Hi! I have a question that idk if anyone here even knows the answer too but it can't hurt to ask! xD

Basically, I lost my job almost 2 months ago and money is almost out, I am applying for work but they're not calling me so while I suffer the "don't call us we'll call you" I need to make money some other way...sooner is better than later. So my only marketable skill aside from what I did at my job (I bound, cut, and shipped books) is my artwork. I'm not a programmer (I know minimal html and trying to learn GML but that's for GameMaker only so that's generally useless) so any job I see for Graphic Design or Web Design I'm not qualified for. I know this, I can paint, I can draw, and I can make things on the computer. SO! How would I go about getting the attention of small local businesses for stuff? Kinda like a freelance contractor or something.
Like, for example. There's a lot of farming where I live (I'm not in a rural place but there are areas like that around here) so if they want to sell their produce I could make their posters....Or if a small shop for something is opening I can make their signs or images for their website (just the images though)...Or design the advertizements that they mass print for their store front. Business cards! IDK just something.

Most places I look for that kinda thing want me to have a degree or else I don't count for anything, which is not only frustrating but somewhat insulting. (Not to start a schooling debate I'm just saying)

So, any ideas how to get this? I want it local if at all possible, and I know about websites where you put yourself out there but there are so many people that I feel I'll get lost, and my age doesn't help because I'm so young most people will probably see "unexperienced, non-educated, and too young". I know the saying "The key is to stand out" but in a place that jumbled I really don't see how that is possible.

Any suggestions are welcomed though, including websites it can't hurt me to look anyway. xD



Thanks!


~ God Bless ~

~ Moko

Sorry to hear about that, Moko. Trust me; I feel your pain. This whole planet is going down hill. As for getting your work seen, you can try some websites out but many want you to pay for the privilege to sell.

Good idea wallace

Check out these sites for freelance work: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6965-f ... sites.html I know some people who've found tech writing projects through Upwork.

Since you don't have a degree, your best option is to pound the pavement locally. Make a portfolio of your best work and go knocking on doors. Big companies already have graphic artists with design degrees, so look for small companies and sole proprietors. At this stage in your career, any project is good, even if you're working free as a favor to somebody you know. Or for a charity. Anything to get visibility and add to your portfolio.

Show us your website. Show everybody your website.

As many others said, for an artist the important thing is to show "materially" a portfolio, then if your works are appreciated they will never ask for a school degrees: art does not have to be "certified"; the biggest problem is to show art of that particular type that's interesting for those you contact, a "feeling match" between need and art.

Moko, I am sorry for your current situation. Good advice told below, I only can add if you focussed in a few nice paints as you always create, the process of farming around to get their final products, to educational interest to children. Many children think that eggs , butter, yogurt etc... are products come out from shelves in supermarkets. Well it's only an idea. If a farm manager sees in your draws an attractive promotion in its local brand, he could be interested in spread it under educational interest, being that brand better known.
Talking about shops, it would be nice (create 3 or 4 items related to the shop in about postal size, if shoes, create 4 different shoes paints, if clothes 4 different items etc. added its brands, of course) then managers in charge, could see that your personal paints could be an more incentive for clients being given as a gift at the receipt. Many people loves collecting nice things and yours are very nice. You would have to present your ideas and draws personally as something interesting or innovative in their business. Luck Moko.

From what I have seen of your work you would be a great children's book illustrator. Try to get the word out through websites and use your blog etc as your resume unless of course you have one.
You can make one online if you need!
Best of luck for the future!

As was said earlier any thing that you do can get you ahead. Do you know any young families, schools, etc where they might like someone to draw pictures for them? You may not get much to start with but it should be a start.

Hi! Thank you for the suggestions. Right now I'm trying to sell stuff, though for not much but if they all sell it'll be a weeks rent. I like the idea of piling up stuff for a specific group to show, I think I'll use my mixed media book for that so they're all in one space. I'm also thinking about making an online store but that will require exposure and right now that isn't convenient, but I could still do exposure locally. If anyone knows somebody (preferably in US or Canada but I'll contemplate anywhere) that would like a painting let me know. lol