Freelance vs Game Studio job - Which is the right career path for you?

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If you're considering going freelance, or if you've never worked on a freelance basis, this video might help you to be better prepared for the kind of challenges that come from running your own business and basically applying for the same job over and over. There are many drawbacks to freelancing, but there are also many perks. Different personalities are going to be more suited for different situations. I can't say that one is better than the other. Both have pitfalls. But you can decide for yourself which way you'd like to take your career. I've chosen to freelance, despite some of these challenges, and this video discusses a lot of the reasons why.
Books available-
The Man and the Moonken (2019) - Illustrated Novella
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Indivisible
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Final Fight Streetwise (PS2)
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Terminator 3 (GBA)
CannonBallers (Mobile)
Ikeda: The Scrap Hunter (PC/Mac)
Goblins and Gnomes (PC)

[@paladox1771]

As an indie game dev I find these types of videos interesting to watch. :) The things I appreciate most from an artist when I'm seeking a commission: 1: Good examples of the work you can do. The more variety, the better. Pixel art? Cheap sketches? Full color? Portraits? Expressions? Animation? This all helps me find what I'm looking for. 2: Communication. If I commission you for something and the next time you contact me you're sending me the fully colored finished image, then you're setting yourself up for failure. Especially if this is my first commission from you! Can you make corrections/changes to that finished drawing? If the answer is no, then you're not including your clients enough in the creative process. Confirm the sketch first. Then as you add more details you should confirm at each step of your drawing. This may take more time but you'll build a better relationship with the client. 3A: Set prices. I don't want to pay you by the hour if I don't know what you're doing with that time. Freelance is very different from working with a game studio, especially in this regard. If you feel like you undercharged then you can always mention that going forward. If you're nice about it (and I like you) then I will retroactively pay you the difference. Just remember to be nice though. If you say, "Hey man, this was a lot of work. I really feel like you should pay me what my time is worth so could you send another $200 my way?" then it won't go over well. 3B: Loose ownership. As an indie game maker I'm not that interested in full ownership. I expect the same. Keep in mind that I have a low budget and I'm not making even minimum wage from my indie game. You can post the art in your galleries and in exchange I also get to use the art in-game, as reference for other artists, etc.. If you have a statement that indicates something like: "If you use the art in game then I need to know because the price will be higher" then there's a high chance that I will pass you up for another artist with less restrictions. 4: Reasonable prices. As I said before, I have a very low budget. If you're charging anything over $100, then it's very likely I can't afford your work. I highly recommend offering lower price points such as $20 for B&W sketches. This will make you much more appealing to clients, who might even want to upgrade to the $100 pieces if they like the sketch. I do realize you may have many possible clients that come wanting to give $100 or even $200 but you could be blocking out potential indie dev clients that could bring you much more than that in the future. Something to think about! Also, if you're charging $100 to $500 or even more, and aren't getting any clients, then you need to consider a faster means of getting your work done. It doesn't matter how epic your art is, if you're not getting any clients then you might as well be drawing stick figures and charging $1 per drawing. Actually, that guy drawing stick figures? Even if he gets one client, he's still making more money than you! So always consider the best way to streamline your art, such that you're maximizing your potential profit and connections.

[@paladox1771]

Just wanted to add that I agree with you about artists adding to their portfolio. When I see an artist that's not doing anything at all then it just makes them look lazy. If you're not getting commissions then you should at least be adding more to your portfolio. Even if it's just sketches, then you should let potential clients see that you're making an effort to improve. You don't know who might be keeping an eye on your work because they see potential. :)

[@TrentKaniuga]

REALLY great comment. I wish I could post this at the top for everyone to read.

[@rayansheikh9490]

@@TrentKaniuga you can pin comments???

[@yeahgirl11]

@@TrentKaniuga You can pin the comment.🙂 It will really help so many people if came back and did this!

[@Voxavs]

Some of the freelance stuff you talked about is borderline insanity. Clients from Hell episode maybe?

