Having A Day Job While Being An Illustrator

[@h0ckeyd]

I am definitely at that point. Just finished my illustration degree. I have 2 part time jobs; one as a gallery assistant at a lovely modern art gallery (but sadly it's casual...but reasonably paid) and one in a supermarket. I'm currently looking for something more in the creative field to replace that supermarket one as it's absolutely soul-destroying on top of working on my portfolio.

[@autumnjimenez6482]

I’m so glad you mentioned kids. I have decided that I am not going to have any sort of a social life for a chunk of time if I am going to be able to squeeze in time to draw between being a mom and working. I was starting to get the negative feels about it but nah. I’m going to do it. I have been little by little. Again, I so appreciate your honesty about this profession.

[@ThePocketFox]

I'm six months into my creative career change, I was a data analyst for 15 years. I'm living off savings and will finish studying next year and plan to get a part-time job after that. Fingers crossed all goes to plan!

[@annoif8]

Here I am, contemplating to upskill to be a data analyst because it's good pay and seems low stress, while working on illustration on the side. What made you want to leave a data analyst career? Is the job too stressful?

[@geekychemist]

I'm totally here for the pigs, hawks and falling off a path. Also, great advice, I don't plan in advance and end up spending most of my drawing time scrolling Pinterest trying to decide what to draw next. By which time it is bedtime and I'm dropping off on the sofa. I'm going to try being more intentional, thanks :)

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

Right on!

[@littlebonesss]

Thank you for the advice! 🧡 I'm currently re-learning the basics and filling up some gaps I have so it's good to hear this, it takes away the pressure of making money from illustration faster.

[@HollyDunnDesign]

Yup! I did this for YEARS before going full time. It was a grind, but so worth it.

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

It's a long game!

[@tonysanchez7862]

Worst job I ever had was drawing a cat's rear end (including chocolate starfish) and feet which was to be printed on card, die-cut and have a fluffy tail attached. It was designed to be attached to the boot (trunk) of a car, back in the '80s when those kind of gimmicks were all the rage. When I told a fellow illustrator (we both shared the same agent) he replied somewhat tersely, "You think that's bad, I had to draw Santa rogering Rudolf for a corporate Christmas drinks party".

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

Amazing! yeah i've seen a couple of those cat butt projects over the years.

[@borbies33]

I've been super discouraged I haven't been able to get as many projects done since graduating because I have to have a job. This video has given me some helpful tips so thank you! I just switched to 3 shifts a week so I can have 3 days for my illustration work and 1 day off 🤞 Hopefully this strikes a good balance between getting money and working on my portfolio

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

That’s great! Good luck

[@mickeeva]

really appreciate this video! great insights!

[@EugeniaLoli]

I think having a day job is important these days, because breaking as an artist has become very hard.

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

exactly!

[@LydiaCotterell]

Loved this video, James! my dad says the elephant analogy all the time - it's very true though. Those couple of hours of illustration practice post work really do build up.

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

Thanks for sharing!! He sounds wise

[@BaileytheIllustrator]

Heck yaaaaa ! I love finding fellow illustrators on here!! 🎨🥰🌿

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

yeah, great to see your channel too! Subscribed!

[@BaileytheIllustrator]

@@TheIllustratorsGuide awe cheers man! Really appreciate it

[@alinemonj]

Loved this episode! Definitely related to it :) Likewise, I had very ambitious goals when I decided to start working as a freelancer. Had to learn in the hard way to step back and fuel the dream, so that I could meet my needs while working on the biz. Now I’m a part-time baker/barista and that covers my bills while working on creative projects on the side. This year I’ll be publishing my first picture book work with a client, wouldn’t have been possible without my side job. PS Also love this new format where you’re taking us on a hike with you! Hoping those were pigs and not wild boars 🐗 lol

[@alinemonj]

Worst job was designing a flyer for the butchery shop I worked at once while still going to school… let’s just say it looked horrible, my boss was micromanaging the entire process and it was underpaid too. Fun!

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

Sounds familiar! Good practice anyway

[@heavybar3850]

I didn't go to college and moved out at 18. Paying high rent in Dublin made college practically impossible. I pursue illustration in my spare time. I've worked night jobs when I was desperate for work which made studying very difficult. Now I work the breakfast shift giving me my evenings free. I study and draw every evening with Sundays off. Having one day off helps me reset. I pre cook all my dinners which has the advantage of freeing up more time during my study days. Self study is challenging, but it's my only option. Your videos are very informative, thank you.

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

I love this! Keep it up!

[@LessThanPi]

Super cool so see so many people in the comments passionate about their art journeys! We got this guys! 😂

[@billie7093]

Super helpful! Also pigs in the forest was definitely a highlight!

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

it was for me!

[@EvaSICT]

that looks like Devon

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

maybe it is! (it's not)

[@dianalazaru]

hmmm... worst job I ever had to illustrate... a graduation magazine cover with a dancing condom, leaking or spilling all over the place. Sorry my memory fails me, because my brain just wants to forget this traumatic image.

[@TheIllustratorsGuide]

That's nasty!

[@patrycjaruszczycka1621]