This is a place to talk about creative work, I thought we would kick it off by introducing ourselves. Feel free to Freestyle or use one of the formats below.
Hi I’m (Your Name), And I do (Name Creative Career) primarily, and on the side, I also do (X,Y,Z)
or
Hi I’m (Your Name) and I aspire to be a (Name Creative Career)
Hi, I'm Debbie (or Debs) and I've spent much of my career doing everything except being creative (12 years in academia, more years than I care to count in IT related positions, teaching etc).
My creative aspects have always been sidelines, but that is going to change now as I've given up full time paid work to give these aspects space to grow.
So (deep breath), I aspire to being a writer, multimedia artist and photographer. 😊
Hi, I'm Emily, I'm an accountant by day and an illustrator by night! I used to aspire to be a full time arty everything and for a short while, I was painting murals, drawing fine art pencil drawings, business illustrations, personal commissions and also illustrating a picture book.... It took me a while to work out what I really wanted, which was to draw what I love for me. I work as an accountant in the NHS in England but I aspire to work for myself as an accountant for creatives, where I can balance my illustration and artwork alongside working as an accountant in practice...
I'm Rebecca and I'm a children's book author, poet, and artist working toward making illustration a real part of my children's book creating career. I also have a picture book manuscript critique service. I used to actually sell my art (mostly watercolor paintings and pencil portraits back then), but for some reason I got away from that when I seriously started pursuing writing. Now that I'm creating consistently again, I'd love to put some of my art out there. My priority right now, though, is illustration.
Hi Adam (and everyone)...spent about 20 years starting in my late teens as a working musician...studied some music in school and jazz improv privately with a couple great teachers...some writing and art along the way...all has resulted in this kooky thing I’m doing here!
This is a nice idea. Hi. I’m Neil, and I am a street photographer, photography teacher, writer, and critic. Elsewhere, I have spent 20 years around the music industry as a musician, songwriter, and indie record label owner. I'm looking forward to meeting more creatives in the comments here. Cheers!
Quick update: I also started a wee initiative on Substack called Photostack, to bring together as many photographers / photography writers as possible. If you want to be added to the list, visit the note, comment, and restack and I'll add you in. https://substack.com/@lionelsmint/note/c-21492727
Hey friends 👋 My name is Ben and after being a graphic designer wage slave for 20+ years, I've decided to pivot to my true illustration passion. I am now the proud owner of a small baby-sized business and have spent the last 2 years experimenting and reigniting fun 🎉😸
Hello, I'm Srinidhi and I'm an artist and maker of things, I enjoy drawing and making picture books but I also enjoy painting, sketch booking, sewing and crafting. I'm kinda floating around these days kind of directionless and I don't know what I should do next. But currently filling my sketchbook pages and painting is keeping me happy and warm.
I aspire to be a write of MG mystery books but I have never really tried that, its always been in my head. Maybe I should start taking time to put them down on paper.
Hi all! I’m Kim and I’m working on illustrating and writing picture books. I studied Interior Architecture and worked in residential architecture for years. I then shifted to furniture design for a while before having kids. I’ve also painted and made jewellery.
My kids are still young, and I’m a full time stay at home mum, so my work happens in the cracks. But the goal is to build up my creative business over time. I see it having several facets that feed into my different interests, but focusing on illustration, art and writing.
Hi My name is Kinga, I work in finance by day and dabble in art and illustration by night. I'm not sure I'd ever want it to be my full main career as I'm rather risk averse and not sure the life of a freelancer is for me. Drawing is one of those pandemic hobbies we were all picking up early early in 2020, except I can't shake mine off and I've been drawing every day. I am also a writer and had some little things published.
Hi, I’m Claire. I’m an engagement consultant, creative producer, fundraiser, mentor, project manager for the arts and heritage sector. I also teach folks how to stay creative on Substack! ✨
Hi! I’m Shinjini, I’m an editor by day and an artist, tarot reader and writer by night. I love mixed media art journaling and intuitive painting; I’ve exhibited some of my work at art shows; sold a couple of paintings (mainly to friends); and teach art and tarot courses both online and offline.