[@TrentKaniuga]

It's a long hard road. I'll only tell the funny stories:)

[@wshenart4683]

"I'd get fired for that one." LOL This one makes my day.

[@lilac_lottie]

being a freelancer seems like more work than working in a studio. you are your own PR, accountant, lawyer, manager, etc. working in a studio is prob good for newbies/mid level artists because you can learn so much from your superiors and coworkers

[@RafaelFernandesNet]

Trent, we love you for what you are. There is no need to grow thick skin bro. Just bring your best authentic self and I bet decent people will be on your side. I also find important to agree on non functional work up front, such as number of hours documenting, exchanging information, ideation etc. I learned from you so much, I really appreciate you sharing your candor, wisdom, skills, knowledge, heart and mind!

[@TrentKaniuga]

Thanks Rafael. Good tips for other contract artists in your comment here. Thanks for the supportive comment.

[@isaaccardin]

I just realized that I watch all your videos, looking for any reason I can find to dislike you just because it's easier than actually doing the work involved in getting better at my art... jealousy is almost as ugly as my sketches lmao

[@TrentKaniuga]

Such an honest comment. I feel that way about some other artists too. But I try to focus on the joy that I get from painting, and what I can learn from those other artists when they are doing well or doing something that I do not yet know how to do.

[@isaaccardin]

@@TrentKaniuga Exactly! I'm finding that Art is more of a self-worth game than anything. All the things I would try to find fault with in you are just projections of my own insecurities. Thanks for your work, I am learning tons.

[@syrusangi8743]

Safe to say I can respect that. Honesty like that isn't very common

[@yeahgirl11]

You're probably already really far in your life with your type of mindset, but if not... You're definitely going places, and they're all gonna be good (as possible that is lol). People like you are hard to find in life, so God bless you.

[@isaaccardin]

@@yeahgirl11 That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me lol

[@mymeme52yearsago40]

So I need to get a wife first to make sure I have a stable job, huh? *This is gonna be fun*

[@raviolarts]

God I just graduated college as an Animation and concept artist and have a bunch of freelance gigs in game art and every single point you made hit home. The lack of feedback then sudden art direction changes, the ego thing, the un stability but also the freedom. I know I don’t want to do this right away, at 20, and want to gain experience in studios. It is so draining but I do see the appeal.

[@Courage2Create]

I think working for a company would be a great way to learn the system to eventually become a contractor.

[@multidinero]

For the record, the client is NOT always right. Most clients have no clue of what can or cannot be done. Yet, your job as the primary front facing contractor is that you mitigate their nonsense and make the client “feel” that how you steer them is all there idea. That how you direct them is there choice. And the better you are at it, the more you can control the scenario. Art may work differently in some cases, but contract work is contract work. Real contract work gives as much freedom as it can give anxieties. It’s a lifestyle. That’s my biggest take away from being a contractor. The beautiful twisted fantasy.

[@petrosstefanidis3007]

I believe doing both as you did, is the best. Start with freelancing to build up some basic experience and confidence, move on to a studio to work on big titles and develop a more professional attitude, and then having the experience from both worlds do whatever you want and feel more comfortable with.

[@CellarPhantom]

Or the other way around ;) Start at studios where you have a more stable job, can build up your skill and have fun with coworkers. Then as you get older and have a better portfolio/experience, stay at home and use your time however you want.

[@djokotriono7787]

Trent, my understanding the way you present this channel is by providing cut to the chase conversation and insight, based on your experience. And maybe, just a bit maybe (my opinion of course) some of those elaboration might be taken as a bit harsh and disheartening to aspiring ones. But. Man. Hearing how some of your former clients were treating you.. to keep energetic and positive after those (stripping your rights to your work, trying to bill you for asking to put YOUR work to your portfolio) are amazingly tough. Hope the next gen understand how rough and tough the business side of anything when they're dipping their feet when they're due. Good stuff.

[@tapathune]

i love your content so much thank you for doing this!

