Freelance Illustration - The Early Years

Please open me and have a read below!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Hopefully this video is helpful to you, and I'm not too awkward to watch! I've wanted to make videos like this for a while - you see I sometimes receive emails from new illustrators & wanted to create something that could help answer all of their questions.
The illustration industry is a baffling place and I'm still learning from after 5 years in the business, but hopefully my tips will help some of you out there!
P.s sorry for the weird out-of-sync bits, and occasional weird noises - I have no idea what went on there but I'd already spent about a thousand hours editing so they're here to stay. Lets refer to them as "amateur quirks". I'm still learning here!
P.p.s sorry for all the blinking - the sun was bright & my eyes are super sensitive to light!
ABOUT ME
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My Website
www.hollyexley....

[@TULIP.1689]

Pressure from family can be stressful even when they support your goal of being a creative professional. If they don't know how the industry works they think success will be instant. This pressure kept me in the day job trap. My day jobs were all stressful...the kind you said not to get. When I had these jobs I had no time for my art so I wasn't able to get an art job. When I did quit a job, my family would put pressure on me to make tons of money from art NOW or get another job...any job. This last time I quit my day job I refuse to get back into the trap again. The positive to this is that if you look there are many opportunities for artists if you focus on that instead of "getting a job" so much.

[@FranMeneses]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing your experience Holly!! :)

[@JG-vo6kd]

This video is so inspiring, I am in the process of making work for my portfolio! I finished uni in 2013 and it took me about 2 years to define my style, I am so nearly there but I think a few more months and I will be ready to contact people and promote myself more. You are so right! It's incredibly scary and worrying because you never know if your going to make it or not. But I refuse to give up, I will draw until my hands fall off, Thank you so much for sharing this video and inspiring ME to do what YOU do ;p

[@hollyexley]

+ghostcat 91 This is an amazing attitude to have, well done! You've got to be pretty hardcore about it & your willingness to lose your hands in the process is a good sign! The fight never really ends but it has a lot of rewards :)

[@courtneyrhodes3457]

ghostcat 91 ,s

[@teohyc]

Excellent advice! I shared your website on my blog and facebook. Your watercolours are so lovely! I just love the colours.

[@kaydreamer]

I'm considering leaving a stable, full time job as a music teacher and going into illustration, and I'm so, SO grateful that my 'day job' can just be two days a week of singing teaching... It's easy, fun, and pays well enough that I can cover my rent and still have the other three days to dedicate purely to illustration. It's also a fantastic safety net if freelance work ever dries up later down the road. I do have the university debt from my music/teaching degrees that I need to pay down eventually and I don't have an art degree... but my savings will cover me for the first year or two while I throw myself into improving the weaker aspects of my art and it just feels so safe and nice to have such an enjoyable backup.

[@OlisART]

The self-doubt is the worst for me at the moment, combined with rejection. And still I don't wanna give up and try to make things work somehow... Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Holly! :)

[@Thirdfish]

Rejection is not failure, it happens.

[@annaelizabethx]

Thank you for this video Holly! 💕I am at the early stages of trying to make it in design, graduating last year in August with a young child and feeling as if I’m wasting my time at my day job when all I really want to do is work on my design. I have just got over the stages of self doubt and grief about being rejected by a massive U.K. brand in London after a positive meeting with them, countless interviews were they’ve said they’ll definitely get back to me, yet never hearing back 🙄 it really got me down. I’m at the early stages of going freelance after my negative experiences, So I can fully relate to this video and it’s helped me feel more positive as I don’t feel as if I’m the only one.xxx

[@snowph]

I've found this video really inspiring. I've found It's really difficult finding information and help on pursuing any artistic career. Also the fact that everyone has doubts about their work and starts out keeping their shitty day job was really reassuring. I'm still working out my own style, but im a lot more confident that illustration isn't just a pipe dream for me. Thanks for making this video 😊👍

[@enochvaughn]

Just wanted to say thanks. I needed this video today. Just starting my professional career as an illustrator, and this video hit most of the woes and frustrations I've been having. This helped tremendously. Thank you :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sage advice from one so young. You're an amazing artist and you hit every nail on the head with your illustration advice. Great video!

[@Yannnus]

I'm a freelance artist (illustrator) and I must say that I'm a happy man!

[@sksks5991]

Jan Tomić I love this comment ♥️

[@Anebarone]

Thank you for this! I am thick skinned about rejection, but even so, experiencing a long streak of rejection or lack of feedback and replies can be startling, and every once in a while it is good to remind ourselves that, for the most part, this is absolutely normal.

