In an effort to promote the website FreelanceArtProducer.com, we have started Freelance Friday. The purpose is to promoting the freelancers on the site so as to gain more attention for them and the others trying to get hired. So, from now on, when a freelancer on the site provides us with a blog post, we will promote it on a Friday.
Today, we are featuring Rob Beckon, an art producer who’s worked with so many amazing people, it would be surprising if you didn’t already know him.
To learn more about Rob, be sure to read on. And, if you think his post is interesting or the site is helpful, please do share it and let your art producer friends know about this new resource. And, if you do share it, let us know that you have done so. We have a little something for you to say thank you.
How long have you been freelance?
As an art producer, I’ve been freelancing, on and off, for 9 years.
Such a big part of your job is keeping your fingers on the pulse of what is happening creatively out there. If you are changing agencies, do you find it harder to keep updated on what is happening out there? How do photographers and other people you might hire reach you to share new work with you?
Fortunately, I’ve always gotten promos emailed to me at my personal email address. My personal email stays constant. And with the growth of social networks, industry events and real-time connections, I’ve stayed in touch with photographers, reps, art producers, art directors and creative directors, etc.
What made you decide to choose freelance?
At times, I’ve chosen freelance and at times, it’s chosen me. I left an agency to better increase my pay and experience with different clients and agencies. But with that freedom comes more risk. Sometimes I’m extremely busy but there are always those periods when work slows down.
I’ve also been laid off and thrown into freelance without making it my choice. But I was very fortunate to land on my feet and keep my head above water. Also, the agency that had laid me off employed me when they did have productions. So I was grateful for their loyalty.
As a freelancer, you see the inside of many different agencies. What one thing do think they should consider changing?
The biggest change in agencies, I’d like to see is the seating/floor plan. The open-office space is counter productive to work. A sense of privacy really boosts job performance. Otherwise, as workers, we are always combating distractions, especially, noisy ones.
What do you think a freelancer brings to an agency that a person on staff may not otherwise be able to provide?
Freelancers bring a greater sense of experience since we have worked with different clients and with different procedures at different agencies. We have a keener sense of what works and what doesn’t. And by the very nature of freelancing, we have to be very nimble and quick on our feet. We are constantly adapting to new and different ways of doing things. We never get stuck in a rut because work is constantly changing.
What advice do you have for someone just entering the freelance world?
My advice to the new freelancer, bring lots of experience and stay connected. If you’re good at what you do, ride out the slow periods by knowing you’ll be busy soon.
If you haven’t already discovered FreelanceArtProducer.com be sure to check it out. And while you are there, be sure to visit Rob’s profile.