Where I see myself & different agencies

Where do I see myself?

Personally, I typically see myself going down the freelance route. The creative freedom of this particular path really appeals to me and I think in being open to different contracts and companies will allow me to explore and apply myself creatively to different briefs, giving me the chance to expand further as a designer/illustrator. The concept of being my own boss is something which I believe I could handle as well, and since being creative is something I thoroughly enjoy I don't view self-motivation as something I would struggle with.

I do understand, however, that freelancing comes with it's own disadvantages compared with what I would face if I was employed/worked for an agency, such as the lack of security, or the fact there's no guarantee of another contract when my current one ends. Although many of the pitfalls which come with freelancing seem daunting I somewhat believe that facing them would provide a valuable lesson and a better understanding on where I want to be in this industry, better preparing me for anything design related I wish to tackle in the future.

With that being said, however, I still feel that being employed by an agency or being part of a design-house would be a good experience, and I can see myself willing to try out these routes also - even if my preference is freelance. I need to be open to different opportunities in the event that perhaps freelance isn't right for me, even if I feel so strongly about it at present moment.

How do I want to be represented?

Presumably, since my preference is freelance, I would represent myself.

How do I want to be perceived by the market?

I would want to be perceived as a definite hard worker, able to keep my head down and work to my full capacity for any brief. I think it would be a good aspect to show my independence and my ability to work as a one-man team, but to also show my capability of working amongst others - as I know I'll have to take on constructive criticism from clients who hire me and have their own valued ideas. Since I'd be selling myself and my work it'd be important to be perceived as an individual with a small variety of styles which help define my persona as a designer/illustrator.

How do I want to win commissions?

As I aspire to go down the freelancing route I think it'd be important to win commissions through showing originality and an individual style, allowing me to stand out from any competitors and gain potential clients. Word of mouth and a good reputation would also be a good way to win commissions, however this is something I would have to build up and work incredibly hard for - but it's definitely something to strive towards.

Examples of freelancing artists:

• Fran Meneses - Fran, or 'Frannerd', is an illustrator situated in Berlin.
• Teagan White - Teagan White is a freelance designer/illustrator who lives and works in Minnesota.
• Rebecca Green - Rebecca Green is a Denver based freelance illustrator who originally grew up in Michigan.

Agencies/Design Houses:

• Nobrow - A publishing company "with the aim to provide an independent platform for graphic art, illustration and art comics in the UK and abroad".
• Début Art - An agency for illustrators and artists aiming to promote "the world's finest leading visual communications artists".
• Dirty Hands Co - "A creative design studio based in Newcastle England, born from the desire to create unique, vibrant imagery across whatever we can get our hands on."
• ILOVEDUST - "A multi-disciplinary studio" who focus on creating "fresh, innovative design".