Freelance Illustrator Moves to a Scottish Island

Hello and welcome to the first episode of my new series, Holly in the Hebrides. We just moved to the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, and we're settling into life and work here. This week, we get the hang of wild camping and van life on an island, I post out lots of your Etsy orders, and we get eaten alive by all the wee beasties! Enjoy the beautiful beaches, coastal paths and woodland walks with us.
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HollyExley
Support me on Patreon: / hollyexley
FIND ME
Instagram
/ hollyexley_illustration
My Website
www.hollyexley.com/
Music in this video from Musicbed (affiliate link) : share.mscbd.fm/hollyexleyillus...

[@EssieRuthMakes]

The view count is not your fault - everyone is experiencing it. It’s the algorithm, and not the quality or value of your work, which is as lovely as ever.

[@lifeontheround]

I've said it before but I'll say it again. Vegan, vanlife, artlife, doglife, Holly and Craig life...whats not to like ❤

[@mailartlover]

I'm used to being a silent viewer, but I've watched your channel for years. I'm really excited about this new series, I always enjoy your videos.

[@katylouise6497]

Aw Holly please don't take the view count to heart! I've been watching you since about 2016 and I'll vow to comment more if it helps you out! Your vlogs have always been so sweet and I get a smile on my face every time I've seen you've posted something! I love watching your clips of buildings, bodies of water and trees and when you chat for a while about what you, Craig & the dogs are up to! Keep doing what feels right, we appreciate it! xo

[@muckyknees]

Just reached the point in the video where you say you're feeling stilted filming youtube videos - but one of the things I was marvelling at throughout this video was how naturally you seem to speak to the camera and express yourself! I was thinking "ugh, I like the idea of making art vlogs but I could never speak naturally to the camera like this!" So in case this is a worry for you: please don't worry about it! You really do sound so natural and authentic and your style of softly chatting away has always been one (of many) highlights of your videos to me and this particular video was no exception! P.S. Mull is lovely and I have a a lot of special memories of visiting it with my Dad - I hope you will make many happy memories there too!

[@hollyexley]

Aw thank you so much :)

[@DocumentedJourney]

I am glad you are sticking to the KZbin and choosing to do what feels right! I am here for it.

[@arleneoleary7786]

Lovely video! You two seem so happy in Scotland. Even when you say "Scotland" you sound happier. 😄

[@hollyexley]

Haha that’s so funny and true 😊 Scotland makes our hearts happy

[@ardview-vanlife]

So happy to have you so close to Ardnamurchan! 😍😍😍 Love your videos, you are so natural in front of the camera, so yes we do care ❤

[@shirleygraham9932]

Ardnamurchan, one of my favourite places in the world!😁

[@ardview-vanlife]

​@@shirleygraham9932 awww we feel the same way We moved here a year ago and love it so much.

[@fatpicklestudiomagdalenatu8990]

I’m a silent watcher 😂 I hardly comment but I love your van life and I watch I also love art content a lot! It’s all good.

[@amylen.doodlebug]

7:41 Quentin doing the Loaf of Bread yoga pose. My heart.

[@hollyexley]

My ANGEL!

[@elfenzo]

SNOOT SET ORDERED!!! i love stickers. the algorithm seems to be messing with a lot of people's work. thanks for this video!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much!

[@caijahogg-wood3820]

Love, love, love this format that you've moved into Holly! I've been following along with every single one of your van life videos just as much as your old ones. They're interesting and picturesque, but most of authentic... Which is a delight to watch 💛 Very excited to get to live vicariously through your Scotland summer while I suffer through the cold Melbourne winter!

[@BenthicFern]

I'm very comforted by the closeness and slowness of this video. The phrase "living the dream" has been previously ruined for me, but this place you are living in is really so dreamy. I adored the cut to the family of sheep! You make such great work, looking forward to more videos coming up.

