We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Frewin Hu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Frewin below.

Frewin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I am a professional Concept Artist and 3D Generalist who has 5 years of experience working within the AAA gaming industry and Movie industry. After five years of navigating this competitive and constantly evolving field, I’ve gathered some insights that may help other fellow artists turn their passion into a sustainable full-time profession. Here are some key pieces of advice to consider:

1) Master Your Craft:

Put dedicated time aside to honing your skills and staying updated with industry trends and software. In the fast-paced realm of gaming and movies, technical proficiency and a deep understanding of fundamentals are essential. Attend workshops, take online courses, and always seek ways to push your creative boundaries while you are working with clients.

2) Build a Diverse and Comprehensive Portfolio:

Showcase versatility in your portfolio by including a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to tackle various styles and genres. Often it only takes a one-off piece that you may not have thought mattered to affect the opinion of a recruiter. This is because a diverse portfolio not only attracts a broader range of clients but also positions you as an adaptable artist that can attract clients that you normally would not have thought to attract before.

3) Network Strategically:

Attend industry events, join online communities, and engage with professionals in your field. Often just reaching out on places like Discord and saying “Hi!” can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to cold message individuals, most artists are very open and welcoming especially if you come in with a polite message. The unfortunate truth about this industry is that connections and “clout” sort of matter more than actual skill at times. In conclusion: Make more friends!

Create an Online Presence:

In the digital age, having a strong online presence is a huge advantage. A professional website showcasing your best work, and actively participate in social media platforms relevant to your industry. Share your creative process, engage with your audience, and use platforms like ArtStation and LinkedIn to reach potential clients and collaborators.

4) Value Your Work:

Understand your worth and set competitive yet realistic rates. Don’t undersell your skills, as this can devalue the industry as a whole. Negotiate fair compensation for your time and expertise, and be transparent about your pricing structure with clients.

5) Manage Finances Wisely:

Especially early in your career, it is important to establish financial discipline. Keep in mind that when freelancing, when it pours, it really pours. But this means that you have to look ahead for those moments when clients do run dry for a portion of the year. Also consider getting a CPA to get huge tax right-offs as a freelance artist, which can help massively.

Conclusion:

Earning a full-time living from your creative work requires a combination of artistic skills, business skills, and a proactive approach to career development. By mastering your craft, building a diverse portfolio, strategically networking, and managing your finances wisely, you can pave the way for a sustainable creative career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Concept Artist, Illustrator, and 3D generalist who has 5 years of experience working within the AAA game industry, Movie industry, and Animation industry. Some of my past clients range from Bethesda to Warner Bros.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe society can best support artists by recognizing the cultural significance of art itself and its connection to the larger human existence. This involves investing in copyright protection for art within the realm of Ai training. Very often, Ai models are being trained on many artist’s work without their permission and without compensation to the owners of the work.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

In my view, NFTs have transitioned from a once-hyped trend to a largely irrelevant and devalued concept. The initial excitement and inflated valuations have given way to a more critical assessment of the speculative nature of the NFT market. The bubble surrounding NFTs seems to have burst, leaving many to question their long-term viability and relevance, especially in the context of traditional artistic values and markets. Artists and investors alike are reevaluating their involvement in NFTs as they grapple with the realization that the initial enthusiasm may not have been sustainable. the advent of Ai generated art has only sped up this process as most NFTs were low-effort art made with the attempt to scam and trick the masses into buying them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frewinhu-design.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frewin_hu_design/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frewin-hu-5b1016116/

Image Credits
Zenimax Media