I'm building an author career at the moment but I've been writing online since 2010. I used to be an interiors blogger, which included styling and photography, but I've also been a makeup artist, art and design teacher. Hello 👋🤗
Hi everyone, I'm S.Pam and whether it is painting or making/building something, I love creating with my hands. I'm currently still a student (about to go into high school) but I aspire to turn it into a full-time job. Anyways thank you so much for reading! I'm so excited to meet other creatives here!🎨
Hi, I'm Courtney. I'm the comic artist behind "Not Suitable for Humans" (available on Webtoons). I left the world of professional kitchen work about a year ago to pursue my dream of creating comics and (eventually) graphic novels. Excited to meet so many other creatives!
Hi Adam, I love that you are engaging the creative community. I work with creative leaders to help them stay focused, prioritize their ideas and bring more of their brilliance to life. I also am revising my first novel. As a hobby, I dabble in several art forms-travel photography, watercolor, acrylic and print-making. I recently launched on Substack and writing my first post.
Hi! I’m Sara. I’m an abstract painter and creativity mentor. I teach workshops on mindful art and intuitive painting, and I lead an art journaling focused membership program. I paint professionally but find myself riding the fence a bit between totally pro artist and teaching artist. Haven’t quite figured out where I want to be, so why not both until it becomes clear? 😂 I’m also a stay home parent, but since my kids are much older now the scales are tipping to full time art/work. Lovely to see so many creative people here!
Hi, I am Rekha Salin, and I am a Children illustrator working on 3 PBs currently.
I also write an article every month for SCBWI British Isles Magazine Words n Pics. And I do interview an author/illustrator who is an SCBWI BI member for Inspiration from BookShelves. And I am always looking for opportunities to be amongst creatives either co-working, drawing/sketching or simply chatting.
Hi I'm Karen and I'm an educator and writer. I'm new to Substack and finding my way around. I'm researching books about ambiverts and highly sensitive people (HSP) for a book I'm writing. Please send any book recommendations or your own personal experience with discovering you're an ambivert or HSP my way!
Hi! I’m Jen Gubicza (rhymes with pizza), and I was a graphic designer & creative director, but now I primarily make humorous stuffed animal faux taxidermy, and on the side I’m also an author, illustrator and D&D player.
Hello! 👋😺 I’m Beth. I love drawing animals and people of all varieties. My college degree is in journalism, but somehow I ended up in web design, then worked in an animal shelter, and now I’m working on a picture book that’ll be published in 2025. I also host drawing sessions via my Substack, Introvert Drawing Club. 😄
I enjoyed reading everyone’s intros! This is a lovely community you’ve cultivated, Adam! Thank you! 😄
Hi, I'm Juliana. I'm a children's book illustrator. I studied architecture, and have been trying to make a living from illustration for quite a while. Sometimes I think I'm nearly there. Right now, I'm represented by a fabulous agent, and we're working really hard for me to be published in the US. It's been like doing a PhD on children's literature! I'm finishing a book. Let's hope is my break through!
Hey all! RA Friedman, boldly unpopular fine artist and educator in Philadelphia, PA, USA, exploring the poetic niche between tradition and post-modernism.
Hi I'm Adam, I've been illustrating Children's books for the past couple of years, and on the side I do a wee bit of other illustration work. And I write this thing.
I'm trying to work some writing time into my schedule so I can write my own picture books too.
It's so nice to see everyone connecting, and to 'meet' some of you for the first time. Thank you so much for being here! I'll be opening up threads like this every so often so we can talk about all things creative career related!
Hi Adam and other readers! I’m Janneke and I’m an writer, illustrator and textile artist from The Netherlands. My four-legged friends Brom, Mies, Rinde and Mitje are my biggest inspiration. I’m currently working on a children’s picture book and lots of textile pieces! ❤️ By day, I work as both a part time communications manager for a nature conservation organisation and an freelance journalist, photographer & photo editor. You might notice I wear lots of different hats, but I honestly feel very blessed to be able to show my creativity in so many different ways! ☺️
Hi Adam, I'm two days away from not even being 60 anymore...I had a decent career in corporate finance in London and the North of England, and for twenty years now I have sat as a Non-exec on boards in the not for profit sector, NHS and education. But about ten years ago I got engrossed in a project researching an unknown Victorian artist which led me to write a book. When I couldn't get it published, but knew I wanted to keep writing, I went back to college to do an MA and start a new project. The amazing news is that led to me winning a prize, finding an agent, then a publisher, and my book, Literature for the People, comes out next May. And meanwhile here I am loving Substack and practising and improving my writing skills everyday while I gear up for another project. Thank you for asking. Never too late!
