What I’ve learned as a Freelance Creative
Updated: Sep 4
Hello my name is Regina Humphrey. I am a creative professional from Brooklyn, NY. I specialize in book design, illustration and surface pattern. Ever since 2019, I have been freelancing. I have collaborated with university presses, startups, non-profits, and corporations. Fortunately this year I have been blessed to get a children’s book commissioned and an upcoming solo exhibition.
Part of my creative philosophy is to create authentic illustrations and stay away from artificial intelligence. My personal illustrations are based on my life experiences and interests. In recent years, I moved further away from doing digital art and now am interested in acrylic gouache.
It’s more therapeutic and just feels more hands on and a better way to reduce screen time. I try my best to stay away from trends and just be inspired by taking a walk outside and capturing movements on my phone.
I’m becoming more intentional in the artwork that I am creating. Subject matter really is important. I do illustrations that reflect my interests. One of my goals is to create illustrations that show the kind of illustrator I want to be in my portfolio. I want art directors, agents, and other potential clients to see my artistic voice. The solution is showcasing my personal projects and commission assignments to showcase my experience.
What I have learned by working with a variety of clients, is that they value original thinking, problem-solving, and a human creative perspective. They want you to be yourself and try new ways to problem solve. I’m continuing to search for editorial illustrations, book covers jobs, and publishing roles.
Work is unstable. Some years bring more opportunities than others. I have learned that I have to stay patient and persistent. To solve drought spells, I participate in Spoonflower challenges bi weekly. I occasionally do art exhibitions. I have learned that networking, visibility, and maintaining real skills are the keys to keeping a freelance career.
On October 24th, I am going to have my first solo exhibition at HOM Wine and Cafe in Park Slope. This exhibition gives me the opportunity to showcase my work to Brooklyn. I get the chance to network in person rather than online. This exhibition has pushed me to create more artwork.
I recently appeared on two podcast episodes on Silently Blessed. These opportunities help me to speak about making illustrations for young audiences. I was surprised that I had enjoyed the experience of being recorded. I am realizing that visibility isn’t about social media,it can also come from interviews, exhibitions, and creative communities. I also learned to be comfortable with my art.
Personal work allows me creative freedom. Whereas commercial work doesn’t guarantee that you can work in your own art style. Personal work is more fun to do than commercial work. Personal work is more soulful than commercial artwork. However, commercial work challenges you to explore other people’s ideas and visions. You have to deal with deadlines,revisions, communication, and working with someone else's vision. I want the two sides of my practice to support each other rather than compete.
What I have learned
Building a creative career takes time
Having good artwork is important, but being visible and making connections is a requirement
Your portfolio needs to continue to evolve as your interests and skills develop
Always be willing to learn new skills
Stay informed in what’s happening in your creative industry
Know your worth.
Looking ahead, I am eager to develop my business and illustration skills. I want my portfolio to represent my artist voice to be seen authentically. I am starting to connect with design associations to get inspired to create like The Sacred Society. And I plan on doing solo exhibitions in Brooklyn. All of these activities will help me obtain growth in my creative career.
Discussing BoBo Slim'z Nuggetz $ Gemz II
by Bernard "Jesse" James & Luemisher"MiMi" James
Listen to me on Silently Podcast espiodes down below:
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