How to start as an illustrator ~ Frannerd

[@axelemorales]

Don't apologize for video length! If we wanted short videos Vine would still be a thing.

[@masomamakes2004]

pterodaxel R.I.P. Vine

[@halle6021]

HAHA TRUE😂👊🏻

[@dreamcoma2213]

I only watch videos that are 6 seconds or less.

[@maneart1747]

Haha wow, good point omg

[@averilstratford1103]

Don't disrespect vine 😔👼

[@groscoeism]

Hi Fran! Four years ago I watched this video and it made me realize that it's possible to earn money from art. It made me aspire to become a freelancer and since 2019 I already started my own freelance work . Thanks for your content! It really helped me live the life that I want.

[@MoniqueReneeArt]

I've just broken into the illustration world (just got published for the first time)! Thanks for all the great info

[@brendanxzavier3649]

I know im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@hannie6486]

@@brendanxzavier3649 there should be a forgot password button when you try to log in, you just need the email you used for your account :)

[@HaVu-bk2qb]

Your voice is so soothing and comfy. Whenever I have an anxiety attack I would watch your video and I feel slightly calmer immediately. Thank you so much for your useful advices

[@hollyexley]

Whole-heartedly agree with the last two points. Charge fairly! Be nice! Reputation is a huge thing in the freelance world, I always try my best to be a nice (and professional!) person to work with - communication is key! If you make the whole experience of hiring an illustrator enjoyable and easy for the client, they're much more likely to do it again, and again. This was another great video!

[@FranMeneses]

+holly exley thank you Hollyyy! I kept thinking: I wonder what Holly thinks about this subject :I

[@jemiu9525]

+holly exley I love when you comment on Fran's videos, Holly!! :D I like seeing youtube illustrators interact!!

[@benjapan8792]

Love ur art though...

[@JenniferCharleeArt]

This video could not have come at a better time! I have a background in illustration but went to grad school for something else and once I graduated I realized that I truly want to pursue illustration as a profession right now but everything seemed so daunting about "getting started" or "getting out there" but seeing steps and even just seeing other illustrators out there is so so helpful ♡♡♡ thank you!

[@HeatherNorrisArtist]

I feel the same way. There are so many artists with illustration backgrounds that never tried to actually be one after college. This is the year I'm finally trying 10 years after graduation.

[@JenniferCharleeArt]

+Heather Norris (Heather Norris Art) Yeah, it's been about 6/7 years and pursuing another career I would like to still do later in life but now feel like the time and I am able to pursue illustration which is very exciting and daunting! Yay for us!

[@Johnnyperezart]

Jennifer Charlee Art -- Its so scary to lose benefits from a full time job, but it's also scary to lose your passion and motivation to pursue your dream as an artist. It keeps me up at night, but I'm thankful at the moment I have the drive to try and that there are others who want to keep trying and help each other if they can.

[@vene_unsweetened]

I've been a freelance writer/editor for several years and while I know all of what you said is true, it's still energizing to hear it again from someone new and with a fresh perspective. Thanks, Fran!

[@electricitywoman]

I came out as an illustrator a few days ago and this is exactly the video that I needed. Thank you! (This coming out was almost as scary as the gay one...) For everyone who thinks it's too late to start: I'm 27 and I didn't get to go to art school even though it was my dream. I only got back into art during the pandemic. You can do this. If you're 10, 18, 35, 47, 58, whatever: don't listen to the elitists, listen to your pull towards art.

[@electricitywoman]

Also use references and KZbin tutorials are an incredible way to learn from professionals in the field.

[@LETICIAROMERO-rj8xd]

Thanks, I'm trying. I'm 27 and no experience, but it's my dream@@electricitywoman

[@karatepop]

I'm not an illustrator, but the huzbun is and one thing I'd add is: don't be afraid to ask to amend a contract! Also, READ the contract. The whole thing.