[@leewilbs]

That was a really interesting and useful little talk. I've just recently lost my studio job and slowly making my way along the freelance road and looking forward to seeing were that road takes me, both good and bad.

[@lawrencelawine9082]

Are you just doing your thing or are you actually registered as a one person "company". I'm asking because so many people on the internet are calling themselves freelancer and it always makes the impression you just can do it yourself and take money for your work, but actually you have to be registered at your local townhall and stuff, paying ongoing fees and and and. I thought I just could do it myself, earn some small money while looking for a job but I've never been so wrong

[@VictorRodriguezArt]

Man I can't get enough of your knowledge. Great video. Freelancing isn't for everyone and it can be nerve wracking just to deal with contracts. But, it isn't the end of the world. It's all about confidence.

[@tomgodfrey2019]

Thanks Trent -awesome artwork and very handy inciteful comments . I think the freedom of contract work would suit me better, but I’m still developing even as the sands of time run out :)

[@TreshToons]

i would love to have a "safe"job at a studio honestly :) Thanks a lot for these videos, been loving your videos and watching them daily.

[@isaaccardin]

Wait, you mean I can be an Artist AND pay my rent!? lol

[@senilevideoenjoyer]

@@isaaccardin no just boomer artists might have a chance at that, fuckin liars and traitors

[@Daedricbob]

I've been doing freelance sci-fi illustrations & book cover designs for a few years, and I'm now looking at transitioning into a games company to get some industry experience, so this vid was really useful & on-target, cheers!

[@xinleitang8758]

Thanks, Trent. Learnt a lot of life experiences from all the video. Im a electrical engineer in my 30th (im a good engineer), working in a huge globle company. I always wondered what is it like being a freelance artist or indie game dev. After listening to this, IT DOES NOT SOUNDS FUN!

[@jdm6784]

Every one of these videos is packed with priceless information. A must for anyone interested in this or similar industries.

[@cloggedaorta]

As always very informative Trent. I’m old now and have much to learn but I still hope to one day be employable for my art. Your video was very helpful.

[@mmkh_art]

This video comes at just the right time, thanks :)

[@SkorgandSlicer]

I'm a beginner artist and there is so much competition I feel like working for free, at least to start my career. There aren't many job opportunities compared to the insane amount of artists who want to start their career.

[@judev89]

That was extremely helpful sir. Thank you

[@namaera7908]

Love the cute illustration and the points you made in the video. I think I gravitate more towards being responsible over everything in my day to day activities, although I have zero experience in any art related job.

[@evgeniypupkin5763]

i’m 35 and i’m a freelancer but sometimes i miss those days in studio

[@MrRED2523]

Thanks a lot for your great advice/content it really is helpful

[@kaionunes7162]

It's amazing for me see you doing all of this digital art,a don't have access to that kinda of stuff, it's so delightful to see you using all those effects and tools to make your arts.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Its not that expensive if you already have a decent computer. A tablet is only $100 and the sketchbook pro app is free.

[@misabarbosa]

thank you man, you help soo much with all of your video chats

[@otswal2311]

Great video as always, thanks for the tips and insight on freelancing I've been dealing with this issue of not knowing if I'm ready or not and your advice just opened my eyes. Plus that Salsa Caliente intro, Big fan.

[@christuusgnosis]

I love watching you erase things you've drawn. Its good.

[@jbeihl1]

Well I’ve heard back... that’s something as per this video. I feel better now. Frankly though regarding concept art vs illustration I prefer freelance illustration. Specifically book covers, key art etc

[@JonLauArt]

