What are some of the most popular myths about the successful self-taught? We’ll debunk a few of them here:

Entrepreneurs are anti-social.

While it may often seem like many of us who are dedicated to reaching success mostly on our own devices are anti-social or introverted somehow, the fact is we simply get “wrapped up” in our work, and usually have an enormous capacity for focus. Not introverted, just dedicated to getting where we want to go!

The self-taught are risk-taking gamblers.

Nothing could be further from the truth! If anything, those of us who are designers, writers, or professional artists are control freaks who will only get involved in the game if they can use their own marked deck of cards. If anything, we usually avoid taking risks that could actually further our success because – well, it just seems too risky.

Men are geared more toward entrepreneurialism than women.

What? No way! This is a HUGE lie – in fact, women have the same abilities as men, but are actually at an even bigger advantage in one area – growing a business to successful levels after it has launched. Why is this? Most women “connect” with others naturally and build a stronger foundation because of their outreach to others. Some Men typically only reach out to determine if their competition is beating them, or for reasons related to money. Oh well, as the old saying goes, “boys will be boys.”

A college degree is necessary for success.

Ha! The truth of the matter is most self-taught successful people have no college degree, they’re simply driven and have no aversion to digging and scratching their way through whatever it takes to reach their goals. Need proof? A few of the self-starters who ended up reaching unimaginable success without a degree include the founders of IKEA, McDonald’s and the Ford Motor Company.

Other common myths about those who choose to teach themselves whatever it is they want to learn is that it’s easy, and that anyone can achieve their dreams as long as they have a great idea.

You don’t have to have a great idea, all that is required is that you’re passionate about what you do, and dedicated to making it work – and sometimes the learning process and work involved leave you drained and downright exhausted, but in the end it’s definitely worth it.

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How to Look at Rejection in a Positive Way

No one wants to be rejected by a potential new client, or even one they’ve worked for in the past.

For a freelancer, the possibility of rejection is a constant; you land one job, complete it, then start the process all over again with a new client, which could possibly mean rejection. It’s important that you begin to realize that you aren’t going to please 100% of prospective clients 100% of the time. Once you understand this, it won’t hurt so bad. Unlike those who are employed at a job and go through the interview one time, you face the possibility every time you take on a new client.

Website and graphic designers, writers, and others who rarely or never face rejection possibly avoid it for one of two reason: Either their prices are too low, or they’re perfect – and we all know there is not a human being on earth that’s perfect.

Sometimes you understand the rejection.

When you’re given a reason, such as your prices are too high, it makes the rejection easier to bear. You can move on to a client who realizes the true value of your work, and doesn’t complain about price. When you get objections that are reasonable, it’s less painful.

Sometimes you don’t understand the rejection.

This is when rejection is really painful – when you are turned down by a client you thought you would be an ideal “fit” for, and you don’t know why. Or, they give you a reason but it really doesn’t make sense to you. This is when it can feel personal, but don’t let it affect your pride or your motivation. Move on to the next client.

Realize that freelancing is business.

In the real world, people get quotes and “comparison shop” every day. It’s the same on the internet. In nearly any graphic artist, web design, or other freelancing field you’re up against hundreds or even thousands of competitors. People want the best value for their money. The best things you can do is be personable and easy to get along with, and make yourself stand out from the crowd in some way – come up with an effective and unique selling proposition.

Don’t take rejection too personally! Remember, you can’t be all things to all people. Value the clients you do land, and always do your best work. Put rejection behind you, and keep pressing forward!

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There are countless cartoons and videos on the plight of the undervalued artist and designer in the eyes of the client.

Tattoo artists face the same challenges. How about the client of the new tattoo artists and being told “this is a honor for you to create your art on my arm, think about all the people who will see it… and who knows maybe you will get work from this.” For professionals this doesn’t fly.

The first step in getting paid for your art, is your mindset. How do you value your work?

Giving your work away and services trade – Don’t get in the habit of it!
As beginners most professional artists have faced the client wanting the work for free or in exchange for another service. This is ok a few times. We all need a place to start and the experience. However, before you give your work away, think twice. I had an interesting experience several years back with a services trade for counseling services. When the therapist I was meeting with found out I was a artist, he wanted to trade his counseling services for mine of illustrating images for a book we was writing. At the time I was flattered. But also stressed and anxious about it. Sorta defeated the purpose of working on anxiety issues when this ‘trade’ was causing more anxiety.

It’s flattering for artists to be noticed and for others to praise their work. I think many artists thrive on this flattery, it’s like the child in us saying “look at me.”

However for artists to make a living at art they have to take a business mindset or hire a person with a business mind set to represent them so they don’t get ripped off.

Taking on the business mindset and getting paid for your work – Starts with having a process!
The words business and artist are usually seen as diametrically opposed. Aren’t artists free and not confined by rules? Isn’t business all about rules? For an artist or designer your business needs to have a process. Your process. How does working with you… work? It needs to be defined. We know how subjective art and design is. However you can and NEED TO wrap a process around it.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Project milestones: Say your doing an illustration for an author. Would your first milestone be sketched concepts or final art? Have it all clear so that when you reach the milestone you can bill your client based on this milestone. I have learned from experience to never make the end of the project the time you get paid. YOU might have all your ducks in a row and meeting the deliverable, but what if your client is the hold up?

Have at least 2 milestones that result in payment.

2. What does the end of the project look like – the deliverable? Is it based on hours, concepts, final art? How many revisions does your client get? Do they get full out ownership of the art for any reproductions? Be sure and write all the details and always ask questions. Keep all your communications clear and upfront so if need be you can remind your client what you agreed on.

3. How much is your work worth? As your portfolio grows, your endorsements grow, the demand of your work grows… you will charge more. I’ve found specific online groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogs that have helped me with pricing. I also research the norm on pricing. I still struggle with pricing my design work. Crowd sourcing for art and design has made it even more challenging in this industry.

Working in visual arts for a career can be rewarding. It’s an ongoing learning process. The entry point is your talent and skill. Some think this is all it takes. Your ability to communicate, work well with clients, market yourself and price your services is crucial and as a professional you need to always be professional.

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