To go with my post, 14 Tips for Beginning Freelance Illustrators, I’m giving away a copy of Creative, Inc. The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho of Oh Joy!
Now, Creative, Inc. is not just geared to illustrators, but offers advice for all types of creative freelancers: designers, photographers, animators, graphic designers, prop stylists + more. It starts of with the basics of setting up shop, picking a name, establishing your brand and the like and goes through finding and keeping clients, calculating fees, contracts, how to get paid and all the technical nuts and bolts of freelancing. I think my favorite part of the book are the interviews with successful creative freelancers. What better way to learn how to do than to learn from the those who are actually doing it!
Enter to win your own copy
Leave comment on this post with your freelancing plans or experience. Are you just starting out, thinking about freelancing, going to be leaving school soon and not sure what your plans are…share and be entered to win. This giveaway will end Friday, November 19th, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. One random commenter will be chosen and notified via email.
To purchase your own copy – Creative, Inc. The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business
I’m interested in this book as I was forced to quit the illustration field when Work for Hire contracts took over. I think the tide is changing, and as someone who moved into her own business on etsy, I’m also ready to get back into illustration. I realize I need to educate myself fully, as if I don’t-my misjudgment and actions could affect the livelihood of another illustrator-this is how Work for Hire contracts got so popular-artists undersold themselves and didn’t treat their illustration work like a business. I feel I could use this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
Congratulations to Dagny for winning!
For over 25 years I’ve been a freelance graphic designer. Now I’m changing my focus to bring Bolt + Frolic to fruition. Going from a service-based business to a product-based one is a pretty overwhelming, and perhaps this book could help guide me through. Thanks for the chance to win it!
my freelancing ambitions are not quite so crafty or artistic — i’m working on my credentials to become a freelance book indexer. my dream is to index craft books, though!
Over the years I have worked as a freelance indexer, court researcher and as a crafts of the 1800’s intructer…
I’ve been freelancing for about 8 months now and am still learning. This book has been on my wishlist for a while!
I managed to become a freelance writer, stage manager, and am well on my way to being a freelance health coach as well. Since I sort of fell into it, I would love a copy of this book!
I have Meg’s other books, but have never seen this one… I would love to get my hands on a copy!
with my business i work with freelancers but have been tempted to test the waters myself. just not sure where/how to start. i think the hardest thing is figuring out what to charge without undervaluing your work.
I’ve just started on the freelance path and want to ramp things up – this book could be a guiding light for me!
Pllllleeeease pick me! Seriously, I need it. I work as a photographer, and then also have another full time job. I need help figuring out how I’m just gonna do the photography thing and get rid of the boring full time job. 🙂
I would love to add this book to my shelf. I just started my own surface pattern and graphic design studio (www.wrkdesigns.com) and am new to the whole freelancing thing. So far it’s been working out well, but it’s always good to learn more and figure out how to get new clients!
Ohjoy is my favorite blogger and I would like to read her book too. At the moment I am an executive assistant in a little but international internet company. My dream is to have my own creative company. I am thinking out business ideas every day;)
Joy has been my inspiration for many years now. I have been an ardent fan of her blog..this n that post being my fav! when joy started ohjoyeats…that’s it! i was in love 🙂
i’ve always wondered if it would be ok to ask her how she does it all…manage blog(s) and freelance and make time for those yum snacks. it has been my dream to learn it from Joy herself. this book is definitely a part of it!
thank you for the joy you bring to my life!
I am a freelance graphic designer, and I am a HUGE fan of Oh Joy and have been wanting the book since it came out! I also posted the promotional video for the book on my blog back in August. My birthday is on Nov. 19th…would LOVE it if I won on my b-day!! Thanks for the chance! 😀
I make things in my free time. I have a regular job that pays the bills, but I would love to earn a living turning my hobby into a business.
I have had some thoughts about freelancing and I think that is what I want to do once I am done with school. I have been an Interior Design major but this semester I decided to change it to Studio Art/ Graphic Design. 🙂 I just love all of it! I think reading this book would help me develop this idea. I was going to buy it but it would be great to win it! 😉
WOW! This is awesome! I’m trying to craft/write/live indie-style while working at a school in Honduras. So much inspiration here for creativity that matters! I’d love to get my hands on this book!