Personally I lean more in house or at the very least stable contract. To be honest, I've mostly been turned off by freelance as a whole by some of the stupid stuff people try to pull. I've had people try to "give me an art test" that ended up them demanding something like 20 images before even considering to offer me a job. Or the typical art test don't get the job then find my work being the used for their game with someone else's name on it. Or the typical people just not wanting to pay me for my work. Honestly I really should just redo my portfolio and go for inhouse again. Save myself a headache at least.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Man, I'm really sorry to hear that Jon. Don't give up on it entirely. I worked with so many bad clients before I found good ones. And when you find a good client, it changes everything. Youre talented. And you're hard working. And you're passionate. Man, you've got the formula. Now it's okay to draw some lines in the sand before you even do any work for a client. I would never do a test that took more than 2 hours. If a potential client says "we want 2 days worth of work on this test", I'd say no. And I'd be grateful. Because their "test" shows me that they will only abuse my time further, even once we have a contract. Set your standards, and do whatever you can to make the most kick ass quality artwork you can, then better clients will come along.

[@JonLauArt]

Trent Kaniuga honestly I’m not shut the door on it forever. I’m just more want to be part of a team with comrades at the moment rather than dealing with the headache of crap clients.

[@JonLauArt]

Though I do think you should do a video for those of us like me who are skilled enough for better clients on ways of finding better clients and pitching ourselves. Yknow without being all creepy. =P

[@hgzmatt]

@@JonLauArt You know an office job has its own issues and working closely with a lot of people you can't choose is equally stressful. Definitely try it though.

[@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION]

Trent, your mindset and perspective on things is always refreshing. Loved watching you work on this one especially! Thank you

[@mcbaltz]

Good one, Master Trent!

[@imbored4322]

You inspired me to continue making my concept art (I was procrastinating), so thank you. Will definitely binge watch your vids after this one.

[@arielmagic4658]

Very helpful!

[@yeahgirl11]

I'm three years late on this, but what you said about being blunt resonated with me. When I was in the military I used to get told all the time to use tact. To me, tact is just code for "politically correct". When I'm around CHILDREN I'll use tact, and even then I won't lie to kids. But as a grown ass man/woman, you should be able to hear the truth straight out. I expect the same in return- no bullshit. Just tell me I'm fucking up, how I'm fucking up, and what I can do to fix it. Sure my tone might rub some people the wrong way, and I can admit that I still have work to do in that area, but I don't don't tell people what I'm thinking or how I feel just to be a jerk. I learned the hard way that being fake is why so many people are running around depressed, stressed, and anxious. Nope, I ain't playing that game. You only got one life to live so you might as well be honest while living it. I do not live to please other people's feelings, but I will help them through whatever battle they might be facing, and that will only be done if they aren't being fragile crybabies about everything. I've told people straight out, "I'm not playing this game." I've gotten trouble numerous times while in the military for saying that and being honest/blunt when something wrong.

[@adamstephenson9011]

Trent I love your videos. You keep it very real. I’m 36 and making a career move into art from 10 years in design. Still got a ways to go but your videos keep me grounded and moving forward.

[@captainzoltan7737]

love your channel. entertaining/ easy to listen to (unlike so many other art KZbinrs Imo) and its help me consider my future more seriously as animation student that otherwise had no clue what he wanted to do.

[@redhat4363]

definitely an independent contractor. freedom is like oxygen to me.

[@aleksahrnjak4311]

...well, after art school and art faculty I've been made into employee... I think like an employee and work like one; and I really enjoy that. So for me the best option is to be 'round people and in office, working as a part of the team, it really brings more joy to my work no matter what we do.

[@johnson6099]

This was so helpful

[@te9591]

Wow, youve been through some amazing and bizarre working experiences, thank you for sharing.

[@watsonga050300]

Love your channel, you've helped me to learn a lot about the industry standard, and other things analogous to that. I've understood, through you, a lot more than I think I ever could through school. The only thing, so far, that I've found to be useful about school, is honestly just the regime it keeps you to. You know you've already spent a lot of money, so you're basically self forced to continue attending and learning. I've personally opted out of schooling, for now anyways, and am teaching myself. Though, I really need to sit down and properly study the fundamentals, more than just the time I've wasted working on illustrations that lack that back bone it would have if I actually knew them the way I should. All of that aside though, I'm sure you've kept a catalog of art throughout your life. (Maybe not childhood drawings, but the very beginnings of your life in the art industry.) I was wondering if you would be willing to do a video on that, where you were in the beginning, what you did to improve (Aside from the obvious hardwork and time you've put into your craft). Maybe even show some of the art that you normally wouldn't share, things that are embarrassing and don't represent the level of skill you have and had, even at the time. It would be really interesting, to me anyway, to see exactly what an artist of your level does in his "free time" what you do to learn, train, self train, observe, grow, whatever you wanna call it. And what you did at the start of your career. (First year or so.) Aside from the fundamentals, which are mostly learned in the same way by everyone.

