Draw with me | How I became an illustrator: My career path and how I found my style

[@amelieclare1258]

I was also taught that all artists were "starving artists" and you could never make it. I ended up quitting teaching art and moving into a corporate job but I daydream about being a full time artist, so it's nice to hear your story.

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much! I don't think there's any right or wrong path, whatever helps you sustain your creativity :)

[@theGENIUSofART-understood]

me too. i became a teacher. i'm 48 now.... time for a change!

[@PhiaSpace]

me right now.. i'm 29 and in corporate because I was told i'd be broke and poor

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

When I started my business 15.5 years ago, I would spend a few hours a day walking in different neighborhoods passing out postcards door to door advertising myself. I would get up early and grab a stack of 100 postcards and just go. It's hard work building a business, but so worth it. I love what I do and could not imaging doing anything else.

[@kesalt]

I love that! It's hard work, especially in the beginning, but so rewarding in the long run ❤️

[@Deeeedlicious]

I just stumbled upon this and I first got mesmerized by the art but then started to pay attention to your story too 😅 As someone who is currently 26, this gave me a bit more motivation to actually go for it and try instead of just thinking about becoming an illustrator, thank you!! Beautiful journey btw and I LOVE this illustration that's in the video omg

[@kesalt]

Haha, glad you stumbled upon this :) I feel like actually making the decision to go for it is one of the biggest hurdles, but I'm excited for your journey!

[@onlyintime9914]

I would like to see your process in other traditional arts such as watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, etc

[@kesalt]

Thank you! If only I were more familiar with working in those mediums 😂

[@Ishan_s3]

It felt like a sibling giving advice to me. A warm hug. It'll turn out very helpful for me in future I think.. many congratulations to you. Much love. Keep creating! ❤️

[@kesalt]

Thank you so much! I hope it was helpful!

[@The_Bean]

Thank you, this is exactly where I'm at now. It relieves me to know that even people of your talent felt the exact same. Now that burden of anxiety has been swapped with anticipation and excitement for the improvements and growth to come. I know I'm a year late but, thank you.

[@kesalt]

Remembering to enjoy the process can be so tough sometimes, but I'm so glad you feel anticipation and excitement! Thanks for stopping by ❤️

[@The_Bean]

@@kesalt Even a response so long after making the video?! You're wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@elissavetn7935]

Hi, I just discovered you through this video. I am a graphic designer from Greece and I currently work in the industry of graphic arts. Your story is really helpful for me as I am searching what to do next and how to pursue more in this field. Anyway, as a girl of 25 years old with a steady 9 to 5 job but also a big love for painting and art history, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing and I wish you all the best for your future!

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much for the kind words! All the best to you in your search

[@ultraviolet734]

Your artwork and drawing skills are the perfect example of practice makes perfect.🎨✨️

[@kesalt]

Thank you! All those hours add up I guess 🥲

[@shelbyworks9215]

Just looked at your instagram, the evolution of your work is so inspiring! I graduated from art school with a focus in graphic design almost two years ago now…and have since realized graphic design frustrates me, and makes me feel like I’m working against the grain every time. I’ve always been an illustrator first…I’m 24 now and think I’ve decided that I want to do everything I can to make a career out of illustration, although so many people have told me not to start out freelancing and that i should stick with a graphic design job first. The fear and imposter syndrome is definitely the biggest hurdle

[@kesalt]

I agree! Imposter syndrome is quite the bulky creature. I think it's just something everyone needs to make peace with, idk that it ever goes away! I hope you find a more meaningful career, if graphic design isn't feeling right to you

[@gabriellaasti4580]

Earlier today as I started my work (I'm a video editor), I found you and had been binging all of your videos. Now as the day ended (but still working), the new upload felt like a significant mood booster for the night. Thank you, you're awesome!

[@kesalt]

So glad my videos could help boost your mood, cheers!