[@hollyexley]

Aw thank you so much!! So glad you enjoyed this one

[@tryartwithme]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Your videos make me smile 😂

[@TheJessPurrr]

Whaaaat?!!! Commenting again to push your view up, hopefully! Social media algorithms are so poo recently ! I love your videos! Always look forward to them 🥰

[@ChrissieNicely]

Hi Holly, I do hope you will get paid soon! I would go mental with such insecure income! Enjoy your weekend! Hugs & Love Chrissie 😘

[@An_na_mar]

Your videos are lovely, heartwarming antidotes to a lot of consumerist content and I’d say the algorithm does not like that. Thank you for continuing to create and to share your world. My Grandad was from Mull, I have memories of being a very young child on his dad’s tractor on the farm. It’s a very special place and I can’t wait to rediscover it through your videos.

[@hollyexley]

Wow those sound like magical memories!

[@sarawebb6031]

Yay! Love it! Love it! Big hugs to all! 💜💜💜💜

[@ClayDisarray]

Ugh, KZbin can be such an arse. I'm really excited for your new Scottish series! 🧡

[@Retro-love-]

Please keep up the lifestyle videos. Do what feels right for you and people will come 💖 I’m in Australia and am now living in Scotland vicariously through you. 😂 it’s always been my dream

[@Sandra-vd6lu]

Loved this first episode of the Island. What a beautiful place! And I am sure you will settle in well. Every time I watch one of your films I always get the impression you are very well organized. Working from a van is surely not easy, but I am amazed how you manage it! Enjoy your stay and will be looking forward to nextweeks part. 😊

[@michellevillarreal9946]

I have watched you for years, and I love how your channel has evolved! The advice that a good view won't fix your issues is something I really needed to hear, thank you. As always, I appreciate your sharing and work 😊 and I do really care about and enjoy your videos ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Michelle! I appreciate you being here supporting for so long now!

[@millermacaroni]

Thank you for sharing some bits of your life with us, your videos are so inspiring and also comforting!!

[@itscarolinemary]

I love your vanlife content + any art content! love your baking & cooking content too back when you lived in your house haha ❤

[@louiselangton]

Just back from a week in southern Greece and catching up! Having a dose of your vlogs if helping with the holiday blues and excited for a new series! X

[@itscarolinemary]

And 11:37!!! Stunning!!! I am such a fan of drone shots

[@Begobolas]

I visited Mull and Tobermory 25 years ago and it was such a beautiful surprise to find this quaint town. I love revisiting it to you. Enjoy your time there (and don't mind the stressful algorithm) ❤

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I got SO excited to read that you were in Scotland! Unfortunately I saw the video go up when I was at work, but I put it on as soon as I got back. I'm so stoked for this series as Scotland is a place I've wanted to move to since I was a little kid.

[@ninebats]

I always enjoy your choice of music - so lovely ☺

[@kseniiaa4526]

those ticks gave me second-hand scare 😅 as a silent watcher of many years I do enjoy how your videos reflect changes in your life and personhood, I think the change in numbers is more of a reflection on an algorithm than yourself, sending love and support ❤❤❤

[@ChantelleArts]

This is sooooo good, I cannot wait for this series ☺☺

[@amberparton9893]

So excited for this series, I’d love to visit the Hebrides!

[@annikaheller3489]

It looks so nice and peaceful! Just left the big city to live closer to nature and slower in general and it feels SO good! Your videos are always so calming and I love how you get more and more used to this life ☺️

[@teresaromo6798]

So excited for this new series :) Thanks for sharing also your vulnerable side, i guess some of your viewers can relate, this is your safe place 💖💪

[@garethgough4112]

Really enjoyed watching the start of yours, Craig's and the doggos journey! Possibly the best sticker pack idea ever!

[@hollyexley]

Haha thank you kindly Gareth

[@BethanyMuhl]

I love your travel adventures and can't wait to explore the Isle of Mull with you!

[@pdbowman]

Just catching this one. Thankful for you and your honest approach to life in ever stranger times, Holly & Craig!

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Paul!

[@ellstration]

The label of the Snoot Set is really precious Holly. :3 We also have a lot of ticks on the Bavarian countryside. After many years, I even decided on a vaccination again, because I didn't want to deal with anything health related in that regard. And midges oh boi ... since we live next to a lake all windows are covered with them in the summer, 😖 which is why I oftentimes keep the windows closed in the night and sweat haha. Also same here with nets, even though we've them on all windows the small midges find their way in. Maybe one of those citrus candles would help? I used those while camping and it helped to keep the tent midges free. ✨

[@coilbliss]

Like so many have commented the video's are so well done and I am always so excited to see that you have posted. The islands beach looks so soothing. I love the colors of the towns homes.i agree the views are stunning!

