I'm biased, but this one I created with my pals inside The Good Ship Illustration is great (and the doors just happen to be open right now :) they're closing again soon so worth hopping aboard if you fancy joining in this time around! xx www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business
Loved hearing your story❤️. I'm a self learned artist from the kitchen table school of art. I cleaned for 19 years until I could quit and work part-time. Things have slowed....so I'm working to make all my art fresh and sparkly new. You inspire me to keep going...even at age 70.
Waooooo I am going to be 38 and I have been thinking too late for me to learn art . But your comment has given me so much thrill and hope . Please do share your insta x
Ahh so glad to hear it! (And sorry for taking 8 MONTHS to reply - omg - I somehow missed my notifications 😅) Has the fresh sparkly new artwork helped? I hope so! x
At present I’m at zero… business level of doing that, but I can def draw and illustrate so I’m going to call my self an illustrator 😅 as I just lost my job as a graphic designer, where I had NOTHING to do with marketing so it was really free but now that’s gone, so branching out, or rather thinking of it, that’s as far as it’s got. But been putting work on LinkedIn and saying I’m available, I had one connection yesterday so I’ll take that 😅 Thank you for your tips and advice and I really enjoyed the video ❤️
@@katiedrawsthanks so much hearing your story really resonated with me, only thing is I’m 63 lol, just made redundant and all I can do is draw. Out the box - so def not interested in marketing or doing any other graphic job which pulls me back into boxes. I heard your video and it really inspired me, I just don’t if it’s’ too late.
I found some same things in you. I graduated from an art school but being a part-time housekeeper while trying to keep up with creating art. My target this year is to find an illustration job full-time. I hope it will come true. Thanks for sharing your art career pathway.
Hey Katie! I'm new to your but supper lovely to see you here! I a part- and do on the side. I have done this for a long time(like 6years) combining studies/ doing personal projects This is my 2month as illustrator- children's book illustrator. :)) Looking more of your videos!
I loooove your energy :) I just moved country and Ive been too scared to do the jump, I both photograph and draw, I got a fine art degree in photography from ICP in NYC. I do have a supportive husband right now as Im on a visa were Im not fully allowed to work, but I have been using my time building up my painting portfolio, fixing my website and trying to get a structure up so hopefully when Im allowed legally, I can take the jump into part/hopefully fulltime creative 🙃
Where am I in my illustration journey? I got an agent in 2020 yayyy!! She is wonderful and sends out my portfolio and an art blast every couple of months to publishers… I am watching videos and searching to see what else I can do to learn more, improve, promote myself and get some work. Thank you for your video and sharing your experience xx
Thanks so much. Great to hear about your career path in more detail. I can’t wait for Art Club to start again (whoop whoop!). I’m starting out in my Illustration career, it’s very scary and I was definitely dubious and felt a bit fake telling people “I’m an illustrator” when I haven’t had a commission yet, so great to know it’s perfectly ok! I love it all and so excited to be learning more from great people like yourself and The Good Ship Illustration. 😊🙏😍
I'm currently slowly transitioning from graphic designer to being an graphic illustrator. Just love your vibes and inspires me to continue even though I can't yet see some clear result.
Hi Katie! It was lovely to watch, It’s so interesting to hear other illustrators talk about their career path. I graduated from an illustration degree this year (graduation was delayed for a year) and have been working as freelance illustrator for three years.
That's brilliant! Congratulations on your graduation too :) The first bit out of uni felt so weird to me - sendin you good post-graduation energy haha :)
Hi Katie. I'm away camping with my family and meant to be having a week off from everything Flower Guard Books (my teeny tiny children's author/illustrator/publishing imprint thingy), but everyone else in the tent wanted an early night and I'm still wide awake feeding my 8 month old back to sleep so I thought I'd check your RUclips out. The video's great and hearing that having an agent isn't strictly necessary was what I needed to hear right now. I've been busting my gut trying to get an agent, with no joy, and was beginning to lose hope. Your smiley, happy, informative video reminded me that I can do this and so I'll keep on keeping on! ☺️
Ah amazing - enjoy your camping holiday! And yup I’ve never had an agent. They can be really helpful with tackling contracts and pricing etc so make sure you do get help for the legal side of things and charge well for yer work. The AOI have templates and are brilliant help :) x
Keep up with the good work! You have such a sweet and friendly demeanor, I felt like I was listening to a friend! I went to art school years ago and getting back to the creative field after putting it on hold for almost 10 yr. Thanks for this video!