[@perezfecto]

+karatepop +1000

[@AnkeWeckmann]

Great advice, Fran! Perhaps one thing to keep in mind with illustration that what you charge usually depends on the license / how the illustrations will be used rather than an hourly rate. Perhaps hourly rates are more useful for private commissions? The AOI have a great service where as a member you can give them the details of your commission and they can give you an industry standard quote. The "Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines" is useful, too. Another essential book in my opinion is "The Illustrator's Guide to Law & Business Practice'. Too many illustrators know nothing about copyright when they start out, which is crazy!

[@FinalFrankie]

Me watching this in 2020: omg 10 minutes used to be a long video...I forgot all about that.

[@shivaniw9561]

Me watching this in 2022...🤣

[@tetedelacoursecafe520]

2024 😂😂😂

[@pinkdogapples]

Don't ever be sorry for lengthy videos. I love learning from your knowledge! It's useful and there is so much value from it. I'm always looking forward to your videos!

[@popiwipu]

MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS FRAN! estos consejos me ayudarán mucho al salir de enseñanza media y universidad! en serio muchas muchas muchas gracias!

[@ExigentZero]

I have seen many videos of your work and now your mentoring videos - and I am a fan! You just gained another subscriber. Keep 'em coming.

[@Mary-gz1qw]

Before sending emails, etc., you should make sure your work is top - notch. Is your style developed enough yet? The market is saturated with artists, so your work needs to stand out as a professional. :)

[@cheshireerlinberts5806]

this comment☝️

[@PinkOrchid523]

Words cannot express my gratitude for this video. I will definitely take heed to your advice (I'm not really charismatic, but I think I can manage the other tips). Thank you again!

[@clairesweet1]

Fran, you have been such a role model for me these last four+ years. Thank you for posting these videos and keeping my spirit up and helping me continue to be an artist. As soon as I can I want to support your patreon and Etsy :)

[@Littleb70_beth]

Muchas gracias por este vídeo Fran. Yo estoy empezando en el mundo de la ilustración y si, es muy difícil. Pero de verdad veo tus vídeos y me animan a seguir adelante. Por eso muchas gracias. Saludoooos 😊

[@FranMeneses]

+Littleb70 ay que bueno neeerd, mucha suerte!

[@annaroigsanchez5105]

Littleb70 hola!! me reconforta saber que no soy la única que empieza ( y no por primera vez) en este maravilloso mundo de la ilustración. Sería un honor para mi tener contacto contigo y saber cómo lo estas gestionando, te estaría muy agradecida. Saludos 😊😊😊

[@nsblizard]

Littleb70 Y ycomo le ha ido... señora

[@annaroigsanchez5105]

thank you SO MUCH for this, Fran. You are giving me such hope, while bad things and frustrations can happen to me at the time, I feel so grateful to hear your advice and most important, applying it into my life. THANK YOU!!!

[@hannahking2503]

Thank you so much. I graduated from university last year, and since then have had a change of heart, from interior design to illustration. Set up a small business last October, which is going well just putting in the foundations and trying my best to be consistent but these past couple of weeks have been hard. Creative block, lack of motivation/direction just everything swirling round in my head, this video has helped me so much in just going back to the basics, I'm still in the very early days so need to just take each day as it comes. Your advice is just what I needed to hear. Thanks so much.

[@Lart-et1og]

I love this video a lot and although I have heard or read many advices before I still prefer yours. You speak nicely and you explain things with patience so it just made me feel so much better already. There are many people out there who are harsh while giving an advice (intentionally or non intentionally) or judgmental people who have nothing good to add so seeing this was such a relief. "Be nice", that's one of the best advices I have heard and I haven't heard it often so I am so glad that I heard it today. Thank you for this video :)

[@marycompton4918]

Thank you for this. I just stumbled upon this video, and it couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I am currently a college student working on my Associates degree and planning on going to art school to study art. This video really helped me understand that being an artist can be a struggle indeed but you just have me some great tools that have really boosted my confidences and made me realize that being an artist takes just as much work as being anything else in the world if not more, but it is entirely possible to succeed. Thank you again, and I hope to continue to watch your videos and see what else you have to offer for budding artists

[@sissygabriella214]

Can you make a video about how to write a book? I love your videos Fran! hi five from Indonesia :3

[@Rumispodcast]

Lo mejor es que el video ayuda no solo si queremos ser ilustradores. Fran es increíble como me motivas a seguir escribiendo. Besos

[@PolaksProjectillustration]

Creo que me estoy volviendo adicto a tus vídeos. Des de que te conocí, estoy descubriendo todo un mundo de ilustradores "youtubers" que estáis compartiendo vuestras experiencias y me están sirviendo de gran ayuda. Pero con este vídeo ya me has ganado el corazón... justo me encuentro en el punto de empezar a crear proyectos personales para ampliar el portfolio. Tendré muy en cuenta tus consejos! ¡Muchas gracias!