I’ve thought seriously about starting an etsy shop, and exploring continuing ed to help build my confidence and illustration skills. I’d love to have this book in my library so I can reference it whenever I need to. Thank you!
I tried freelancing way before I had the skill set necessary to really make a go of it. Now that I have a few more years of experience under my belt, I really want to get back into freelancing as it’s a great way to explore the million and one things I’m interested in…and find another million and one things to add to the “like” list.
I have two sisters – one is a florist, one is an interior designer. We are always dreaming about starting our own creative business “Three Sisters” where we can combine our talents, have the freedom of working for ourselves, and create beautiful things for others!! Thanks for this opportunity and the inspiration!
I’m an architect, and am starting out slowly trying to build a client base before I can open my own firm. I’d love to have my office in space that can double as an event / gallery space! We’ll see…
i’m just starting out as a designer. i want to do some decorating and calligraphy on the side…i’m currently working part time and going to school, as well as taking care of my little 22 month old munchkin. i’d love to learn more about the process and how to get started!
I’m not freelancing yet, but it could happen in my future. I’m loving running a style blog and have a million ideas for collaboration and writing in the future. Part of getting ready to really by on my own is reading up on it… thanks for the great giveaway!
I have a day job that I like, but I really want to break free and pursue my love for [graphic] design
I am a San Francisco native who just transplanted to LA… I do a lot of freelance floral design for local boutique companies, however I do have a convenient little garage that always calls my name.
I’d love to represent my own style and use your lovely tips and guidance to make that a reality!
I actually put your book on my Chronicle Book Hauliday wish list! I am just changing careers and want to start with freelancing. I love how your book is perfect for newbie like myself.
I’m graduating in May with a BFA in Graphic Design and a HUGE fan of Oh Joy! I need all the help I can get! What a lovely giveaway!
My fiance and I are looking into launching a web design business together, and I’ve been thinking for a while that this book would be just perfect. Thanks so much for hosting such an awesome giveaway!
I have a full time job as a creative director and do some freelance, but would love to grow that work into a full time job. So, I can work on projects that I am passionate about and believe in!
I have been a part time freelance graphic designer for the past 10 years. Mostly word of mouth from previous jobs. I have always had a day job to keep me secure and hope to branch out on my own entirely within the next 3 years! I know major things need to change for me to be able to make that goal a reality.
I started out making handcrafted cards and became a freelance graphic designer in 2007 — which then spread to making wedding stationery. So now I make cards, design stationery, and do print design under my own company that just launched in September of this year! I’m so excited, but yet this is all so new and fresh for me and I often find myself lost! But with every mistake made, I gained a new outlook.
Kind of just starting out and could really use some good advice. thanks
Love your fabulous site. It’s one of the inspriring reasons I want to start a craft based business.
I would love LOVE this book as I’m just starting to do more freelance – I need help though!
Finding myself still unemployed after a year I realize I need to do my own thing! I’ve marketed other companies for years and now find it different marketing myself! Who would have thought… this could be really helpful to me!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
I’m just starting out in my freelancing career, as a side job to my 8-5 job. I’d love to win this book to guide me on my journey! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hello, I’m 18 this year, and I’ve always liked to make things especially sew things! It was only last year that I discovered etsy & the craft/Art bloggers c: I was so excited I spent the entire 1 month I had personalizing my blog, before school started. However,within the course of the year, I could not blog at all about the Art thingies I was doing because they were part of my A level examination (& apparently you can’t post photos on the internet until you get your results) BUT thankfully ^^ my exams end on the 26th! I plan to post illustrations daily (so so ambitious), intern at my previous art teacher’s studio (bag designing), & also continue to explore film photography. And somehow, manage a short stopmotion animation. There are just so many things I wish to try (pottery!!!)all the time, sometimes I get carried away with listing them c: , so, as I finally break-free from the stressful education system, I’ll hopefully be able to do the things I love !