Hi, I'm Garrett! My day job is in content design, but I aspire to be a full-time writer (novels, creative nonfiction, screenplays, children's books), and have been working at it for nearly 15 years now.
Also, I love photography. Very, very new to it, but my 3yo gives me plenty of moments I want to capture.
Such a great idea Adam! I am Jen, I am a full time children's book illustrator (you can find me here https://www.instagram.com/jen_jamieson/) and in a previous life I was a freelance graphic designer. As a designer I found I loved working on novelty projects or stuff for kids, but I always felt like design clients expected me to change to suit their brief, rather than coming to me because they love my style. So in lockdown I decided I wanted to try and find an illustration style that suited me and might get me the sort of work I wanted. I met a wonderful online community of other aspiring artists and it's been so great to all grow together and be able to follow each other's journeys. Thanks again for using your platform and helping so many interesting people connect Adam.
Hi! I'm Katie and I am an illustrator for children's books and greeting cards. On the side I'm also a museum educator! Any other teachers here?! I taught in a school for about a decade before venturing in the kid lit world.
Hi, I’m Josie and I run a small creative studio with my husband in the midlands of the UK - mainly focused on photography and videography but honestly I just want to break out of the world of marketing and digital-first creativity! I recently left my charity marketing job to focus on our business which is going well, but right now I’m 25 and there are so many things I want to try! I’m so passionate about food, especially slow food, and I’d love to write about food and culture - I also love photography and wish I could go much deeper with that skill, and I just love making things like experimenting with natural dyes and fabrics, printing and collecting and drawing. I have no idea where I’m going but I’m trying to carve out an alternative career that’s for sure! I feel like I’m more focused on the themes I want to explore than the methods of exploring - it’s just an adventure trying to make money in this season of life 🌿
I’m Carla. I’m a children’s book illustrator living in Sydney. I started this journey on a whim during the Covid lockdown after over a decade in the finance industry.
I’ve had 2 books published and I have one signed contract... mostly thanks to MATS and being in the illoguild critique group with Adam.
Hi, I'm Gaynor, and I'm really a multi-passionate creative. I'm currently writing an arty, interactive book about goddesses from around the world. I'm also a surface pattern designer, with aspirations to write and illustrate children's books.
I recently realised that I'm a creative introvert (huge revelation and lots of things finally made sense) it turns out that I'm not weird or anti-social after all, and I'm just about to launch my new newsletter about navigating life and business from my perspective.
I'm also launching The Creative Introvert Club, a membership for like-minded creatives to gather, chat and work alongside each other in a safe environment. :)
Hi ! I’m Sharon but you can call me Nulls or Nullsie . I am a surface pattern designer , and you can find my work most recently on custom Birkenstocks , puzzles and fabric . I also paint larger pieces and have just started to get some of my work in various gallery shows . Tonight some of my work will be in an online show called “The Square Foot Show “. I moved back to So Cal after a decade in NY and the loss of my longtime partner ( best friend boyfriend ),my sketchbook and art keep me sane .
Hello! I’m Maya and I aspire to be a published author. I’ve read this thread and think this is such a wonderful idea. There are so many talented people here! As of the moment, I am a film archivist.
I'm a little late to this party! Hi, I'm Raj and I work as a freelance Graphic Designer for Brands, with a focus on packaging design. I do love this work, but at age 45 I am reaching that point where I don't think I want to 'grow old' doing this work. Unless I go into Senior Management, which does not appeal, as I know it will compromise my family life because I have seen how hard it is, and I am not willing to not be present for my kid. (Unless finances go seriously bad, then of course I'll do what is needed!) On the side, I am developing my illustration and art practice. I would love for all this side work to build into my design work and shift my focus into a more art inspired design practice, and eventually drop the design altogether and grow old and fabulous making art! That's the dream!
