When I was young, I free-lanced as a theater designer in NYC. My actor friends dreamed about landing roles in soap operas, because the work would be some kind of steady. The principle is the same in illustration: repeat business offers a glimmer of stability. Clients who offer regular work are the flying buttresses that hold up the cathedral of a successful free-lance career.
Regular jobs shape your portfolio, so the fit has to be good. Sometimes it isn’t. I had to walk away from one of the higher-profile jobs of my life (2 illos monthly for a prominent national magazine) because of artistic differences. Thankfully, all of my other experiences in this arena have been wonderful. Some of my repeat clients call every year or two, others much more often; no matter the frequency, I am grateful for each and every one.
I have illustrated an advice column for a nursing magazine for more than a decade (thank you, Lisa!), and am currently making covers for books 11, 12, 13 and 14 for my favorite publisher (fourteen books—thank you, Duopress!!). My friends at the Baltimore Sun (thank you, Jay!) have kept me busy semi-regularly for the past few years as well.
In future posts, Class, I’m happy to suggest ways to get and keep clients, but this is Thanksgiving!
Today I simply want to say, T H A N K Y O U!
illustories 
I’m very happy for you on your continued success!! I’m also thankful for a friend/fellow artist like you. 🙂
Thanks Charla, I am grateful for you, too! Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations Illustrator Extraordinaire! Cuing Confetti in my head… Love love love your work!
V, who is a kindred in liking art but not in talent. However, a huge cheerer and fan of yours… HUGE! Like this big! :o)
thanks Vikki! so glad for our kindred spirit. ♥
the emoticon on my comment should be smiley ;)… Also, same here re kindred-ship 😀
Violet, we love you at The Sun. I love your style and your flexibility when I call at the last minute.
Thank you, Jay!