[@Galbex21]

Hey I just started my career as an architect, and your video really helped me, specialy when you talked about the silence or rejection you get. It is soooooo frustraiting, but your video helped me alot. Thank you very much!

[@whistlingbearillustrations7985]

Hi Holly, great video, I have been illustrating for just over a year and had to learn a LOT of things. I think the most difficult thing (like you mentioned) is to just keep going, the early days are definitely a long time of trying to network, spread your name and fight the silence/rejection. So yeah, I can relate! I'm still in that stage though so wish me luck! Anyway, just wanted to say, nice work and good to hear we're not alone :)

[@jadylove]

Holly, I absolutely love your videos. You provide such practical advice and information. Thank you for being transparent about your journey. It’s given me a HUGE amount of inspiration to pursue my career as an illustrator, with realistic perspective. Thanks again!

[@morganacannon8961]

You're an asset to your profession, your passion and your generation

[@ricthiamevans8980]

Thanks for sharing. I'm currently in the same situation. It's very mentally tough when all you want to do is art. But, this is something I've been doing my entire life literally. I can't give up now.

[@hurleyman77]

This is really helpful. I've recently decided to work toward a career in freelance illustration and CGI, but I've (obviously) never done that before ;-) It's really good to have this information, and to see someone who's actually made it to the other side ;-) Thanks!

[@krsextonart]

THANK YOU. I launched my own small art business when I graduated from college last year and I'm still pushing forward just barely. I give it all I have every single day. Refuse to give up. I needed to hear all this. Thank you again. -K.R.

[@ajy84]

Danka for your sagacious advice! Your insight is advantageous and I wish you the best for your art career, I too anticipate these inevitable difficulties but it's good to know that you have corroborated them in this cute little short pugtastic video! How Brilliant!

[@1710kirsten]

Your work is beautiful Holly. I'm half way through an illustration course but unsure if I want to pursue a career in it after my course finishes, videos like this are really useful and answer a lot of questions I have! Really inspiring! Xx

[@monklicz1568]

Great advises,big help for me while I am during my job search and I work as a graphic designer and after work I make illustrations and paint.. It's such a passion that I can't stop drawing and even when I am tired I keep going and working hard because I know one day I will be a freelancer and one day I will start doing onlt what I love :-) xoxo Thank You

[@amandacoelho9524]

Hi Holly! First, great video! I'm a fan of your work, it hasn't been long since i came to your interview at the Cassart website, and i'm really glad that you made this video. Looking at you i can see the way you and your work match, creating these incredibly beautiful illustrations!

[@nyekocreativity]

This was amazing, thank you so much for sharing your story. It helps so much to hear you talking about the day job -- It's so hard to get others to understand the stress of being in a job you can't be "you" at. I'm finding my creative path at the moment, applying for different (more creative) day jobs that won't stress me out so much... but for now I'm still in my marketing/sales role (that was supposed to involve design too!) and I'm just busting to start illustrating and branching out into comics and animation. ...Anyway, you've earned an instant subscribe from me fellow illustrator!

[@rebeccadavies6716]

Hi! My name is Becky and at this very moment I am studying art and design in my local college and wishing to perdue my career as an illustrator, I would like to go to university in the future but my parents think that becoming an illustrator is too big of a risk and that I should focus on becoming something like a teacher or a nurse.. After watching your video, it's actually inspired me to try my best to persue what I want to do as I always put myself down and think to myself that I am not good enough but watching this showed me that I should at least try and push myself! Thank you so much xxx ✌

[@def_leppard_junkie]

+Rebecca Davies With many careers these days there is always a risk. Even for teachers and nurses. However, this is a great time to be an artist! There are many career options that involve using designers, illustrators, and animators that get paid very well. Especially at commercial studios. I mean someone had to design the shirts we wear, the phone cases we use, and the commercials we see right? There should never be such a thing called the starving artist. Value yourself and make amazing art. Everyone has a right to learn and everyone is at a different level. Be the best YOU can be and follow your dreams. :) But remember, work at your own pace and create a good portfolio. I believe in all of my fellow creatives~

[@FrizzyBeeCrochet]

You gave a lot of great information in this video! I am a writer illustrator and I'm trying to get my first book out to find an agent as well as my portfolio put together. It is a long process and there isn't much in the way of getting patted on the back for all the work you put in when you're starting out. As you said, though, as long as you know you're working hard, you should feel proud of that and keep pushing onward! :)

[@AliceRed]

I left university a year ago after studying photography and I feel like a failure because I have no idea what I'm doing... but this video has really put things into perspective for me. Thank you so much, no one ever talks about what happens after studying.

