"Opportunity Knocks"

I'm a freelance graphic artist.  Finding work as a freelance artist can feel like "Feast or Famine" at times.  Sometimes you have projects and work to fulfill, while other times there's a lull in projects and work showing up.  It can be tough to navigate sometimes, yet one must keep a focus.

One must work at honing one's skills and talents.  Yet that's not all.
One must "get out there" and meet people, make contacts ... yes network, network, network.  Out of the people you meet,  a client could come through,  or projects to find out about and look into, and/or events that could be a valuable place to meet people and make contacts.  

Opportunity isn't going to just show up at your door. One doesn't get discovered just working in a studio.  Connection is very important.  

Locally and online there are many ways to connect with people.
Locally there are networking groups and events.  I've participated in some network groups and some art events.

Another great way to meet people is being active in your local community.  I'm the VP of the PTO at my kids school.  I've met parents, teachers, and have gotten to know others in the community too by being involved.

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Having an online presence is very good too. One can direct those you meet to your web site/blog, or profile. One can meet people through LinkedIn, FB, and Twitter.
I've had people find me through searches too. One person recently contacted me through email because He saw my web site. He emailed me with his interest and a phone number.
I called and we talked on the phone. His project was a mural in his place of business. He was local so we also met to discuss the project too. I was able to do this project for him.
Now if I didn't "get out there and do things",  he wouldn't have been able to see my work and be interested.  

Since I do the things I can to "get out there", Opportunities do surface.
Granted I wish it were more consistent, but it is what is.
I know that with everything I do to get myself out there I increase the possibilities of finding work and projects.
And so can you.