[@Weladora]

Hola Fran!! Adoro tu trabajo y quiero darte las gracias por todos tus vídeos y aportaciones en las redes, eres una gran inspiración para mí, y seguro que para much@s más. Me pareces una personita increíble, ojalá sigas siendo así de estupenda por siempre. Para finalizar, quería hacer mi pequeño aporte a estos consejos que nos das: Soy española, de las que aún está empezando en esto, y quería añadir que aquí existen diversas asociaciones de creadores (normalmente por comunidad autónoma) que dan consejos, ayudan en cuestiones legales, organizan eventos y dan visibilidad al trabajo de sus socios, como por ejemplo AGPI, APIV, APIC, etc. Está bien conocerlas y pagar la cuota (que suele ser muy baja) para incluirse "oficialmente" en la familia :P

[@ChantelleArts]

This is super helpful, thanks for sharing 😊

[@emilyjayne8016]

I can't verbalize on the perfect timing of this video and how much I needed this, so THANK YOU OVER AND OVER AGAIN! You are one of my illustration role model, I hope one day I can do what you do. Thank you for always giving me hope that I can one day have a creative career in illustration :)

[@Maapusita]

You're awesome! In Venezuela is kind of hard to sell your work as a illustrator, so you kindda help a lot giving those recomendations! Thanks a lot-

[@maggiejb4367]

Ultimamente había estado pensando exactamente en decidirme de una vez por todas en comenzar mi carrera como ilustradora si es realmente lo que quiero hacer por el resto de mi vida. Los pasos que has dado Frannerd son exactamente lo que tenía en mente. Hace algunos video habías dicho que ese video en particular fuera nuestra señal si estábamos esperando alguna pero para mi, este video en particular fue mi señal. ¡Gracias por compartir! ¡Saludos desde México!

[@sophielinney8149]

Thank you for taking the time to be so helpful and informative. You're awesome! :)

[@FranMeneses]

+Sophie L thank you Sophieeee!

[@valenlebron3763]

Sophie Linney

[@meganslater5421]

Thank you for posting this and sharing your information. I am looking to be a professional artist/illustrator and am in the research phase. I have followed you on KZbin since 2019 and you have inspired me to try. Thank you and stay safe

[@miaou025]

I'm so thankful I discovered your channel, Fran! I recently decided to become an illustrator and your videos (especially the advice ones) are very helpful! I don't that many that like what I want to do and you're like a big sister answering my worries and apprehensions regarding this endeavor. Thank you so much! 😚 Love you and your work!

[@Crystal_Clearr]

Thank you for this inspiring video. It was really helpful. I am considering starting as an illustrator and your advices are a really great starting point THANKS SO MUCH

[@lorraineswartzendruber7289]

Great video! She has such a charismatic personality, loved the honesty.

[@JuanManuelOsuna_art]

Me estoy haciendo superfan de tu canal Fran, te lo curras y nos ayudas muchisimo a los que estamos empezando, un abrazote !

[@julianapaola6828]

Ver tus videos me ayudan a recordar lo mucho que quiero esto y que no me debo rendir! 💕 love

[@tpoochigian]

Thank you Fran for all you do. You are inspiring.

[@CendrillonDoll]

Pensé que ya estaba suscrita al canal porque te sigo por todos lados jajaja. Gracias realmente por los consejos Fran, el video fue excelente, me gustó mucho el hecho de que dieras consejos concretos y tangibles, cosas específicas que hacer y rutas por las que ir que no son ambiguas como pasa a menudo cuando uno quiere dar consejos de este tipo (que generalmente es muy difícil). Mis saludos y mis mejores deseos para vos!