[@bleachedout805]

The customer is always right... for the right price 😂.

[@danikamera5338]

Thank you so much, I'm planning on being a concept artist, bur for the moment I'm too young and I'm practicing ^^ I wanted a channel like you and I found it... I see myself being on a game studio job, more relaxing, easier... and more things like that.

[@TrentKaniuga]

I don't know about "more relaxing or easier", but maybe it will be like that for you:)

[@setsunako]

I relate to this whole video but I do graphic design for a living. I'd eventually like to go freelance, though most days I don't mind my current position. Lots of great people there but politics are real. Both sides definitely have their negative and positives. Awesome video as usual. Really like the art you worked on too.

[@MoMastafa]

Awesome video Trent. Thanks for sharing. Take care. :)

[@KenDarmadi]

Hi Trent! I am currently in this position where I can either continue freelancing or work full-time in-house. Thanks so much for posting this video, it helps cements my decision of continuing being a freelancer. I just find the flexibility of being a freelancer too convenient for my current lifestyle. I do have some questions for you: 1. How do you deal with the feeling of loneliness when you are freelancing? I am missing the social aspect or game dev moment that you mentioned earlier in the video. I've been asking my friends around and most of them do not have a mobile setup to be able to work at a co-working space. 2. What kind of system do you setup to manage all the different artists in your art house? I have one project where I am currently managing and art directing other people, and it gets messy tracking client feedback and such. Is there anyway I can ask you more about setting up an art house? I have sooo many questions about this. 3. How do you negotiate with a client about work deadline when you have multiple freelance going on at the same time? How do you balance the schedule with all the different projects? When in one day, I can only give 1 project a few hours, it kind of feels like I am not giving it all. 4. Can you also talk more about hourly rate vs day rate, and how do you charge a client fairly for the amount you work for? So far I've only been charging/asked for flat rates and sometimes it feels like I overwork or underwork compared to the agreed rate.

[@RazulLD]

I recently worked on an upcoming small game as a graphic designer, (I won't mention names, I respect my clients) and yeah I wanted to connect with my "boss" from time to time nothing too big just being friendly with him, but I knew that he was stressed out because of the slow development maybe and as you said they are working around the clock, they don't have much time to chit chat even though you just want to say something supportive and to help them relax because you see how much stress they build in themselves. Still I consider my self as one that some what understand clients since I'm a freelancer graphic designer for around 6 years now, but your video shows me that I still have some ruff edges to polish, to be honest I really started to like this career path and I know that I will have to make a lot of correct moves and a lot of planning and meet a lot of powerful people to get in a position that I can live a quality life like yours. I have to admit that working on this game project or what ever game project in the past really fires me up for an adventure and I work with joy even when its hard. :)

[@nalcarya]

I'll forever fondly remember the client who wanted me to call Apple and make them make Flash work on her iPad.

[@eyusuki9631]

Hey So exactly how do I start freelances? Do I just submit my portfolio to a game company?

[@nalcarya]

@@eyusuki9631 Hej, I don't work in gamedesign but rather used to work in webdesign. So I don't really have practical experience to answer your question. I do know that my aunt who works at developer Deck 13 as Senior Character Artist stresses the importance of using Artstation as a best pieces portfolio if you wanna be seen in the industry.