[@horaciosalazargomez9488]

Hi! Nice advices, thanks for sharing your experiences! Though I already have a full time job, I'm in the way of freelancing also, ideally to do this much more in the near future than my current work (hope so!), so these tips are very useful! :) Don't worry about the sync, nothing that practice cannot solve... The core thing is that you already left your message to the world! Well, hope to see more of your stuff here. Have a good one!

[@NoahNerina]

I'm stuck at point 4 (Confusion)... Overthinking too much if I've made the right decission or if should quit and study another career

[@ferjdtm]

I absolutly LOVE your eyebrows. Thanks so much for your videos♥

[@marioshine2288]

What Im struggling with is the competitiveness of this industry and having the confidence to put myself out there because I see great work from others and compare my work to others.

[@hollyexley]

+KT Taylor (Broham) Comparing myself to others was (and is) a huge hurdle for me. It's something that can really hold you back if you let it. When I feel myself comparing my work to others online I stop myself, step away from the computer and accept that everyone is at different stages in their careers, we're all unique. Focus your attention back on yourself and what YOU want to achieve - fight for it but remember to be kind to yourself in the process!

[@marioshine2288]

Thanks for your words I'll keep them in mind I know there are a lot of different and unique art styles and that art is more than levels.And don't worry art is to much of a passion of mine to give up on . :)

[@mrlozmoore]

what a pleasant girl. kids, listen up and take note. i wish you success Holly, super advice :)

[@valkiria3D]

I quit my day job 6 months ago, to pursue full time illustration/animation and I see little improvement every month which is a bit frustrating.. but I see some! which is hopeful! Overall I am a bit stressed now over money, but I think it will get better with time 😊. And I'm so so much happier!!

[@nukeage9856]

You are really pretty :) Love your hair and makeup. Thanx for the great advice and loved your watercolors.

[@cosynestart7810]

Hello Holly, thank you for posted this amazing video. It's really helped me a lot. I will become a tourguide in next year when I graduate but all I want to do right now is illustration, painting do anything with brush and watercolor but I just a self-taught illustrator so it's a little bit difficult. Then when I watched your video I just know what I have to do is keep chasing to my dream to become a real illustrator. Doing what I love. I want to say thank you so much!! :D!! p/s: sorry for my English, it's not my native language so.. :))))))

[@belindaxxia]

Totally experienced the "new-to-the-industry" discrimination, and embraced and learnt from them too. Loved the video Holly x

[@theartisanrogue]

Spot on with your advice and take on the illustration game! Very good job on the video as well!

[@cultvideo7658]

This is so fresh to hear, wise words and truly inspiring, thank you.

[@aminahouha]

you are an inspiration for many of us..

[@inkdulcet]

I've just started watching your videos and I just wanted to make a quick comment: Thank you! These have been well put together (yes, even when it got out of sync at the last bit). The information has always come across sincere and it has also been very helpful. thanks again, and I look forward to diving into more of your videos! -V

[@Ninjapenguin97]

just found this video. thank you so much for the inspiration :) I'm currently on my 5th month of becoming freelance illustrator. Making people photo to a cartoon portrait and its going pretty well. my current struggle is raising the price because I think mine is a bit below standard price and its still pretty rough to make a living from it :(

[@amyrobbins5602]

Thanks for the video! :) I appreciate the encouragement to keep being an artist.

[@NavilleT]

i hope the next part includes information on about how much money to expect from your work, great video x

[@hollyexley]

Naville Torres I'll make sure it does! Thanks for watching!

[@aprilvest4689]

This is so helpful! I'm about to go into my degree in illustration in September so it's nice knowing what to expect afterwards.

[@thomasberger6845]

Thank you so much your videos are honestly a great help and easily the best inspiration. there are not many channels like this :)

[@SellenkO]

I loved it from first seconds. Usually I need to dig through somebody's channel before subscribing, but its exceptional. You're such a beauty)

[@danielcuellar5718]

Just subscribed after watching your finding motivation video... I took notes, thank you.

[@mandaloouise]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL! Thankyou :) I'm in my last year at Uni now so I'm really grateful for any advice :)

[@libertyjonesart2260]

omg this video is amazing! really needed to here this right now! Thank you so much xx

[@TheArtofAustenMengler]

Awesome video! I want to make ones like it myself in future. Thanks for the advice!

[@Pywyoyuyp]

Your videos are so inspiring to me. I wish I become an illustrator.

[@ChaoticGoodRadio]

This was a great video! :) I'm a second year illustration student at Bristol UWE. Half dreading, but also excited for tackling the big world of freelance illustration.

