TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008

Graphic artist: Mid-level markets ideal for solo gigs

by Jeremy Schnitker

Gonyea

Mark Gonyea is a freelance graphic artist and illustrator and author of two books on design A Book About Design: Complicated Doesn't Make It Good and Another Book About Design: Complicated Doesn't Make It Bad. SoloGigNews spoke to Gonyea about what types of industries are currently looking to hire freelance designers and what skills a soloist should have to get those jobs.

SGN: For starters, describe what your freelancing career consists of. You do design and branding, correct?
MG: For the most part right now my freelancing career consists of a few select clients. I split my time between graphic design for them and working on my own projects like publishing and licensing. I have relatively long standing relationships with the companies I freelance for and do anything from fabric patterns to logos to brochures and business cards.

SGN: What are some clients you've had recently?
MG: Currently I'm working with the New England Equity Group on their brand and collateral material, and one of my largest clients is a company called Her Look. Since they have no on site graphic artist, I provide them with all kinds of needed materials like brochures, patterns, signage and logos.

SGN: What types of markets are in need of a freelancer like you these days?
MG: I think it's a specific level of company over markets. One that's large enough to afford a freelancer, but not so large as to need a full-time graphic artist on site. I've found more companies are willing to hire a freelancer rather than go through the hassle of hiring a full time employee.

SGN: Have you noticed an increase in demand from certain markets?
MG: A lot of my efforts at the moment are centered around the clothing market and patterns. Artwork that a company can use for multiple applications and products.

SGN: You've written two books on graphic design. What would you say are the major points of those books, or, what are the three things every freelance graphic designer should know and practice?
MG: No. 1: Simpler is better. If the underlying design is strong, you can always add the bells and whistles later. No 2: Negative space is equally important as positive space and deserves equal attention. Be aware of the ALL the shapes you create. No. 3: This wasn't in the books but … know when enough is enough. It's really easy to overwork a design to death and it's good time management.

SGN: You use the theme of complexity, either being good or bad. Do you think there's a misconception about thinking something needs to be complex to be good in design?
MG: It's not nearly as pervasive in the professional arena, but with the advent of computers and the web, everyone's a designer! I think there is a little of that, "if a little is good then a lot must be better" mentality. And I'm not saying something very complicated can't be well designed, but it does need to be designed. It's so hard nowadays because the competition is so great in all areas of business to convince someone that less IS sometimes more.

SGN: What do you think is the biggest fear people have about being a freelance designer?
MG: Obviously the fear of not working, not making any money and not being able to pay your bills. I think I'm very fortunate, it's definitely not the easiest way to make a living but I don't think I could do anything else.

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Filed Under: Design