[@titogaming7377]

been there, its the politics that pissed me off. like when i first got in and the boss already noticed my work within the first weeks and used it in the upcoming project. i noticed the vibes in my department became just fucking gloomy. you can sense the negativity. silent, dead.then the my revisions became so many. After that i just focused on our business. fucking corporate life

[@SamWilliamsArt]

Thanks for the honesty and transparency Trent! As a new dad stepping back into contract work next month after eight years in house I have to say I’m terrified and excited at the same time. After working my way up to lead artist at Gameloft (a position I really like) I feel I need to get back to full time art and try an alternative lifestyle where my son can grow up near family (in a city with no studios). It’s a comfort to know it is what you make it.

[@TrentKaniuga]

You may have rough times the first couple of years, when contracts seem sparse. But stick to your plan and keep trying during those times, and it gets easier the longer you do it, and after you build a good reputation. Good luck. I think you're making a good choice to focus on your family needs first.

[@SamWilliamsArt]

Trent Kaniuga Thanks for the response man! I know you don’t have a lot of time. The constant networking and prospecting is definitely a skill I will need to develop. If you have a minute - did you form Aquatic Moon after you started getting too many contracts to handle yourself or did you plan to make an Art house from the outset?

[@juliocesarnaranjomarin5538]

Hey Trent whats up man, ive been watching your vids for awhile and your content it´s so straitght forward and I like that, Ive been working on the advert industry for about 8 years and I want to make a transition from advert to the game industry, it's challenging but I have time FINALLY!! to power through concept art and be able to do communicate in a different way which is awesome....Thanks for your content it's been really helpful...Saludos from Colombia.

[@DavidTenorioArt]

One of the best sign-offs in the biz.

[@Andra1150]

Ugh, I tried to catch and note everything u were saying) Great video, thank you very much) As for me, I cannot say everything at the moment as long as I have never have this experience - whether is freelance or Game Studio-job; I have never have a job at all, so I will see in the future what will suit me and so on

[@lostmarimo]

3:02 sounds like heaven to me lol

[@KyninhaH]

I’ve been aware of your channel for some years, watched videos here and there. You know how people “consume” media? Well, your videos have been hitting the spot for my viewing appetite lately. Thank you for making cool stuff and sharing so much! ☺️

[@danraz0ralice340]

that outro cracks me up XD

[@0staticpen]

Great video, as usual! Been doing freelance for 10 years, and I start an in house concept artist position this month. Excited to be around people and work on a team.

[@AGENTROSE]

I find no greater joy than being my own boss and hope to make freelancing full-time come true before my uni loan runs out for the Master's in Art I'm going for. I've worked in a few corporations (not as an artist) and the politics has hurt me very badly and changed who I was by a big degree. I don't know what I'll do with myself if I can't end up breaking free from all of that. I hope all those who are pursuing what they want in life make it, especially if you've felt this pain.

[@mercai]

That is a great video, thank you!

[@nrgentertainmentartist8668]

Very informative and inspiring. :) Thank you good sir.

[@andidejager3898]

I want to work at a studio because I love working with people. I love the water cooler talk. I feed off the energy of everyone around me so when there is no one around, I feel isolated and lethargic. Weird considering I'm an introvert. Unfortunately I have a neurological condition that makes me unemployable for an in studio job. I need the freedom of a flexible schedule because sometimes the pain becomes too much and I need to lie down for 3 hours. I can't do that with a 9-5 studio job. Thank you for your insights.

[@owlleep6047]

the like to dislike ratio is amazing!!

[@RSidd]

Another great video! The quality of your content in terms of the knowledge and your presentation just keeps getting better. I would love to work freelance. But as a dude in his 20s who just managed to get hired at a local game studio without any formal training or art education,..I don't have too many options at this point. Will have to see how it goes.

[@TrentKaniuga]

congrats! Enjoy the studio job! you might find that it suits you. If it doesnt, theres always freelance later down the road.

[@RSidd]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you, Senpai! :) I'll keep that in mind!

