It is a privilege to be a part of such a creative community. The first creative organization I had the privilege of joining over a decade ago was the Colorado Alliance of Illustrators. It was a part of this group’s meetings and gallery shows I eventually developed a respect and friendship with the talented illustrator and art licensor, Mark Bowers. Mark is a fellow Coloradoan artist who is celebrating his 10th anniversary as a freelancer after 16 years designing and illustrating at Current, Inc. To celebrate the occasion he wrote his “Top 10 Proverbs of Freelancing” of things he has learned along the way. He generously gave me permission to share them here with you.
“Top 10 Proverbs of Freelancing”
- When the client needs the work ASAP, he is really asking you to save the day. Do it and make him look great!
- Act like a business or you will look like a hobby.
- Your unique gifts are your unique solutions to the client’s unique problems.
- If you sell out on your values, the client won’t respect you in the morning.
- Persistence means to take longer than you thought and go through more obstacles than you imagined.
- Creativity embraces change. Change embraces creativity.
- Always start with a pencil and paper. If you start on the computer, your imagination will be stuck in a box.
- True success is rarely measured by the dollar, but seeking the dollar can provide immeasurable personal success.
- Perfect balance in life is difficult even for a scale. It’s ok, what is on it is always changing. Be glad about the right things on your scale and scrape off the dead weight.
- Be thankful to the One who gave you the talent and the guts to create something beautiful from nothing.
As I begin my eleventh year, I am looking forward to continued growth, and success in many different ways. I hope you are too. And if our paths should cross, may it be a pleasure to grow together.
My best to you,
Mark
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