Illustrators, get yourself known!

Are you about to start your career as a freelance illustrator and wondering how to get your work noticed? Here are some tips.

1. Create an online portfolio

This may seem obvious, but it’s essential: a well-designed portfolio on your website, as well as on platforms like Behance, ArtStation, or Dribbble, is crucial to showcase your work. It should be clear, well-organized, and regularly updated with your best pieces.

For my part, my portfolio is immediately visible on the homepage of my website, and I’ve signed up on several platforms to increase my visibility.

2. Use social media

You can’t be everywhere, but ideally, you should be! Choose the social networks that suit you best and are most appropriate for sharing visuals. Instagram, which I recently joined, is highly effective in my opinion. A Facebook page mirroring your website posts can reinforce your presence, while LinkedIn helps diversify your professional network.

3. Participate in competitions and exhibitions

If you’re just starting out, illustration competitions are a great way to stand out and get noticed by industry professionals. Additionally, exhibiting your work in cultural venues, festivals, art events, or even galleries can help you expand your network and attract commissions. You might initially do this for a low fee or even for free, but it’s a long-term investment.

On a related note, certain social networks like Instagram host contests and creative challenges where you can share your work with a large audience, gradually building your popularity. I regularly take part in these challenges, such as the famous Character Design Challenge (creating a character based on a given theme) or Inktober (drawing an ink illustration each day of October based on a prompt). Each time, it brings visibility and new followers.

4. Collaborate with others

Working with other artists, authors, or brands helps increase visibility while diversifying your style and opportunities, especially given the exposure offered by social media. You may also benefit from the visibility of your collaborators. This is also why developing multiple skills is valuable: you’re more likely to engage in fruitful collaborations.

I explain in another article the advantage of being both an illustrator and a graphic designer. I’ve often worked as a designer alongside other illustrators—opportunities that would have been much rarer if I had only focused on illustration. Simply put, professionals who create visuals (illustrators, photographers, and other artists) often need designers to enhance their work. Just as a video needs a good music composer or editor, or a theater play needs good direction… the principle is clear: together, you can have a greater impact in terms of visibility.http://jesuisnumhttp://jeveuxunfreelance.frerique.fr

5. Join freelance platforms

Sites like Malt or Comeup connect clients with freelancers and can lead to your first contracts.

Other platforms, such - in France - as Annuaire des Graphistes, jeveuxunfreelance.fr, or jesuisnumerique.fr, allow you to list your services online, which is useful for improving your SEO.

Competition can be tough on these sites, and some freelancers offer very low rates. Be original and explain why your services will satisfy clients. For inspiration, you can read the article: Hiring an illustrator: the advantages.

6. Share your creative process

Publishing tutorials, making-of videos, or speed paintings on YouTube, TikTok, or your blog can attract an audience over time. It also allows you to engage with your audience and eventually offer original creations for sale.

Keep in mind that videos and carousels/slideshows are always more effective than a single image. Ideally, learn basic video editing and animation to make your content more engaging.

Try all these techniques, and most importantly, don’t get discouraged—building recognition and visibility takes time; that’s normal. Be persistent!

Need advice and tips as a young creative? Contact me, and we can organize a video call to analyze your situation in detail.