What do aspiring freelance artists need to know?

Question

Freelance

A friend draws well. Having heard about the fact that I work as a freelancer (I make websites), I decided to try freelancing too. She does not know how to make websites, so she decided to make money on illustrations, logos and other arts. She asked me what programs she needed, how to draw - on paper or ... And I fell into a stupor, since in my line of work I mainly deal with ready-made graphics. People who are in the subject - please tell me what my friend needs for a successful freelance start on the topic of illustrations and drawings?

Answer 1

You also need a graphics tablet to have something to draw, because. mouse is not an option. Tablet - preferably Wacom with a working surface of at least A5. Professional or amateur, new or used - depending on the wallet, but there is nothing shameful in a used semi-professional, as long as it is in working condition, and you can easily score a semi-professional for a lack of reaction to a slope, because. it's really not that significant, rather, a nice bun.
UPD on tablets: last month (Dec-Jan 16-17) I had a chance to use the Huion New 1060PLUS tablet. I can say that it can be used. The stylus has to be charged from time to time, sometimes it glitches in FS, but there are no more complaints and as a completely budget option (it cost me 75 bucks on eBay)I can recommend him or his brothers of the same level - like many Chinese, Huion has many slightly different models under different names. Another advantage is a large and rather comfortable work surface, a lot of programmable buttons (including keyboard shortcuts) and a microSD reader.
But I still like working with vacom much more and I find it much more convenient.
Programs - the already mentioned Photoshop, Corel Painter (it is very well sharpened specifically for artistic drawing, there are, for example, different things for working with perspective) , a very convenient thing - Manga Studio (for an artist it is at least as good as fsh, and in some cases even better ), for the line, some artists use PaintTool SAI, I didn’t have to work with it, so I don’t have a personal opinion about this program.
If there is a problem with smooth lines, then you can use Lazy Nezumi on minimal anti-aliasing (besides this, it has other, no less awesome features) .
Useful VKontakte communities where you can both watch and ask for advice:
CGStream - they stream with various digital artists and then post them on YouTube.
Digital Painting Classes - miscellaneous useful especially for beginning digital artists.

Answer 2

Does she know how to draw or does she ask you what to draw?
It is clear that in freelancing, work is usually sent electronically, not paper. Therefore, she needs to be able to translate her work into numbers, and how she will do it - immediately draw on a computer, or scan - already depends on her skills.
PS A successful start does not depend on the program, but on its skills, including stress resistance and flexibility in relation to clients. Let him just try to complete the tasks "for food". If after 1-2 months, she still has the same questions - it might be worth learning.

Answer 3

Photoshop and Coreldro all she needs

Answer 4

Any photoshop

Answer 5

Depends a lot on skills. You can draw even in paint, the main thing is to understand what and why you draw. If the customer needs a vector logo, then you need to use the appropriate programs. You can draw by hand and process after. It's already a technique. IMHO, two or three programs are enough. One for raster and one for vector. For example, the same Photoshop and Corel. Or inkscape and gimp.
You definitely need a good portfolio so that the customer understands the skill level of the artist and the styles in which he works. A few examples of logos, a few examples of illustrations, etc.
Artists in game development are in high demand, especially animators. But again, it depends a lot on skills. And there are a lot more subtleties in game development than just illustrations.

Answer 6

First: A logo is not art. This is generally a separate direction of graphic design.
Second: You need to break yourself and squeeze the artist out of yourself. The artist works by inspiration, he may like/dislike styles/themes. An illustrator, if he has not yet gained a name and experience, must be able to do everything and be able to adapt to the most commercial task. This is very difficult for many.
Third: The technical side, as Lorri already wrote, is a tablet, a set of programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, K. Painter) at the pro level.
Fourth: Solve the issue of finances (how to receive payment, electronic money, cards, etc.). Resolve the issue with your official status (work in the black / IP-LLC / through intermediaries)
Fifth:Explore current trends in illustration.