Hello and good morning or good evening depending on your zone of influence! It's been a day for sure, and I feel the need for a short recap of what we've visited so far, and where we're going! So let's first dive into the last three concepts we strive to find our professional value in the world.
The first thing learned was about the need to establish an online portfolio and social media presence. Of course, it will never replace the value of making a personal impression, yet having that online presence is of major importance for expanding your sales reach, and branding exposure as well as simply making it easier to find and approach you given the tight schedule many people in our target markets maintain. It's just altogether the mark of a professional in the industry. So. "Just do it," right?!
Next we learned about the importance of networking. None of the above has any impact whatsoever if you aren't truly swimming yourself around the sea. At first you're only a little fish in a very big pond! The more you make yourself known to other parts of the proverbial sea the faster you will exercise those creative fins and grow!
Naturally, we found in the third issue about cold outreach. In letting your fingers do some digital exercise by walking through some website searches on who needs what you've solved it's more possible than ever these days to make it known to more people through our fourth topic Freelance platforms - such as Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr what you do, and what you offer - and why!
Freelance Platforms:
My fun little GIF posting may or may not come up for our viewing pleasure, however it is one of Yoda saying, "...If so powerful you are..." I would finish with "then why haven't you made all that money you know is out there for you?!"
One reason would be that you need more rapport-building leverage found in some pretty well known platforms that feature artists' works. Utilizing freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find businesses looking for your illustration services will go a long way towards establishing a more professional presence in the illustration world.
In addition, creating a compelling profile on each of these (or one that you will really dive into) and then highlighting your skills and experience through your digital portfolio; you'll be ready to actively apply for relevant projects.
On a personal note - I've used all three of these aforementioned apps to create presence. And while they may be recommended by many I have found that a healthy dose of consistent social media outreach, Alignable Smart Connects, and good old-fashioned in-person "How-do-you-do's" have worked far more smoothly in developing long-lasting rapport with the businesses and individuals I have met.