[@JSG-mw4qr]

Making art of characters you dont care about for nit pickey people with bad ideas sounds worse than my normies job. I'm sticking to normie job until I finish my own projects and push those. Also "did you just assume my gender?!" By the watercooler sounds terrifying and is a real possibility in LA

[@anthonyrobles3423]

JSG1138 making characters you don’t care about for someone you don’t care about might just be the best way to train the contractor mentality and your versatility as an artist. Don’t take it as a set back, look at it like a challenge

[@ashleypearson2411]

Gosh darn, this artwork is adorable.

[@smithyjake]

To me, either employed in a studio or freelance. They are the SAME. You're working on other people's stuff. Both offer a different lifestyle that suits your personality and needs. But mercenary nonetheless. Imagine if your're a singer and you're only singing covers? How far can that singer goes? As an artist, you can have your own songs, own album and music tour. That require unique style and unique touch. Like James Jean, Kim Jung Gi, Jim Lee, Akira Toriyama. Its a career worth pursue. That time people will look for you to do your thing not their thing.

[@LolixBelle]

Thanks, I just started doing freelancing, digital in general and I been trying to work on my portfolio and sell prints, this is great information, i been trying to build myself up as I go.

[@pacefactor]

Thank you for existing

[@Thevariantspace]

Hey Trent, thank you for your video I'm curious if you can recommend art house studios that are worth applying for for beginner/intermediate illustrators or concept artists or how you would recommend going about getting work. Thanks love your stuff

[@seervisual7447]

Thank you so much for this video, I am currently at a fork in the road based on this topic! Cheers!

[@dreewdog]

Fantastic video!

[@pixelmatze5700]

I learn so much from you Trent! Thank you for being one of the best KZbinmentors ever !:)

[@EL_Newman]

Very insightful. Thanks Trent!

[@renairoa]

I can honestly see myself doing both! I’m planning to go to uni next year for concept art to improve my skills and also meet people from the industry, and afterwards I’m not sure what I’ll be wanting to do yet!! Both options have their benefits:)

[@prashikkamble3072]

Really appreciate your content!!!! Appreciate your work process and really really liked things which you told through out the video. Love your work 💕 best person with lots of good thought. Best part is you said truth about industry. Thank you so much for your guidance!!!!

[@ericlawyer6905]

I would like to the freelance artists, I don't follow corporate very well. Being my boss put in the work as much or as little as I want sounds awesome.

[@ChrisDMReloaded]

the thing is that i do not live in America , i'm from Southamerica . so working for a studio there is going to be impossible unless they accept people to work online from other countries . i might try to work for local studios in my country but they are already full of animators and artists. they are not as big as the ones from USA , so my only option left is going full freelance. either way, each path you take is gonna be difficult. nothing is easy in this life.

[@MogsExist]

As a 3d/concept artist myself for 10+ years now, as I see it its a matter of progession and the goals associated with it. For instance I did transition to being a freelancer fast and successfully because I got fed up with the game studio I at that time have been working for. So my goal was to become my own boss, earn more pay, wanted to rise up to my potencial, I actualy wanted more responsibility because my artistic and social skills matured and merged in a way that working as an employed artist was becomeing more and more tedious as time went on to the point it became unbearable. The transition itself was HARD, but worth it. Mentaly its quite the rollercoaster, but in the end a lot of people went through this process already so in my head all I had to do is talk to some of them, get their feedback, ect. and that is precisely what I did. Looked up Facebook groups, supportive artist gatherings, talked to anyone I could and in the end managed to guide my way through this difficult period in 3-4 months. Looking back it was not that hard. What everyone needs to know is that the immidiate problems we face, the next wall we have to climb, the next challange we face will always be the hardest, because as artists we must always push on foward, to better ourselfs and to become the best version of ourselfs. (Dont forget to eat clean and to work out at least 2x a week (preferable full body). Keeping up with family and friend matters is important too, but these things are always in the background, never drop these things completely, its not worth it!)

[@Ihatewebassign]

I really want to learn the way you coloring your work!!

