My First Art Blog... or "Blarg"

Last September I quit my graphic design job of 15 years to pursue a career as a freelance illustrator. I had been tossing around the idea even before the pandemic had hit but once I was forced into part time work it became all too clear that the time had come to make the hardest decision of my career. They didn’t come out and say it but, I felt a few of my co-workers thought I was crazy for leaving without having another job lined up. Even I felt like I was making a huge mistake but I had become so disillusioned by working at the same company for so long that the idea of working for anyone else but myself seemed even more crazy. I would go to work hating being there and knowing I was wasting my potential and making less than I was worth. I felt like I had just worked 15 years at an entry level job and that felt horrible. I had gone as far as I could at that company and I was ready to move on.

It may sound like a cliché but, now that I am working for myself I feel like I am more in control of my destiny. When I quit I felt unwilling to just take on another part time job will trying to build an art career. I tried to do that while working my previous job and it just didn’t work. I needed art to be my only career to be the motivation to keep at. I had briefly entertained the notion of taking this time to learn web development and start a career in that field but I came to my senses and began building up the idea that I could actually make a career from my art. I had always been very critical of my drawing skills but would always get good feedback from others so I thought I would finally give illustration a try.

I’m lucky enough that my expenses are very low and I can afford to go through some lean years while building my illustration career. I’m blessed to be surrounded by people that support my decision and help me through it emotionally and financially. I have a partner that has always given me the confidence to continue drawing and always given her guidance and helped me along the way. The decision to make illustration a career choice was made a lot easier with my financial situation and the support of my loved ones.

I still am just starting and still feel unsure how long I will be able to support myself with just my drawing abilities. I am currently underpricing myself in an attempt to build more working relationships and to just build up a working portfolio. For now, I’m getting children’s book illustration jobs through Fiverr which is just a temporary work solution for money. I don’t like feeling beholden to Fiverr but right now it is a good way to get experience and build up a portfolio. I may even do another blog about my experience and opinion about working on Fiverr in the near future. I have plenty of ideas for the future of my career and hope that I can create an art career that is fulfilling and self-sustainable. I still have have a lot to learn but I’m looking forward to what the future has in store. Stay tuned in.