[@thebirdartistscottage]

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Kim! Your determination and persistence are incredible! And all that hard work paid off in such amazing ways. I started my career as an illustrator “late in life,” shall we say. It’s such a joy to be able to do what I love and get paid for it! I know your story is going to help others find the courage to take those hard steps towards making a career in art. Thanks for being such a light and inspiration! Looking forward to more of your videos. And Happy Thanksgiving! 💝

[@kesalt]

Thank you, and I'm really glad to hear you were able to do it! It's so inspiring to hear other people's stories. ❤️

[@bluerain8294]

hearing your experience and your struggles is such an encouragement for me to keep pursuing art, thanks for sharing this!

[@kesalt]

I'm so happy to hear that! I hope you continue your art journey :)

[@hanimeight8]

the algorithm blessed me with your channel I genuinely look forward to your uploads! love from the UK 💕

[@kesalt]

Wow, thank you! Glad you found me :)

[@neat3655]

I felt your story. I graduated IT for full stack development but soon found myself not interested in the field, and with every month evolving technology, my knowledge soon became outdated for the market and I found myself hard to study anything new for coding 2 years after graduating. Starting Jan next year I plan to apply for art class since I like drawing, I want to make a portfolio and I hope I can make a career out of it. I know the road ahead will take years and there also the pressure from family for a stable career, but I want to try approaching illustration.

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! Best of luck with your art class, I'll be rooting for you!

[@janeylane87]

I love this so much! Thank you for the advise! I am much older in my mid thirties and I went to traditional art school and never put myself out for fear of imposter syndrome. But I feel like just do it I always just wanted to make art and thank you for the kind words of not being to hard on oneself. Wonderful video!

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I hope you still make time for your creativity. It's funny/sad but imposter syndrome is such a tricky thing shared by professionals alike so with that said, I suppose there's nothing for it but to keep making things :)

[@superordinate]

just found this video while searching "illustrator" and love everything here. also wanted to make a special mention about the EQing/processing on your voice recording. it sounds freakin' amazing!

[@surplusvalues]

This video is gift, really. Thank you for being so open about your career and journey to professional illustrator! ❤

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much! I hope it was helpful!

[@anthonyw2931]

you have this way of unassuming sophistication (in your art, the way you talk, context, as well as content). It has that directness but subtle as well. You definitely stand out...and I think that helps quite a bit.

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much, Anthony ☺️

[@anthonyw2931]

@@kesalt it's really our pleasure 🙏

[@ElieBeth___]

So interesting, thank you for sharing your story. It demonstrates the importance of pivoting and how it can actually work out as it did for you. Inspires me!

[@kesalt]

Thank you, Claire! It's definitely a choice that I don't regret :)

[@williampineda1356]

I love te palette color, I think that you achieve very fine finishes with colored pencils, it seems digital, !!!!!

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much! Sometimes I wish I could amend mistakes like with digital 😂

[@yunjisn]

Yeayyy you posted again!!! This was so relaxing!

[@kesalt]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@yunjisn]

@@kesalt

[@taliseella]

Really enjoyed watching this drawing come to life! Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@gracedaii]

Hi Kim! I discovered your videos recently and I’m so happy you shared your experience transitioning into full time freelance illustration. I’m a product designer but I’ve always enjoyed drawing in my spare time, and my dream is to become an illustrator. Your videos are so inspiring (and soothing!) and your story is so inspiring and valuable. Your work is gorgeous and you’ve really pushed me to believe that the transition is closer to reach than I think. Can’t wait to see more of your art and videos! 😍

[@kesalt]

Oh, thank you so much for the kind words! And best of luck with your transition ❤️

[@IftekharKhanMojlish]

Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing drawing process.

[@notedbylu]

Beautiful artwork~ love your vibrant colours & cool proportion :D

[@nomnesti]

Thank you for sharing your illustration journey!

[@kesalt]

You are most welcome 💕

[@sherrindo]

I enjoyed your video! Thank you for the content and your style is spectacular! I love illustration design and would love to learn and become one some day! So inspiring!

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much!! I hope you do! 💗

[@B3gonias]

New subscriber here; thank you for sharing. It’s so helpful to hear what other artists have done on their path to freedom.