Yes! I'm so glad I've found you. I'm starting out to become an illustrator. Hoping to go to university in September next year, while I build up my portfolio. Just have to get through the block of being a perfectionist! Thank you for making this channel. ❤
This was such a helpful and motivating video! I have been working as an maker/illustrator through the pandemic but now need to get a part time job to keep things running. It feels a bit like going backwards, but you have made it feel completely the opposite. I’m also excited to dive into all the Good Ship treasures you mentioned😍
Thanks Regan and yeees part time jobs are secret weapons, not a bad thing at all :) We'd love to see you inside the Good Ship Illustration! Art Club is back on the 10th of September wheeeee x
Hello, a very nice video, I hope to see more of them soon. 2 years ago, I'm started my "baby steps" in France as an illustrator. I quit everything to get time to draw. I tryed a lot of kind of different jobs arround my drawing (still trying though). And I think, I found my path somewhere. Anyway, I really apreciate your advices, the way you think/work and I always enjoy receiving news from you by newsletter podcasts, posts etc. Thank you
Thank you for your honesty. I work in a preschool and really enjoy it. I think even if I someday become successful at illustrating I will always keep a part time or substituting job in a preschool. This gives me the freedom to create my own illustrations and not feel tied down by clients. I don’t think there is anything wrong with artists keeping at least a part time job on the side. :)
Hi Katie, thanks for these super helpful tips. I am currently at home with my little boy, supply teaching a few days a week and trying to get started in illustration so that i can stop teaching. Hearing your tips is so encouraging. Thanks so much!
First, you are so relatable and I love your message. Second, this is really cute! I hope you keep making more videos. I was recommended your video just by RUclips and I am glad I clicked on it.
Ahh Katie this was wonderful to watch and hear more about your story! I can't wait til Art Club comes back on the Good Ship Illustration as I really wanna join in! I've been a graphic designer for a long time and illustrating on the side, but this year I took the leap to be a freelance designer and now I'm transitioning it so hopefully it will mostly be illustration rather than design! Looking forward to seeing your future videos 😊
Thanks Katie! I can't wait til Art Club starts back up again too. (It'll be back on the 10th September!) Sooo exciting making the leap to freelance designer and sending lots of good luck and clients for transitioning to more illustration work. So good that you have graphic design skills too - people need that! Another string to yer bow an' all that :) x
Currently in the middle weighing the merits of switching from comics I draw traditionally, to a fashion illustration career. Ive had to find other ways to get outfit designs for characters / building designs though as Pinterest still has a problem with Big Fashion and Pop Music leeching off illustrators and musicians. I am curious why Im often recommended childrens book illustration. I wrote two middle grade novels, though mainly do adult fiction. ( I found maintaining the atmosphere expected for kidlit hard to maintain, as my genre passion is Dystopian and Paranormal Romance. )
Hi Katie! Great video, it’s always really helpful to hear about how others cracked their way into illustration. I’m a journalist doing an MA in illustration at Falmouth - I’m hoping to be able to do both when I’m finished! Would love the links to the communities you mentioned in the video, and the Good Ship Illustration stuff 😊 x
This is sooooo helpful, thank you for the video! I have been wanting to become an illustrator but the lack of self-confidence was keeping me from taking the chance.
I've been really struggling with trying to get myself out there. I get so much anxiety about posting on social media - how on earth do I get around that? Hmmm.. Anyway, so glad to have found you Katie. You seem so sunny and sweet! :) ✨🌿
Such a helpful video Katie, really sums up being an illustrator! 😄 I have just finished uni this year and I am currently building up a portfolio to hopefully get some work/commissions. Looking forward to hearing more about the business course you are planning! 😊
it's my third time trying to get an agent. Maybe 3rd time's a charm? It's been exhausting honestly, it's harder when there isn't any side job... but I finally feel like my work is good, I have fun with it and it's cohesive. It happened once I relaxed with the expectations for my art...maybe I should do that in regards with finding a nice agent, too...Thank you for the lovely video! I've been following you around the socials! Cheers!
