What is a free lance artist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Paul Molnar
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a free lance artist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $34.31 an hour? That's $71,355 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 2,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a Free Lance Artist?

P

Paul Molnar

Associate Professor of Theatre, Independence Community College

I believe that flexibility, out-of-the-box thinking, and passion will be required. The good news is, those things have always been required. The difference is, individuals will have to look to create their opportunities more aggressively. Looking at the challenges we all face as potential opportunities is a start, and understanding that we are all in this together will be essential. Also, I think that focusing on one's community will serve the artists well. Even during lock-downs and social distancing, people still need theatre and the arts. Create local art to help your local community.
ScoreFree Lance ArtistUS Average
Salary
5.6

Avg. Salary $71,355

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
3.5

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.64%

Asian 6.74%

Black or African American 4.48%

Hispanic or Latino 15.13%

Unknown 5.60%

White 67.40%

Gender

female 61.50%

male 38.50%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress Level
3.5

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.7

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Free Lance Artist career paths

Key steps to become a free lance artist

  1. Explore free lance artist education requirements

    Most common free lance artist degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.7 %

    Associate

    20.3 %

    High School Diploma

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific free lance artist skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Adobe Photoshop24.90%
    Photographic Services11.51%
    Customer Service8.68%
    Graphic Design7.99%
    Photo Shoots6.81%
  3. Research free lance artist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
    • Create donation forms and navigation links on Facebook using FBML.
    • Conceptualize and develop terrain models using Maya and partner with director and animators to correspond and produce effective shots.
    • Create and apply custom prosthetics for clients.
  4. Prepare your free lance artist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your free lance artist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a free lance artist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Free Lance Artist Resume templates

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  5. Apply for free lance artist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a free lance artist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Free Lance Artist Job

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Average free lance artist salary

The average Free Lance Artist salary in the United States is $71,355 per year or $34 per hour. Free lance artist salaries range between $39,000 and $127,000 per year.

Average Free Lance Artist Salary
$71,355 Yearly
$34.31 hourly

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How do free lance artists rate their job?

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Free Lance Artist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

I get to do what I love

Cons

It’s hard work, it feels like you will not make it and you’re jumping from job to job sometimes every now and then but the goal is to not give up, everyone is more than capable of achieving the things they put their minds too. :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Painting Use of all mediums Creativity Shows

Cons

I don't have anything to say about NOT like ART IS MY PASSION PASSION IS MY ART


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

1) Makes my own art decor(I don't just paint I do other art as well) 2) It releases stress 3) Make my own gifts without having to go out buy one. 4)I am not hobbyist 5) tried to do digital art depends on program

Cons

1) High school degree is not always requested, mainly AS degree or BS degree is on high demand so those who graduated should head to college afterwards. 2) since college degrees are in higher demand, there are no jobs for me. So I am left to sell my art on t-shirts or textiles. 3)Masters had it easy these days artist have fucked up life if they don't belong to community or special grouping they are considered frauds.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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