6 Things I Wish I'd Known | Illustrator's Perspective

[@Crazy09Chica]

I'm SOOOOO glad I found you. I would've never be aware of these bad habits. Im terrible with eating to the point I don't like to cook and I would eat when I can't focus. Thank you for simply existing!!! I haven't even seen your artwork and I'm subscribing already. I hope to have a nice chat with you in person as well! I love your energy! I found you through your tips on how to be inspired and motivated. I have not been inspired since college in 2009. I haven't done any serious art since then. Now I'm ready to be inspired and those tips are all I need. I hope to be more inspired by you and your videos! I'm making such a big deal out of this because I feel I've been in the dark for so long and I found a light.

[@forindet]

These are all spot on! Also kids, always make contracts and charge 50% upfront 😊😀

[@PeterPenguin77]

A very insightful video - full of great insights! It’s so true that we illustrators don’t have any degrees to hang on our walls, we just have our latest works - so there is a LOT of room for self doubts, artistic doubts, style doubts and lately I’ve been thinking ‘age doubts’ - since I often feel like yesterday’s newspaper. But THANKS for your channel, which I’ll be watching!

[@SkinnyPigDesigns]

Thank you so much for making this video and being so honest! I quit my full time job at the beginning of this year to work on my own jewelry business at home and even though I love it, I've found that it can be really lonely. Somebody recommended your channel to me because they said that watching your videos makes them feel less alone, like they're watching a friend with a similar story

[@KimberlyCrick]

Taking care of your body is very important, I too had a terribly painful sciatic nerve issue, because it is so easy to get into bad posture when creating art. For myself, I've found that any time that I'm working at my desk but don't need precision, a walking speed treadmill (like those made by Lifespan) work well at an adjustable height sit/stand desk. I do a couple hours of walking at 1mph each day while doing things like answering emails/order processing/social media etc. The movement helps your feet not get sore vs just standing still. I agree, making sure you are living in the present is important - stop to take a break to go outside, or make a proper dinner. All good things to be reminded about :)

[@hollyexley]

Wow that sounds like an amazing idea - I bet your body is thanking you for it! Perhaps something I'll look into for the future too.

[@Varulfen95]

I've watched a couple of videos like this and they all kinda just state the obvious, but this one was actually helpful! Thank you for the insight.

[@michaeljmccurdy9449]

RE: Getting a good chair. It looks like you got a Herman Miller. That's what I bought off ebay. Seems a lot of artists, film editors, music producers, executives, etc. buy the same. My back doesn't hurt anymore from sitting. I was using, what I thought was a decent office chair from Sam's wholesale club here in Florida, USA but it was hurting my back so, I recommend the Herman Miller chairs now. Also, I noticed several other youtubers with a Herman Miller.

[@sarah7948vis]

thanks for your honesty and wise encouragements - even about life & mental health in general. 😊

[@torikoller1736]

You inspired me to do something about my back health! When I first started watching you a year ago + your table easel made me realize that I needed something on my desk to help me sit up straighter. So I made one similar to yours! Now I do art on that all the time and it’s helping so much!

[@hollyexley]

Yay, so glad to hear that!!

[@chloefox1057]

I relate to everything that you have said here Holly, thank you for being so honest and sharing. I woke up feeling really negative this morning and watching your video has really made me feel so much more positive so thank you, you are such an inspiration xx

[@hollyexley]

So glad to hear that Chloe! Take care of yourself

[@chloefox1057]

Thank you lovely! Xx

[@createparadise]

👌❤️

[@MKPwrz]

great vid i literally started out a month ago and A LOT especially the sel sabotage resonated with me, the bulk of my art improvement in the last 2 years came from mental/CBT therapy

[@hollyexley]

Very glad to hear that Carl. Well done for putting the work in, glad to hear it's paying off in other areas of your life too!

[@MKPwrz]

holly exley thank you!

[@cathyhogan6028]

Thanks for making these videos Holly!

[@Empress969]

Your channel has helped me so much 🌱🧘🏽‍♀️ thank you

[@oliviamadore2380]

Thank you so much for your insights on valuing self worth and encouraging us to giving proper value to our work as well! 💚

[@EmmadelaPenaArt]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and being so candid.

[@kathrin6078]

Thank you so much for this video! I have very similar problems/issues with how I work (though I do have a day job) and I think I really needed to hear all this.

[@rararagrr]

I really needed a video like this today. Been having a very tough week mentally, and this video helped remind me that I'm not alone in the constant struggle. Thank you, Holly :-)

[@jengoodwyn2715]

I've had sciatica and it is excruciating! And it can take forever to clear up. Thank you.for such an honest, frank video. It's so helpful for everyone.

[@hollyexley]

Ah don't remind me! It was horrible. I'm very glad that its in the past! Hope it stays that way for the both of us!