I dont think you need to get an agent to be a freelance illustrator.All you need to do is create your work ,take a picture of it with your mobile device and send that/those pictures as an email attachment to an email (query letter) to say,a greeting card company to submit your work.I've never heard of illustrators working through agents.
@@Sharperthanu1 thank you kindly for your reply, that's a wondeful idea and I will give it a go! There are agents that represent illustration artists, especially in book illustration. It's easier to get established that way, although not necessary, but easier. Also if you want to break in as a writer/illustrator, an agent can be a sharp tool to have in order to get published. Of course, it's different for everyone. Thank you for the amazing idea in the reply!
Hey KAtie, so lovely watching you, you are a great story teller! Thank you for sharing, Im going to investigate all the links and, as a special request, Id love to know more of the live illustration performance and your experience, Im very keen on getting myself into that!
HI Katie, thanks for the video! I'm right at the start of the illustration journey, I've mostly just worked out that this is what I'd like to do and that science illustration is even a thing. I'm a scientist and I want to move into visual translation of science using images, mostly cartoons. I am having difficulty getting my head around the concept that someone would pay money for something I enjoy doing so much! 😂
Science illustration is DEFINITELY a thing. You've got a massive headstart, knowing what you want to do. Go go go! :) (People will absolutely pay you even if you enjoy doing something. I promise! There is no fun tax.) x
Lol, I love that there is no fun tax! 😂 It's definitely invaded my brain as the next thing I'm going to try! I just watched your 100 day project video as well and I'm feeling super inspired! Thank you for doing what you do ❤️
So glad you are doing more youtoobs! Really great video 💕 I’m at a frustrating point in my illustration “career”. I had a couple very small commissions last year and have submitted my work to loads and loads of art directors, tried to sell cards and print in demand but have heard nada. I’m getting close to that 100 nos I think! I wonder if my work just isn’t very commercial? Or like the job I want doesn’t exist? People don’t seem to want cute stuff with faces on them 🙃
Hello...just submitted my drawings for my first commission 😬🙈 good feedback so far some fix ups worked well under the pressure....ish 🤪 lol wondering where do I go from here. So loving finding your channel here!!
@@katiedraws Well this is it, think I need to have an Instagram or website to promote myself better so I better get working on that! Its making time to do it, Anyway how are you? You seem super busy hope all is well with you :D
First of all, thank you for this video! :) It's always so nice to hear about other's illustration journeys. I'm about to start a Master's in environmental planning actually and hope to keep illustrating on the side (mainly for fun, not so much for money, but it would be nice if there were some commissions haha) for the next two years. My dream is be an environmental planner but ALSO write/illustrate children's books about environmental topics...? Might be far-fetched and ambitious but we'll see!
Love your person, thanks for the honesty and generosity- and yay you’re on RUclips! I’ve a question: at what point in your career did you start your own portfolio website? Ps: looking forward to the picture book course soon! Xx
Loving these videos Katie. I'm a freelance copywriter and love drawing. I would love to illustrate and one day write a children's book but I just don't know if I could be good enough to call myself an illustrator! Would you advise doing a short course to begin with? Or just keep drawing?!
Keep drawiiiiing! And come to Art Club if you can - it’s on @thegoodshipillustration and we’ll start it again from 10th September. We’re also about to release a picture book course - www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB. (And yesss you are allowed to call yourself an illustrator even if you don’t feel like your work is up to scratch yet.) :)
I don't want to seem discouraging, just want to share a bit of my life XP and get people thinking. On #2 i actually can agree and disagree... Id say you can't make a logo and say you're a graphic designer, there's a lot of things you need to know artistically but you also need to know how to be a business adviser and you realize that when you sit down and understand what a graphic designer is. I used to be a graphic designer, when i got out of college i went straight to freelance work, i believed i was a designer but i wasn't. I was just a newb that knew how to use design programs lol. As i learned the art of design i found pros that showed great respect and attention to the business aspect of design and it taught me that as a designer i don't only make a logo for said company, i'm working with the client to produce a brand identity and make sure the clients understand what they're about and to make doubly sure my clients, clients understand what the company is, by logo, web design and you name it. if i didn't study my clients, clients and just guessed what be cool i could of hurt the business and make them lose a lot of money and if in some cases i could of gotten in a lot of trouble. i think the same can be said as an illustrator. its less risky since youre not touching the core items of a company thankfully lol. But you still need to sit down and know what youre doing and what the job entails, risk difficulties, have an economic plan, as you very wisely stated "Keep ya job" thats a great move to get a taste of the job. maybe do some safe investments and make a money market account or something for the future (or even an IRA for retirement). Trust me, the more you know of your role the better you'll know the business and how to prepare and with that knowledge you gain a confidence that allows you to enjoy it. Or like me, realize its not what you like and move on. With that said i hope whoever reads this has a productive and insightful future with whatever they do. i really hope people make informed decisions because it sucks to throw money on equipment and then realize you got in to something similar but not exactly what you wanted and now have gear youll never use lol
I would say: you become a PROFFESSIONAL illustrator in a momemt somebody is willing to pay you for your skills. In a moment you monetize your art, it becomes a proffesion. The "experienced" ot "highly-skilled" would be another thing.
