherwise we all just show a "perfect" life that doesn't exist. It makes me feel less alone and more prepared. On my side I also want to stay very positive and encouraging on my channel, but like you I also want to be honest and transparent. My challenge at the moment is staying healthy as an illustrator, especially after an episode of strong back pain from sitting on assignments for way too long, feeling like I have to do it all, and I have to do it all now. I didn't want to share the struggles that came with this attitude but I think I will, and include how I try to work on improving the situation. Again, thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts, I, and I am sure many others, really appreciate it 😊

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thanks for sharing that, Romica! Glad to hear you found it valuable. :)

[@silkeschumann7261]

3:54 What got me the most, when potential clients showed interest, you interviewed them and tossed a few ideas back and forth and in the end they signed with a different company/designer/illustrator and you see your ideas realized. I had that a few times. I should have made those ideas billable but never found the right way to put it down in a way that it would legally binding and accepted with the first get to know the job type of meeting.

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

That is why everyone keeps their ideas to themselves unfortunately, and a lot of genius is never realized.

[@JesseNickelltheFourth]

Thanks for educating me! Peace be with you!

[@Rini-D]

Thank you for bringing up these topic and honest about it. Wish you the best!

[@JenniferCharleeArt]

Yes! Feeling "done" at work is such a relatable point!

[@stevenskadal]

Yeah, everything you said is spot on. It's tough doing the freelance work and trying to make a good living off of it. I currently work a full time job and do freelance on the side while also trying to increase my social media presence and grow a KZbin channel. It gets nuts! But, as you mentioned, it's what we love to do. I'd much rather put in 100% effort into art and design than to work a job that I care very little about. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on working full time freelance. The thought has been weighing heavily on me lately as I consider going solely freelance. Lots of pros and cons.

[@SamraeDuke]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only illustrator struggling with this stuff. I'm also sorry to hear it's a universal truth. Thank you for making this video.

[@victoriadiazart2364]

It might sound negative, but it's reality. Working freelance is not easy, people think that we do what we want, we sleep in, things like that. But it's the opposite, we don't have a fixed income or routine, I personally work mornings in the studio, then afternoons at home while I play with my little son and take care of our home, and keep working once my family is in bed at nights, I also work weekends and holidays if necessary. It's like two steps ahead and one step back. Freelancers need to have the mental strength not to quit, the courage to go ahead and patience to see it through. Thank you for this video!!

[@myozbubble]

I think it is important to know the negative or the challenges of any job. Being a freelancer isn't all free time and work when you want (usually). I have a small business that I run solo. If I want an income, it's up to me to create it. Thanks for sharing this info. Don't apologize for sharing truths. :)

[@katboyce]

Very valid points, especially the feeling of never doing enough is so reaaallll agh. Thanks for sharing!

[@neyruzAJ]

Hi Kendy, I'm an illustrator myself placed in the Netherland, and I want to encourage you to continue the way you are doing, I've been following you since I guess few years already, and I am amazed to where you had reached. And just remember that you are a mother so enjoy every aspect of what at list you can work on. Success Neyruz xx

[@XiXzXa]

It's so nice knowing that others feel the same way I do. I struggle with never feeling like I've completed everything I need to do. I have to force myself to step away from work and I feel like I can never truly relax because there's always something that needs to be done.

[@yashvantkumar5972]

Beside all of this the greatest positive side is the FREEDOM and it is a DREAM OCCUPATION alone these two points are overwhelming than all the disadvantages.

[@watercolor-girl]

All of your videos are incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

[@heatherc3521]

I was able to relate to everything you mentioned: the good, bad and ugly! So spot-on and well explained! I'm a painter and have been selling my work for a year and a half and I've encountered a lot of obstacles, some unforeseen, but I love it. Being a freelance artist is great, but it's so important to be aware of the little details and problems that can be a challenge when being self-employed. I recently found your channel thanks to Minnie Small. Really enjoying your content and artistic style :)

[@Marina-sd3uy]

Kendyll, thank you for a good quality video! Worth the time!!

[@jukeboxfavs]

Thank you for this video! I've been a freelancer for the past 15 years and I relate with everything you shared exactly! Thank you Thank you! Makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. Sheesh.... Ok, back to work! :)

[@HollyDunnDesign]

Yup, all of the above. I think that a lot of people believe that freelance life is all sunshine, rainbows and waking up whenever you want to, which always makes me laugh. It's always nice to hear about other freelance illustrators' experience.

[@lidewijdevries4444]

So recognizable! Thanks for sharing!

[@KendyllHillegas]

😊💕

[@irisflower4366]

Interesting, educational and wise! Thanks for sharing your experiences in the industry.