[@ashleyr428]

Thank you for this! Today was my last day of design school & I’m hoping to freelance instead of getting a typical job so this was very helpful!

[@bykatrinasophia]

Your tip on being present every day is great, in fact a revelation! Thank you for sharing.

[@Kaspaara]

I'm studying Illustration at University right now and I'll graduate soon(ish). I've started to become sort of afraid of the first period after that, the beginning of freelance life (especially in Germany, with all this very complicated bureaucracy)...and yeah, the other issues too, like possible clients that offer only small amounts of money for our illustrative work at first...but this video made me feel a little but more relaxed about it, and very informed indeed. I shall definately get myself a standing desk and good chair though.Thanks, Holly! Your videos always make me feel less alone!

[@ang.giselle2024]

You’re still young and have knowledge beyond your years. Did you have therapy bc your thoughts on how to think of yourself are very inspirational. 🌸

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! Not recently, but I do like to read a lot on mindfulness!

[@paulinefollett3099]

Some great tips for other illustrators and everyone really. I especially loved the one about being in the now. Such wise words indeed. Thanks Holly.

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Pauline!

[@SophieMelissa]

I graduated 1 and a half years ago and I relate so much to your early days, I work so long hours, have awful posture and eat so unhealthily, for the first time in my life I’ve gained weight and feel awful. Definitely going to make some changes :)

[@Kimmiekawa]

Thanks Holly! You're the best! :D I always love when you share info and tips on being a freelancer. In one of your previous videos, you answered one of my questions regarding contracts. You told me that it'll come with experience and it has really made me feel less anxious about it in general! :) I got a client at one point where I was a bit in doubt with the contract. Thanks to you, I decided to reach out to my local illustrators union and we actually fixed a contract that could've ended up in a horrible situation that could've ruined my career. (!!) I owe you so much. Thank you!

[@hollyexley]

Kimmiekawa oh wow that’s amazing to hear! Good for you for asking questions and getting a second opinion! So important!

[@ik_ona9167]

Thank you Holly!

[@andrada-mariapricop8986]

I really love your "advice" videos. They have helped me greatly. I've never had anyone reveal so much info on what's it like to be an artist and how to practically achieve your goal of being a full time artist/illustrator. I feel like I can better plan on how to do things myself and be more organized in my pursuit. Also, your hair is so lovely ^_^

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! Very happy to have somewhere to share my experiences & that it’s useful to others!

[@SpaceRhymesWithAce]

Thank you for the video! I struggle with pretty much all of this and it's good to get a reminder to not overwork myself and take care of my body so thank you so much

[@createparadise]

Affirmations and meditation has really helped me too. 🙆 I completely understand you. All these techniques really do help.

[@audrey_bond_]

Thank you for that video! I struggle with negative thoughts about my art even if my career hasn't started yet. You gave me a bit of hope to carry on with the journey. :)

[@hollyexley]

Glad to hear that Aubrey! You can do this :)

[@EllisWoolleyIllustration]

This is so relatable, I know the feeling of having an unsuitable office chair as well, I'm currently saving for a better one! You definitely learn so much along the way. I also had such a bad habit of living off biscuits during my first 6 months of self employment D: bad Ellis! x x

[@ChristiPetaloti]

Oh I ve faced same issues i wish i knew better too! Take care Holly

[@IllustratorGeek]

I've just started my freelance journey after quitting a part time job that I hated, these tips are very useful thank you! (Especially the 2nd one, need to be a lot nicer to myself)

[@wickchick1963]

Hi Holly! Thanks for this video, you have shared very helpful things. Journalling is so important for me, not sure if its a creative mind thing, but I have racing thoughts and ideas and if I don't write them down, I am very restless and find it hard to start doing anything. You are positively glowing today! x

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Sheelagh! Glad to hear you also reap the benefits of journalling!

[@mpaudiobox-royaltyfreemusicfor]

Thanks holly!

[@voyance4elle]

Thank you so much for putting out this good work of yours continuously that I can come back to whenever I really need it... I admire you very much for your discipline and honesty!! Thank you 🙏😌💗

[@hollyexley]

Badia ☺️

[@voyance4elle]

@@hollyexley it's true! I look up to you and get inspired every time I come to your wonderful channel 😌 I hope that one day I will have come closer to my role models as an artist and be able to give back ☺️

[@MaryZoles]

Thank you for this informative and quick Video Holly!

[@jdekoy]

Thanks for this helpful video Holly. I've just taken the plunge and signed up with skillshare too! Much appreciated! Looking forward to getting stuck in.

[@hollyexley]

dekoy woo hoo! I hope you enjoy it!

