MARS Vfx Studio’s Post

As a freelance artist, my day may vary depending on the stage of the design process and the specific projects I’m working on. I do have a part-time job to supplement my income, so am only able to freelance two days a week. In those two days, I try to get a lot done! Here is an short example of what a typical day may look like for me. #textiledesign #textiledesigner #printdesigner #printdesign #surfacepatterndesign #surfacepatterndesigner #graphicdesigner #illustrationartists #illustrationart #illustrator #freelancegraphicdesigner #freelanceillustrator

In my 8 years of professional experience, I am finally experiencing something I've only seen other artists experience from afar. Now, don't get me wrong I 100% am on board with being tested for a position but any project created from scratch that takes more than 8 hours to complete will be followed by an invoice from my end. There is a very fine line between a "Test" and theft. IMO, a test should never equate to over $300-$1K or 8 hours worth of work, again this could be very dependent on the position. When an artist is asked to complete a project from start to finish while asking for provided props and materials pushes it. But on top of that, to require them to provide all the working files is just too much. That is a MAJOR red flag knowing there is no guarantee on the position or even a first interview... I've taken my fair share of hiring tests and they all have had some form of preparation for the artist. At the very least these tests should provide a base for the test. I.E. a pre-built scene for a lighting test, an untextured model for a material test, or blueprints of a super simple structure or prop for a modeling test and not just a set of instructions and a due date. To all of my newer and less experienced artists, especially those seeking freelance positions, please please please remember, Do not do any significant work for free!! The majority of your skills should be evident in your portfolio. This is no fault on you, but please do not fall victim to companies or clients getting unpaid work from you. Your time is valuable.

Hey LinkedIn! If you’re new to following me, I talk about #graphic , #designer, #editor , #artist , and #youtube thumbnail . Let me know if you have any suggestions on what to share! ✒️

4 months ago I made a post about this small group of 3D artists that meets up to talk and work through their projects and creative lives. Since then, 3 of those artists were able to secure paid freelance work and full-time positions... as 3D artists. 1 is now a lead 3D generalist part time, while wrapping up freelance work. 1 nailed her multi-month freelance project (paid on-time, in full). and 1 just started his first full-time 3D job as 3D product visualizer. This all happened during the hardest part of the 3D industry. Work is out there. You just have to know how to attract it. Which is what Mike "Cash" Cacciamani, me, and everyone else in the community helps each other do. This group is not a course, it's not about technical skills, and we learn so much more from each other then any online tutorials. It is a path of self-discovery. It's helping artists self-realize so they can self-actualize. It's also really fun. The discoveries made there lead us to the projects we want to dedicate our time and skills to, and of course, get paid for. If you want to learn more about this group, hit me up. Note* This isn't a job opening, and it isn't cheap. It's a serious commitment and investment in your creative future. And it is very worth it. Art Credits: Lighting and rendering by community member Andre Schneider Environment asset by Sarah Tarr

"This isn't what I was thinking" Pro tip for new freelancers: make sure your client sees your portfolio before beginning a project. It's happened to me and many others. People hear you're great, talented and they want something from you, but as soon as you start work for them, it's suddenly not what they were looking for. I ALWAYS make sure that clients have seen some of my work before we begin doing business. "what pieces of my portfolio stand out to you?" An easy question to ask your clients so they understand what type of work they'll be getting. Not all freelance projects start from someone seeing your work, so it's best to have it at the ready. I have business cards with the QR code to my site on it. I have direct links on my phone home screen which pull up my socials. My website is my default homepage. In fact, I'll share mine now: www.marshialart.com

How to work with Art Directors. Short clip from Ep 10 of Brushing Up where we discuss feedback and how to deal with it as a freelancer, illustrator, and surface designer! #freelancing #illustration #constructivecriticism #brushingup #surfacedesign #constructivefeedback #creativeprocess #brushinguppodcast

WB DVD Package Art, SCOOBY-DOO: SHAGGY'S SHOWDOWN Direct-To-Video Feature. Adobe Photoshop. This was yet another "hurry-it-up" assignment, for freelance. Working from a sketch furnished by Warner Home Video, I was required to render the Scooby-Doo gang, and the Dapper Jack ghost. Even though Daphne, Velma, and Fred are mostly concealed within the stagecoach, they insisted that I draw each of these characters full figure (which I included on individual layers). Typically, this is done to provide the client with the freedom to manipulate the composition to some degree, as well as opening up the possibility of reusing each character pose elsewhere. But because of the specificity of these poses, it's difficult to fathom reusing them with much variety or quality. So, this insistence can be an understandable aggravation for the artist, but for any added compensation for the extra work. In the end, more changes were demanded by WHV. However, I was, regrettably, not involved in that, possibly due to the frantic time schedule. Yee-haw!

Before you dive headfirst into your next project as a 3D artist, keep an eye out for these 5 red flags 🟥🟥🟥 that could save you from headaches down the road. Here's your handy guide to spotting potential problem clients: 🟥🟥🟥 1.Vague or Unclear Briefs: Beware of clients who provide vague or unclear project briefs. Lack of clarity upfront can lead to misunderstandings, endless revisions, and frustration for both parties. Clear communication from the get-go is key! 2.Unrealistic Expectations: If a client's expectations seem too good to be true, they probably are. Watch out for clients who demand high-quality work in an unrealistic timeframe or offer low pay for complex projects. Know your worth and steer clear of projects that undervalue your skills. 3.Poor Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of any successful project. If a client is unresponsive, dismissive, or difficult to reach, it could be a sign of trouble ahead. Smooth communication channels are essential for a smooth workflow. 4.Scope Creep: Keep an eye out for clients who continually expand the scope of the project without adjusting the timeline or budget accordingly. Scope creep can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and resentment. Set clear boundaries and address scope changes proactively. 5.Late or Non-Payment: Perhaps the biggest red flag of all is late or non-payment. If a client is dodging invoices or making excuses for delayed payments, it's time to reevaluate the relationship. Your time and expertise are valuable—don't settle for anything less than fair compensation. Remember, as a freelance artist, you have the power to choose your clients. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to walk away from projects that raise red flags. Your sanity and success are worth it! 🚀💼 #FreelanceLife #3DArtists #ClientRedFlags

How to work with Art Directors. Short clip from Ep 10 of Brushing Up where we discuss feedback and how to deal with it as a freelancer, illustrator, and surface designer! #freelancing #illustration #constructivecriticism #brushingup #surfacedesign #constructivefeedback #creativeprocess #brushinguppodcast

Created a playful illustrative asset for our Small Fry Collective recorded sessions. If you missed the event we did last month with lead Illustration Agent Clara Marcus from the renowned Illustration & Artist Agency The Jacky Winter Group.. you can purchase the recording & and resources below 💬 Recording Available Here: https://lnkd.in/e3gJ-zyd Clara shared some of the agency’s latest work and discussed the following questions below throughout her presentation, in addition to answering lots of the live participants' amazing Q’s too! 🍊 What does an illustration agency really do? 🍊 How can freelance illustrators market their work to clients? 🍊 What do agencies look for when signing new artists? 🍊 How can we educate clients on licensing + fair budgets? 🍊 What should we be looking for when reviewing a contract? They also shared resources and tools the agency have developed for freelance illustrators such as their: 🌛 Pricing calculator 🌛 Annual trend report 🌛 Licensing resources 🌛 Introducing Choreus their ad-hoc production service It really was jam-packed with info to help those illustrators looking for an agent to start those initial steps, in addition to those needing some freelance business advice & and encouragement too. #illustration #illustrator #creativebusiness #agent #pricing