I debated on this for years, afraid to dive into the unpredictability. I had some issues arise recently that forced me to take some unexpected time off work, and I’m thinking this may be an opportunity to take the plunge. But I’m not familiar with finding jobs as an illustrator. I’ve searched the topic online and always seem to find the same generic answers. I’m feeling anxious about sitting on my hands during this precious time. Any advice?
What is your work experience as an illustrator so far?
What are your goals, are you expecting to replace your work income completely, more, less?
What was your previous job?
The way i think about it is just to create value, nothing is wasted. So much of my work now is the result of passion projects I have done in the past, if nothing else work on a passion project
As for getting work, be super clear about what you are offering to your customers, and spend a lot of time around future customers.
Yes, thank you so much. I am looking to completely replace my income, being a full time illustrator. I have done commissions in the past, and I worked as a graphic designer for years. But illustration is where my heart is. I particularly want to illustrate non-fiction children’s books. My current goal is working on my portfolio for submissions (as well as a little passion project). You can actually see the pieces I’ve gathered so far here:
Interesting that this has popped into my inbox at the very time I am deciding whether to do this very thing! It's something I've been considering for a while but I am lucky that I potentially have another back up in the form of a holiday cottage I am able to let out. Saying goodbye to a steady and regular wage is a bit scary and I'm still very much on the fence about it!
Emma, firstly congrats on your two book deal with Bloomsbury! Maybe think of it this way, how many hours would you like to spend illustrating and authoring a day. Then what will you do with the rest of the time ? :)
I’m hoping to be doing holiday cottage changeovers haha! My day job is as a teacher and I’ve been considering a change for a while but I may just end up doing it in a slightly more flexible form - like supply teaching instead!
I debated on this for years, afraid to dive into the unpredictability. I had some issues arise recently that forced me to take some unexpected time off work, and I’m thinking this may be an opportunity to take the plunge. But I’m not familiar with finding jobs as an illustrator. I’ve searched the topic online and always seem to find the same generic answers. I’m feeling anxious about sitting on my hands during this precious time. Any advice?
Hi Sonya,
What is your work experience as an illustrator so far?
What are your goals, are you expecting to replace your work income completely, more, less?
What was your previous job?
The way i think about it is just to create value, nothing is wasted. So much of my work now is the result of passion projects I have done in the past, if nothing else work on a passion project
As for getting work, be super clear about what you are offering to your customers, and spend a lot of time around future customers.
Hope it helps
Yes, thank you so much. I am looking to completely replace my income, being a full time illustrator. I have done commissions in the past, and I worked as a graphic designer for years. But illustration is where my heart is. I particularly want to illustrate non-fiction children’s books. My current goal is working on my portfolio for submissions (as well as a little passion project). You can actually see the pieces I’ve gathered so far here:
https://sonyasketchesit.com/portfolio
Thank you so much for your input. I truly appreciate it!
Interesting that this has popped into my inbox at the very time I am deciding whether to do this very thing! It's something I've been considering for a while but I am lucky that I potentially have another back up in the form of a holiday cottage I am able to let out. Saying goodbye to a steady and regular wage is a bit scary and I'm still very much on the fence about it!
Emma, firstly congrats on your two book deal with Bloomsbury! Maybe think of it this way, how many hours would you like to spend illustrating and authoring a day. Then what will you do with the rest of the time ? :)
I’m hoping to be doing holiday cottage changeovers haha! My day job is as a teacher and I’ve been considering a change for a while but I may just end up doing it in a slightly more flexible form - like supply teaching instead!
Talk about a challenge! How to draw invisibility?
I tried it in the video, it wasn’t great but i tried!