[@taoseven1677]

Good vid, I had the confusion the other day where I was just thinking to myself "What am I even doing this for" but I just kept drawing and was happy with the result in the end haha

[@hollyexley]

+Tao Seven I have that thought all the time! But time spent painting is ALWAYS time well spent. Well done for pushing through and making something you were happy with - such a good feeling!

[@Jim_Hg]

Thank you !! It's encouraging me a lot !!

[@iwanabps911]

thank you for sharing all your story I am myself trying to become the illustrator I always dreamed to be. Your video is giving me confidence and also hope : I am not alone in this situation of having 2 jobs and a BIG dream to achieve :) I hope I will end up like you some day ! Cheers - Iwana

[@tmcclean21]

Thanks for the video. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts and pearls of wisdom. I can draw a lot of parallels to my own life and experiences. By the way I like your watercolour style very much. :)

[@Cydoffgrid]

Thank you for sharing this perspective! It is very relatable

[@mandy7674]

This is such a Lovely Video,very inspiring ^.^ Thank you x

[@Chejones27]

Spot on!

[@drawing_sarah]

Wonderful video! My question is you talk about seeing lots of progression in your work and I was wondering if you'd ever share some of your pieces (old, not so old, and new) that you feel shows your progression in your art. I'm always fascinated by that. :)

[@hollyexley]

It's funny you should mention that- I actually just recovered a lot of old work from my mums house and am planning a video! It's going to be a bit embarrassing... But interesting too hopefully!

[@drawing_sarah]

Yay! That's great. It will be SO interesting and I'm sure not too embarrassing! :)

[@nikkiej.5875]

This video really helped me since I want to be an illustrator. It was also inspiring. 😀

[@PriscillaGeorge112]

Thank you for this video! I'm always searching for what the early years of an art career looks like. Most of every interview just says to work hard. It's great to hear that your early years are similar to mine. Right now I'm in the confusion stage and learning. I'm not sure if I'm going the right direction I don't even know what to ask of people just that I research for any information and work hard painting. I would love to know more about marketing! How do you get your name and your items out there? What has worked for you the most that really got the ball rolling?

[@emmalou2867]

I found this so so helpful! Thank you :) x

[@kaz4800]

Very helpful video! Could you do a video on the best tools for the job such as paints, inks, pencils, brushes and paper? I would appreciate your views on the subject based on your experience. Thanks so much Holly!

[@hollyexley]

Kaz Hobson Hi Kaz - I have a video about my favourite art supplies - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qabQeHiZebJ9rq8 I mention the tools I've been using for years & some good budget options too!

[@allisontheillustrator]

Holly - this video was great! Thank you for sharing your wisdom from experience. I am planning on making the move from day job + freelance to just freelance this year and I'm glad you covered the bad AND the good. I'm glad I discovered your channel! Kendyll Hillegas recommended you to me :) ( I don't know how to tag Kendyll otherwise I would...)

[@dearkorina3157]

This is me right now. Kind of tripping me out. Just started as a waitress and it has motivated me to draw even more

[@AnEmptyMelody]

Hey holly, my names Tom - I'm actually working on becoming a graphic designer to do as more of a day job although my dream is concept art and Illustration. I feel its definitely a scary process. Since currently I live in cali and working a contract job as an admin for a large car company. So cost of living is very high and I currently have no family and live with my fiance's family. I've been in poverty since before I can remember and its increasingly hard knowing that my dream job is .. alot of peoples dream job.. and that it will be tough. I currently battle with depression and ADHD and in the process of getting treated for them. But I remember I always wanted to be an artist and after working 2 years in jobs I hated.. I realized I really wanted to pursue my dream. The toughest part I've found is the motivation. Motivating myself to do something that I've been told by many many people that it's hard to live off of. It's all very anxious and it kind of has always stopped my progression and has always felt like a pipe dream. But through all the doubt and pain and fears - my dream to inspire people and deliver some kind of emotional impact really is the one thing that drives me. Ever since I watched 1997's Hercules I've always wanted to be apart of something that gives the person watching or reading or looking a chill up their spine - Seeing my creations come to life and imagining all the kids growing quiet as they're pulling into the story of these characters I spent endless nights trying to perfect, to motivate them to become just like their heroes. Just as I did when I was a child and I still do every now and then. Anyway - Rant over. TLDR: Just worried that my dream may be a pipe dream, but for now I'll still be working at it.

[@kiranjoan]

Sending you tons of positivity and appreciation for pushing through :)

[@hunterwinslow4964]

Thank you for this video. the advice is helful. Your eyeliner is beautiful. Also it' amazing how much you blink btw

[@EllisWoolleyIllustration]

I love your channel so much 💖

[@diarts4458]

Great video, Holly, thank you :)

[@pawsinpaint]

Helpful as I'm just starting my degree in September.

