Artists! 5 Things Before You Quit Your Day Job
I used to daydream CONSTANTLY about quitting my job to pursue being a full time fashion illustrator…
I’d watch YouTube videos at my desk of people that did it, I’d work out endlessly how much money I’d need to save before I did it, my notes app was fuuuull of ways I could try and make it work.
Just imagining the day I handed my notice in at work used to make my mouth water… ooooh nothing would taste SO sweet.
But before you pump yourself up with Beyoncé’s Break My Soul and go hand in your notice let’s just cover a few things first.
The last thing you want to do is make a rash decision based on a spur of the moment burst of confidence… like just finishing watching a uplifting Netflix show and email your notice in whilst the credits are still rolling…
Because who would even do that… 🌝🙋🏻
I admit I have to stop myself from telling everyone to just quit their jobs and go live their dreams on a daily basis because I have zero impulse control and for most people there’s a lot more at stake…
So here’s a short little check list to make sure you’re on the right track if you’ve already got your notice burning a hole in your pocket…
Understand where your money will be coming from:
This sounds simple, you’re probably thinking ‘my illustrations, DUH’ but you need more than that. Even though you’re an artist, being self employed is still a business.
Think of going self employed as opening the shutters on a brand new store, you couldn’t open that shop tomorrow if you didn’t have any products to sell in it, so what is in there? Your pretty drawings are nice, but most customers will just think they’re shop decorations, so what are you actually selling in this metaphorical store?
Knowing what work you’re actually aiming for is fundamental for getting a consistent income.
Have a disciplined structure:
It’s verrrry easy once you ditch that 9-5 and wake up on your first day as freelance to just think OMG LAY IN, LIVING THE DREAMMM, chill around the house all day, put some laundry on, empty the dishwasher, make a 3 course lunch, then the day comes to an end and you’ve done nothing and made £0.
If you don’t put the effort in, no money will come in.
So have a structure in place before going freelance, what do your first few weeks look like, what will you focus on, what goals have you set, there’s a lot of plates to spin so timings can be flexible but you gotta show up and do the work.
Have savings:
Most likely money won’t be coming in straight away, and even if jobs come in, they’ll be at least 30 days+ before you see that money, so have some savings at the ready.
Recommendations vary between 3 months worth of salary saved up, to 6 - 12 months, the amount is going to be different for everyone, I’d recommend a middle ground.
Enough to see you through a few months whilst finding your feet, but not SO MUCH that you either keep putting off taking the plunge because the savings pot never quite feels big enough or save so much that when you do go full-time, you chill for 6 months cause you don’t have to worry about finding any work just yet.
Supportive friends and family is great, but everything has to come from you:
Being self employed can be mentally draining, and a lot of the time it can fill like your shouting into an empty void, so having a support system around you is ideal to help see you through.
As the last thing you want is your mum or spouse to turn round after a quiet month and say ‘well I told you you shouldn’t have packed in your job’ but you can’t choose how people will react, so everything has to come from you.
Being self employed is all about self discipline, determination and a good dose of delusion. Noone’s waiting for you to become an artist, no ones going to make sure you post on socials or follow up with that enquiry, it’s no-one else’s job but yours, so make sure you’re happy with being in the drivers seat when the only passenger is you.
Have an understanding of the business side of things:
I’ve said this countless times in countless ways but being a good artist will not guarantee you a career, being freelance/going self employed means your art is now a business, your services are a product.
There’s more to it than just drawing what you fancy and posting it when you want, you need to have an understanding of how to make money, what jobs bring in cash, how do I get clients attention, how do I market products so they sell, how do I brand myself so I get noticed and people want to hire me.
There’s a lot that goes into it, and lucky for you my new Career Masterclass ‘How To Become A Fashion Illustrator’ covers allll that step by step over 8 modules.
If you’re wanting guidance from me, to meet other illustrators going through the same things and need some accountability to get things done, come join!
Registration is open now and the course begins Monday 10th March