[@kesalt]

Thanks for watching, everyone has such a different path, and I don't believe there's any one right way :)

[@dmakk767]

Love your message, thank you!

[@kesalt]

Thank you so much!

[@docawsum]

Great video im working to move my art/ illustration life into the way i support myself financially as it is my sustenance for life and living( along with my critters) now i just need to make money from it!!!

[@thaliamcbean2702]

This inspired me to not give up on my dream of working in the art area

[@kesalt]

That's wonderful, best of luck to you! ❤️

[@synth-studio]

Thank you for sharing. Loved this.

[@kesalt]

thanks for watching! 💕

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Hi Kim 😁this was so interesting to listen to and really inspiring. I love all the pops of pink in your illustration. 😍 Also loved seeing your plants, we also have a Devils Ivy & a mini Cheese plant.

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much! 😊 Yess, they're so fun to grow!

[@hopegolden1001]

This video hits so close to home for me. I'm a corporate graphic designer who's 3 years into my career and have been feeling pretty down about my career direction. I adore illustration and try to work it in to my design work when I can but would love to switch to focusing on it. It's hilarious to me that like you, I also took two illustration classes in college 😅 I wonder how many illustrators were once burned out graphic designers.

[@kesalt]

Oof that’s so real! I hope you find the path that’s right for you 💕 If it’s of any comfort I’ve met quite a few illustrators that transitioned from graphic design, as well as many who do both! But also a few illustrators who transitioned to ADing! You never know what your career path’s gonna look like but I hope you find a way to enjoy what you do :-)

[@nafisatasnim1932]

i recently found your channel and you're such a great illustrator. that too , in my favourite city. have a good one

[@kesalt]

Aw thank you! You have a good one too!

[@solteeme8745]

Wow! That was awesome.

[@kesalt]

Glad you liked it!

[@zeyusu6730]

Thank you for sharing your experience! its very inspiring! I immediately subscribed your channel.

[@kesalt]

Thank you so much! Glad if it can be of any use :)

[@vaedreams]

Thank you!

[@hannah_stollenwerk]

I stumbled across your channel and I'm so glad to have found it! Your video and illustration style is awesome and your voice is so soothing! Also, you inspire me so much! 🌷 I'm finishing my graphic design degree soon and love design, but I love art more though. Both disciplines are not incompatible of course, but still I'm very torn. Painting has always been a big part of my life and it's the only thing where I can truly relax and what fulfills me. When I sell prints I'm so happy about each sell and I'm blown away every time that there are people who want to see my paintings on their walls every day. But just like you, I always lack the confidence that this can really work as a full-time career. I'm also afraid that once I depend on making money with painting, I'll lose the joy in it. Do you ever feel that way? Especially because one runs the risk of burning out so quickly in these professions? I hope your are doing well and I can't wait for your next video! ✨🐸

[@kesalt]

Hi Hannah, glad you found the channel! I can definitely relate to your situation, and in whatever path you choose I hope you can still fulfill your creative energies. It’s definitely a legitimate fear to fall out of love with a craft through the monetization of it. I know in my case at least it, definitely requires a fine balance of working and finding ways to recharge (and many times failing to!) But I also don’t think it has to be an all or nothing process. Dipping your toe in, then gradually seeing how it feels to take more painting work in parallel to your design practice sounds like a good strategy :)

[@hannah_stollenwerk]

@@kesalt Thank you for your thoughtful response, that was really helpful! 😊

[@enonek2960]

I just watched your Vid, and its nice to hear about your journey. As a parent of creative in college (not an Art school) with "Art dreams", I can't get the "Starving Artist" idea out of my head. However, as a parent I try to be supportive. I have 2 Questions for you: (1) How do you know when your work is good enough make a living as an Illustrator?, and (2) Should an artist change his/her personal style to attract a broader audience(employers), or stick with what they personally like?

