1) How have you found working free-lance?? What have you found are the biggest challenges? Have you needed to have other employment alongside this?
Busy and stressful at times, but the upsides are I can push it, but also back off if it starts to be be too much. Having a good friend (my wife) does help you recognise this though!
2) How did you start getting commissions/putting yourself out there within the music world? and therefore how do you suggest I should go about making contacts?
My motto in life is if you don't ask you don't get. I have had this from the get go. I am always asking be it via email or in some cases face to face. What do you have to loose? Be prepared for knockbacks. If I counted I have had hundreds over the years, but it hasn't stopped me pursuing what my aim is. Do it politely though, politeness goes a hell of a long way! Contacts wise, for me was going to gigs, asking the roady in the early days who the manager was. Nowadays we have the internet, so I am always scouting record labels who is the correct person to speak to. Research is key, that and putting your work out there for people to see. That is the biggest business card there is. I started with the bands I was in. I made all the art, from flyers to posters.
3) When you get commissions for posters and covers, how much free reign do you have over the artwork?
Depends on the client. To be honest I have been lucky to work with really open minded musicians who trust what I do. I still every now and again get direction, of which I am happy to have. Its a trade off of your ideas and keeping them happy!
4) Have you found that analogue or digital is more popular? Or do you always find that you use a combination?
No preference at all, I tend to work in both realms, if I had to tie it down by choice I would like to work fully analogue, but time is the issue on that one!
5) What tips would you have for me trying to get into the world of art and music? Is it more important to find a niche/have a particular style or be versatile? What would make a strong portfolio?
Getting as much experience as you can, work for free very little though, people can take the p!@£$$ in the music industry. So be aware to turn people down. Talent costs money, so remember your time is valuable, so charge. It will also make people aware that you are treating your career as professional. Nothing comes for free nowadays. Another aspect is to get your artwork out there. I still send work out to exhibitions no matter how small. You never know who is going to see it. Like before, your art work is your biggest business card. I always work like my last piece of work is my last. As in this business you never know when the next job might come, so make your last piece of work the strongest. Portfolio wise is simple. Showcase what you love about art, be yourself and don't try to please. Your portfolio is about all the best attributes you hold as an artist. People can spot honesty a mile off, and on the flip side, can see crap a mile off too!
Reallly appreciate the comment below, its something I try to juxtapose, the influence of the old, but with my own take on it. Good luck with the course, enjoy it and use all the facilities you bloody well can!
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