[@CataclysmEnt]

I've never had a job relating to art so I decided to try to make my own product (which I'm inching towards every day after my day job), but I'd love to at least have the experience of an office job in art. I think I'd learn a lot of valuable lessons.

[@457Deniz457]

Ty very much. I love humans like u ! :)

[@bitshiftermoose]

I'm trying to transition into doing game art from working in comics and the allure of an in house job after years of freelance is pretty mighty - I always thrived in a bullpen environment especially in school, and even though we have google hangouts and things I miss being able to bounce ideas and collaborate freely in meatspace. I also enjoy structure. That said, Freelance lets me live wherever I want and that's a plus. I like having that freedom. But I'd also love the studio experience - I feel it would be a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.

[@jbeihl1]

If I’m doing a book cover I mock it all up digitally first with reference photos etc so they know exactly what they are getting. Once it’s approved it’s approved that way I’m not doing double work

[@thanatosor]

I think contract job is more flexible and more .. goal-specific job.

[@nobleaichi_official]

True!

[@BadConeja]

I think the contract work also suits me (every thing you said about it turns my cranks the right way), but I am transitioning into the art world with a minimal skill set. I have always made art in some capacity, but have recently decided to intentionally practice in a specific domain (concept art). I have had a couple contracts for web design (~$5k) and art assets over the years, but nothing I could live off of consistently. I have about 6 months to a year to practice before I would need to live off my earnings. My current goal is to obtain work for low level illustration through sites like fiverr. I would try to apply to aquatic moon one day, but I'll need to feel my skill would fill out the application (and matching interests). I really like your art style and process, especially with this last piece you did. I will need to study it later when I improve some more.

[@theversatileartist6446]

I'm here for the outro.

[@nilsonfaria6362]

Amazing vid! Make me think a lot about my career choices! haha

[@MichaelAntonioThen]

great information... thanks

[@shimi_ek]

Damn this was a blast, thank you.

[@Nickstizzy]

I love your advice, it helps me decide when I'm in psychological prison

[@jamiespenik5150]

You are so awesome! I love listening to you :D

[@TheZhenya19]

*I very appreciate you sharing all this with us.* I find your channel very valuable. So many videos, so little time. I can't both draw and listen though, ugh. But I'd listen about your working experience more if you wanna share. I love the game of Hearthstone for the randomness and luck (not the paywall though, lol). I love the characters in stories that are conscientiously willing to put their destinies to the god of random just for the sake of it. That is fun and that is.... very lively. I want to be like that. But I am so scared myself when thinking about the next day, month or a year. How am I going to make it? Will I still have my family support so I could live comfortably and do my own thing and grow? Or will I be forced to go and find a regular job I will hate - that will slow the production of art I'm making, reduce my art skill progres to a minimum, and also damage my health quite noticeably? I will live, I probably won't have money for doctors and medicine, but I'll live. Miserably. I'm afraid of that because I'm extremely unexperienced in life, many things I have I didn't have to fight for, I'm super priviledged and had family support all my life. Sometimes we make it through when we don't expect ourselves to, or when we don't know *how* we'll make it. I experience this in art. I just start and do, and somehow I make it. I love that. But in real life I can't just save my progress and come back and have as many tries as it takes. So I am scared.

[@andreiverner]

Yeah! I feel like I'm 100% freelancer :) I've worked in an office for about 2-3 months in 2005-6 I guess and since then it's only freelance for me. I'm originally from Russia but being a freelancer I've managed to live abroad most of the time - Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Montenegro, USA and now I'm located in Israel. I wish I can establish some small eco-village of freelancers somewhere in Europe in the next 5-10 years :)

[@matthewbrookeart]

I work in animation as a designer but there’s a lot of parallels I see between games and animation, I recently went freelance and though it’s taking a little while to build up clients i am quite enjoying it

[@menisc2797]

Thanks for the always good advice

[@lehfeldt1]

I would see myself as a contractor although dream of likewise being able to share experience doing both