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much for watching. Depending on the industry, it's definitely possible to make a good living in an art profession. The query of "how will I know if I've made it" is something that a lot of illustrators I know are afflicted by, despite being professional, and it often takes the form of "imposter syndrome". I suppose you never really know when your work is good enough, but there does come validation in being paid for your work. I think there is value both in being flexible with your "style" and having one style that serves as a "unique selling point". But I would also say there is a lot of strength in being able to lean into drawing what brings the most enjoyment to the artist.

[@enonek2960]

@@kesalt TY!

[@AliShirdelian]

I really loved this video. Keep it up going sister ❣️🙏

[@kesalt]

Thank you so much!

[@wentingthings]

kim how are u continuously so cool! also i indeed watched with a snack!! (bbl tea ofc)

[@kesalt]

Wentingggg 💚💚 I love that you shared your snack of choice ;)

[@ianhucke3031]

I love those colors, it's so busy that it's way more of an esthetic decision than too much of a good thing! Very jealous of the confidence of putting color right on the page, with what it looks like very ;little planning

[@ArtBunny759]

I'm so glad i'm not the only one who was told by many people that art was not a job but a hobby. Thankfully my lovely mother believes differently. Thank you for making this video as well it was very uplifting on my journey. One quick question where did you learn body anatomy??😵‍💫

[@kesalt]

That's so lovely knowing your mom believes in you! Glad if this video can help you along your own journey at all! I took some foundational courses in design school that taught anatomy, and still practice with observational drawing and life drawing sessions with models. But part of my illustration style depends on learning those foundational rules and then breaking them with the intention of creating dynamism and the feeling of movement.

[@ArtBunny759]

@@kesaltThank you so much! I don't think i'll ever be as good as you but i will sure try! Again thank you.😊

[@TatoDobbien]

hermoso❤

[@itsdaisy795]

I love illustration and drawing it. I hope to become an illustrator someday. I mostly work with tracing paper. Am I able to become an illustrator with using other people work yet improving it with my own art style

[@sharanjitkaur4737]

💜

[@kennjin_25]

I really like the videos you make so amazing and aesthetic and btw whats the name of the background musics?

[@kesalt]

Thanks so much, Kenneth! The first one I use is called "hugging you (quietly)" but I also like "magnolia" and "winterscent"

[@richardpaskey7192]

Do you send the original or a print to your clients. How do you archive the illustrations . Do you use a clear to prevent smudging the colors.

[@kesalt]

I typically only work in digital for clients, and at the end of every job they get sent a high resolution jpg. The digital files are easy enough to store on an external hard drive. I haven't worked out a system for storing traditional art, yet - so all of these drawings go back into the drawing pad they originally came out of!

[@Chan-zn7wb]

How do you get your pencils to look like solid blocks of colour?

[@kesalt]

I tend to press really really hard with the pencils to get more even coverage!

[@Chan-zn7wb]

​@@kesaltAh! That must be hard on your hands (not to mention your pencil budget), but you make it look really relaxing.

[@cloudlight3932]

im in graphic design rn and lowkey feel miserable,,,,the standards for us are so exhausting and no one ever seems to appreciate unique styles and clients can be a pain,,,so can professors,,,

[@kesalt]

I feel your pain, it's really difficult to own your own voice in graphic design. I hope you can find some kind of refuge for your creativity

[@65damdamdam]

Please stop referring to a career PATH as a career. A career is defined as significant time spent in one field of work. You are a very nice illustrator and I hope you can look back in 20-30 years time and say you have had a career of significance in this field. Best of luck.

[@kesalt]

Thank you!

[@victorcosta883]

How mulher cliente do KZbin have?

[@Sharperthanu1]

You do NOT sound like you're from New York.Maybe Connecticut

[@irispeachful]

Yeah, You come back to post :) I really miss your content. Thank you for sharing your experiences. When I found your channel, Honestly I feel like your art attractive to me. I enjoy with your stories that's inspired me !!! I set notification and can't wait to see your art on next content :)

[@kesalt]

Aw, I'm really glad to hear it's inspired you! And thanks so much for coming back to watch :)