But unless you’re rolling in a disposable income, and unless your dad works for a world renowned publisher, you’re going to have to work a lot of overtime to develop your work and research potential clients. The creative industry can sometimes be incredibly elitist: those who can afford to do work placements, courses, enter competitions, or are born into a family with a good network are often able to get their work in front of a wider audience. In all honesty, none of it ‘took off’ in the way I wanted but I started to learn which work was popular and which was/wasn’t working. I spent evenings working on personal work, I sent off books I’d written and illustrated to publishers and I took part in exhibitions. I had been developing a personal portfolio of work for three years before I went solo. Work hardĪ career in illustration rarely lands on your lap just because you’re good at drawing. Don’t lose heart though, some clients may not reply to your initial contact yet may get back to you with work a lot later.
Most people do not reply to you or give you any feedback which can feel a little soul destroying. I had no contacts and I had no idea how long it would take to build the little reputation I have. And that’s okay - it just wasn’t the right time for me (and little did I know then that other jobs would do me way bigger favours in developing my character and skills). I tried to become an illustrator straight after graduating, yet gave up a year later after wondering how I would afford a new toothbrush (I’m not kidding). I worked in commercial design roles for over ten years before I went solo. I’ve worked in some terrible jobs, and some good ones. Sure, there are those annoying sods who get a commission from Nike two days after their graduation, but the rest of us have to ride the waves of crushing rejection and endless creative soul searching. My top tips for becoming an illustrator: 1. So, I’m here to tell all you ‘aspiring illustrators’ some things I’ve learnt on the road to becoming one* (and so I don’t have to send dozens of emails saying the same thing).
It gets a little annoying at times.ĭespite these things being a slight exaggeration, and despite feeling like a bit of a phoney at times, I am indeed making a full time living as a freelance creative. ‘you are so lucky to be an illustrator! I wish I could sit and draw all day!’ Indeed, as I skip down the street, strangers offer high-fives as they shout: ‘You bloody made it! You’re a god-damn illustrator!’ Sometimes I even hear the Rocky theme tune when I get up in a morning. After all, people do gasp in awe when I tell them what I do for a living: ‘oooooh woweee’ they say, enthusiastically. Short of me doing a quick google search or putting a poll out on twitter, i have to check myself and realise that, yes, I am indeed now a freelance creative and perhaps I can give a little insight. I often receive emails from students and aspiring creatives asking me what the secret to becoming an illustrator is.