Hi Katie! Thank you for sharing your journey :D I'm starting out as an illustrator in Germany, too! But I have a lot of visa anxiety since I need to make enough money to live + have German clients to get a freelancer visa 🥲 May I ask about your visa experience here?
Hi Buffie - lovely to hear from you and good luck! I can't comment on the visa thing as I didn't need one when I was working in Germany (I was a part time nanny / the UK was still part of the EU then). Hopefully someone out there can help though :) x
Your story is very humbling and i love your perspective in your journey. Thank you so much for sharing. 🥹 i know you and your pals already built a community but i am kinda hoping you could share esp. in the beginning where you hang around and met "your people"?
Hi Katie! Great video, it’s always really helpful to hear about how others cracked their way into illustration. I’m a journalist doing an MA in illustration at Falmouth - I’m hoping to be able to do both when I’m finished! Would love the links to the communities you mentioned in the video, and the Good Ship Illustration stuff 😊 x
Hi Natalie. Ooh Falmouth! I soo wanted to study there - it looks amazing. Journalism + illustration skills will be such a good combination. And yes! Good Ship links are all in the description (it's a bit tricky to see them on mobile view) but here's The Sketchbooker's Friend free audio download - you get invited to the online community through that. See you in there! www.thegoodshipillustration.com/sketchbookers-friend x
I am interested in taking an online illustration course. Is there one you’d recommend?
I'm biased, but this one I created with my pals inside The Good Ship Illustration is great (and the doors just happen to be open right now :) they're closing again soon so worth hopping aboard if you fancy joining in this time around! xx www.thegoodshipillustration.com/business
Loved hearing your story❤️. I'm a self learned artist from the kitchen table school of art. I cleaned for 19 years until I could quit and work part-time. Things have slowed....so I'm working to make all my art fresh and sparkly new. You inspire me to keep going...even at age 70.
Waooooo I am going to be 38 and I have been thinking too late for me to learn art . But your comment has given me so much thrill and hope . Please do share your insta x
Ahh so glad to hear it! (And sorry for taking 8 MONTHS to reply - omg - I somehow missed my notifications 😅)
Has the fresh sparkly new artwork helped? I hope so! x
At present I’m at zero… business level of doing that, but I can def draw and illustrate so I’m going to call my self an illustrator 😅 as I just lost my job as a graphic designer, where I had NOTHING to do with marketing so it was really free but now that’s gone, so branching out, or rather thinking of it, that’s as far as it’s got. But been putting work on LinkedIn and saying I’m available, I had one connection yesterday so I’ll take that 😅 Thank you for your tips and advice and I really enjoyed the video ❤️
It all counts! A connection is a connection :) Cheering you on!
@@katiedrawsthanks so much hearing your story really resonated with me, only thing is I’m 63 lol, just made redundant and all I can do is draw. Out the box - so def not interested in marketing or doing any other graphic job which pulls me back into boxes. I heard your video and it really inspired me, I just don’t if it’s’ too late.
I found some same things in you.
I graduated from an art school but being a part-time housekeeper while trying to keep up with creating art. My target this year is to find an illustration job full-time. I hope it will come true.
Thanks for sharing your art career pathway.
Hi! Hope it's going well :) (and sorry I only found your comment now.) Hopefully, 9 months on, you're closer to your goal! x
I’m an illustrator!!!! 🎉🎉
yaaaaaas!
