Dan Ioannou BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design I've been working as a freelance designer and illustrator now for around 4 years. Picking up odd jobs here and there and building a network of contacts along the way. Freelancing has allowed me to explore different directions in the design career path. I've had opportunities to apply my skills to branding and identity, logo and icon designing, editorial and print, and illustration/character design. It's been a great side hustle to have while in education as the hours can be flexible and are in my control. The downside to it is the inconsistency of workflow and income with my priorities being uni work, it can become a bit of a juggling act. At the beginning of this year, as there were no certain prospects of an internship happening, I turned my focus to being a full-time freelancer. The year got off to a busy start with a variety of projects. A few of which were through the University Arts London temps agency, ArtsTemps. The jobs that I applied for through this channel are usually expected to conform to UAL's branding guidelines. However, some are a bit more creative like an illustrated zine that was requested from Chelsea College. The idea that the zine was to work as an exercise book for new short course students. The 16-page zine was filled with illustrated creative tasks that were to inspire creativity The team I was working with had great communications and were supportive in my exploration of various visual narratives. While nearing the completion of the zine commission, I was approached by a company called Snowbility. A ski development organisation created by Richard Fetherston, who discovered the incredible benefits that could be achieved for people with additional needs and mental health challenges through ski and snowboard coaching. The business was in the early stages of redeveloping their brand and were looking into hiring an illustrator for some artwork. Following a call with the business owner, we discussed a strategy of how we would move forward with the project. There were concerns from the owner of costs as she said most design agencies she had approached had charged out of her budget. I stated what my costs were per illustration which led on to discussing how they were looking for multiple images that could be used for merchandise and released through the year. I asked her to forward me a brief and some visuals to get a better understanding of what she had in mind and I would work out would I thought would be a reasonable price for the work I would commit to. It sounded to me like it could be a job that would get out of hand so put some time into writing out a 2-week business proposal. This would state the work I would commit to and different stages of pay I would require. The proposal also had some rough workings and inspirations board to outline what I think I could achieve in response to the brief. The final pitched I proposed was based on 8 final pieces that were reasonably priced however was turned down for being expensive! After stressing that my prices were very reasonable, I wished them luck in finding a suitable designer for the role! After a series of non-eventful job prospects like this one I lost faith in the freelancing world and turned my attention to landing another internship and luckily, struck gold. Alan Kitching is a legend in the letterpress world and someone who's work is globally recognized. An opening for a workshop assistant arose and I jumped at the opportunity. I couldn't believe my luck when I had the opportunity to work with someone who's craftmanship I have admired throughout my time at LCC. Getting to work with somebody who is so proficient in their speciality and respected my creative input was truly humbling. Unfortunately, my time at the studio was cut short because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although Alan didn't terminate my contract, I felt it unwise to continue being in a confined environment with an 80 something your old national treasure! Fortunately, I'm still going to be in touch with Alan and hopefully find some time to help him out with some projects over the summer.
Monday the 20th of April 2020, the beginning of my 5th week in isolation. A direct message dropped into my Instagram inbox this morning from unknown contact. The first message from an unknown someone requesting work from me for a couple of months now. "Hi Dan! I received your name from a friend, who said you'd be able to help me. I am currently writing a mind coaching book, on the first page, I would like an image of a woman's hands doing the heart hand gesture. Within the space of the heart, an illustration of a Universe. Look forward to your reply x" My previous experiences of working as a freelance illustrator have left their scars. My initial response to this is a negative one and filled with doubts. I don't know anything about this person, what they're like to work with and if this will be another waste of time. Is this a job that I'm gonna regret picking up?! However, given the current climate and the fact that I'm not going to be going back to my regular jobs anytime soon, the opportunity to make a bit of money outweighs my anxieties. I get busy putting together a tight business proposal of my hours and rates of pay and forward to the client. It feels as though each business deal has a certain level of risk to it and I have hopes that this will be a good transaction for my sanity and my bank balance.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
March 2022
Categories |