Freelancing can offer digital artists the opportunity to turn their creativity into a career while working among a vast variety of projects, industries and clients. Whether you're interested in illustration, animation, motion graphics, graphic design, content creation or photography, freelancing allows you to build a business around your artistic strengths.
However, becoming a freelance digital artist requires more than creative talent. In addition to developing technical skills, successful freelancers often need to market themselves, build professional relationships, manage finances and continuously adapt to new opportunities.
To better understand what it takes to build a freelance creative career, we spoke with Grand Canyon University animation 2025 graduate and freelance creative Lela Lewis, who specializes in photography, animation, content creation and social media strategy while growing her own community activewear brand, Ellumunate. Guided by her Christian faith, Lewis has embraced an unconventional career path, viewing freelancing as an opportunity to use her creative gifts with purpose while serving others.
What Is a Freelance Digital Artist?
A freelance digital artist is a self-employed creative professional who produces digital artwork or creative services for clients on a project or contract basis rather than working as a full-time employee for a single company. Some freelancers specialize in one area, while others offer a combination of creative services to meet client needs.
Depending on their interests and expertise, freelance digital artists may create:
Lewis originally envisioned becoming a full-time entrepreneur through her clothing brand and freelancing wasn't part of her initial plan. "Freelancing was actually not something I wanted to pursue," Lewis explained. "Although I love entrepreneurship, for some reason, it felt different, and I didn't want to build two things." After graduating from GCU and completing an advertising internship, she found herself drawn toward freelance creative work while continuing to grow, Ellumunate.
Her experience highlights an important point for aspiring freelancers: your career path may not unfold exactly as you expect. Remaining open to new opportunities can lead you toward experiences that help you grow professionally while continuing to pursue your long-term goals — a key draw of freelancing.
Skills You Need To Become a Freelance Digital Artist
Freelance digital artists need a combination of artistic ability, technical knowledge and business skills. While creative talent is essential, successful freelancing also requires professionalism, organization and communication.
Gaining a solid understanding of certain topics can help freelancers manage projects, communicate professionally with clients and build a sustainable business over time. Lewis recommends building knowledge in areas such as:
Beyond business knowledge, technical skills may vary depending on your specialty, but often include proficiency with industry-standard software and creative workflows. For animation and digital design professionals, programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud are commonly used throughout the creative process.(See disclaimer 1)
Professional skills are equally important. Lewis encourages aspiring freelancers to intentionally build relationships with others in the creative community. Building relationships with fellow artists, professors, mentors and creative professionals can provide encouragement, feedback and opportunities throughout your career.
"Create a community around you; mentors, peers and people you look up to. Absorb as much information as you can and ask as many questions as you can. You shouldn't be doing this journey alone."
How To Start as a Freelance Digital Artist
Getting started can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure whether your work is "good enough." Rather than waiting until everything feels perfect, focus on building experience one project at a time.
Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio is often the first impression potential clients will have of your work. When building your portfolio, be sure to include projects that demonstrate your artistic style, technical abilities and the types of work you'd like to be hired for.
Traditional portfolios can be valuable; however, Lewis emphasizes that aspiring freelancers shouldn't overlook social media as a portfolio tool. Consistently share your creative process, finished projects and behind-the-scenes work and potential clients can better understand both your skills and your personality.
"Whatever you're interested in, start creating content and sharing your journey. Although website portfolios are important, social media is a strong way to build your portfolio that can potentially bring in a client, brand partnership and build an audience that could lead to something else,” Lewis shares.
Choose a Niche
Many freelancers are encouraged to specialize in a single area. While specialization may help establish expertise over time, Lewis encourages artists not to feel boxed in too early. She cautions against becoming overly focused on fitting into one category.
"Don't get paralyzed by a niche. We are mostly taught to specialize in one thing and do that thing really, really well, but I believe it's important to explore." Trying different creative disciplines early in your career can help you discover new interests and uncover opportunities you may not have initially considered.
Thinking about the problems you can help clients solve can help you naturally identify your niche, while also allowing you to be flexible enough to grow and explore.
Instead of asking yourself what category you fit into, Lewis recommends asking, "What am I good at and how can this solve a problem for a certain audience?"
Establish Your Online Presence
In today's creative industry, your online presence often serves as both your portfolio and your introduction to prospective clients.
To expand your creative reach, consider creating:
Sharing your work regularly and engaging with other creatives can help increase your visibility while demonstrating your expertise and creative style.
