Illustrators destined to freelance?

[Eric Young]

I've been considering switching my major from animation to Illustration. I can't seem to find much information on which would be a more benifical education to become a Character Artist. Every time I look up illustration I always seem to find it always connected to freelance work. Do the majority of illustrators do freelance work? Or are illustrators able to find full time jobs as well?

As I said I want to become a character artist for the game industry, i'm currently an animation major but i'm debating on switching to illustration. If anyone is working as a character artist, or a concept artist, what would you recommend?

Thanks for the advice!

[Elwell]

The game and film industries are pretty much the only places people with an illustration background can get in-house salaried work. Other than that, yes, it's predominantly freelance.

[waranghira]

The game and film industries are pretty much the only places people with an illustration background can get in-house salaried work. Other than that, yes, it's predominantly freelance.

and can you get a full time job while doing illustration freelances?

because from what i know most full time contracts restrict sidelines.

[Musselfarmstudios]

Even in the film industry the big thing is that you need to always be looking for the next job even before the current job is completed . . . unless its a place like Sony or Disney

[tn100]

Is it really hard to find a full time job though? That's what I would want too but it seems like game industry always has openings for 3D artists a lot more. Even if they have concept artist/illustrator jobs open, wouldn't they only hire a small number? I'm not sure how big a team of concept artists usually is.

[waranghira]

Is it really hard to find a full time job though? That's what I would want too but it seems like game industry always has openings for 3D artists a lot more. Even if they have concept artist/illustrator jobs open, wouldn't they only hire a small number? I'm not sure how big a team of concept artists usually is.

if its possible to have only one, then there'd be only one doing the concepts for the game. XD
it gets more if there are specializations, like an artist doing concept for the characters, another for the mechs, and another for the environments. but if one artist can do all, what's the need to get more?

(these are all just from my observation and imagination)

[dbclemons]

For most studios there aren't regular daily tasks for an on staff illustrator to justify keeping them on a payroll. A graphic designer can stay busy with simple things, but illustration projects are more specific and the nature of the work means they don't need to be around every day. Freelancers are more cost effective.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

On the subject of freelancing, is it enough to support you comfortably? Like you can get to buy mostly anything you need/want while covering the bills and such?

[DavePalumbo]

is it enough to support you comfortably?

this is a highly subjective question to answer. For a person like me, with no wife or kids or health issues other major financial responsibility, the answer may be very different than someone else. Even living under similar circumstances, people have different opinions of "comfortable".

I think for anyone though, the first couple years might be tough. Once you get some momentum and have a handle on things, I find it to be fairly stable.

[J Wilson]

To be honest, if you are looking for steady reliable work, art is not the best career. Part of becoming a professional artist is just accepting that what you'll be doing is a different lifestyle than other careers.

Most artists that I know freelance to some degree. If they keep full time jobs they freelance in their off time, or work on personal projects that they then try to shop around. A few freelance exclusively, and while rewarding and fun, it's also a ton of extra work as you have to manage your time, keep in touch with contacts, look for work when you are approaching a gap in your schedule, try to not over book when the work is available, keep track of billing and incoming payments, and all the while keep up on your self promotion etc.

Art you can't go into with any expectation on relative wealth. If you are worried about your comfort, you should consider another field as almost anything else will be easier and more lucrative unless you get very lucky in art. On the other hand, how many jobs are as personally rewarding? THAT has to be your driving force, not the money.

[cmalidore]

I was lucky to find a business based in the Physical Therapy that does illustrated guides of exercises and rehabilitation stretches - in this case I was able to find a full time position outside of game or film, but it's rare to find much that isn't freelance out there. As it is I freelance a bit on top of this so that I can still do some fantasy stuff (I'd go nuts if I didn't.... gotta use them creative juices somewhere)

Not to mention, there's a lot of artists out there and only so many positions.... so freelance can be a bit more comfortable to make at least something financially than hunting for that rare fulltime spot. Which then turns into attempting to work up enough income to survive on - which is very subjective per individual and how they build up their career and client list.

But yeah, as others have said - if you want stability, illustration isn't going to be too reliable (it can be.... but it's a lot of work to get it there)

If it weren't for the fact that I'm addicted to creating - I wouldn't be an illustrator now just because it's soo dependant on balance and time management. It's pretty effort intensive. I was able to find gratification in it, but so many people do not.