How I Got My 1st Commissions & Quit My Day Job

The first 500 people to sign up via my link will get two FREE months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/hollyex... This video was kindly sponsored by Skillshare!
Storytime video - how I was able to quit my waitressing job and become a full time illustrator!
13:30 How did I know when it was time to quit my day job?
ALSO - I realised I forgot to include some of the later work I was talking about (I ran out of time!! Editing takes so long) So...
Intelligent Life work: hollyexley.blog...
The Sun work: hollyexley.blog...
Inflight magazine illustrations: hollyexley.com...
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#freelanceillustrator #howtogofreelance #quitthedayjob

[@hollyexley]

BTW - time stamps & links to artwork I mentioned in the video, are included in the description! Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy the video!

[@IrisMG]

My first commission was a 5" x 7" drawing of Tom Cruise in colored pencil. I was paid $45 American dollars. I did not do any contract or stress about rights; this was just a friend whose disabled son really liked this particular actor and wanted me to create this for his birthday.

[@emanuelamarchetti5559]

Thank you for the nice and very needed video :) my first was a book cover for a friend who self-published a book which became pretty famous in Italy, and my real paid job was a series of 10 digital illustrations for a songbook, it was very thrilling and I hope to get more done ;)

[@romicajones]

Hi Holly, my first illustration commission was for an emerging children's magazine called ILLUSTORIA during my final year of uni. Not sure if commission is really the right word but they had a call for submissions and paid for publishing my work. Still so grateful that they gave me this break. I'm still in my day job and found your story really "grounding" and inspiring to hear. I feel it would be great to hear more stories like yours and I'm thinking to start a podcast for emerging illustrators by emerging or early career illustrators. Thank you for being so open and honest. It's very much appreciated. A friendly hello from Manchester

[@cosynestart7810]

Thank you so much for such a great video. I am really appreciate all of your invite! I remember my first art commission came from Etsy. Back to 2015 I start to sell my art on Etsy. I listed a few listings about small artworks and after 2 months of nothing I was about giving up. But at that time in the late afternoon my phone rang "Cha-ching" someone bought one of my little piece of art someone from the US which is from the other side of the Earth I live in Vietnam by the way. That unforgettable moment is one of the motivation to go ahead and do the job I dreamed of: A freelance illustrator. Every time I feel like I need some advices about the career I just go straight to your KZbin channel with a cup of tea and enjoy your videos. Just want to say it once again:Thank you so so much for what you did on this channel ❤️

[@garethgough4112]

Thank you so much for putting this video out Holly! I'm just in my second year of freelancing as an Animation Producer/Illustrator. I've been very secure for the past year due to my first commission although that is now coming to an end. So i've been freaking out a lot! All of your advice in here reaffirms that i'm doing all of the right things to keep this going. Its so positive to listen to all of your ups and downs throughout the six years you have been freelancing. Its not an easy road at times I guess but I feel it is so worth it! Your videos are I feel so important to your subscribers and so thanks again for the time and energy you put into them!

[@jenneferwillard7758]

Incredibly helpful!!! I've lent my studio to a friend to stay in for a bit while she finds a new house so I'm just learning everything I can. My first request was a classmates son who had passed away. I sat and studied his picture for 4 nights before I started painting. I've never felt such responsibility for a piece.

[@gemjune56]

I have discovered your vlogs today .. I am a artist myself you are totally inspiring to me.. I have been a lazy artist of late but you have give me the inspiration to get my butt back into it , your work is amazing!!!

[@teacup9134]

This is a very helpful video to me as an art student. Thank you for posting! You have very beautiful illustrations as well.

[@LittleBrisby]

My first commission was to illustrate a trilogy of middle grade books, I was found through my Instagram and hadn’t done anything like that before, but I was up to the challenge :) I had left my day job a year before and was going to cons through all my country to get my art noticed and make some money (most of it I would reinvest on the next con), but I was just about to get another day job when the books fell into my lap, and I’ll be forever grateful because after that, other good things came!

[@Bunnybeebee531]

This is such a great video. I have learned so much from you and I certainly appreciate it. I am much older than you but life is too short to not do what I enjoy. I am a great fan of your work. It’s very original. Great video😊

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Zainab! I agree, do what you love!

[@kcoulton30]

Hello Holly - thank you for posting this, I’ve been following your work for many years and you are a real inspiration. I graduated 8 years ago intending to be an illustrator but sadly it just never got off the ground. I’ve recently decided to give it one last try... practical advice like this is what I have really been hankering for!