I haven't really called myself an illustrator but now I will
Hey Katie! I'm new to your but supper lovely to see you here! I a part- and do on the side. I have done this for a long time(like 6years) combining studies/ doing personal projects This is my 2month as illustrator- children's book illustrator. :)) Looking more of your videos!
Nice to meet you here! :) 2 months as a children's book illustrator is v exciting! Have you made the leap to full time illustration now?
I loooove your energy :) I just moved country and Ive been too scared to do the jump, I both photograph and draw, I got a fine art degree in photography from ICP in NYC. I do have a supportive husband right now as Im on a visa were Im not fully allowed to work, but I have been using my time building up my painting portfolio, fixing my website and trying to get a structure up so hopefully when Im allowed legally, I can take the jump into part/hopefully fulltime creative 🙃
Where am I in my illustration journey? I got an agent in 2020 yayyy!! She is wonderful and sends out my portfolio and an art blast every couple of months to publishers… I am watching videos and searching to see what else I can do to learn more, improve, promote myself and get some work. Thank you for your video and sharing your experience xx
wahooo, congratulations on the agent! And hooray for continuing to work on your creative career :) It's a non-stop learning thing, definitely! x
Thanks so much. Great to hear about your career path in more detail. I can’t wait for Art Club to start again (whoop whoop!). I’m starting out in my Illustration career, it’s very scary and I was definitely dubious and felt a bit fake telling people “I’m an illustrator” when I haven’t had a commission yet, so great to know it’s perfectly ok! I love it all and so excited to be learning more from great people like yourself and The Good Ship Illustration. 😊🙏😍
Ahh brilliant! See you at art club in September! :)
I'm currently slowly transitioning from graphic designer to being an graphic illustrator. Just love your vibes and inspires me to continue even though I can't yet see some clear result.
Hi Katie! It was lovely to watch, It’s so interesting to hear other illustrators talk about their career path. I graduated from an illustration degree this year (graduation was delayed for a year) and have been working as freelance illustrator for three years.
That's brilliant! Congratulations on your graduation too :) The first bit out of uni felt so weird to me - sendin you good post-graduation energy haha :)
Hi Katie. I'm away camping with my family and meant to be having a week off from everything Flower Guard Books (my teeny tiny children's author/illustrator/publishing imprint thingy), but everyone else in the tent wanted an early night and I'm still wide awake feeding my 8 month old back to sleep so I thought I'd check your RUclips out. The video's great and hearing that having an agent isn't strictly necessary was what I needed to hear right now. I've been busting my gut trying to get an agent, with no joy, and was beginning to lose hope. Your smiley, happy, informative video reminded me that I can do this and so I'll keep on keeping on! ☺️
Ah amazing - enjoy your camping holiday! And yup I’ve never had an agent. They can be really helpful with tackling contracts and pricing etc so make sure you do get help for the legal side of things and charge well for yer work. The AOI have templates and are brilliant help :) x
Keep up with the good work! You have such a sweet and friendly demeanor, I felt like I was listening to a friend! I went to art school years ago and getting back to the creative field after putting it on hold for almost 10 yr. Thanks for this video!
Yes! I'm so glad I've found you.
I'm starting out to become an illustrator. Hoping to go to university in September next year, while I build up my portfolio. Just have to get through the block of being a perfectionist! Thank you for making this channel. ❤
Ahh brilliant! Good luck at uni next year :) You will love it!
This was such a helpful and motivating video! I have been working as an maker/illustrator through the pandemic but now need to get a part time job to keep things running. It feels a bit like going backwards, but you have made it feel completely the opposite. I’m also excited to dive into all the Good Ship treasures you mentioned😍
Thanks Regan and yeees part time jobs are secret weapons, not a bad thing at all :) We'd love to see you inside the Good Ship Illustration! Art Club is back on the 10th of September wheeeee x
@@katiedraws I’m setting an alarm for it in my phone!!
@@reganweber2172 yaaaaaas 🙌
Katie! I found you through Twitter. I love your work! Subscribed!!!
Weyyyy nice to meet you Carisha! :)
Hello, a very nice video, I hope to see more of them soon.
2 years ago, I'm started my "baby steps" in France as an illustrator. I quit everything to get time to draw. I tryed a lot of kind of different jobs arround my drawing (still trying though). And I think, I found my path somewhere.