Hi I’m Kate, an artist specialising in fabric designs for kids, as well as setting up as a business coach for fellow and aspiring artists. I’m a nanny on the side too
My name is Phunchita but I don’t mind people call me Ouwan. Right now I am practicing illustrating but as you said you can only illustrate so much in a year 😅. At the moment I would like to narrow my focus a bit more. I aspire To write / draw / paint and journal more. These 2 years of illustrating around here and there. First intend was for my portfolio but then I have these itch to be more creative in my approach I went back and forth between everything a lot. So… it’s sort of wanting to find my own voice and keep it going I enjoy reading about other people’s journey and how they get from there to here. It’s so inspiring to me.
Also a bit late to the party here - I've been enjoying summer outdoors, with less online socmed presence🙂
Hi everyone, I'm Lorraine, my creative career is a side gig. My day job is quite technical, I'm a veterinarian and American Board certified regulatory toxicologist; I support companies that develop products for regulated markets such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides (for both organic and conventional agriculture). ⚗️🧪💊🚜🥣🌻
I call my creative side gig "horsepowered pathfinding". I use a process called Intentional Creativity (taught by Shiloh Sophia, also on substack) & a delightful creative artbook approach taught by Catt Geller called Cosmic Smashbooking. I associate these approaches with my herd of 4 horses who "coach" my participants by supporting their authentic selves while they develop their creations. This equine-facilitated experiential learning approach is called Eponaquest, developed by the amazing Linda Kohanov, author of several books, including "The Tao of Equus", "Five role of the Master Herder", and "Riding Between Worlds".
I tailor my sessions for individuals, or I organize workshops on all kinds of different themes to support my clients' pathfinding. Sample workshop themes are "Activate your project with your creative potential", or "Heart Warrior - share your love while protecting yourself fiercely".
The pandemic put my in-person creative sessions in hibernation, and I've taken my time to get those moving again... I've thought about creating online classes, without implementing anything yet.
I'm enjoying life as an empty-nester while I think about what to plan next... It's lovely to meet everyone here and discover what you all love to create!
Hi, I'm Rosh! New here and figuring out my way around Substack! It's been so inspirational reading all the comments, thank you for starting this thread, Adam :) I recently made the switch from advertising to UX design/research, and I draw + paint whenever I get a chance to. I'd LOVE illustration/creating art to be my main career, though I have a very long way to go to even figure out what that looks like! At the moment I'm really trying to get into mark making just for fun, and being immersed in the messiness of it all. The toughest part for me is detaching myself from thinking there *has* to be a purpose to everything I make.
I also want to give a shoutout to a few people who have helped me boost my motivation levels through their content :) @bethspencer @rajkaur @adamming
Hi, I'm Amberley Carter (Ambs). I work for a creative writing charity called The Bank of Dreams of Nightmares in Dorset, in the UK. I have always loved both the visual and the verbal and have been a volunteer here for over two years. I've just started the job of coordinating the writing mentors and illustrator volunteers for our workshops. We offer FREE workshops for children and young adults, with tangible outcomes such as an illustrated printed edition of their stories, a quarterly newspaper, podcasts on Soundcloud and more. Check out our website:
We are always looking for illustrators and the children get especially excited when they "Zoom in" from far flung places! They can't quite believe their words are being illustrated "like in a real book!" Workshops are voluntary but any commissioned pieces we offer to our illustrator volunteers first.
We LOVE Adam's work and I'm hoping to have a look at other illustrators' work in the feed! It's always so exciting seeing new work and I wish I had that talent. But for now I just love facilitating our workshops. Please email me if you are interested in our work. I would love to see yours!
Hi! I’m Ashton and I’m a content manager for a PR agency by day and I aspire to be a published author (writing YA or adult fantasy fiction). I am working on a novel now and I love meeting other creatives and seeing all the lives everyone leads ☺️
Hi, I'm Debbie (or Debs) and I've spent much of my career doing everything except being creative (12 years in academia, more years than I care to count in IT related positions, teaching etc).
My creative aspects have always been sidelines, but that is going to change now as I've given up full time paid work to give these aspects space to grow.
