Summer Benton

USA
I’m a writer and illustrator and I work in a variety of ways. I sell original work, take commissions, work with brands on marketing materials, license my art on products and I am currently working on my first picture book with Harper Collins which I wrote and illustrated.

summerbenton.com / Instagram

The beginning

What led you to venture into freelancing initially?
I have watched my dad, Jim Benton, freelance and work for himself my whole life. His art studio was always in our home and when I got older I worked for him as an assistant, learning how he managed it all. Seeing up close that it was possible to do really gave me the bravery to pursue it myself.

How long have you been a freelancer?
4 years

Where you apprehensive or confident taking the step into freelancing?
I have always wanted to work for myself but was apprehensive about whether or not I could make it work. I worked other jobs simultaneously until about a year ago when I sold my picture book. I am lucky because my family was hugely supportive of it and I don’t know if I could have stuck to it without their constant encouragement and belief in me.

Perks & Struggles

What are the perks of being the supreme ruler of your own kingdom?
It’s amazing to work for yourself because you develop a really strong sense of confidence and self-discipline. The freedom to make choices for yourself is great, but the real payoff comes when those choices prove to be the right ones and you surprise yourself with your own ability and judgement.

And on the flip side, what are the struggles you face?
The main day to day struggle that I face in my work is loneliness. I thrive in groups and love to collaborate which I get the opportunity to do for certain projects, but there is a lot of alone time in my work too. It can be hard to celebrate the successes and also mourn the failures completely by yourself. My biggest long term struggle is a concern that I won’t be able to provide the kind of stability for myself that another career path would.

Work-life

How is your work-life balance?
My work life balance is perfect for me. I enjoy what I do so much that I am very happy to work outside of the traditional 9-5 but I also appreciate that my schedule is flexible so I can take time off whenever necessary.

What are the sacred tools you couldn’t do without in your daily freelancing?
The tools I use most often are Photoshop, Procreate, my iPad, Google sheets, and my notebook. I find it very helpful to make lots of physical lists and cross things out as I go. I always write down everything as soon as I think about it or else I know it will slip my mind.

Clients

What is the craziest thing a client ask you to do? 

Write down everything and be meticulous about record keeping. I have lots of spreadsheets and lists and pages of notes at all times.
Usually success requires patience and persistence. There are no overnight successes. Try to use big chunks of time in your planning. Think about what you can accomplish in a year and then break down a plan to get you there.

What’s the weirdest offer a client has ever made?
WI have been DM’d a few times by scam clients on Instagram who target illustrators. I’ve seen other illustrators post about the same thing. They try to commission a piece of art for their child’s birthday but ultimately it’s a check fraud scam. I have ALMOST fallen for it twice.

Retrospective

What are important lessons you’ve collected along the way as a freelancer?
Write down everything and be meticulous about record keeping. I have lots of spreadsheets and lists and pages of notes at all times.
Usually success requires patience and persistence. There are no overnight successes. Try to use big chunks of time in your planning. Think about what you can accomplish in a year and then break down a plan to get you there.

Future

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
In 5 years I would like to have several books published and continue to work in the licensing and marketing space. I would also love to have done editorial illustration work for big publications.

Sharing is caring

Any pearls of wisdom you would like to share to anyone who is thinking of becoming a freelancer?
Do it! You have to actually do it to find out you can. Find little pockets of time here and there and make progress in as small or large increments as you can.
And try to have fun while you’re doing it. It should be difficult but rewarding enough to carry you through the hard times.