Anyway, I really apreciate your advices, the way you think/work and I always enjoy receiving news from you by newsletter podcasts, posts etc.
Thank you
Thank you Marc! Lovely to see you here :)
Thank you for your honesty. I work in a preschool and really enjoy it. I think even if I someday become successful at illustrating I will always keep a part time or substituting job in a preschool. This gives me the freedom to create my own illustrations and not feel tied down by clients. I don’t think there is anything wrong with artists keeping at least a part time job on the side. :)
working in a preschool = working with some of the worlds most creative brains! Children are geniuses 🎨
Hi Katie, thanks for these super helpful tips. I am currently at home with my little boy, supply teaching a few days a week and trying to get started in illustration so that i can stop teaching. Hearing your tips is so encouraging. Thanks so much!
You're welcome. Cheering you on through the part time bit and getting started in illustration. :) Children are the best inspiration!
You're a jolly person, fun to watch. Thanks for sharing your journey! I'm at the same place as well, except for the part-time job..
First, you are so relatable and I love your message. Second, this is really cute! I hope you keep making more videos. I was recommended your video just by RUclips and I am glad I clicked on it.
Ahh Katie this was wonderful to watch and hear more about your story! I can't wait til Art Club comes back on the Good Ship Illustration as I really wanna join in! I've been a graphic designer for a long time and illustrating on the side, but this year I took the leap to be a freelance designer and now I'm transitioning it so hopefully it will mostly be illustration rather than design! Looking forward to seeing your future videos 😊
Thanks Katie! I can't wait til Art Club starts back up again too. (It'll be back on the 10th September!)
Sooo exciting making the leap to freelance designer and sending lots of good luck and clients for transitioning to more illustration work. So good that you have graphic design skills too - people need that! Another string to yer bow an' all that :) x
and for anyone reading this like WOT IZ ART CLUB? It happens here almost every Friday for freeee: instagram.com/thegoodshipillustration/
Currently in the middle weighing the merits of switching from comics I draw traditionally, to a fashion illustration career.
Ive had to find other ways to get outfit designs for characters / building designs though as Pinterest still has a problem with Big Fashion and Pop Music leeching off illustrators and musicians.
I am curious why Im often recommended childrens book illustration. I wrote two middle grade novels, though mainly do adult fiction.
( I found maintaining the atmosphere expected for kidlit hard to maintain, as my genre passion is Dystopian and Paranormal Romance. )
I think your RUclips is going to blow up
you're so refreshing, such a nice content!
Thank you!!!
Ooh thank you!
Awesome video. some great advice in here. I am an illustrator (not a plumber) trying to break into the industry.
Lovely video Katie, thanks for sharing your story!
My pleasure - and lovely to see ye here! :)
Hi Katie! Great video, it’s always really helpful to hear about how others cracked their way into illustration. I’m a journalist doing an MA in illustration at Falmouth - I’m hoping to be able to do both when I’m finished! Would love the links to the communities you mentioned in the video, and the Good Ship Illustration stuff 😊 x
This is sooooo helpful, thank you for the video! I have been wanting to become an illustrator but the lack of self-confidence was keeping me from taking the chance.
Glad it was helpful! You can dooo iiiiiiit :)
Love the ''Ted Talk' 🤣 Also love how humble and down to earth you are, feel very relatable, which is also inspiring and encouraging. Thank you ❣
I've been really struggling with trying to get myself out there. I get so much anxiety about posting on social media - how on earth do I get around that? Hmmm..
Anyway, so glad to have found you Katie. You seem so sunny and sweet! :) ✨🌿
That's a great idea for a video! I think the best advice is 'just post it' and try not to overthink :) (Easier said than done, I know). xx
Such a helpful video Katie, really sums up being an illustrator! 😄 I have just finished uni this year and I am currently building up a portfolio to hopefully get some work/commissions. Looking forward to hearing more about the business course you are planning! 😊
So glad you found it useful and yeeees I will be shouting all about the business course as soon as it’s ready! :) good luck with portfolio building!
You're soooooo lovely =) Thank you for your words
it's my third time trying to get an agent. Maybe 3rd time's a charm? It's been exhausting honestly, it's harder when there isn't any side job... but I finally feel like my work is good, I have fun with it and it's cohesive. It happened once I relaxed with the expectations for my art...maybe I should do that in regards with finding a nice agent, too...Thank you for the lovely video! I've been following you around the socials! Cheers!