[@MindPalaceASMR]

Great start! Excited for more episodes in this series! ❤

[@agusclementeatteret916]

I sincerely loved your videos and can't wait for this series!! Abrazos a los 4 desde Argentina ❤

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Great new series Holly ☺️ Craig’s comment was so sweet when he was taking lots of clips of you. The snoots set is a fun idea!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Emma!

[@itscarolinemary]

The town is so cute!!! It's reminding me of Newfoundland (never been) ☺️🔥

[@sheyennemcghee662]

Hello!! I've been watching your channel for about 8 years (geez how time flies!). I don't really comment on KZbin videos but when you said you didn't get many comments I knew I just had to! I love your content and how its progressed over the years. It's always been such a breath of fresh air and helped me to see that a quiet, art filled life is possible. Keep doing what you're doing! And even if the engagement isn't great just think of the people like me who have been following you for years but too shy to comment lol. ❤

[@hollyexley]

Aw sorry to have missed your comment - this is so lovely, thank you for saying this. I will focus on the people like you, I'm very lucky to have you!

[@jennyguildford3301]

Really enjoyed the first in this new series of videos, Holly! You're inspiring me to get a van so we can do some wild camping and make the most of our beautiful countryside.

[@hollyexley]

So glad you are liking this series so far Jenny, hope you enjoy your future wild camping!

[@deesmith7880]

Loved this video and I’m looking forward to following along with you on this island adventure. You are always such a joy to watch. Please don’t be discouraged…you are a talented artist and content creator. Plus, you’re an amazing human!

[@TheWoodlandFae-il9vd]

love this video, it was perfect to watch while doing some art, lovely to see your adventures, I have been following your journey for so many years now!

[@RaahatKaduji]

Love the pace and authenticity of your channel, Holly. The footage is gorgeous too, especially those scenes from Friday.

[@hollyexley]

So glad you are enjoying them Raahat :)

[@theclosetthinker]

looking forward to the new series Holly! I always enjoy watching your videos whilst I'm sewing :-)

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

I have to return to complete the video but when you mentioned the Hebrides, it reminded me of a piece of music I think my class was assigned to play in school (Hebrides Overture). I had to look it up to get a sense of the location. I guess the song was kind of reflecting a storm. hope that your weather is better... however, I always imagine that island living is rather on the poetic side...

[@divinera_]

Aww I live on an island in Canada. Seems similar to your situation! We love it

[@newflanged_]

I love the van life videos!!! ❤ ❤❤❤

[@s_claire_cecilia5547]

Love that you speak about the overwhelm of being around people, and that a pretty view is not a panacea. Your introvertism is one of the things I love most about your channel. Plus, of course, everything else! 🫶💚

[@Sillycloudwanderer]

Love your video’s please keep making them. Love from a patreon patron! xxx

[@beccac615]

Super excited for Mull vlogs! Ticks are for sure the trade off to enjoying time in wilder parts - sometimes it puts me off going for a walk etc but then I just think well as long as I’m checking and know all the best practice then it’ll be fine. But yeah they are gross still! Our family cat gets them all the time - boke! Looking forward to seeing more of the island 😊

[@fb9997]

Really love your content holly, loved the van series and your work 😊

[@lizastevens8291]

Love your channel! Mull looks stunning. My close friend is shortly moving to Skye and she is also an illustrator. I can’t wait to visit 💚

[@firdyk]

Thank you love your vlogs

[@veggiegirl3608]

I love seeing your adventures!