How To Find Freelance Digital Art Clients
One of the biggest questions aspiring freelancers have is how to land their first clients. Finding clients often takes persistence. While online freelance marketplaces can be one option, according to an Upwork article, many creatives build their businesses through networking, referrals and regularly sharing their work.(See disclaimer 2)
For Lewis, social media has been one of the most valuable tools for showcasing her abilities and connecting with potential clients and she recommends consistently documenting work online. She believes social media can complement a traditional portfolio by showcasing your creative process, attracting potential clients and helping you build an audience over time. By posting finished projects, behind-the-scenes content and creative insights, you can demonstrate your skills while helping prospective clients understand your style and approach.
Building relationships and establishing connections can also play an important role in finding freelance opportunities. Lewis encourages aspiring creatives to seek out mentors, connect with peers and learn from others already working in the industry. As your professional network grows, referrals and repeat clients may become valuable sources of new projects.
In a nutshell, some ways to begin building your client base include:
How Much Do Freelance Digital Artists Make?
Freelance digital artists may work across many creative specialties, making earnings difficult to pinpoint. Income often depends on factors such as experience, specialization, client base, geographic location, project scope and whether freelancing is a full-time career or supplemental source of income.
Because many freelance artists provide graphic design services, we can look at the role of a graphic designer as an example. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earned a median annual wage of $61,300 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 3 )
Freelancers typically do not earn a fixed salary. Instead, income may fluctuate based on the number of clients, pricing structure and workload throughout the year. Many freelancers also diversify their income by offering multiple creative services or developing additional revenue streams.
Lewis is an example of this multidisciplinary approach. In addition to freelancing in photography, animation, content creation and social media strategy, she continues to grow Ellumunate while teaching after-school cooking and art enrichment classes. By combining several creative pursuits, she has the opportunity to generate income while continuing to invest in her long-term entrepreneurial goals.
However, for Lewis, freelancing has become about more than building a business. "What's most important is following what the Lord is calling you to do, both big picture-wise and daily," she said. "He will guide you as you choose to follow Him and continue to seek and ask."
How To Price Your Digital Art Services
Pricing your work is a challenging aspect of early freelancing. If you charge too little, you may undervalue your time and expertise. However, charging too much without demonstrating value could make potential clients hesitate.
There is no one-size-fits-all pricing model. Some examples of rating methods that these freelancers may choose include:(See disclaimer 4)
When setting your prices, consider factors such as:
Lewis believes that freelancers benefit from approaching pricing from a business perspective, rather than viewing it solely as creative work. "Freelancing is a business, so it's important to learn that side just as much as honing in on your creative skills,” she explains. Understanding your business expenses and financial goals can help you develop pricing that supports both your clients and your long-term sustainability.
As your portfolio, expertise and client demand grow, your rates may evolve as well. Rather than comparing yourself to others, focus on continuing to improve your craft, delivering quality work and building strong client relationships.
Overcoming Freelancing Challenges
Freelancing can be rewarding while also being dotted with challenges. Building a client base, managing inconsistent workloads and balancing creative work with business responsibilities can all take time and persistence.
For Lewis, one of the biggest challenges hasn't been finding creative ideas. It's been overcoming self-doubt.
"I would say the biggest obstacle I face is myself. Comparison. Feeling like I'm not enough. 'Am I able to execute this idea?' 'Am I qualified to be in this room?' How you view yourself will determine where you will go."
Rather than waiting until she feels completely confident, Lewis has found that confidence grows through action. "Through each pitch, hard project and nervous conversation of putting myself out there, I am building the muscle memory and track record that I am more than capable,” she explains. Whether you're pitching a new client, sharing your portfolio or raising your rates, stepping outside your comfort zone may become an important part of professional growth.
"Comparison truly does make you sick and think you aren't enough. But you are enough! Whatever God has gifted you, lean into it. Steward it and focus on it."
Tips To Grow Your Freelance Digital Art Career
Building a freelance career is an ongoing process. As you gain experience, continue refining both your creative and business skills while remaining open to new opportunities.
Looking back on her own journey, Lewis organized her advice into five themes that have shaped both her personal and professional growth: Explore, Rest, Ask, Seize and Discover.
Explore New Sources of Inspiration
Creativity doesn't happen in isolation. Lewis encourages artists to seek inspiration beyond their classrooms and computer screens. "You only can create what you are exposed to,” she states.
She recommends exploring museums, attending plays and community events, listening to unfamiliar music and observing the world around you. New experiences can broaden your perspective and inspire future creative work.