So (deep breath), I aspire to being a writer, multimedia artist and photographer. 😊
Hi, I'm Emily, I'm an accountant by day and an illustrator by night! I used to aspire to be a full time arty everything and for a short while, I was painting murals, drawing fine art pencil drawings, business illustrations, personal commissions and also illustrating a picture book.... It took me a while to work out what I really wanted, which was to draw what I love for me. I work as an accountant in the NHS in England but I aspire to work for myself as an accountant for creatives, where I can balance my illustration and artwork alongside working as an accountant in practice...
I'm Rebecca and I'm a children's book author, poet, and artist working toward making illustration a real part of my children's book creating career. I also have a picture book manuscript critique service. I used to actually sell my art (mostly watercolor paintings and pencil portraits back then), but for some reason I got away from that when I seriously started pursuing writing. Now that I'm creating consistently again, I'd love to put some of my art out there. My priority right now, though, is illustration.
Hi Adam (and everyone)...spent about 20 years starting in my late teens as a working musician...studied some music in school and jazz improv privately with a couple great teachers...some writing and art along the way...all has resulted in this kooky thing I’m doing here!
This is a nice idea. Hi. I’m Neil, and I am a street photographer, photography teacher, writer, and critic. Elsewhere, I have spent 20 years around the music industry as a musician, songwriter, and indie record label owner. I'm looking forward to meeting more creatives in the comments here. Cheers!
Quick update: I also started a wee initiative on Substack called Photostack, to bring together as many photographers / photography writers as possible. If you want to be added to the list, visit the note, comment, and restack and I'll add you in. https://substack.com/@lionelsmint/note/c-21492727
Hey friends 👋 My name is Ben and after being a graphic designer wage slave for 20+ years, I've decided to pivot to my true illustration passion. I am now the proud owner of a small baby-sized business and have spent the last 2 years experimenting and reigniting fun 🎉😸
Hello, I'm Srinidhi and I'm an artist and maker of things, I enjoy drawing and making picture books but I also enjoy painting, sketch booking, sewing and crafting. I'm kinda floating around these days kind of directionless and I don't know what I should do next. But currently filling my sketchbook pages and painting is keeping me happy and warm.
I aspire to be a write of MG mystery books but I have never really tried that, its always been in my head. Maybe I should start taking time to put them down on paper.
Have an amazing, day everyone and cheers!!
Hi all! I’m Kim and I’m working on illustrating and writing picture books. I studied Interior Architecture and worked in residential architecture for years. I then shifted to furniture design for a while before having kids. I’ve also painted and made jewellery.
My kids are still young, and I’m a full time stay at home mum, so my work happens in the cracks. But the goal is to build up my creative business over time. I see it having several facets that feed into my different interests, but focusing on illustration, art and writing.
Hi I’m Alice, I do children illustrations primarily, and, on the side I also do graphic design!
I'm working very hard to illustrate my first picture book! My insta https://www.instagram.com/musetto_illustrations/ and my website: olloillo.com
Any advice, comment or suggestion is suuuuuper welcome! Thank you!
Hi My name is Kinga, I work in finance by day and dabble in art and illustration by night. I'm not sure I'd ever want it to be my full main career as I'm rather risk averse and not sure the life of a freelancer is for me. Drawing is one of those pandemic hobbies we were all picking up early early in 2020, except I can't shake mine off and I've been drawing every day. I am also a writer and had some little things published.
Hi, I’m Claire. I’m an engagement consultant, creative producer, fundraiser, mentor, project manager for the arts and heritage sector. I also teach folks how to stay creative on Substack! ✨
Hi! I’m Shinjini, I’m an editor by day and an artist, tarot reader and writer by night. I love mixed media art journaling and intuitive painting; I’ve exhibited some of my work at art shows; sold a couple of paintings (mainly to friends); and teach art and tarot courses both online and offline.