[@Mariana_0422]

Glad you will continue posting lifestyle content along with the art content. I started following you when you were posting mostly art but then stayed because I loved the snippets you shared of your life and your beliefs, which are so much alike mine. You are one of my favorite content creators and a huge inspiration for changing my diet (6 years meat free 🙌). Hope you have a lovely summer in Scotland ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much for saying that, I am so glad. Hope you enjoy my content xxx

[@danshibuya6593]

What you share is valuable and wonderful Holly, you're taking me to places I have always wanted to go to (and have no chance of going to really because of my health so it really gives me a lens to the world), and celebrating the world's natural beauty, you're illustrations are so lovely. Must be so hard tackling youtube in all it's nitty gritty, it would make my anxiety go ballistic, most people's! You're doing so well xx

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm glad to show you new places through this channel :)

[@smoothseas1]

Congrats! Looking forward to this series 🙂

[@laurenvonduyke-dadmun9928]

It's so refreshing to watch your videos! Mull looks absolutely beautiful and I'm glad that you're able to introduce us to your life there. Too bad about the ticks! They spoil our outdoor time, too.

[@tinytoadstool]

Yay, loved this. I watch you on the TV now but I got my phone out to give you a comment just to cheer you on and not just be a silent watcher.

[@hollyexley]

Yay thank you - I appreciate the extra effort you went to there!

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

it is wonderful to see such a beautiful place, i can feel the mist throgh the screen also oh no ticks suck(

[@laineyrae8981]

Hey, Holly. It was such a small moment of the video that you mentioned your sporadic reading. Same! As a bookseller, my reading is not what it should be, and it feels like a stupid battle of putting the time and focus into it. It's pretty reasonable and relatable, though, if you got split focus, focusing on a page sometimes feels impossible. Idk if you've ever heard of Books and Bao, but Willow is in Scotland, I think Glasgow. If you and Craig ever venture out that way, that would be a cool meet-up. As a viewer, it feels like an intrusive suggestion, but i thought i would throw it out there since i think you know Jen C. who knows Books and Bao. 😅 best regards. Here's to getting paid in a timely manner and warding off ticks.

[@julie_uk_]

We may have became a slightly smaller audience of yours here, but we're an appreciative bunch who continue to love your work. Thank you for sharing it 😊

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much for sticking around!

[@sophiesketches7451]

Your videos are so lovely, Scotland is so stunning - really excited for this series 😍 keep going Holly!! X

[@hollyexley]

Thank you for the encouragement Sophie!

[@KaitiElaine]

Hi holly ❤️❤️ REALLY enjoyed this video and I’m so excited for this series. It feels a bit nostalgic for some reason- maybe because I watched the islay videos. But this one just seemed so cozy and homey. I can’t wait to see more of the isle and catch up every week 🫶🏻

[@MrsQuam]

I love the alliteration of the series! 😁 And I must say that drone is the best investment for your channel! I love to see the broad overview of where you go!

[@hollyexley]

Aw thank you so much, I'm so glad you like the drone footage! I never thought I'd have one, but I do really like the extra perspective it gives.

[@BethDooner]

Gosh I just love hearing all the ambient birdsong in your footage

[@apetalunfolds2712]

Beautiful video Holly ❤

[@ThePattiw]

I am looking forward to seeing more Holly! Remote and quiet places with lots of nature and a supportive, small community sounds absolutely perfect for me as well.

[@laurawoolf3577]

I totally love the developing of your channel and I can't wait to see more or your content now that you will share weekly videos of your life there :) I think it is just the same in every platform (like instagram), algorithms don't seem to help at all, rather it seems that they but punish everyone so... keep doing what feels right for you. I personally love this content :)

[@thesaladczar]

This took so long to show up on my feed! :\. Anyway, I like your flag button on the jean jacket and I look forward to a pkg from Scotland!!

[@janeylane87]

I love all your videos ❤!

[@smoothseas1]

Would love to hear about the books you've been reading. Really enjoyed the reading vlog you did a while ago

[@TheSissie]

Thanks for this lovely video, the images of the landscape are stunning……wow. Greetings from the Netherlands ( actually on vacation now in Finland🤩)

[@hollyexley]

Oh wow, enjoy your vacation!

[@nathanprideart]

I love the title you chose for this series and Tobermory's coves were so beautiful! What is the brand name of that delicious looking vegan bacon? I can relate to spending precious time working on getting paid after turning in contract work with past clients. Sorry that is happening to you, but you're not alone. I try to negotiate better NET payment schedules to max 30 days or upon delivery of materials. Also, asking for 40% upfront deposit helps with some smaller clients and keeps the money coming in. Good luck!