[@blakesilvertooth792]

So helpful. I am not yet an illustrator but I can relate with a lot of your feelings of never doing enough, independence and time-management issues. Also, comparison to others I relate with A LOT! So helpful, I found the video searching for info about illustration, as I’m considering going into the field. Thank you! Blake ❤️

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you so much, Blake! Sorry I took a long time to reply. I actually got locked out of my google account for a little bit so I'm way behind on comments. Anyway, it's so nice to know that you relate. That's been one of my favorite parts of making this video, learning how many folks struggle with the exact same feelings. Hang in there and good luck in discerning a career in illustration!💕

[@remilemonde]

The topics you covered in this video are eye opening and extremely useful! Especially the portion on finances and time spent. Thank you for this.

[@wizzymel]

Wait... You have inquiries ev-e-r-y day ??!!!!!! Holy moly, my dream !! I'm going crazy here not working everyday and living in the fear of not being able to pay rent...

[@vampyswonderland4801]

I feel ya on that

[@3Dtexel]

Great! Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@stephaniemarceau5440]

Your videos are always so interesting and helpful ! Thank you for being honest on this point, I really wanted to know the ups and downs of what I might get into :)

[@ashleyr428]

Extremely informative video - thank you so much!

[@Amainezingsoaps]

Ashley R your little girl is such a confident cutie. Enjoy the journey with your little one the days may be long but the years are so short!

[@LisaFalzon]

I feel you! It's always interestingt to see what other illustrators dislike in the job. I actually love writing the invoices hehe.. I use Quickbooks it takes 2 seconds to make one :)

[@candiirabbit]

The point of "never going enough" is something I've been working on. I think that building a schedule is very important for this. It helps me visually see how much time I am working and how much time I'm doing on other things, so that I can feel more accomplished during the day. I make a list of what I need to do and what I want to do and figure out how much time I should spend on each and when it's time to stop working YOU STOP. Exceptions can of course be made for tight deadlines, but especially since I have RSI from doing too much art at once for clients it is VERY important to have a schedule of some sort and stick to it. Overall a great video!

[@triciaann1972]

As far as the proposals that you get, a time save for me was to have a template where I would just fill out the details of the job . Not sure if that would work in your line of work, but for me they where contracts that I had for large venues and small private ones that I had created. You’re right , it is really a time suck and you do all the work and there is always the chance it falls through. God luck and thanks for being so honest.

[@teresawebster3498]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@toucandoit]

Interesting points, I wonder if all those issues are now easier to deal with platforms such as fiver or Upwork where you don't really have to worry about that anymore... im considering becoming a freelancer in the future and I thought that using those platforms is a good way to start.

[@ceriyork1710]

Thank you Kendyll, that's really useful to know. It came across as a positive approach to negative aspects. Xx

[@josiannedufour2944]

Hi Kendyll !! Great video, it was very informative! Even if in your opinion this subject was more negative than the ones you usually talk about, the fact that you have given a lot of advice to avoid difficulties makes this video encouraging! Thanks to share ups and downs of the illustrator life.

[@KendyllHillegas]

Thank you, Josianne! Great to hear that perspective. Thank you!😊

[@jessicakeegan2415]

So true what you say .

[@triciaann1972]

Great topic for anyone who is self employed. I’m not an illustrator but was in the music business for most of my adult life. Decided to go into nursing school, had a bad car accident, had to drop out of school and now trying to seek disability. But because pay as a self employed person can very , not sure I paid enough into my social security to qualify.

[@AMankstudio]

Thank you I feel better after this

[@GilMarinho]

Awesome

[@jkong324]

Very insightful and helpful! ❤️

[@jillianclemmons]

Great info. and love your Cali shirt! Much love from West Hollywood:) xo

[@KendyllHillegas]

Aww thanks Jillian! I'm from San Diego originally so I always look for ways to show some love for my home state!💕

[@MYuee]

I am a freelance artist and I'm currently starting to struggle. The thing I struggle with the most is looking for clients and dealing with them, especially those ones who love to just call instead of writing an email. The paperwork and the client stuff are my greatest annoyances, one I didn't foresee when I started out. Also, after doing commercial illustration for 3 years, I kinda long for being able to draw stuff just for myself - as weird as it sounds.

[@x3AnimeFanXD]

Not being enough is literally the number one reason why I don't want to go freelance (also me being stupid when it comes to economy and money stuff). I think I do a decent job at drawing but I don't know if that's enough to live as a freelance illustrator (for me personally atleast). Also here in germany if you live in a household of somebody who pays rent (I'm 19 and still living with my mum) while getting social money 'Hartz 4' , I can't work for money that is even *just enough* for minimum wage because the Hartz 4 money of my mum will be taken away.

[@orkidbox]

Thanks for speaking about this. Your videos are so packed with useful info. I am curious, do you think joining an agency would help with how much legwork you have to do on your own?

[@hannahcambridgeillustratio3873]

I walked in to my studio to clean the floor at 8pm. I just left at 00:31 after fixing UV maps, starting a rig, cleaned the floor, set up my photoshoot for tomorrow morning and watched 3 episodes of call the midwife... I definitely never feel like ive done enough.

[@thewwart7382]

Hey Kendyll! TY for sharing. I was kind of interested in the book that you mentioned. But couldn't get the name quite right? Graphic artist & Illustrators guild or guidebook to pricing? Working on getting my self out there. Huggs! Theww.

