As a freelance artist, you're probably well-acquainted with anxiety.

Sixty-three percent of freelancers in the U.S. report dealing with anxiety over everything they have to manage. This is especially true when it comes to financial matters.

Are you having a hard time making ends meet in between art deals? Are you unsure of how you're going to pay your bills?

If so, payday loans can help you stay afloat during these lean periods. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to get a payday loan.

What Are Payday Loans?
A payday loan is a type of short-term, high-interest loan.

Payday loans are usually for relatively small amounts of money (a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in most cases), and they have to be paid back within 2-4 weeks of borrowing the money.

Among many circles, payday loans have a bad reputation. They do have their uses, though. They're especially helpful when you just need a little money to tide you over and don't have time to work with a traditional lender.

Benefits of Payday Loans
There are lots of reasons why you may choose a payday loan over another type of loan. The following are some of the greatest benefits they have to offer:

Get Money Fast
When you apply for a payday loan, you can get the money you need right away. Most lenders will give you your money within 24 hours. In many cases, you can even get paid on the same day that you apply for a loan.

Get Money in a Convenient Way
There are lots of payday lenders who operate out of brick-and-mortar stores throughout the U.S. You can also apply for payday loans online. With so many options available, it's easier than ever to get the money you need.

Few Prerequisites
You don't have to meet a long list of prerequisites before you can get approved for a payday loan, either. Most of the time, all that's required is that you're over the age of 18 and are a legal U.S. citizen.

Legal Protection
In the past, some payday lenders have taken advantage of desperate people and lured them in with predatory tactics before sticking them with high interest rates.

Today, though, many states have laws in place that protect their residents from these tactics and ensure their finances aren't derailed by payday loans.

Choosing a Payday Lender
Are you convinced that a payday loan is a good fit for you while you're waiting for your next art deal to come along? If so, you're probably wondering what kind of steps you need to take to ensure you're working with a good lender.

Here are some tips that will help you find a reputable payday lender and get a loan that makes sense for your needs:

Look for Certified Lenders
Start by checking to see if the lender you're considering is a certified lender. Look at the company's website.

If they are legitimate and certified, there will be a message somewhere on the main page of the site that indicates this. If you don't find anything like this, that's a sign that you shouldn't work with them.

Know the Law
Do some research to find out what the payday lending laws are in your state. Are there any maximums when it comes to the amount of interest a lender can charge you, for example?

If you're aware of your state's laws, you'll be able to ensure you don't work with a lender who tries to get more of you than they're allowed.

Seek Out Transparency
Look for lenders who are transparent. They shouldn't have any hidden fees listed in their contracts, for example, and they should be upfront about what will happen if you do not repay your loan on time.

If you're borrowing online, look for lenders that have a physical address tied to their business. Make sure it's a legitimate address and not just a P.O. box. If they don't have an address, that's a huge red flag.

Read Reviews
Do some research and read reviews for different lenders before you decide to work with a particular one. This will give you an idea of what other people's experience has been like working with them.

Look for Fast Responders
Look for a payday lender that offers guaranteed payday loans within a certain time period. This will help you ensure you get the money you need in a timely manner.
If you reach out to a lender and they don't get back to you within a day, that's also a red flag. They should be quick to answer your questions.

Applying for a Payday Loan
Once you've found a payday lender that seems like a good fit for you, it's time to apply for a loan. The payday loan application process is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is follow these steps:

Fill Out Your Application
Most payday loan applications take just a few minutes to fill out. You can fill them out online or in-person, depending on the type of lender you choose to use.

Present Relevant Documents
Make sure you have all the relevant documents ready to go. This includes your driver's license, proof of citizenship, and proof that you have an active checking account.

Sign on the Dotted Line
Once you've read through the loan terms with a careful eye, go ahead and sign on the dotted line. You should get your money within 24 hours, if not right then.

You Know How to Get a Payday Loan: What's Next?
Now that you know more about how to get a payday loan and what to look for in a reputable payday lender, are you ready to apply and get the money you need?

If you keep this information in mind, you'll have a much easier time finding a payday lender who can meet your needs and get you approved for a loan right away.

While you're waiting for your next art deal to come along, do you need some inspiration? If so, check out some of the other artists and photographers featured on our site to get some ideas for a new creation.