[@andrada-mariapricop8986]

Hello, Holly! This video was so useful. I am trying to become an illustrator and also want to study graphic design, as a back up plan, because there are more jobs in the field, and if it doesn't work out with illustrations, maybe I could do that instead. I am currently working full time in a company that drains all the life out of me. I've been working on a portfolio for some time now, but it's going super slow, because of my job. I feel exhausted all the time and consider quitting and working like crazy on my art, even though I don't have any paid projects in the field yet. And it's so scary to give up my security, without knowing if I'll make it or not, but also I feel like if I can't focus on my art and making it better and plan everything, I will be very miserable. I have my husband's support and we have savings and all, but still, it's scary. And I don't want my health to be more affected than it already is. I don't know why I wrote such a letter, but I don't know any other artists that have these struggles that I could talk to. It's really nice of you to share your story, thinking that it might help others.

[@deoko1]

Hey!! I saw your comment and I felt so identified. Until 2 years ago (holy crap time flies) I was working as a graphic designer for an advertising agency. Let me tell you it was soul sucking (I've probably complain in a video Holly made back in the day haha) the hours were terrible, I was not happy at all and dreaded every single day. Sadly I don't have the "and I took a leap of faith story" most have, since I find it hard to not have a day job and stability (I do draw for a living now), BUT I remember that back in the day when I was in the agency the happiest moments I had were lunch hour, since I got to doodle and tried to improve my portfolio, I know day jobs can make you tired af but if you don't want to leave the monthly pay-check job its ok, just try to draw something fun on your free time, sometimes stressing out about making art for your portfolio so you can get out as fast as you can of the current job can make art feel as stressful as a daily job. So my little recommendation might be make a long term plan, and have as much fun as you can, learn new stuff etc. until you are ready to take the next step :) and its great to have a husband who is willing to support you. well sorry for the long comment just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and not to let go of whatever you decide you want to do :)

[@andrada-mariapricop8986]

@@deoko1 thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my comment. I'm not the type to take leaps of faith in general, and I will consider for a few more days what I'm gonna do. My husband encourages me to quit my current job, because he sees me unhappy, but i'm afraid to disappoint everyone after I leave. Thank you again 😊

[@deoko1]

@@andrada-mariapricop8986 No worries...I do remember those day of working full time and being unhappy in that company. I am not one to take a leap of faith myself haha but it is important not to deny yourself a chance, I guess I say that because for me the "what if" is worse. Maybe you don't have to just quit and stay without a job, Holly said she was part time so who knows maybe that works for you too and will give you time to create more art. Do you have an instagram or a website with your work? I would love to see it (only if you want to of course ^_^ ). Well! I'm going back to work

[@andrada-mariapricop8986]

@@deoko1 it's @andraartcorner on instagram. It's not much, my account is only 1 year old or something, but i'm confident I'll improve, if I keep going. Thanks for your interest!

[@lisabromley8924]

Gosh I have never thought of this as a career . I love art and design And colouring in book for adults including mandalas too I went to college did a G.N.V.Q in art for 4 years . Plus photo stuff. I work at Pound Land Oswestry as a Shop assistant . Now . I'm 36 years old now

[@fanciboiz2607]

This was really helpful I’m going freelance next year when my son goes to playgroup. I decided to go full time illustration when I was in healthcare and was getting too much work as well as my normal job. I get people coming to me for illustration work from my Instagram page. The only trouble I have is ‘how to find work’ where to search online and who to contact to send your portfolio. My first job was children’s book illustration at a London publishers.

[@ThePatchworkNerd]

You're videos are always so peaceful! I found your channel about a week ago and let me just say thank you for making sure honest and tranquil videos. ^_^

[@sksks5991]

I loved this video. I could sense your sincerity. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences ♥️

[@dragonkattz]

Illuminating video! My first commission was to make a logo for a new clothing company. They kept getting me to draw andless logo ideas for them. They never did choose one, and I never got paid. I learned an important lesson, but the experience also put me off illustrating/designing for some time.

[@hollyexley]

That's pretty brutal, sorry to hear that happened to you! Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of people out there who think its perfectly fine to take up a creatives time and energy and not pay them.

[@waakkeuppp]

6:33 I love your pretzel piece

[@gabriellahanna5594]

Thank you Holly for sharing! Your words and videos bring a lot of encouragement for many people out there including me. Thank you for reminding us and making us feel relatable that there are lots of moments when artist grow quite slowly and far from instant, and its okay. Thank you very much! Your blogs looking so beautiful tho. Keep going on inspiring people

[@pocketlighthouse]

Hi Holly. Thanks for publishing such an open and honest video. I found it really interesting and helpful too! I really like the style of your videos!

[@paulinefollett3099]

It was very good of you to share your experience. I loved hearing your story.

[@kimreed33]

Thanks Holly, this was really helpful and practical!