I'm building an author career at the moment but I've been writing online since 2010. I used to be an interiors blogger, which included styling and photography, but I've also been a makeup artist, art and design teacher. Hello 👋🤗
Hi everyone, I'm S.Pam and whether it is painting or making/building something, I love creating with my hands. I'm currently still a student (about to go into high school) but I aspire to turn it into a full-time job. Anyways thank you so much for reading! I'm so excited to meet other creatives here!🎨
Hi, I'm Courtney. I'm the comic artist behind "Not Suitable for Humans" (available on Webtoons). I left the world of professional kitchen work about a year ago to pursue my dream of creating comics and (eventually) graphic novels. Excited to meet so many other creatives!
Hi Adam, I love that you are engaging the creative community. I work with creative leaders to help them stay focused, prioritize their ideas and bring more of their brilliance to life. I also am revising my first novel. As a hobby, I dabble in several art forms-travel photography, watercolor, acrylic and print-making. I recently launched on Substack and writing my first post.
Hi! I’m Sara. I’m an abstract painter and creativity mentor. I teach workshops on mindful art and intuitive painting, and I lead an art journaling focused membership program. I paint professionally but find myself riding the fence a bit between totally pro artist and teaching artist. Haven’t quite figured out where I want to be, so why not both until it becomes clear? 😂 I’m also a stay home parent, but since my kids are much older now the scales are tipping to full time art/work. Lovely to see so many creative people here!
Hi, I am Rekha Salin, and I am a Children illustrator working on 3 PBs currently.
I also write an article every month for SCBWI British Isles Magazine Words n Pics. And I do interview an author/illustrator who is an SCBWI BI member for Inspiration from BookShelves. And I am always looking for opportunities to be amongst creatives either co-working, drawing/sketching or simply chatting.
Hi I'm Karen and I'm an educator and writer. I'm new to Substack and finding my way around. I'm researching books about ambiverts and highly sensitive people (HSP) for a book I'm writing. Please send any book recommendations or your own personal experience with discovering you're an ambivert or HSP my way!
Hi! I’m Jen Gubicza (rhymes with pizza), and I was a graphic designer & creative director, but now I primarily make humorous stuffed animal faux taxidermy, and on the side I’m also an author, illustrator and D&D player.
Hello! 👋😺 I’m Beth. I love drawing animals and people of all varieties. My college degree is in journalism, but somehow I ended up in web design, then worked in an animal shelter, and now I’m working on a picture book that’ll be published in 2025. I also host drawing sessions via my Substack, Introvert Drawing Club. 😄
I enjoyed reading everyone’s intros! This is a lovely community you’ve cultivated, Adam! Thank you! 😄
Hi, I'm Juliana. I'm a children's book illustrator. I studied architecture, and have been trying to make a living from illustration for quite a while. Sometimes I think I'm nearly there. Right now, I'm represented by a fabulous agent, and we're working really hard for me to be published in the US. It's been like doing a PhD on children's literature! I'm finishing a book. Let's hope is my break through!
Hey all! RA Friedman, boldly unpopular fine artist and educator in Philadelphia, PA, USA, exploring the poetic niche between tradition and post-modernism.
Hi I'm Adam, I've been illustrating Children's books for the past couple of years, and on the side I do a wee bit of other illustration work. And I write this thing.
I'm trying to work some writing time into my schedule so I can write my own picture books too.
It's so nice to see everyone connecting, and to 'meet' some of you for the first time. Thank you so much for being here! I'll be opening up threads like this every so often so we can talk about all things creative career related!
Hi Adam and other readers! I’m Janneke and I’m an writer, illustrator and textile artist from The Netherlands. My four-legged friends Brom, Mies, Rinde and Mitje are my biggest inspiration. I’m currently working on a children’s picture book and lots of textile pieces! ❤️ By day, I work as both a part time communications manager for a nature conservation organisation and an freelance journalist, photographer & photo editor. You might notice I wear lots of different hats, but I honestly feel very blessed to be able to show my creativity in so many different ways! ☺️
Hi Adam, I'm two days away from not even being 60 anymore...I had a decent career in corporate finance in London and the North of England, and for twenty years now I have sat as a Non-exec on boards in the not for profit sector, NHS and education. But about ten years ago I got engrossed in a project researching an unknown Victorian artist which led me to write a book. When I couldn't get it published, but knew I wanted to keep writing, I went back to college to do an MA and start a new project. The amazing news is that led to me winning a prize, finding an agent, then a publisher, and my book, Literature for the People, comes out next May. And meanwhile here I am loving Substack and practising and improving my writing skills everyday while I gear up for another project. Thank you for asking. Never too late!
