Testimonials are one of the simplest ways for an artist to build trust. When an agency or buyer considers hiring you, they’re asking two things: can this person make great work, and can they deliver it reliably? Your portfolio answers the first question. Words from past clients answer the second. A short, specific quote from someone who worked with you is often more convincing than a full page of your own claims.
Why social proof works
Social proof is the tendency to look at what others did when deciding what to do. For high-value commissions, the risk feels bigger, so clients look harder for proof. A testimonial lowers that risk. It shows that someone in a similar position hired you and was glad they did.
What makes a strong testimonial
- Specific results: “The illustrations helped our clients understand the DBT skills” beats “Great work!”.
- Process details: mentions of deadlines met, clear communication or easy revisions.
- A real name and role, with permission, and ideally a company or project.
- Short length: two or three sentences are easier to read and quote.
How to ask
Most clients are happy to help but don’t know what to write. Make it easy:
- Ask soon after delivery, while the project is fresh.
- Send two or three questions, such as: What problem did the project solve? What was working together like? Would you recommend me, and to whom?
- Offer to shape their answers into a short quote and send it back for approval.
- Ask permission to use their name, role and logo.
A simple reminder in your freelance CRM makes this a habit.
Where to place testimonials
- Near your contact form, where people decide whether to get in touch.
- On your services page, beside the matching service.
- In case studies within your portfolio.
- In proposals for similar projects.
Match testimonials to the page. A quote from a therapist belongs next to your mental health work; a quote from a brand manager belongs next to packaging.
Keep all your testimonials in one document with the date, the client’s details and the permission they gave. That makes it easy to pick the right quote for a proposal and to check you still have permission years later.
Be honest
Only use real testimonials, with permission, in the client’s words. Don’t edit meaning or invent quotes. Regulators take fake reviews seriously; the US Federal Trade Commission’s endorsement guidance explains the rules. Honest proof is also more convincing: readers can usually tell when praise sounds too polished.
No testimonials yet?
Everyone starts somewhere. Use other proof in the meantime:
- Show published work and name the publication or client, with permission.
- Share your process clearly so clients can see how you work.
- Do one small, well-defined project and ask for feedback at the end.
- Write about your approach. Blog posts like Mental Health Illustration Services show expertise before anyone has vouched for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many testimonials do I need?
Three to five strong, specific ones are enough to start. Quality matters more than quantity.
Can I use quotes from emails?
Only with the client’s permission. Ask before publishing anything from private messages.
Should I add star ratings?
Only if they come from a real review platform. For most illustrators, written quotes work better.
Want to work together? Contact me.
Wish You a Purple Day!