A practical and inspiring guide for artists and creative professionals navigating the challenges of freelancing in the 21st century, offering actionable advice on building a sustainable career, branding, marketing, and personal growth. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND WORK FOR YOURSELF ★★★★★ "The Artist's Way for the 21st Century!" There are over 57 million freelancers in the U.S. alone and growing. The largest segment of that freelance community is made up of artists and creative professionals such as designers, writers, filmmakers, etc. Statistically, freelancers make more money per hour than traditional employees. It's a great way to have a flexible lifestyle and be your own boss. Most colleges and universities don't teach what you learn in the field. That's why this self-help guide is extremely beneficial! Are you an artist or creative professional trying to make a living doing what you love? The freelance lifestyle can be rewarding, but it’s also filled with challenges: inconsistent income, difficult clients, and the constant pressure to stand out in a competitive market. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side of your creative career or unsure how to turn your passion into a sustainable livelihood, IT’S A LIVING: Surviving as a Freelancer in the 21st Century is the ultimate guide you’ve been searching for. Written by Cristian S. Aluas, a seasoned artist with over 19 years of freelancing experience, this book dives deep into the realities of being a self-employed creative. It tackles the pain points that many freelancers face, such as: How to find and retain clients without sacrificing your artistic integrity. - How to price your work confidently and avoid being undervalued. - How to adapt to market trends and stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. - How to manage your time and energy to avoid burnout while maximizing productivity. - How to build a strong personal brand that attracts opportunities and sets you apart. Packed with actionable advice, personal anecdotes, and step-by-step strategies, IT’S A LIVING equips you with the tools to thrive as a freelancer. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this book will help you overcome obstacles, build a sustainable income, and find joy in doing what you love. Don’t let the fear of instability hold you back. Take control of your creative career today with IT’S A LIVING: Surviving as a Freelancer in the 21st Century. Cristian S. Aluas (pronounced KRIS-TEE-an ah-LOO-ahsh ) is a Romanian-born Canadian artist and author. His freelancing career spans over 19 years, in Canada and the U.S. Cristian's first business was desktop publishing and his second was an art school with online courses at www.MasterpieceArtSchool.com . His original artwork can be found in the National Gallery of Canada , the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum at Ohio State University , and in private collections worldwide. "Working with Cristian was a delightful experience! Every aspect of the project was completed with the utmost professionalism. His dedication to delivering a polished finished product was apparent in every interaction we had." - Harvard Business School "Fact-filled book... unpretentious... and very relatable." -Norman Pirollo, Pirollo Design Kindle and Audiobook available. Paperback is printed on quality cream paper, featuring many photos, contract examples, and reference images! The hardcover is black and white on creamy satin pages, with blue cotton hardcover, gold foil lettering, and a wraparound dust-jacket! Purchase IT'S A LIVING today and inspire yourself to have a beautiful life and career as a creative professional!