[@paulinemopsanchez]

Thanks you so much for those wise words. Lately I'm struggling a lot with starting as a freelancer. And this kind of video helps me a lot to stay on tracks

[@carolinamaldonado1297]

Buenísimo! Me llama mucho la atención la ilustración! así que estoy aprendiendo de a poco y buscando tips! muy buen vídeo y gracias por los consejos, iré pasito a pasito!

[@camimolina6]

Siento que de verdad este video te ayuda en cualquier cosa que quieras hacer, no solo en el área de la ilustración sino también en periodismo por ejemplo, que es lo que estoy estudiando yo. Así que bacán gracias me encantó. Y si, LAS REDES SOCIALES SON MUY IMPORTANTES.

[@jiaxinong358]

Omg I'm watching this in 2020, at crossroads with my career and this has really helped me. Thanks for sharing super real, practical steps to being an illustrator!

[@margarita7571]

Gracias por este genial video Fran ,voy a tratar de hacer toooodos tus tips

[@MissKimsTeaTime]

As someone who's graduating and starting to worry about becoming an illustrator, this video was super helpful! Please make more! :D

[@DarkandChriss]

Quiero tanto esto. TANTO. Y es tan difícil, pero sé que valdrá la pena. Gracias por este video

[@ksusha_lush]

DarkandChriss щщВторая барышня из серии про любовь готова 🦆! Мне немного боязно показывать этапы работы над иллюстрацией, но, так уж и быть, смотрите 😊! #illustrator #illustration #art #artist #digital #digitalart #digitalpainting #photoshop #paint #girl #duck #heart #ksushalush #иллюстрация #иллюстратор #рисую #wacom #love #любовь щит

[@kymberley]

I find your videos so motivational and inspirational! I am a singer/songwriter and actor and your videos are so relevant! Thanks again! :)

[@KaelaParkhouse]

Thank you for taking the time to give such fabulous advice.

[@MayuNeesan]

Muchas gracias Fran por hablar de este tema y por los consejos ♥!

[@bicho265]

Hola Fran! Me haces sentir acompañada! Gracias infinitas por compartir y por enseñarnos en este camino tan complicado y apasionante al mismo tiempo. Un abrazo!

[@bicho265]

Por cierto, me gustaría preguntarte qué opinas sobre presentarse a algunos concursos de ilustración... Un abrazo!

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thank you for the tips!~ I am both an artist and a writer, working on publishing a fourth coloring book :)

[@carrotplli]

Thanks so much Fran~ I'm havinga bad day so depressing... so I'm glad you updated a video today~ thanks so much! This is so helpful too

[@jtag7069]

thank you, thank you, thank you Fran! I have a good few years before I'll be looking for a job, but this was SUCH a big help on where to start ❤

[@jolee86]

Hi Fran! I hope your day is going well! Thank you so much for sharing this. I needed this! Love all that you do!

[@raphikun]

gracias a ti Fran por estos videos, que son de gran ayuda y de gran valor y una fuente de inspiración para los que continuamos en en esta dura batalla, por estar ahí contándonos tus experiencias para que lo tengamos más fácil para salir adelante y ese positivismo, y nada que te siga yendo fetén en este maravilloso mundo de la ilustración! gracias. see you in the vlog

[@bea51544]

Hi guys, I just watched this video, and besides it is amazing, I also wanted to say that I think it is so important to read too. You can search books about an artist you like, a theme you like, a technique, a subject you want to learn more about... The important thing here is to know what other artist do, how they do it, and why they solve the problems in the way they do it. Also, it is important as an illustrator or an artist to know at least the basics of composition, colour, narrative... I already read some art books and I learned a lot! Hope this help you in some way :)

[@leslievelizf]

Querida Fran, me encantó la manera en que abordaste este tema y creo que no solamente sirve para los ilustradores, sino también para aquellos que están comenzando la vida profesional. Agradezco verlo justo en este momento donde coincido con todos los aspectos que hablaste y donde también me encuentro en la búsqueda de nuevas oportunidades. Aparte que durante mi proceso de memoria de carrera vi todos tus vídeos y me acompañaron en ese momento. gracias a ti y a Ed, por compartir esto en la web ;)

[@tori6056]

This video is lovely and so helpful!! Thank you so much. and it being a long video is good because your full opinion comes across more clearly. I think I really want to be an illustrator someday, and this had encouraged me a lot!