[@kirkcavenaugh758]

Really awesome work.. What the heck

[@Sofia-jn6sy]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@JeffLafferty]

Great vid Holly

[@hollyexley]

***** Thanks Jeff!

[@ifslawania8651]

First time I saw any girl with violet colored hairs.. amazing

[@ixnivek2236]

Very helpful vid!

[@philomenaholtkemeierstoryc1570]

Props for this motivational video :)

[@linntordestam4300]

Thank´s so much for sharing! This is so helpful! :)

[@bellefairydust]

that's how I feel anxious and im only doing a foundation art course. I keep wanting validation whether im doing it right. its stopping me from moving forward. im so stressed. im trying to get out of trying to be perfect and please everyone but myself.

[@hollyexley]

+bellefairydust I felt the same way! It's hard to predict the future, and failure can be a scary thought. But passion & determination can get you a long way. Whilst you're on the journey remember to be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up if you do a drawing you don't like - sleep on it and try again tomorrow. The important thing is to keep at it, be open to learning & improving your skill, and enjoy it as much as possible!

[@susiemarwood564]

Thank you! This was really inspiring. Just trying to get some commissioned work at the moment and this has really helped

[@charlotte9247]

i needed this video, im graduating next year and terrified haha

[@estebannicolasrualesfalcon4759]

I am actually an architect who is planning to give up a three year career in archicture after uni. I have worked as an intern in architecture since the first year of uni and I have finally realized that architecture is pain and I can do it anymore(my brain refuses). Anyways my point is that I am planning to do illustration because I've always enjoyed watching it, followed all sorts of illustrators on websites and I also draw some stuff every now and then when I was younger, but I wasnt really skillful tbh. I do have a particular style though that I consider cartoonish like adult swim on cartoon network hehe. So I am wondering if I switch to illustration I would be successful, I just find it pleassing and not stressfull as architecture. Do you think this is enough for being an illustrator? I think your video motivates me and gives a good impression of what is all about, so I thank you for that!

[@matthewsjc1]

I'm determined, but definitely battling #4.

[@TheYarro]

Thanks for the video…I'm experiencing the exact same things you're talking about.

[@franziskareinecke4762]

amazing drawing style!

[@AlexandraHelm]

Hey there!! Thank you so much for this video! I got my diploma in may and have been working a bit already, but every day I am asking myself, if the decision to work as a freelancer was the right one. I´m kinda scared, but yet I know that this life is my chance to do, what I love... Do you have any tipps on how to get new clients the best way? Thank you soo so much!!

[@maceyloubrown]

Loving your channel. Just found you! :)

[@Aquarellina]

thank you this is awesome

[@troy8735]

Thanks this really helped!

[@DanielVerovic]

This is really motivating! Thank you! Did you ever made a video about how to get in contact / your experience with clients and how you can really WORK when your working at home? =) Love from Germany

[@nekochadechu]

Just going to uni is so tiring that when i come back home i don't havw any strenght to draw All i do is take the metro, go to school(i don't talk at school since no friends) and take the metro and go back home but only that tires me so much i can't see myself having a job one day

[@kira6582]

This was so helpful and I really love your background! I was just curious how you find projects to work on for people. Do they post things or do you have to ask the. And reach out to them completely by yourself?

[@hollyexley]

Kira Wilson Hi Kira - thank you! I am planning a video on finding clients as it's probably the thing I get asked the most! For me its a mixture of contacting companies and magazines I want to work with (usually via email) and them contacting me. Because I'm quite active online, clients usually find out about my work through google search - which is great! If you're just starting out though, it's worth having a list of dream clients and doing some research on how to contact them - postcards can work, or email.

[@sarahhedley1199]

thanks good advice

[@GilMarinho]

Muito obrigado pelo vídeo! :)

[@alejandrogangotena9033]

thank you :)

[@mohdnohhussin6793]

your eyelashes tho XD i keep looking at

[@christiananthony9489]

I have a question, I currently started as a tattoo apprenticeship as a way to create discipline to keep practicing drawing and get my work out to the public, but I've definately wanted to get into illustrating and even designing, and wondering if tattoo work can help you move forward into the art field ? To sum it up, could a background in tattoo drawings benefit one in pursuing work in other artistic field such as illustrating or design?

[@kyleb0gnar252]

thx smuch

[@nancyoconnor3593]

Hi Holly. Great video. Just wondered how essential you think it is to have an agent in this industry? Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks! Nancy

[@deoko1]

I am currently living with the struggle of "i will work even harder this year!" and the "wow...finding freelance jobs as an illustrator is not easy...what am i doing wrong? am i promoting my work awfully? ?