Top CRM Features for Freelance Illustrators and Designers

Freelance illustrators and designers in the UK often balance multiple clients, projects, and creative deadlines simultaneously. Staying organised while maintaining high-quality work is crucial—and this is where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) can make a huge difference.

A CRM isn’t just for large companies; it’s a tool that helps freelancers manage clients, track projects, and automate repetitive tasks. In this post, we’ll highlight the top CRM features every freelance illustrator and designer should use to streamline their business.

1. Centralised Client Information

A CRM keeps all your client data in one place:

• Contact details, project briefs, and notes

• Links to files, revisions, and communications

• Easy search functionality to retrieve client information quickly

Benefit: Reduce errors and save time searching through emails or spreadsheets.

2. Project and Task Management

Managing multiple projects at once can be overwhelming. A CRM helps by:

• Assigning tasks and deadlines for each project

• Visualising project stages with boards or pipelines

• Setting recurring tasks for ongoing work

Benefit: Ensures you never miss a deadline and keeps projects on track.

3. Automated Client Follow-Ups

Keeping clients updated and collecting approvals is essential for illustrators:

• Schedule automated follow-ups for pending revisions

• Send reminders after sending drafts or proposals

• Track client responses and approvals in one place

Benefit: Saves time while maintaining professional communication.

4. Invoice and Payment Tracking

Cash flow is critical for freelancers. A CRM should allow you to:

• Generate invoices for each project or client

• Track paid and unpaid invoices

• Send automated reminders for late payments

Benefit: Ensures you get paid on time and reduces financial stress.

5. Visual Pipelines for Workflow Management

Illustrators and designers often juggle multiple clients at different project stages. CRM pipelines:

• Show the status of each project at a glance

• Help prioritise urgent tasks or high-value clients

• Make workflow management simple and efficient

Benefit: Helps freelancers manage workloads and avoid project bottlenecks.

6. Insights and Reporting

Tracking your business performance helps you make better decisions:

• Analyse which clients or projects are most profitable

• Review project timelines and efficiency

• Identify opportunities for upselling or repeat work

Benefit: Helps you grow your freelance business strategically.

7. GDPR Compliance and Data Security

UK freelance illustrators must manage client data securely. The right CRM should provide:

• Secure, encrypted data storage

• Easy options to update or delete client information

• GDPR-compliant management practices

Benefit: Protects your clients and your freelance business legally and professionally.

Why SoloCRM Works for Illustrators and Designers

SoloCRM is designed with freelancers in mind, offering features tailored to UK illustrators and designers:

• Centralised client and project management – everything in one place

• Automated reminders and follow-ups – reduce admin workload

• Invoice and payment tracking – manage finances efficiently

• Visual pipelines and dashboards – track multiple projects easily

• GDPR-compliant security – keep client data safe

• Intuitive and affordable – setup in minutes without tech headaches

By leveraging these features, freelance illustrators and designers can focus more on creativity and less on admin tasks.

Conclusion: Work Smarter, Create More

A CRM helps freelance illustrators and designers stay organised, professional, and profitable. By centralising client information, automating tasks, tracking invoices, and providing insights, you can spend more time creating and less time managing.

Next Step: Try SoloCRM free today and streamline your freelance illustration or design business.