I dont think you need to get an agent to be a freelance illustrator.All you need to do is create your work ,take a picture of it with your mobile device and send that/those pictures as an email attachment to an email (query letter) to say,a greeting card company to submit your work.I've never heard of illustrators working through agents.
@@Sharperthanu1 thank you kindly for your reply, that's a wondeful idea and I will give it a go! There are agents that represent illustration artists, especially in book illustration. It's easier to get established that way, although not necessary, but easier. Also if you want to break in as a writer/illustrator, an agent can be a sharp tool to have in order to get published. Of course, it's different for everyone. Thank you for the amazing idea in the reply!
Hey KAtie, so lovely watching you, you are a great story teller! Thank you for sharing, Im going to investigate all the links and, as a special request, Id love to know more of the live illustration performance and your experience, Im very keen on getting myself into that!
Yay! Thank you! I'll definitely make a video about scribing/live illustration stuff one day. Watch this space!
loved the voice you did for the man, spot on how he sounded hahahaha
This is so inspiring & so brilliant to watch you. Thank you! 💜
I love the video, the edition, you are so nice......thank you for the positive video : )
Thank you for your sweet video 🌻
You are so welcome!
HI Katie, thanks for the video! I'm right at the start of the illustration journey, I've mostly just worked out that this is what I'd like to do and that science illustration is even a thing. I'm a scientist and I want to move into visual translation of science using images, mostly cartoons. I am having difficulty getting my head around the concept that someone would pay money for something I enjoy doing so much! 😂
Science illustration is DEFINITELY a thing. You've got a massive headstart, knowing what you want to do. Go go go! :) (People will absolutely pay you even if you enjoy doing something. I promise! There is no fun tax.) x
Lol, I love that there is no fun tax! 😂 It's definitely invaded my brain as the next thing I'm going to try! I just watched your 100 day project video as well and I'm feeling super inspired! Thank you for doing what you do ❤️
You have such a nice personality:)
So glad you are doing more youtoobs! Really great video 💕 I’m at a frustrating point in my illustration “career”. I had a couple very small commissions last year and have submitted my work to loads and loads of art directors, tried to sell cards and print in demand but have heard nada. I’m getting close to that 100 nos I think! I wonder if my work just isn’t very commercial? Or like the job I want doesn’t exist? People don’t seem to want cute stuff with faces on them 🙃
Thanks Mel! Frustrating points happen - keep on keepin on :) (and keep telling people what you do/that you're available to work!)
You are so niceeeee, and the way you debunked that man's comments about being a plumber/illustrator was so on point haha
Hellooo thanks for watching. Where abouts are you in your creative career wiggly path/journey?
Hello...just submitted my drawings for my first commission 😬🙈 good feedback so far some fix ups worked well under the pressure....ish 🤪 lol wondering where do I go from here. So loving finding your channel here!!
@@KerryBerri1 Ahh nice one! Glad to have ye here :) What are you working on next?
@@katiedraws Well this is it, think I need to have an Instagram or website to promote myself better so I better get working on that! Its making time to do it, Anyway how are you? You seem super busy hope all is well with you :D
First of all, thank you for this video! :) It's always so nice to hear about other's illustration journeys. I'm about to start a Master's in environmental planning actually and hope to keep illustrating on the side (mainly for fun, not so much for money, but it would be nice if there were some commissions haha) for the next two years. My dream is be an environmental planner but ALSO write/illustrate children's books about environmental topics...? Might be far-fetched and ambitious but we'll see!
Thank you ❤ especially the bit about gatekeepers… don’t listen to the naysayers
Loved this video, thank you!!
Love your person, thanks for the honesty and generosity- and yay you’re on RUclips! I’ve a question: at what point in your career did you start your own portfolio website? Ps: looking forward to the picture book course soon! Xx
Thanks! I started a blog with my portfolio on it when I was at college in 2008. The sooner the better! :)
Loving these videos Katie. I'm a freelance copywriter and love drawing. I would love to illustrate and one day write a children's book but I just don't know if I could be good enough to call myself an illustrator! Would you advise doing a short course to begin with? Or just keep drawing?!
