Starting a business is so simple these days. It pretty much comes down to this: develop a skill that other people will pay for, and then use the internet to find those people. This concept can be applied to just about anything, and I think a lot of you guys don't realize how easy it is.
>another friend with art degree
>hears that storyboard artists can get paid $150/day doing boards
>starts focusing exclusively on being a freelance storyboard artist, building up site and portfolio
>starts running ads on google/bing to get the ball rolling
>storyboarding is a low competition niche so his name was always one of the first to pop up in search
Now he's always booked. He doesn't even run ads anymore.
I could go on all day. With one of my online businesses, I deal with a lot of "psychics" and "tarot readers." These people literally provide an imaginary service. PayPal them $25 and they'll give you a "psychic reading" via e-mail. They find all of their clients just by being active on Instagram. Occasionally, they'll pay a larger Instagram account to shout them out. A lot of these people are insane and say all kinds of weird shit. Yet they've still figured out how to run their own business online.
Frankly, being an artist is very tough and making money as an artist is not that easy.
But can vouch for this case which you have mentioned and its right for all art related category. Especially if the artist is talented and experienced then, he/she can earn $200-$500/ per day easily according to his/her hourly rates. It depends on the complexity level too. Your friend is undoubtedly an experienced individual that's why he/she is earning $150 per day. it happens if someone is getting regular work from the same client on a monthly basis. I am guessing this because usually storyboard artist gets bulk work in one go or lengthy contract. Let 's say a minimum of a 2-3 month.
I am a freelancer as well since 2013-2014 ( 3d Game Artist/ Character Modeler) $150/day is a perfect amount if the project is long (condition apply: if you are from developing county). Because in developing countries, studios charges are around $200/day = 1 Artist. So for any individual freelancer, $150 is a right amount.
Otherwise, beginners situation is not very good. It's cutthroat competition when it comes to freelancing. I remember my initial months when I left my regular 8 to 5 job and started doing freelancing. Oh boy! believe me, that was tough. Seen very $&#^ up days. made tons of mistakes while choosing projects, clients, hourly rate, time management, etc
But after 3-4 years of experience in freelance, now i can somehow choose my clients on my terms if I want. Money is good too after all hard work one can easily earn $3k-4k ( I am from India and its very good amount for me). on the good month, you can earn 2-3x too if you plan accordingly like commision work.
Before starting a freelancing career one should definitely tick a few things according to my experience.
First Phase :
1. Control your emotions and don't take quick decisions
2. Backup is always good (financially)
3. Be ready to become your salesmen, manager, accountant and worker at the same time. you are alone on this, believe or not
Second Phase :
4. Know your Clients requirements
5. Check if client legit
6. Respect your work and time ( Chances are you will not so you will accept bad clients + low payment because you have to pay bills nothing you can do about that) that's why Point
2 is important ( go back to the first phase)
7. After making mistakes. learn from your mistakes and Move on because no one cares about it except you.
8. Never ever rely on a single client. No matter how big he/she is and how big their promises are.
9. Keep learning. raise your standard if you wanna stand out. you are finish that day when you stop learning.
Third Phase :
10. Know your worth
11. Make a good business relationship with clients
12. Learn to say No
13. Your work is your signature. Never forget that, so no cheat!
14. Don't rely on hard work alone, smart work is needed too
15. Again Backup is always good