Make Time To Rest
Creative careers can be demanding, especially when balancing client deadlines, personal projects, non-work priorities and your own personal needs. Lewis believes rest goes beyond simply taking a break from work. She shared that for her, it means having "a day to spend intimate time with the Lord and be filled up." She encourages students and new freelancers to create schedules that allow time to recharge rather than viewing exhaustion as a badge of honor.
Ask Questions and Build Relationships
One of Lewis' biggest reflections from college is that she wishes she had networked even more. Whether through professors, classmates, mentors or local creative organizations, building relationships can open doors to new knowledge and opportunities throughout your career. She encourages students to seek mentors whose values align with their own and to remain curious throughout every stage of their creative journey.
"Ask professors about their journeys and how they got there. Foster a community of genuine friends you can lean on, and be inspired by your peers' work and create ways to learn from each other." — Lela Lewis.
Seize Opportunities
Experience can often come from saying yes to opportunities that stretch your skills. As a GCU student, Lewis worked with LopesVision, the university's in-house production team, where she gained hands-on experience in event production, camera operation and motion graphics. She also credits programs like the Marcus Graham Project and GCU's IDEA Club with helping her strengthen her advertising, entrepreneurship and public speaking skills.
Lewis encourages students to become involved on campus, join clubs and organizations and pursue opportunities outside the classroom whenever possible.
Discover Your Own Path
Lewis' most powerful advice is not to compare your journey with someone else's.
"The world will make you think that when you graduate, you will get a job, be successful and everything will turn out great." She encourages students to focus on discovering their own unique path, emphasizing that they should “stop looking to the left and right.”
For Lewis, following her calling has meant embracing opportunities she never expected, including freelancing itself. She believes discovering your path isn't about chasing someone else's definition of success but seeking the purpose God has for your life.
"What's most important is following what the Lord is calling you to do, both big picture wise and daily," Lewis said. "He will guide you as you choose to follow Him and continue to seek and ask."
Her experience serves as a reminder that career paths are rarely linear and remaining open to growth can lead to meaningful opportunities.
She encourages aspiring creatives to focus less on the world's expectations and more on their individual calling. "The world also says that at a certain age you should be hitting certain goals as well," she said. "Well, I think what's most important is following the path God has for you."
FAQ Section
If you’re considering freelancing as a digital artist, explore some common questions and answers to help guide your path.
Do you need a degree to become a freelance digital artist?
No, you do not necessarily need a degree to freelance as a digital artist. According to Indeed, some of these creatives build careers through self-directed learning, professional experience and strong portfolios.(See disclaimer 5) However, earning a degree can provide structured instruction, opportunities to build technical skills, faculty mentorship and valuable networking experiences that may help prepare you for the creative industry.(See disclaimer 6)
What software do freelance digital artists use?
The software you use depends on your creative specialty. Many digital artists use creative applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Premiere Pro, while others may also work with tools like Blender, Procreate, Autodesk Maya or Cinema 4D, depending on their focus and workflow.(See disclaimer 1)
Lewis credits Adobe Creative Suite as one of the most valuable tools she used throughout her education and continues to use professionally.
Do freelance digital artists need a business license?
Requirements vary depending on your state, city and the type of freelance business you operate. Some freelancers may need to register their business or obtain local licenses or permits. It's also important to understand tax obligations and keep business finances organized. Consider researching the requirements in your area or consulting a qualified tax or legal professional.
Can you freelance while working another job?
Yes. Many freelance digital artists begin freelancing while working another full-time or part-time position. This approach can allow you to build your portfolio, gain client experience and establish your business before transitioning to freelancing full-time.
Is freelancing a good career for digital artists?
Freelancing may be a good fit for artists who enjoy creative work, independence and entrepreneurship. It offers opportunities to work with a variety of clients and an alternating array of projects, while also requiring strong communication, organization, self-motivation and business management skills.
Start Building a Freelance Digital Art Career
Whether your goal is to freelance, launch your own creative business or simply discover where your talents take you, GCU encourages students to cultivate both their artistic abilities and their sense of purpose as they prepare for the future.
Digital arts students have opportunities to build technical knowledge, create professional portfolio pieces and collaborate with knowledgeable faculty while exploring areas such as animation and web design. No matter how your journey begins, you can start developing the artistic, technical and professional skills to support your unique purpose at GCU.
Turn Your Creativity Into a Freelance Career
Build the skills to launch your freelance digital art career with GCU.
