In past episodes we have been speaking about ways to build your portfolio. I even shared a checklist which you that you can still download on ➡️ https://www.martinaflor.com/portfoliochecklist
In this episode we are going to:
👉🏼 Look into the 5 steps you need to take to land your first paid assignments. 👉🏼 Tear down the myth of if you build it paid assignments will just come. 👉🏼 Share a way to put yourself out there so clients notice you. 👉🏼 See the consequences of working to be showcased on social media. And much more.
If you're struggling to figure out what your portfolio should include, this episode is for you, because I’m going to cut straight to the chase and provide you with a checklist of the things your website should have to attract the right clients—and close the deal!
In the previous episode, we discussed why the websites don't work and how to avoid the pitfalls. Go check it out, is episode number 95. Now, last week, I relaunched my own website and I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned so that you can use them in your own website.
Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine), the world’s only print and online publication dedicated to sign painting (see https://bl.ag). He is a Londoner living in Catalonia, Spain, and the author of numerous books and articles about the craft of sign painting, and its history.
Your portfolio is your presentation card and is an essential tool to make money as a commercial artist. Without it, no client or customer will hit the contact button and hire you. However, most portfolios don’t serve the purpose of attracting paid assignments. In this episode I’ll tell you why and how to avoid the pitfalls. Listen up!
Today, I’ll be having a conversation with Kevin Cantrell. Head of his eponymous studio, Kevin functions as the creative director and design lead for all KCS client projects. Kevin has a deep understanding and love of lettering and typographical aesthetics. Kevin creates the type of work that makes people wonder ‘how did he do it?’. And during our session, he shared how he used observation to crack the system behind victorian graphics and come up with his own style.
During our conversation, Kevin spoke about the importance of making your art profitable, how becoming an expert can be beneficial for business. He shared his approach to hiring and partnering with other people so that he can dedicate himself to spend most of his time doing work he loves doing. Kevin is a father of five, and during the podcast, we touched on work-life balance, including some hints on how to build confidence as an artist.
If you’re wondering how to develop a style and make money with your art, this episode will be specially useful.
In this short, solo episode, I tell you about this epiphany that I had a couple of days ago, when I was struggling to find a way to find a literary agent to help me publish my upcoming book.
For many artists, reaching out for help might sound negative because it would mean that you can't do things by yourself. But that's only natural, and accepting the fact that sometimes there is an easier way to achieve what you want by asking for help to your close circle is the first and most important step towards actually achieving it.
In this solo show, I share strategies and tactics that you can use to advance your career as a lettering artist or illustrator. Today I’ll be speaking about strategies to get out of your way, share your work and start attracting dream assignments. Last week we released the episode with Ken Barber, and he inspired me to record this one. Go check it out: https://youtu.be/lHIgFYPtAtU
Today, I’ll be having a conversation with Ken Barber
Ken is a lettering artist, type designer, author, and educator. For 30 years, he's made distinctive logos for global brands and created dozens of fonts. He blames his obsession with letterforms on Don Martin comics, Santa Cruz skateboard graphics, and speed metal logos. Ken's work has been featured in a few fancy museums, including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. He’s an instructor at The Cooper Union in New York City, and teaches online lettering workshops with his wife, Lynn, to students around the globe. Currently, he's the type director and studio letterer at House Industries. Ken has written several books on design, including his award-winning Lettering Manual published in 2020.
Oh, this conversation with Ken was full of takeaways. Ken shared wise insights learned throughout his career of over 30 years making and teaching lettering, things like having mentors, putting your foot in the door as a lettering artist, developing your own voice, and navigating the ups and downs of a career. Ken spoke openly about the things that he did to become a master in his craft and go from amateur to pro, and the good news is that these are all actionable steps that you can follow to do that as well.
As a personal note, I have been wanting to interview Ken since day one, because I know how much value and insights he has to share. Now, after almost 100 podcasts under my belt, I dared to have him on the show and conduct the interview, which I dearly share with you today.
Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Podcasts · YouTube
In this solo episode I touch on how to make the transition from amateur to pro. You have invested so much time into honing your skills and doing great work, and you’re now wondering: how do I turn my passion into my livelihood? In this episode, I share with you actionable strategies to start making that transition – and engage other people who would keep you accountable along the way. What do I mean by that? Listen in on today’s show and find out!
Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Podcasts · YouTube
