Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do you earn a lot of money conducting art classes/editing photos?

Lol, :-) well, you can earn a decent living as a digital artist, but you can’t be a millionaire unless you land a deal with Pixar/Disney.

In my case, I do find the additional income handy, but not sufficient for me to quit my full-time job

2) If your photo-editing income exceeds your salary, would you quit your full-time job?

Hell nooo... ;-) I’d go crazy if I were to edit thousands photos everyday. The reason why I can stay sane is because I listen to BBC Radio while clicking away on the com + I’m doing it as a hobby

But then again, if I strike it rich by winning a lottery, 3D or Toto,… ah… maybe I can then start a biz… (wishful thinking) - more exciting than editing photos 12 hours a day.

3) Would you start your own biz someday?

I can't foresee that happening in near future;-) But, hey... this is an interesting subj. So, let's talk abt it.

Now, starting a biz without substantial invesment capital is not easy, unless you have the vital skills (eg, for a low risk web-based biz, you need programming skills). Now, if I become good enough in Ruby on Rails & Ajax to create mashups, then … (Hey, why not start a biz?;-))

4) How did you get your first photo-editing project?

My sis, her friends & most Msian girls dislike the airbrushing technique of bridal boutiques – 90% of the time, their noses get erased (almost). I was already emceeing at wedding dinners prior to freelancing as a digital artist. A client casually asked if I could edit her photos (while retaining her natural looks), & that’s how I got my first so-called project ;-)

5) How much should I charge my clients?

Good question! That’s the biggest dilemma I have had when I first started out:-)

First of all, communicate with your clients. Find out what they want;-)

Do they want only simple editing (e.g, enhancing colour, improving blur photos)?
or
moderate editing work?
eg, remove spots (usually in scanned photos), erase zits
or
do they want complex photo editing work?
eg, digital boob job, eye job, liposuction, face lift, leg lengthening surgery, lip colouring, …?

A rough guide:-
a) Simple editing work – RM2-3, depending on volume (US$1)
b) Moderate editing work – RM4-6, depending on volume (US1.50-2)
c) Complex editing work – RM10-100, depending on complexity (US$4 – 30)

6) What career path did you take?

Off the beaten path, lol;-)

kitchen helper (I helped bake & sell cookies as young as 12) > shop attendant > waitress >door-to-door salesperson > event management > writing/editing school books > public relations > Sales/Marketing/PR

7) How long will I need to learn photo editing?

Only 3 hours - basic photo editing.
To be skilled at it, all you need is lots of practice after that :-)