On being a self-taught illustrator
For a long time I was struggling with calling myself an illustrator and an artist. I felt like a total imposter, like someone who is constantly missing something: an art education, a teacher who would say “good job”, a paper with some fancy seal saying “you are IT”. You know what I was actually missing? Self-confidence.
The truth is, in this field, nobody asks where you studied, it doesn’t matter. What they want to see is what you have done before, what you are good at, how your work can help them, solve their problems. So here is what actually makes you an illustrator: creating illustrations, drawing in your sketchbook, drawing at events, live illustration, working for clients, learning from your mistakes, getting inspired and then actually sitting down and drawing something new, something difficult, that’s what makes you an illustrator.
Here is what I’m thinking about these days, now that I’m confidently calling myself an illustrator. How can I create a sustainable illustration business? How can I have a good work/life balance? How can I create a community around myself instead of constantly working alone? How can I offer an even better service as a live illustrator? I know that just like I figured out imposter syndrome, I’m also gonna figure these out. Let’s just hope it’s not gonna take another 7-8 years because who has that kind of time, right?
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