What I've Learnt As A Full Time Fashion Illustrator

I've blinked (napped) and 3 years have gone by since I took the leap and became a full time artist!

I did a thought round up when it had been 6 months and people found it helpful, so thought I'd do it again but this time with more experience under my belt.

It took me 8 years after graduating to finally be in a position to go full time, so it's a process, it won't happen overnight, and it's better for it not to!

So I've put some thoughts together about what I've learnt, as I haven't shared anything like this since my 6 month mile stone, and things have changed a bit since then...

You Get Out What You Put In

Bit of an understatement to say I’m not the most consistent when it comes to posting on socials… BUT when I do go through phases of posting and doing pitches, I do notice a big difference in new work and opportunities that come my way.

So if you plant the seeds, they will grow!

Drawing Has Become A Job

Drawing is no longer my secret little party trick, it’s my trade, It’s how I make my money. I am expected to draw, and draw well, regardless of if I’m inspired, if I want to, or even if I feel like it.

After events sometimes I don’t pick up a pencil for a week because even doing a quick sketch for myself feels like I’m 'clocking in' and other times I’m drawing on the bus ride home because I need to draw something for me.

Imposter Syndrome

I’m fortunate enough to have worked for clients such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany & Co, Givenchy and more, but that imposter syndrome never goes away.

Every time I get contacted for a project, send over final artwork or get commissioned by someone, I feel like I’m going to get an email back saying ‘oops we made a mistake’ and everything’s going to come crashing down. These thoughts happen, the trick is to not let those thoughts affect your actions.

I Keep Some Things For Me

Even though we’re encouraged to share anything and everything atm to keep up with content needs, I still hold back things for myself. I’ve got tonnes of sketchbooks, scribbles, experiments that I haven’t shared, for 2 main reasons. One because art is still my hobby and passion, it’s nice to do things for yourself without the pressure of posting.

The second is because not everything is meant to be posted, I might experiment by drawing in another artists style, drawing realism, doing something completely bizarre, painting with crumbs… I dunno! As an artist you’re allowed to create however you want, what’s important is what you choose to put through to insta and socials, that’s branding and curation.

In Control / Out Of Control

I've learnt my career is more in my hands than I realise, but less in my hands than I’d like.

 The work you put out there is the work you’ll get, so portfolios are important, you just don’t have much control over when that work will come.
 

Respect Your Craft

Even when you’re sitting there booking jobs with the biggest brands, it doesn’t mean you can coast, I still do weekly life drawing, develop my work, find areas I want to improve, don’t stagnate!

You’re Never Really ‘Off’ But You’re Never Really ‘On’ Either…

 I never really feel like I’m working, but I never feel like I’m truly not working. As an artist it’s hard to switch off, I’ve got a sketchbook by my bed in case I think of something, I have notes in my phone from 11pm and 6am of things to do and ideas.

However even replying to emails, DM’s, posting, thinking of content, it's all so engrained into my daily life that I don’t see it as work but it also means that part of my brain is never switched off, always thinking ‘is this worth posting’ 'Maybe I can do this' 'Should I check in with that person?'

Not All Months Are Built Equal

When you’ve gotten through your first year or 2 as an illustrator, you see trends when work comes in and when it goes quiet. It’s so important to take note of this because you need to capitalise on when works busy, so it see’s you through the months that aren’t.

Freelance work isn’t like a 9-5, your work is not consistent and it isn’t guaranteed each month. So plan your financials accordingly by knowing you need to earn double in December to see you through a quiet Jan.

Client Is King

A clients needs override your artistic wants. Not every client has studied your portfolio and has a comprehensive understanding of your work, so they might just see you as someone who can draw, and ask you to change things that affect your style.

In the words of Badu "I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my 'ish'" however you just have to go with it, especially in the beginning. When you get further into your career you can afford to be more choosey and turn down work that isn't a perfect fit, but in the beginning just get that experience under your belt.

Insta Is Not Everything

I haven’t posted on my insta feed for nearly 2 years and I’m still getting work with clients like Gucci, Rabanne, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Tiffany’s and others, this is because of the other bits of self promotion I do and the previous work I’ve done.

It’s nice to get to a stage where you don’t feel like it’ll all go away if you forgot to post one day. If you're wanting to get to that stage, I share everything I do to get work in my business course, which reopens 30th July for the last time ever! 

I hope that was a bit insightful!