Getting my first job through Book An Artist made me feel like a real artist. 

Custom artwork by local artist. Rooster holding a cigar and a martini glass.
Artwork by Natalie commissioned through Book An Artist for Haley.

Not that there is any specific definition of what a real artist is or isn’t. An artist makes art. But there was something undeniably special about my first customer being a total stranger!

Without the opportunity to use a platform like Book An Artist I wouldn’t have known where to start. I knew I wanted to sell my artwork – but how does one get their name out there? How does an artist commission art? Who do I tell? How do I get my work in front of buyers? 

I didn’t want to hold my friends and family hostage under the guise that they love me so they should support me and my dreams and commission a painting. I wanted an authentic business transaction.

Getting my first job on Book An Artist took time. It’s a startup, it’s still growing – just like me! 

I applied for plenty of open jobs but in my case either the customer ghosted or they found another artist who they preferred. Much like other businesses, it’s impossible to guarantee a customer will follow through. There are also hundreds of artists using Book An Artist all wanting the same thing – a job. 

Family portrait of galahs by Melbourne artist.
“Thank you so much for our incredible family painting, you truly are amazing in what you do and our family will have many more projects for you in the near future!! Highly recommend to use Natalie if you want an amazing painting.” – Kimberly.

I’d been so desperate to prove myself quickly and land a commission that I made some obvious mistakes early on. Underquoting, not charging for design work and not communicating clearly enough. So, after a few dead ends and lost commissions I took some time to reassess and practice my patience.

The open job feature did allow me to see what kind of artwork customers wanted. I noticed family portraits, pet portraits, flora and fauna, landscapes and abstract pieces were often highly requested. Taking this onboard, I adjusted my profile to feature artworks that best represented the requests customers were making. I haven’t yet found my own personal style and am relatively flexible when it comes to design. The small adjustments to my profile worked because soon after I received my first enquiry!

Cartoon-ish inspired pet portrait of dog.
“I had a painting done of my friends dog, and it was perfect and better than I could ever hoped for. I couldn’t recommend her enough.” – Tien. 

Haley reached out to me – just me! She wanted a dapper gentleman holding a cigar and a martini glass with the head of a rooster. It was honestly worth the wait. I loved every aspect of the concept and birds are something I’m incredibly comfortable painting. I’m not particularly business savvy but the Book An Artist platform made the process smooth and the transaction easy. I felt supported and guided throughout the commission whereas I would’ve been unsure how to professionally handle the transaction on my own.

Haley chose to use the Book An Artist Pay feature which showed me that the payment had been made in full. I felt confident and excited going into the project and knew that if something were to go array, I wasn’t alone and the Book An Artist team would help me. As I painted I felt genuinely thrilled to be doing what I love and getting paid for it!

There seems to be a stigma attached to artists where people assume that they should do what they love for free because they love it. Knowing that someone thought my art style was good enough to spend their hard earned cash on was awesome! Telling my friends and family that I got my first commission put validity in my choice to pursue my art.

In between work and my studies, I completed the painting within a few weeks and delivered it too Haley. She left me a wonderful review which gave my profile the boost it needed. 

 

“Natalie was fantastic, she put a lot of time and effort into curating the idea I had given her and communicating back and forth with me about minor changes I wanted to make. After that, I completely trusted her and let her have free reign and the end result was even better than I imagined. She had great instincts and knew what I wanted down to every last detail. She also completed it in only a few weeks and dropped it off to me at work. The whole process couldn’t have been easier and was very reasonably priced. The painting is a present for my partner and I’m so excited to give it to him. Thanks Natalie, I’ll get you to do another for me soon!”

 

Commissioned artwork of a rooster on some old books by freelance artist.
“Natalie has done two pieces for me now and they are honestly fantastic, would highly recommend! She is also so lovely.” – Haley.

When it rains, it pours. Two more jobs came in for me shortly after. A pet portrait and another larger painting featuring a family of galahs. Then a pause followed by the return of Haley for a second painting of another rooster. One of my customers also wanted to commission a mural for their new home. I’ve never thought of painting a mural, it wasn’t an opportunity I thought I’d be presented with. It was a really exciting experience feeling “in demand” and I quickly found a new confidence in my abilities. 

In between jobs, I’m continuing to work on my own projects and build my skills and abilities in areas I’m not as confident in. Whilst I explore my own personal style I’m trying to create an expansive body of work. Portraits, landscapes, abstract art. A unique array of styles in order to draw in customers for all kinds of jobs. New job opportunities come in regularly and I apply for ones that both appeal to me and my style and challenge me. 

Book An Artist is the perfect platform to help new artists find their footing. Starting your own business or selling artwork can feel like staring into a black hole. Using the platform has aided in the growth of my business, my art style and my experience. It’s the perfect stepping stone to becoming a full time artist.