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 Sally Mars, an art producer who is a legend in Minneapolis and beyond.
To learn more about Sally, be sure to read on. And, if you think her 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?
17 lovely 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?
I don’t think it’s harder, but I do think it’s necessary to keep a broader view…since I’m not aligned with a single category of products, I find myself investing work in every category – from automotive to fashion to food to lifestyle to still life and more.
What made you decide to choose freelance?
I enjoy the freedom and independence freelance offers. I enjoy the variety of projects, clients and agencies – each has unique aspects. It’s a big world, and I get a broad realm of opportunities.
As a freelancer, you see the inside of many different agencies. What one thing do think they should consider changing?
I think a great account service person is the most underrated aspect of delivering outstanding creative work. A true advocate for the creative – and the production process – enables the finest work. Sometimes I find myself looking at an ad and thinking, “Who sold that?!” A terrific account service team is the conduit through which great ideas and both sold and supported.
What do you think a freelancer brings to an agency that a person on staff may not otherwise be able to provide?
In my case, I generally have the opportunity to dedicate myself in full to a single project. Most staff producers don’t have that luxury. This level of specific project focus enables me the time to leave no stone unturned when it comes to sourcing and problem solving. It also enables me to stream line the workflow, allowing my teammates the latitude to in turn focus on their specific goals and duties.
What advice do you have for someone just entering the freelance world?
Learn to enjoy the downtime without worrying about what’s coming next.
To learn more about Sally, please link to her profile at FreealanceArtProducer.com. And, thanks Andy Anderson for use of your Nebraska Tourism Image you produced with Sally.