Hi, I'm Garrett! My day job is in content design, but I aspire to be a full-time writer (novels, creative nonfiction, screenplays, children's books), and have been working at it for nearly 15 years now.
Also, I love photography. Very, very new to it, but my 3yo gives me plenty of moments I want to capture.
Such a great idea Adam! I am Jen, I am a full time children's book illustrator (you can find me here https://www.instagram.com/jen_jamieson/) and in a previous life I was a freelance graphic designer. As a designer I found I loved working on novelty projects or stuff for kids, but I always felt like design clients expected me to change to suit their brief, rather than coming to me because they love my style. So in lockdown I decided I wanted to try and find an illustration style that suited me and might get me the sort of work I wanted. I met a wonderful online community of other aspiring artists and it's been so great to all grow together and be able to follow each other's journeys. Thanks again for using your platform and helping so many interesting people connect Adam.
Hi! I'm Katie and I am an illustrator for children's books and greeting cards. On the side I'm also a museum educator! Any other teachers here?! I taught in a school for about a decade before venturing in the kid lit world.
Hi I’m Terry. I am a Jazzercise instructor primarily, and on the side, I am the voice of the CYBILS Awards social media and writer for our blog.
Hi, I’m Josie and I run a small creative studio with my husband in the midlands of the UK - mainly focused on photography and videography but honestly I just want to break out of the world of marketing and digital-first creativity! I recently left my charity marketing job to focus on our business which is going well, but right now I’m 25 and there are so many things I want to try! I’m so passionate about food, especially slow food, and I’d love to write about food and culture - I also love photography and wish I could go much deeper with that skill, and I just love making things like experimenting with natural dyes and fabrics, printing and collecting and drawing. I have no idea where I’m going but I’m trying to carve out an alternative career that’s for sure! I feel like I’m more focused on the themes I want to explore than the methods of exploring - it’s just an adventure trying to make money in this season of life 🌿
I’m Carla. I’m a children’s book illustrator living in Sydney. I started this journey on a whim during the Covid lockdown after over a decade in the finance industry.
I’ve had 2 books published and I have one signed contract... mostly thanks to MATS and being in the illoguild critique group with Adam.
I also love learning from this newsletter!
Love this idea Adam, thanks.
Hi, I'm Gaynor, and I'm really a multi-passionate creative. I'm currently writing an arty, interactive book about goddesses from around the world. I'm also a surface pattern designer, with aspirations to write and illustrate children's books.
I recently realised that I'm a creative introvert (huge revelation and lots of things finally made sense) it turns out that I'm not weird or anti-social after all, and I'm just about to launch my new newsletter about navigating life and business from my perspective.
I'm also launching The Creative Introvert Club, a membership for like-minded creatives to gather, chat and work alongside each other in a safe environment. :)
Hi ! I’m Sharon but you can call me Nulls or Nullsie . I am a surface pattern designer , and you can find my work most recently on custom Birkenstocks , puzzles and fabric . I also paint larger pieces and have just started to get some of my work in various gallery shows . Tonight some of my work will be in an online show called “The Square Foot Show “. I moved back to So Cal after a decade in NY and the loss of my longtime partner ( best friend boyfriend ),my sketchbook and art keep me sane .
Hello! I’m Maya and I aspire to be a published author. I’ve read this thread and think this is such a wonderful idea. There are so many talented people here! As of the moment, I am a film archivist.
I'm a little late to this party! Hi, I'm Raj and I work as a freelance Graphic Designer for Brands, with a focus on packaging design. I do love this work, but at age 45 I am reaching that point where I don't think I want to 'grow old' doing this work. Unless I go into Senior Management, which does not appeal, as I know it will compromise my family life because I have seen how hard it is, and I am not willing to not be present for my kid. (Unless finances go seriously bad, then of course I'll do what is needed!) On the side, I am developing my illustration and art practice. I would love for all this side work to build into my design work and shift my focus into a more art inspired design practice, and eventually drop the design altogether and grow old and fabulous making art! That's the dream!
