You start to gain momentum when you realize that the other illustrators are not your competition
What I learned about competition from my first Make Art That Sells Class (as a rookie student)
When I arrived at my first children’s illustration class as an illustrator, I saw it as a competition.
I thought I had to defeat every other artist to become the ultimate champion artist. I made my plans and went to work. But I quickly released a few things that changed my perspective.
Taking an art class as an almost 40 adult is such an emotional rollercoaster, here’s what it though me about competition.
I didn’t even know what was ‘good’ and what wasn’t.
It’s not a competition because there is no objective aim, there is no way to determine how one illustrations is better than another, and if there’s no clear criteria for ‘winning’ an illustration ‘competition’ then how can we even compete.
The best we can do is offer a unique tone or voice.
And if that’s what we’re doing then every one is a winner because everyone is sharing their own voice!
I learned as much from observing and interacting with other artist than I did from the course itself and it was a very VERY valuable course.
As I looked at each individual voice, I started to admire the diversity, all the different ways an illustrator could interpret a text.
Because my classmates shared their progress and thoughts in a private facebook group I got to appreciate the various struggles people go through to produce a work. I shared my own struggles got so much help and encouragement.
People ahead showed me the way, peers motivated each other, and we pay it forward.
We’re not competing against each other because, the same way the keys on a key ring are not competing with each other, instead each opens a very specific lock.
The game is really more like a treasure hunt than a race, we’re not trying to outdo each other instead we are each trying to unlock some treasure inside of us and find a way to share it.
And we’re trying to get fair compensation for our troubles.
If you see and recognise other artist as allies already then you know what I mean, but if you’re still seeing other artist as competing for the same jobs, then all I can say is the journey is much more enjoyable with company.
And I hope you will find artist friends to celebrate this journey with!
TEN MINUTE ARTIST PROMPT
What does it mean to you to win at illustration?
Redefine the game.
Make your own rules, give yourself some personal challenge or creative goals. When you feel envy or a sense of competition come back to these goals instead. Write down your goals on a piece of paper or in your sketchbook.
My goals are to simplify my illustration process, and to present my ideas more graphically without loosing too much of it’s current appealing qualities.
Thank you for your kind words about my courses and your insights for our community. You are a gem. I loved seeing your work in class. I always say, Art is a conversation you have with yourself. It’s not a competition. It’s your relationship to the materials and the process and self discovery. This is what I figured out when I was an illustrator. ❤️
Adam, I really admire that painting. So much to look at, so many colours, and still a good composition. Its easy to read even though a lot of things are happening...