Hello, I’m 18 this year, and I’ve always liked to make things especially sew things! It was only last year that I discovered etsy & the craft/Art bloggers c: I was so excited I spent the entire 1 month I had personalizing my blog, before school started. However,within the course of the year, I could not blog at all about the Art thingies I was doing because they were part of my A level examination (& apparently you can’t post photos on the internet until you get your results) BUT thankfully ^^ my exams end on the 26th! I plan to post illustrations daily (so so ambitious), intern at my previous art teacher’s studio (bag designing), & also continue to explore film photography. And somehow, manage a short stopmotion animation. There are just so many things I wish to try (pottery!!!)all the time, sometimes I get carried away with listing them c: , so, as I finally break-free from the stressful education system, I’ll hopefully be able to do the things I love !
I am a freelance photographer just starting to pull together a business. My plans are still jumbled around in my head but it’s slowly pulling itself together!
I’d love to be a lucky winner – Meg Mateo Ilasco is my favorite author, her writing style is great and it makes you feel that you are talking with a great friend, who is full of advise and knowledge. This business planner is awesome. Please, pick me!
I’m also getting serious about my illustration and stories and would lov ethi s helpful tool!
I’m about 2-3 weeks away from launching my Etsy store. I’m nervous, excited, overwhelmed, and terrified all at once. It’s a big step for me, something I have been working on for a long time, and a bit of guidance would be so helpful!
Hey, i’ve been meaning to check this book out!
I freelance at the moment, but always learning 🙂
I’m just getting started freelancing.. I freelance marketing and as of right now am doing it on a volunteer basis to buildup a portfolio and some great references. I’d love this book! I’m obsessed with any sort of business help book 🙂
My husband has been doing freelance illustration on and off for a year or so now, as well as working at an ad agency for the steady paycheck. Just this past weekend, he asked me if I wanted to quit my job and become his agent full-time…getting him jobs, writing press releases, finding clients, etc…and using my journalism degree to promote him. My answer? Heck yes! Although we are still a few months away from this dream of both quitting and working as a team, I am so excited and am ready to absorb any info I can on promoting his amazing art, which is why I NEED this book. We’re just two 26-year-olds trying to live the dream.
Little experience: I’ve wanted to give a little try in the illustration side of things, in fact, finding a newspaper that every now and then would need my services. Fingers crossed that it’ll turn out well. 🙂
I do a bit of freelance writing (which doesn’t pay very well at all) and a bit of freelance photography. I am hoping to soon turn one of these things into a career and drop the day job!
This most definitely seems like something I’d like! Freelance work is something that I’ve been looking into and I think this book would be very useful!
I keep trying to convince my sister that she needs to freelance as a landscape architect and I know she’s considered it, but keeps stopping just short of taking the final step. Maybe this would help her make the leap and just do it.
Funny thing, I have put my notice in at my 9-5. My last day in corporate america will be Jan 7,2011. (HOW CRAZY!?!?!) I will then start crafting full time.(HOW DREAMY!?!?!) My husband and I have started to write a business plan, budget and figuring out branding ideas. I would love to have this book as a helpful tool.
I would love to win a copy and have more guidance in the freelancing arena. I’ve been in it for a while, but a different industry and sometimes I feel like I dove in without the basics…
Hi, Im a freelance illustrator/designer/photographer… I have an indie dream-business, I could really use that book :3
I’m currently freelancing providing creative services to style-savvy businesses such as fashion lifestyle companies that cater to girls of all ages. It’s my first year as a full-time freelancer after over 7 years in the fashion and consumer products industry.
i have an awesome full time job but on the side, i’m starting up a vintage business! i am setting up at street fairs and festivals and selling my items. i’d love to turn it into a fulltime business!
There’s so much to learn about getting into industry and being successful. This book seems like a good start.
I have tried freelance in the past and I don’t always know what I need to do to be better at it. I would love the book.
i’m just starting out and considering freelance industrial design and would love to win this book because i’ve heard a lot about it.
I recently left a full time job at a hospital to stay home with our 2 wonderful foster kids. I’ve done lots of graphic design and love crafting, but I’ve never struck out on my own. There is a time for everything!