[@weikaillustration]

I know this video has been up for a while but I'm just watching it and THANK YOU for the "how much you should charge" website

[@carolinaorrego5545]

Me encantó este video, justo estoy tratando de empezar a trabajar como desarrolladora web freelance, pasando por la etapa de enviar miles de correos (afortunadamente me han contestado) y pensando en hacerme un portafolio. Ojalá hagas más videos de este tipo y muchísimas gracias por los consejos :)

[@Ludesto]

I'm rewatching it and I'm glad I did it.

[@KarolinaLarandilWerczynska]

Fran! You are my inspiration! I love you illustrations, your person, your smile, etc.

[@noopurishere]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was informative :) And don't say sorry, you are doing us a service with this video.

[@mildredlopez6137]

Wow he visto muchos videos sobre este tema y tu video se lleva 8 estrellas de 3! Me encanto, me pareció de lo más acertado, justo las palabras y consejos que buscaba :)

[@william254mwangi4]

Thanks, especially am in Kenya , perusing an undergraduate completely different from illustration,,. Though I have a passion in illustration,, looking forward for the next video

[@BarbaraPellizzon]

Thank you so much for this video! Also for the other videos that fit in this category, they're all very helpful and inspiring!

[@TheMarivasc]

Its always useful to hear about this topic Fran!!! :) It helps me a lot. You are the one that actually guided me in this path of illustration, so thank you!

[@Anita-ry5wt]

Gracias por tus consejos fran, cada vez me siento más motivada para (cuando salga de la u) empezar a trabajar de forma independiente, sé que es difícil peroharé lo posible para lograrlo. PD: entré este año a diseño gráfico y mis profes hicieron una mini entrevista a cada alumno para conocernos mejor y me preguntaros si tenía algún referente de ilustración y obvio, te nombré a ti :)♥

[@jocelyncuevassepulveda1610]

Ahora recuerdo!, la primera vez que ví tus ilustraciones fue en el blog zancada!... que años, que lejos has llegado! Felicitaciones!, muy lindo trabajo

[@oceanesdiary]

Thank you for the video! I'm slowly starting to consider illustration and character design as a 'career' and well, it's really scary! Your video is already helping out :) Let's all encourage each other guys!

[@zenpaiTeVe]

Justo estaba planeando en hacerme un portafolio de diseño e ilustración, que fortuito, gracias Fran!

[@dejaniramontelongo1169]

Soy diseñadora gráfica y me encanta. Amo ilustrar y lo hago cada que puedo (siempre) estos últimos meses por muchas razones personales lo deje por bloqueos mentales pero ver tu video me hizo querer hacer mil de dibujos a la vez :) muchas gracias Fran :)

[@KimberlySim]

Thank you for the lovely informative video! I'm graduating in a couple of months and this video has been of great help!

[@marjoriehernandez3435]

Fran!! :3 muchisimas gracias por tu vídeo! cada vez tengo mas ganas! me voy a esforzar mucho que cuando grande quiero ser como tu!!!

[@ChristiT]

You’re my spirit animal, I swear it! You’re awesome!!! Thanks for such about awesome video...so helpful 😁

[@DeepDreamer101]

Fran I love these kind of videos, would definetly love if you did more like these. You are so helpful, thank you.

[@GnomitaJu]

Ooooh Frannerd! eres una adorable inspirción para miiiii y la que me hizo dar el pasito para decir ILLUSTRACIOOOON. Soy bióloga marina, pero siempre he estado dibujando, tooooda mi vida y conociendote a ti (en tus redes sociales y entrevistas que te han hecho), me di cuenta que la cobardía no cabe en la vida. Gracias por los datos, espero que sigas con estos geniales videos, de verdad! Yo ahora estoy comenzando a prepararme para -ojalá- ir a una feria de ilustracion, como ilustradora obviamente, digamos que es como mi objetivo, ver si logro hacer material suficiente y de la calidad que requiere ... aunque no quede en la postulación a la feria, siento que tener ese objetivo me hace plantear proyectos propios y estar más motivada. Qué consejo me darías para ser más práctica en esto de crear material y no quedarme pegada xD Un abrazo y sigue siento tan "Frannerd"

[@kikacastrellon28]

he estado viendo todos tus videos sobre consejos para ilustradores y son muy buenos gracias por darme ese pequeño empujoncito que necesito!!!