Keep drawiiiiing! And come to Art Club if you can - it’s on @thegoodshipillustration and we’ll start it again from 10th September. We’re also about to release a picture book course - www.thegoodshipillustration.com/PB. (And yesss you are allowed to call yourself an illustrator even if you don’t feel like your work is up to scratch yet.) :)
I would love to hear if you have graphic design tips!
ohhh - any tips in particular? :)
Thank you i like your voice
Loved listening to you ❤
Love you. Great job. 😊
The video is sooo cute. ❤️ And she's really helpful... 😁
Hi. I am an freelance illustrator. I am trying to get going. Learning all the time. It feels lonely.
I feel you! It can get lonely being freelance
I am a part time illustrator, and I am hoping to go full time this year 😅
Yaaaaas good luck!!
Omg you’re so cute :,) thanks for the great video!
I don't want to seem discouraging, just want to share a bit of my life XP and get people thinking.
On #2 i actually can agree and disagree... Id say you can't make a logo and say you're a graphic designer, there's a lot of things you need to know artistically but you also need to know how to be a business adviser and you realize that when you sit down and understand what a graphic designer is.
I used to be a graphic designer, when i got out of college i went straight to freelance work, i believed i was a designer but i wasn't. I was just a newb that knew how to use design programs lol. As i learned the art of design i found pros that showed great respect and attention to the business aspect of design and it taught me that as a designer i don't only make a logo for said company, i'm working with the client to produce a brand identity and make sure the clients understand what they're about and to make doubly sure my clients, clients understand what the company is, by logo, web design and you name it. if i didn't study my clients, clients and just guessed what be cool i could of hurt the business and make them lose a lot of money and if in some cases i could of gotten in a lot of trouble.
i think the same can be said as an illustrator. its less risky since youre not touching the core items of a company thankfully lol. But you still need to sit down and know what youre doing and what the job entails, risk difficulties, have an economic plan, as you very wisely stated "Keep ya job" thats a great move to get a taste of the job. maybe do some safe investments and make a money market account or something for the future (or even an IRA for retirement). Trust me, the more you know of your role the better you'll know the business and how to prepare and with that knowledge you gain a confidence that allows you to enjoy it. Or like me, realize its not what you like and move on.
With that said i hope whoever reads this has a productive and insightful future with whatever they do. i really hope people make informed decisions because it sucks to throw money on equipment and then realize you got in to something similar but not exactly what you wanted and now have gear youll never use lol
I would say: you become a PROFFESSIONAL illustrator in a momemt somebody is willing to pay you for your skills. In a moment you monetize your art, it becomes a proffesion. The "experienced" ot "highly-skilled" would be another thing.
❤️
New friend here congratulations sweet friend
Read an article you wrote where you used the word "mansplaining" in the middle, you look exactly how I imagined you'd look
Hi Katie! Thank you for sharing your journey :D I'm starting out as an illustrator in Germany, too! But I have a lot of visa anxiety since I need to make enough money to live + have German clients to get a freelancer visa 🥲
May I ask about your visa experience here?
Hi Buffie - lovely to hear from you and good luck! I can't comment on the visa thing as I didn't need one when I was working in Germany (I was a part time nanny / the UK was still part of the EU then). Hopefully someone out there can help though :) x
I'm at the very beginning and it's really scary 🥹
Your story is very humbling and i love your perspective in your journey. Thank you so much for sharing. 🥹 i know you and your pals already built a community but i am kinda hoping you could share esp. in the beginning where you hang around and met "your people"?
Hi Katie! Great video, it’s always really helpful to hear about how others cracked their way into illustration. I’m a journalist doing an MA in illustration at Falmouth - I’m hoping to be able to do both when I’m finished! Would love the links to the communities you mentioned in the video, and the Good Ship Illustration stuff 😊 x
Hi Natalie. Ooh Falmouth! I soo wanted to study there - it looks amazing. Journalism + illustration skills will be such a good combination.
And yes! Good Ship links are all in the description (it's a bit tricky to see them on mobile view) but here's The Sketchbooker's Friend free audio download - you get invited to the online community through that. See you in there! www.thegoodshipillustration.com/sketchbookers-friend x
@@katiedraws thanks so much! 😊 really appreciate it. See you there x
@@nataliemorrison432 yer welcoooome :)