Here's how you can thrive as a self-employed computer graphics artist.

1st thing you need to know if you want to become a self-employed computer graphics artist, consistently innovate and adapt to the latest industry trends and technologies.

Don’t be afraid to ask fellow artists how they achieved a particular effect or technique. Collaborating and sharing knowledge is a powerful way to improve your skills and stay inspired. Keep up to date with the latest methodologies and trends in the industry—not just to know how they work, but to understand why they are being used. This insight will help you make informed decisions about which techniques to adopt and how to keep your work relevant and innovative. Remember, the creative field is ever-evolving, and staying curious and connected is key to long-term success.

Social media platforms have become essential for businesses looking to engage with their audience and promote their products or services. Graphic design is at the heart of effective social media marketing, helping brands to capture attention, convey messages quickly, and encourage interaction. From eye-catching posts and stories to well-designed ads and banners, visual content drives engagement and boosts brand visibility. Graphic designers must stay updated with the latest trends and tools to create compelling content that resonates with the audience and enhances the overall marketing strategy.

I feel it is important to factor in learning time as a vital part of what is considered "working hours." It's common to feel as though work can consist of only work spent on a specific project and that learning has to happen on personal time. I find that it is just as important to include learning time as part of work time. With how quickly design tools change, new products are released, and members of the community come up with new solutions, it is vital for us as designers to devote time to developing new skills and refining existing ones.

In terms of character design using computers, there is a lot going on in AI and creation of characters using simple shapes. All of which is part of the vast sea of innovation that is evolving across multiple industries. Yes you can get off the shelf characters, the software is there, but I'd say coming back to a feeling of connection with a character is something that will always be relevant. I feel like some off the shelf character design needs more than a touch of humanity bringing back to the it. Do you feel them in your heart when you look at the illustration in a book with words. Are their expressions more than just a smile for happy or a downturned mouth for sad. It's the characters whole body language in fact that matters.

I always had trouble marketing myself and networking, not that I'm dumb but I'm an artist, I like to create and do the creation process. Most times I just don't have time next to 3 projects, family and other things in life to also send emails and clients, follow up etc. Lately I have been utilizing an external sales marketing person to do this with great results and I can only recommend this if you are struggling with time or just not that kind of person that is comfortable with all the emailing and networking. I recommend Simon Pitt on LinkedIn, great guy, great service.

If I have to start over, here is what I would do: 1. Work on personal/passion projects 2. Build portfolio samples 3. Leverage freelance marketplaces 4. Build social media presence

Je suis entièrement d’accord avec les idées et j’ai notamment constaté que beaucoup dans se domaine ne savent pas se vendre. On souffre de cela surtout en Afrique , faire quelques photos et mettre à jours ses informations professionnelles ne suffisent plus. Il faut étudier : - le marché sur lequel nous sommes - affûter notre positionnement afin de mieux se démarquer - proposer des contenus attirants qui nous distingue Ainsi on saura mieux se vendre

Hard to set goals with everything shifting around you, especially us older people with families and daily routines and unknowns. Best bet is to start smaller, don't take on large projects if you aren't comfortable or unsure of the outcome. But make sure you set your niche, what you are good at. I know I'm best at 3d modeling, product renders, interiors, exterior closeups and I kind of know my limits in other areas which I can do but I don't take on large masterplans without the help of a team. Make sure you set time for yourself and family too, ive burned out a few times to know the importance of that. And also set your price goals, increase incrementally as your skills and experience progress. Don't undercut or overdo it. Find balance.

Je suis entièrement d’accord Il faut toujours avoir une taff-List en rapport avec les objectifs à atteindre. S’assurer d’avoir bien exécuter ces tâches. Et rester concentrer ! C’est important pour atteindre ces objectifs

É bem complicado no inicio você saber em que ponto está para competir e colaborar com demais pessoas da sua área e isso se torna quase impossivel quando as comparações sempre são com pessoas com muita habilidade ou muito tempo de serviço. A forma que eu uso para tentar desenvolver as minhas expectativas vem muito de uma vontade de valor "X", logo vejo o que está sendo cobrado nas vagas que quero pleitar e principalmente qual caminho devo seguir para alcançar meu objetivo, se é um curso : Como vou poder fazer ele?.... Se é uma habilidade : Como posso desenvolver ela de forma plena?

Make sure you do this upfront at the project start, a clear timeline of deliverables and requirements are to be greenlit by the client. If its a larger project make milestones for delivery and make sure it's clear with the client what they're getting. Don't make them expect prefinal images if your are doing blocking or camera drafts etc. Subscribe to a deadline software online or just keep an excel sheet with a timeline. This helped alot, and also keep track of payments this way per project.

There are tons of tools you can use to manage projects, start from easiest to the most difficult: 1. Google tasks (requires almost no training) 2. Trello (a little bit of learning) 3. Notion (loaded software but has a deep learning curve)

A comunicação como uma freelancer é o que mais faz tudo dar certo nesse turbilhão de demandas. Atendo atualmente 3 empresas e alguns trabalhos eventuais de outros clientes e a chave é realmente trabalhar com prazos maiores para que as expectativas do meu cliente, estejam alinhadas com as minhas. É CRUCIAL ANALISAR AS DEMANDAS, quando mais nova, acabava aceitando tudo em prazos minúsculos e passava noites fazendo o trabalho, com ajuda de plataformas como o Trello e uma agenda pessoal , as demandas tem ficado mais alinhadas e o processo delas menos dolorido.

This is a very tricky subject. Us artists need to keep in mind that we have expenses....alot. Also bills....alot. If your self employed you don't have the luxury of getting a stable salary monthly on the same day and this is the worst aspect. When you are starting out make sure you have savings from a job that you left or something to keep you afloat for 3-5 months....like a loving wife or family. Make sure you have the skills, network and experience needed to start this journey. I was lucky because I've had freelance clients while I was working in Dubai and by the time I left and started my journey I had 3-4 clients that I was working for to keep a.steady income plus companies I worked for in Dubai before also hired me to work on projects

Quando estou desenvolvendo vários projetos, alguns valores sempre me passam a mente como as assinaturas que vou precisar fazer para desenvolver o trabalho e todo meu custo operacional antes. As vezes é assustador o quanto trabalhamos apenas para poder trabalhar. Com uma organização entre as entregas e valores que os clientes disponibilizam, acaba que renda extra é sempre possivel e em periodos de menos trabalhos de algum cliente, da para encaixar mais uma demanda ou duas para fechar o mês.

In the creative field, your shortcut to acquiring new clients and projects is simply networking. While portfolios are essential, exposure is what we need to thrive and grow as designers.

simple thing, but remember to take a break, a quick midday 30 minute walk will do wonders for your productivity and headspace..

Build your portfolio. Be passionate about your work and the things you design and create and showcase them in a portfolio. It will certainly cut down on questions from clients during the interview process

Instead of taking online courses make the effort to take in-person courses. Surround yourself with other creatives and with creative energy and you will be surprised how much this will push your creativity and unlock your mind. Disconnect to connect & take time to take in the beauty and creativity in the world around you. Ask questions to your client(s) or people around you to gain understanding and insight about the world around us and try to deeply empathise with your client, their needs and what drives them.