[@christy-anne-jones]

Thank you so much for this. This was so in-depth and helpful :)

[@AlexEcrit]

I am working with videos, not with illustration, but all of that apply so well to my situation! Awesome advice c:

[@teachmehowtoart]

Fran! Están brutales todos tus consejos, muchísimas gracias! Me motivó mucho todo lo que dices, sobre todo porque tiene sentido :)

[@mcwrenn]

Thank you for the honest & thoughtful insight! I'm an artist- currently getting some paid work doing murals on store windows, but wanting to branch out

[@eliestrations4906]

Thanks Fran! 👏🏼This ultimately helped me begin to depend on my illustrations to survive. This was my very first motivation to get courage and just start. 😘

[@RolandoCortorreal]

Gracias Fran por los consejos! Me has ayudado un montón! Cuídate mucho, saludos desde la República Dominicana :)

[@mayraaliciaglz1046]

Fran. No puedo creerlo. Me pasó eso. Ver este video me ha motivado muchísimo ¡¡¡por primera vez publicaron mis dibujos/doodles/fan art en una revista!!!! :') Graciaaaaas ❤

[@isabellagarcia535]

Thank you so much for this tips, you helped me A LOT!! Congrats for this awesome channel ❤️❤️

[@constellation51]

This was so helpful thank you, I always wondered about the whole portfolio process so thanks a lot for clearing that up.

[@mirellacastelletto2275]

Muchas gracias por tus consejos Fran! estudio diseño y me encanta la ilustración, ya estoy trabajando en mi portafolio para empezar a publicar en redes sociales y poder ofrecer mi trabajo a futuros clientes. Me encantan tus videos, siempre me motivan a seguir esforzándome

[@ddreamcatcher2]

Thank you so much for this video Fran! It was so helpful and came at such a good time for me. I'm graduating from graphic design school this spring and I really want to continue working with illustration but it's so hard to figure out how to start and what I need to do to succeed. So this kind of advice is priceless! :) (Also, your hair is so glorious in this video I can not even. Beautiful!)

[@KazuyaFae]

Thank ya Fran 👌✨ you've given me a better view of the profession.

[@rosolmohamed2114]

Thank you very much for the video the information and the way of explaining all of the contents are useful and helped me so much wish me luck

[@Neadister]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your ideas about this topic!

[@mcching17]

This video is really inspiring to me. Thank you very much!

[@B00nniie972]

Me encanto este video!! Espero que de mayor sea una ilustradora, me inspiras mucho!!

[@melocotonki]

Such a helpful video! I would love to see more in-depth videos of each of the points you mentioned, specially about writing emails! What should we write? And more tips on building a portafolio :D I love that you are now uploading more frequently

[@Aloclitapinwino]

Muchas gracias Fran. Tus consejos me serán muy útiles. Quisiera preguntarte si puedes hacer un vídeo de como mejorar una ilustración en photoshop para que se vean también. como las que tu subes

[@vidal1992i]

Muchas gracias por hacer este vídeo Fran! Estoy dando mis primeros pasos como ilustradora profesional y tus consejos son geniales (como siempre!!) :-) Un abrazo desde España

[@sarahsameh2790]

You're such an amazing woman thanks for your useful advices

[@makitoni]

eres psíquica.... en el momento perfecto el tema que necesitaba, gracias!

[@lauguacate]

Muchas gracias Fran! Me encantan este tipo de vídeos, y además me gusta porque aconsejas desde la experiencia personal, y eso se nota. ❤ Ahora a mi me toca hacerme un portfolio, y será difícil pero me has dado ánimos. Muchas gracias! Que tengas buen día 😊