“I don't think I ever consciously decided to become a freelancer,” reflects illustrator Tiago Leitao. He fell naturally into the freelance lifestyle: “I've always worked on projects for others in exchange for something, and I believe freelancing is the natural path when you have a digital artistic skill.”

Since he was young, Tiago has been passionate about drawing and bringing his ideas to life. “After studying design in Portugal, I began learning illustration by myself and refining my artistic style and creative process,” he shares.

Retro internet artworks + products by Tiago Leitao

Tiago describes his illustrations as a “fusion of vibrant, colorful vector shapes crafted by hand.” Discovering this style took years of practice and discovery, studying his favorite artists and exploring different themes.

Developing his illustration skills and portfolio lead to a steady stream of client work, and today, Tiago is a full-time freelance illustrator. “In the beginning, it was tough and unstable, and it wasn't easy to be self-disciplined or deal with difficult clients,” he recalls. “Nowadays, I couldn't imagine working any other way.”

Sacred beings collection by Tiago Leitao

“What I particularly enjoy about freelancing is that it gives me the freedom to work from anywhere and puts me in control of my business and its growth,” Tiago shares. That freedom can also be a double edged sword. “To be honest, sometimes it's difficult to stop working and relax, especially when working on projects I'm passionate about or facing tight deadlines.”

To avoid burnout, Tiago breaks up his day between multiple projects for variety, avoids multi-tasking to focus on his high priority tasks, and schedules regular breaks to rest his eyes. 

Androids collection by Tiago Leitao

Tiago started out using Behance to find inspiration and learn from top creatives. More recently he’s used it to connect with new international clients: “I truly enjoy working on diverse projects and collaborating with individuals from all over the globe.” 

Since becoming a Featured Freelancer last year, he’s completed over 30 freelance projects through the platform, many of them from repeat clients. “I think clients are attracted to my art style and diverse portfolio,” says Tiago “What makes them come back is my commitment to delivering professional work promptly and ensuring client satisfaction with the final outcome.”

Tiago upgraded to Behance Pro to increase his earning potential through 0% platform fees. He’s also taken advantage of Adobe Portfolio to create his own custom website, porting over all the work he’s shared to Behance over the years. 

Tiago's Adobe Portfolio website

Tiago’s strategy for successful client collaboration is consistent and clear communication. “To prevent problems, I ensure to be completely clear about what I can do, and I like to share every stage of the progress to ensure that I'm going in the right direction.” 

Folk masks NFT collection by Tiago Leitao

He also offers unlimited initial sketches to “give the client the opportunity to choose their preferred direction and ensure that the final result matches their vision.” With this open and flexible approach, Tiago has been able to transform first-time clients into returning ones. 

Sketches from Sacred beings collection by Tiago Leitao

In addition to clear communication and direction, Tiago emphasizes the importance of meeting expectations. “It's crucial to deliver high-quality work within the agreed timelines and ensure that the client is happy with the end result.” 

Ultimately, Tiago sees the relationship between a creative and a client as a partnership. “Working with a client is teamwork, and when the end result is incredible it's not just because of me.”

Black and white illustrations collection by Tiago Leitao

See more work by Tiago and hire him for freelance projects on Behance.