[@KendyllHillegas]

Yes! Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook for Pricing and Ethical Guidelines. I think I linked it in the description but if not you can just search the title on Amazon. It's a great resource!👍🏻

[@KallerhultCreations]

Important topic! For so long I only counted the "production time" when scheduling commissions, that did not hold up 😅 Have you considered getting an agent? I don't remember if you've talked about that previously 😊

[@KendyllHillegas]

Yeah, it's something I think about periodically but I'm not sure if it'd be worth it. Do you have one?

[@KallerhultCreations]

Kendyll Hillegas I have not. But I primarily work towards private persons and not companies, if I were to get bigger clients I might look into getting some representation. Especially since I am THE WORST at valueing my time and feeling confident in asking for money. I have however outsourced the management of my taxes and that was one of the best decisions I've made as a freelancer. Every third month I send an envelope with all of my receipts and invoices (we do taxes quarterly plus the big one once a year)

[@magicweasel5733]

Please excuse my name, I'm usually an online troll, but I'm being honest, I've been looking for someone to inform me of the other half of the story people usually leave out I just like to be well informed of what I'm leading myself into so I appreciate you sharing now I have a general idea of the type of career or should I say fun xD I'd like to do. Just the thought of randomly driving through a town and seeing something you did out on display to show the world and/or social media without you personally putting it there, that'd would be a very exciting moment I believe

[@rosm6621]

Would you mind listing the how to price book you recommend? Love your advice.

[@robinartsondrawing8751]

Cool nice vid

[@robinartsondrawing8751]

Much support from one artist to another. Liked n subbed 👍

[@yashvantkumar5972]

The solution to the last problem could be living with an extrovert friend(not working with you on the same project but also doing the same profession) who knows how to deal with an introvert. In that way there would always be someone to motivate you and at the same time you are not alone but working alone. And yeah it could work well

[@Pinoytopicatbp]

Freelancer sometimes sucks, especially when the clients are very optimistic to get your services, but lord and behold the next day, you've been ghosting and feels like you don't exist!

[@charadtoons4274]

This year I went full freelance as in I said GOODBYE TO CORPORATE AMERICA! And I found this video really insightful. 👊🏾🤓

[@KendyllHillegas]

That's so great to hear, Charad! Thanks for sharing. What's your specialty? Are you in illustration as well?

[@charadtoons4274]

Kendyll Hillegas I AM! I do graphic designs and concept art for animation and comics. Mostly comics and character designs these days. My site is below and I’m working on what I want to do for KZbin. Right now it’s just a series about a bunny www.charadtoons.com

[@mgbrv8]

Can you give your opinion on Illustrator copyright rights and royalties in reference to your work

[@danielavp4438]

this should have been label as The Dark Side of Freelance. Since I think that's the struggle for every single freelancer regardless of the career. I personally don't like to be a freelancer, yes I earn more but damn I don't like to invest all my time in my job.

[@lyssden]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Can you tell me if asking for 50% of the agreed price before you begin work is standard for editorial work? I never except less then that especially if the project is over $500 but my client doesn't want to pay 50% before I start. Would really appreciate your comment on this.

[@KendyllHillegas]

Hi Alyssa! In my experience editorial clients don't usually do a deposit because the turnaround is so fast (even really big clients like Wall Street Journal, Hearst and Time). However, if the client is a very small or indie magazine and you have concerns about them actually following through on paying you, you can always insist on a deposit or refuse the job. Another thing you could do is make sure they sign a contract that includes a clause stipulating that they have no rights to use the image unless you have been paid in full. Again, in my opinion, if the magazine is well established and especially if they're large, they will have their own procedures in place for payment, which usually include paying illustrators after the work is complete. Hope that helps!

[@lyssden]

@@KendyllHillegas Thank you soooooo much for your reply. This is super helpful. They are a small design firm who is working for a university mag. In my experience contracts don't hold much weight and I really like being paid 50% for anything higher then $500. I also thought about sending the final image with a water mark until I got paid but that seems in the tiniest way combative. Have you ever done this?

[@dunyazade]

Do you only get paid when you deliver the work? OR do you get paid before hand? I mean, do you have the chase the clients afterwards? (To get paid, I mean.)

[@dunyazade]

Thank you. I was curious about this type of freelance work. That setup of 20, 50 and 70% along the way is very smart!

[@KendyllHillegas]

Depends on the job. Sometimes theres a deposit, but sometimes there isn't (especially for editorial work). And corporate clients never pay up-front. Sometimes for private commissions the client pays up front, but even that can vary by situation.

[@dunyazade]

I see. Thank you for replying.

[@MatheusFerreira-mu6lu]

I took a screenshot because these comments are precious.

[@Piratequeen010156]

Taxes make me not want to freelance. I feel like I wouldn't make enough to profit

[@strati5phere]

illustrate these problems =)

[@KendyllHillegas]

If I were Frannerd then I definitely would! But concept illustration isn't really my strong suit. 💕