I’m a freelance designer and web developer. I graduated in May of this year. I’m working on building my freelance career, as well as starting another design business on the side with my best friend & colleague. This book looks like something that would be incredibly beneficial to me!! I’m looking for any opportunity to grow and learn whatever I can.
I love crafting with paper, and have made several cards for people to give as gifts. I’ve also done invitations for a number of weddings, engagements and christenings as well as making dinner invitations for myself.
Most of my work is word of mouth, which isn’t as much as I’d like given there’s only so many weddings that can go on. I want to get out there and really start working on my passion in earnest.
I am madly working away at opening my own business. I design and I’m a printmaker. I loved Meg’s book Craft, Inc.
I have always been a writer, but never have known how to go about making money from it. Everyone is always telling me I should be a writer, and I always think to myself, “Hmmm, I have never seen a classified ad that says ‘Writer Wanted’ so that’s out.” If i knew how to go about frelancing, it is something I would love to try, and this book just might help me get there.
Great timing! I’m still in school but it’s about time for me to start thinking about my future after I get my degree… this book would be so helpful! Thanks for the giveaway!
This sounds like just the book I need. I’m just starting out selling my work and giving sewing lessons. I need tips to take by business further.
I could use this book so badly. I have a few different freelance business going right now and none of them are really taking off like I had hoped. I’m a landscape designer, graphic designer, and photographer. I could definitely use some guidance in how to build my business without spreading myself too thin. Thanks for the opportunity!
I’m a freelance translator and hope to get into writing too. I’d love to own a copy of this book. It would be so useful!
I still learning to work on freelance.
I know this book will held me a lot.
I’m a freelance designer and photographer. I’m entering year number two of working from home and I love it. That book looks wonderful! Even after a year, I still don’t have everything down!
I’ve just started out with freelance illustration, and while I’ve sold a few pieces and I’ve gotten a few jobs, I could really use some guidance as to how to go about growing. This is my dream – I want to be as smart about it as possible, but I don’t have the money to go back to school (again). I think this book would really help me.
This looks like a very useful book! I am currently doing freelance graphic design in my free time, but eventually I’m hoping to transition to it full-time from my current corporate America cube. Thanks for the giveaway!
~Chelsea
I just put this book on my wishlist on Saturday! I am about to go back to school for graphic design. I love graphic design and really just all kinds of arts and crafts in general. While I am in school, I am hoping to dable with some freelance work for some extra pocket change. I really think that this book would help a lot.
I would love to own this book! I am a designer, illustrator and photographer. I have been doing this work for about 10 years, but the business side of things always trips me up. This book would be a tremendous help! Thank you 🙂
OMG…. How apt is this giveaway for where I’m at!! I am just in the throws of starting my own little screen printing business and have no idea where to start and it’s all quite overwhelming!! This looks like a fantastic little book! I got my fingers crossed here.. 🙂
I am hoping to get into designing eventually, and this book is on my wishlist!
I’ve been trying to get into freelance for a bit now. Mostly writing, but also some graphical work. I want to go back to school next year to really kickstart it. 🙂
I just hate being in a cube at my corporate job. I plan on quitting in February of next year, and doing my own thing. What might that thing be? I have no idea!!!! I’m a bit nervous, but I think part of it is that I’m so busy with working that I never have time to sit down and consider what I want to do.
A friend just ordered a copy and she let me look thru it but I would love to have a copy of my own. I can use all the help I can get. I would like to find advice on how to market my images so that I can actually try to make a living on my artwork.
I am 29 years old, I have a BFA in studio art, and an MFA in creative writing. I make things, I think on a professional level, but have been struggling for years with how to get someone to PAY me to make things.
This looks like a very helpful book! I am just starting out in illustration (well have been for a few years) and I feel like I’m just starting to find my groove.
I will be going back to school to take Graphic Design then off to find my creative way with a dream of freelancing from home. This book is already on my wish list so will be mine but thanks for the chance to win it.
I’d love this book, my school never got us ready for freelancing ( I studied video production/post production and design) and now I am way worried about it killing my personal life if I did go freelance in production or photography
I am a freelance translator, now venturing into interior design and freelance writing about design. I heard so much about this book and I’d love to win it!