Hi I'm Laura Quade and I'm an anthropologist studying the value of Parallel Play in the shared human experience.
Hi I’m Kate, an artist specialising in fabric designs for kids, as well as setting up as a business coach for fellow and aspiring artists. I’m a nanny on the side too
My name is Phunchita but I don’t mind people call me Ouwan. Right now I am practicing illustrating but as you said you can only illustrate so much in a year 😅. At the moment I would like to narrow my focus a bit more. I aspire To write / draw / paint and journal more. These 2 years of illustrating around here and there. First intend was for my portfolio but then I have these itch to be more creative in my approach I went back and forth between everything a lot. So… it’s sort of wanting to find my own voice and keep it going I enjoy reading about other people’s journey and how they get from there to here. It’s so inspiring to me.
Also a bit late to the party here - I've been enjoying summer outdoors, with less online socmed presence🙂
Hi everyone, I'm Lorraine, my creative career is a side gig. My day job is quite technical, I'm a veterinarian and American Board certified regulatory toxicologist; I support companies that develop products for regulated markets such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides (for both organic and conventional agriculture). ⚗️🧪💊🚜🥣🌻
I call my creative side gig "horsepowered pathfinding". I use a process called Intentional Creativity (taught by Shiloh Sophia, also on substack) & a delightful creative artbook approach taught by Catt Geller called Cosmic Smashbooking. I associate these approaches with my herd of 4 horses who "coach" my participants by supporting their authentic selves while they develop their creations. This equine-facilitated experiential learning approach is called Eponaquest, developed by the amazing Linda Kohanov, author of several books, including "The Tao of Equus", "Five role of the Master Herder", and "Riding Between Worlds".
I tailor my sessions for individuals, or I organize workshops on all kinds of different themes to support my clients' pathfinding. Sample workshop themes are "Activate your project with your creative potential", or "Heart Warrior - share your love while protecting yourself fiercely".
The pandemic put my in-person creative sessions in hibernation, and I've taken my time to get those moving again... I've thought about creating online classes, without implementing anything yet.
I'm enjoying life as an empty-nester while I think about what to plan next... It's lovely to meet everyone here and discover what you all love to create!
Hi, I'm Rosh! New here and figuring out my way around Substack! It's been so inspirational reading all the comments, thank you for starting this thread, Adam :) I recently made the switch from advertising to UX design/research, and I draw + paint whenever I get a chance to. I'd LOVE illustration/creating art to be my main career, though I have a very long way to go to even figure out what that looks like! At the moment I'm really trying to get into mark making just for fun, and being immersed in the messiness of it all. The toughest part for me is detaching myself from thinking there *has* to be a purpose to everything I make.
I also want to give a shoutout to a few people who have helped me boost my motivation levels through their content :) @bethspencer @rajkaur @adamming
Yes-it was live and the topics built on each other. I usually make classes interactive so people are involved. We met 1-1/2 hours on Zoom.
Hi, I'm Amberley Carter (Ambs). I work for a creative writing charity called The Bank of Dreams of Nightmares in Dorset, in the UK. I have always loved both the visual and the verbal and have been a volunteer here for over two years. I've just started the job of coordinating the writing mentors and illustrator volunteers for our workshops. We offer FREE workshops for children and young adults, with tangible outcomes such as an illustrated printed edition of their stories, a quarterly newspaper, podcasts on Soundcloud and more. Check out our website:
https://www.thebankofdreamsandnightmares.org
We are always looking for illustrators and the children get especially excited when they "Zoom in" from far flung places! They can't quite believe their words are being illustrated "like in a real book!" Workshops are voluntary but any commissioned pieces we offer to our illustrator volunteers first.
We LOVE Adam's work and I'm hoping to have a look at other illustrators' work in the feed! It's always so exciting seeing new work and I wish I had that talent. But for now I just love facilitating our workshops. Please email me if you are interested in our work. I would love to see yours!
Hi! I’m Ashton and I’m a content manager for a PR agency by day and I aspire to be a published author (writing YA or adult fantasy fiction). I am working on a novel now and I love meeting other creatives and seeing all the lives everyone leads ☺️