[@carollangman1163]

Interesting video xx

[@silviapontes1209]

Hi Holly, I find your ideas so accurate and it really maters to put some effort on self-discipline. And you have a beautiful hair :-)

[@rosiewood4468]

Hi Holly, first of all, I would just like to say thank you for giving me 2 months free Skillshare. I have been really excited to sign up but haven't had the time to commit to starting the month trial (I am a full time A level student), so the opportunity to have 2 months to try it out is brilliant. Also, I want to say just how amazing you are and how much your KZbin channel helps me. As i've already said, I am an Alevel student but am hoping to go to University next year to study Illustration. Your advice is invaluable and has helped me in my decision to pursue this career path. I am really excited for all your future videos, I absolutely LOVE your artwork and can't wait to see more soon. Thank you x

[@hollyexley]

Woo hoo, hope you enjoy it Rosie! I could honestly spend hours on there. So happy to hear you are enjoying my videos!

[@jennymay4720]

Really good advice, thank you Holly.

[@thesaladczar]

Love the new ash gray (I think that is the name of the color) hair.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you :)

[@larryglatt2548]

IMHO almost all creative people have self esteem problems. It sort of goes with the territory. I owned a 1 person photography business for 33 years before retiring & every day I wasn't doing a job I was searching/soliciting the next one & rejections were always more numerous than bookings. Don't fret, do your best & be creative about what clients you are seeking and yes do take time to be good to yourself; I cycled a lot.

[@flowers_and_ann]

A very honest and helpful video! :)

[@CielDeNoir]

Thank you for your experience, it is very helpful. Many regards :)

[@free5663]

Wonderful video ! Holly so helpful..

[@stephaniepetrova3130]

Holly, thank you for the genuine advices that you are providing on every video. I absolutely love your videos , it feels like meditation when listening to your relaxing voice and weirdly enough I feel so connected.Your tips have helped me so much so far, do you have any tips for people who are having hard time situation due to obligation of working a daily job?..when you are surrounded with so much stress and not knowing even where to start from because your mind is always busy on how to pay your bills.... Cheers Love your work and personality xx

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Stephanie! I had a day job for 3 years after graduation and it was really tough to balance with my art - intact I'm pretty sure I didn't do very well at it! Start small, with a small commitment to your art , smaller than you think you need it to be, say an evening a week. Don't pressure yourself to do anything amazing in that time, just focus on making it a regular habit, that you can build on. It takes time. Be kind to yourself!

[@stephaniepetrova3130]

@@hollyexley thanks for the reply

[@kimolyslager]

thank you so much for being so honest and for sharing your experience. i will be graduated soon and lately i've been feeling so anxious about what to do next (aaaaAaAAA) but your video's are all SO helpful, thank you so much!

[@hollyexley]

Don't be scared Kim, you've got this!

[@PoppyLi]

thank you for sharing and that really helps me a lot^^

[@melanieg8139]

I love this experience videos 😗 Very helpful for beginners like me 🤗

[@elisheba.art-design]

So inspiring! ❤

[@gonnie8464]

Holly, do you know Marjolein Bastin? She is a well known Dutch illustrator and she paints nature and animals very Beautifully. Maybe you like her work too.

[@bysilja]

Thank you for another great video, you have so much valuable advice :) I actually have a question, not just for you Holly but anyone here in the comments...it's regarding pricing: If someone you know (a friend, but not a very close one) asks you to do artwork for them, more specifically a realistic charcoal portrait of 4 people, would you do it for free/lower price? I recently had someone ask if I could draw a family portrait for their friend who'd recently lost her husband...I was more than happy to do it and for a lower price, but I was pretty busy and feeling a bit overwhelmed/anxious at the time so I asked for £65 for it (a detailed drawing of 4 people, which usually takes me many hours to draw). She seemed happy and said that's great and that she'd send me a reference photo - I never heard back after that, this was 5 weeks ago. There are a few things going through my head: 1. I feel like a bad/greedy person for asking for that money in this situation (someone's lost their husband, after all) - should I have done it for free? 2. I don't feel like she values my work/time, mainly because instead of just saying she didn't want the drawing she left me making time in my schedule for her and waiting for further instructions (which is disrespectful to my time), but also because she doesn't want to pay me for the hard work. I get that she might not realise the work behind a drawing, but if she doesn't want to pay the price for a gift to give her friend, then why should I spend hours and hours making that gift and not get paid what it's worth? I feel like an awful human writing this, but I'd love to hear someone else's views, am I pricing my artwork too high? I personally didn't think £65 for a 4 person portrait was too much, but maybe I'm wrong? What is your opinion on pricing art for friends/family? Sorry for the long message! Again, thank you Holly for all the fun and useful content xx

[@hollyexley]

Silja Rós Wang you’re not an awful person for wanting to be paid properly for your time! Not at all. I think you should probably charge more too, if you’re comfortable to. I usually offer a discount to family and close friends but not always! It’s your choice & they shouldn’t expect it. 💙