To get the Dream Job, Focus on being the Dream Candidate.
Thought Stack
1. A Sketchbook is where you work out
It’s the place to do your reps.
It’s the place to test yourself.
It’s the place to attempt feats of increasing difficulty.
It’s the place you find yourself.
It’s your quiet private victory.
It’s your source of confidence.
It’s money in the bank.
2. You know if you’re qualified for the job
A few weeks ago, an editor asked me if I had any stories I had to sell.
If I had been writing, if I had been developing stories, if I had a story that was good enough to be made into a book. Then I would have been able to sell it, I would even have been able to illustrate it.
But I haven’t done the work, and so my ambitions of being an author will have to wait. NOT until the opportunity comes, the opportunity is always there, but I’m not yet able to take it.
It’s the same for everything. There is work to be done, if you can do the work, if you’ve done the work, the job is yours!
3. The business of illustrating
If you wait around long enough, someone is going to pay you to draw something at whatever your ability level is.
But if you don’t want to wait around, if you want to illustrate regularly, well then you’re going to have to make a business out of it.
You’re going to need to pick a market to operate in.
You’re going to need to develop a product or a service to sell.
You’re going to need to find ways to market and sell it.
You’re going to do such a good job that they hire you again and tell their friends.
Did any of these thoughts resonate with you? Did any change the way you think? Do you have a question or a comment?
PS: (Extra, for Paid Subscribers)
I think once you unlock the question of your 'chosen market', so much can become clear! Such as what you want to develop in your portfolio. I am not entirely clear about my chosen market yet, but I try to look to artists I admire to try to see what and how they do what they do. But I do think that is the toughest bit!
Great advice, Adam! So spot on the chosen market bit! The change of market can be a big leap! A few things to consider: size (that will affect your fees), access (would you need an agent, or could you reach editors directly?), strengths (where your work is more suited)