[@elissafrohlich4893]

Absolutely love your videos. Recently subscribed and look forward to watching every video you upload. 😍

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Elissa! I appreciate your support :)

[@lawsdraws]

Yay, Holly! Can't wait to see more van life!

[@anonymousjdg]

Excited to see more of Scotland through your lens!

[@allons-yalice9567]

Yours is the best possible content I could ever wish for. Thank you so much for your work.

[@heathershaw9235]

Holly, my snoot set arrived and it's wonderful! The stickers are so cute and really high quality. I've got the little newt/toad boy and echidna on my phone.

[@hollyexley]

Yay! Thank you so much Heather 🫶

[@aboveboard4914]

Always happy to see a video from you Holly. Thanks for all the work you put into the channel!

[@amandahilleary2581]

Oh how exciting!! Can not wait to see more adventures of you and craig in Scotland.

[@kymcrowart7876]

Great video, just found and subbed to your channel.

[@vedaraman]

This is so lovely !! Thank you for sharing this experience with us

[@hollyexley]

Im so sad we missed each other! x

[@emsf1354]

I watched Balamory years ago with my little sister, and immediately recognised Tobermory. 😊 Looks like a lovely place to spend the summer!!

[@Lilybet1316]

Such a beautiful location! Love all of your videos, especially your love for the dogs. 🥰❤️❤️

[@hollyexley]

So glad to share this place and our dogs with you Lilybet!

[@ann-kristinknardal3164]

I am so exited for another round of weekly vlogs from you 😍 your vlogs are my favourite thing to watch 🥰

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Ann Kristin!

[@rosemaryforeman8194]

I love the Isle of. Mull ......Scotland is beautiful.... Looking forward to your videos ...

[@hollyexley]

Feel very lucky to be here in our favourite country :)

[@melissaterry1585]

What a little slice of heaven that is. I love the town, the waterfalls and the river in the ancient woodland, but most of all that beach. Hearing the water lapping the shoreline looked and sounded like bliss. Such a shame about the ticks! I wonder if you can repel them. Glad that your Etsy sales are going well and hope your payments get sorted. It’s all wrong that companies can get away with not paying for months. Looking forward to the next video x

[@crystalwall4266]

Long time watcher, first time commenter! (Just another introvert girlie over here). Love that you’re posting what feels right for you ❤ I enjoy hearing about van life, art, and the dogs.

[@camillakstudio]

I like your videos!😊🌸🌞

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! 😊

[@product_designer_lp]

Hope you’re well after the ticks attack. I’m from Russia and we are very cautious about ticks here as most of them carry very dangerous viruses. We get vaccinated every other year and if we get bitten, we always bring tick for a test to a local hospital and get another vaccine right away. Just hope your local ticks are not as harsh as ours and you’re fine! 😂 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@hollyexley]

Oh gosh, I just looked this up - and I think your region of the world does indeed have more serious complications with ticks. We mostly have the risk for Lyme disease, which can also be serious and I really dont want to get it, but I am taking precautions, and as long as you remove ticks quickly and properly, the risk is lowered. Horrible things though aren't they!

[@robinamybruce]

Some suggestions from watching popular youtubers.. Please do some chill music over the life shots, scenery shots. it makes it more romantic and interesting to keep watching.. Another option is to film more for 1 or 2 days and take us along, show your making breakfast and eating it etc. and not take us through a whole week.. so you have some time "off" for just being you.. Just a suggestion love..

[@itscarolinemary]

10:26 .... STUNNING!!! 💕🔥

[@TauraTaller]

Hi! I´ve never left any commentary but just wanted to tell you, that you are living my dream! Summer at an island in Scotland is just perfect and i´m truly happy for you :) you guys look so happy its endearing! Sorry if my english is weird and greeetings from Buenos Aires!!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you for your comment, no weird English at all haha :) We feel very lucky to be here, Scotland makes us so happy and has always been very good to us :)

[@leonahussey]

It’s not just illustration that takes ages to pay. It generally happens when you’re working with companies. I’ve worked as a freelance fitness instructor and I’ve run art workshops and on both occasions I’ve had to chase up payments. I know this happens in construction as well if you’re working with companies as opposed to private customers. It’s not okay.

[@hollyexley]

Thats very accurate - thank you for pointing this out!