[@ijustcarryon]

Your work is so wonderful! many thanks for your lovely advice as the way you are sharing your background with us. All the best Holly! Greetings from Galicia :)

[@ChristiPetaloti]

You are such an inspiration Holly! Thank you for the guidance you give as. I am looking forward for your next vlog upload!

[@Botandarun]

It's very interesting to hear because I've had SUCH a different experience myself. I studies film animation, then went on to work in a mobile games studio as an illustrator for several years. Then I had to move to another city, and I looked for a studio job there but it was a much smaller city with less opportunities and I had a tough time finding a job. After several months I finally found a part-time remote position, that gave me around 15 hours a week. I found other contracts to supplement my income. Suddenly form one week to the next, I was a full-time freelancer working from home. I never had much trouble finding contracts, though I'm not sure why that is. That same year I improved my portfolio and sent it to agents and publishers. I have signed been signed with an agent and have done a couple children's books. There are a lot of different experiences and it really interesting (and confusing for beginners!) how there are so many routes you can take!

[@Kaspaara]

Thank you for sharing your illustrator's journey with us in so much detail, it always makes me calm to listen to your videos and take in what seems to be very good advice! :D I'm definately less afraid of the time after I leave University now ;) All the best

[@crappymanga142]

Excellent video, very informative and helpful. Thank you so much Holly. It's always gives me more conifidence to hear your tips and advice in this line of work.

[@flowers_and_ann]

Such a helpful video, Holly!!!

[@natcho8596]

I started to see a shift in work around the same time Holly, I think it had a lot to do with the UK coming out of the recession. All of a sudden it seemed I was starting to get interviews for design jobs and so were my friends. My first commission was for a logo, it came through a relative for the company they were working at. Looking back it was a terrible logo, and I haven't done any since and always turn them down.

[@josiannedufour2944]

Thank you very much Holly to share your story! You are very inspiring :) .

[@WindysArt]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You're always inspiring! :)

[@karolsartoasis4815]

That is a very helpful video Holly. I never had a commission and now I am really anxious about getting one. I feel like I should have a specific style and business plan but watching your video I think if my portfolio is done, a social media platform and a website are updated I could be ready to approach clients. I work full time and I do find it very challenging to work, live and make art plus all the expectations of being an adult. But I remind myself that I have always wanted to do this since I was a little girl and if not now, when. Thanks for this video because I think it has given me a fresh focus. Have a great weekend. Karol

[@gabbywilliamson76]

Thanks for sharing! Very insightful

[@cait_gadd]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Hearing that successful illustrators also had a struggle to start to get to where they are gives me hope about my slow progress. It's always a nice reminder that patience and persistence are key~ I do have a question, though. When you started your website portfolio, did it take a while to start getting traffic there? I launched mine nearly a year ago and I find almost no one sees it....I update it weekly and I have done a ton of research on SEO and stuff, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Just wondering if this is something you have also experienced or maybe I'm just overlooking something. Thank you for always making inspiring videos and illustrations! :)

[@chloefox1057]

Learned so much from this video thank you Holly! And I agree babies do look a bit strange!😂

[@joannaosborne4547]

Thanknyou so much for sharing your journey. 💖💖

[@Nonorama]

Well I never had a dayjob and went straight from the academy to freelance.... But then again, I don't only work in illustration or as an artist, but I studied animation, so I am a 2D animator. And I guess it was lucky that just at the time where I was finishing my diploma, a big 2D animated feature film production started in my area as well and they picked me up, gave me work and I was still a student for the first 3 months I worked with them. (So glad my diploma was well prepared in advance XD) and that of course, makes a good reference....they commissioned me again later, for another project (yeah, I was convncing) so, thus far... it works. When there is no animation to do, I make illstrations...or I apply for exhibtions wit my own art and sell these... the diversty helps.

[@kirstenroe]

Thanks for the nice story time! It's interesting to hear how you started out and the struggles. I'm really looking forward to your cookbook! Will it be out this year? 💞🍞

[@hollyexley]

Hopefully! I have been aiming for Christmas time, but I've had a lot of other things to juggle so I'm not sure right now!

[@kirstenroe]

@@hollyexley Of course, well we look forward to it whenever it will be :)

[@evgenia.malina]

Thank you Holly! For the inspiring story and for 2 free months of Skillshare. Hugs!

[@kristievargo4823]

I love your videos and work! Thank you for sharing. I was curious your opinion on needing to be the physical location to get work from particular clients. For example, I live in the states but am interested in expanding jobs in London. I've have some success with stationers which isnt really a thing here.

[@LewisRossignol]

I have similar experience and can attest to having a 6 month savings so you don’t have to worry about money as much while trying to make it

[@salavini]

I feel like I'm completely the opposite, it was incredibly hard to just find a day/part time job due to where I lived and graduated right as the recession happened. so I HAD to go into freelance to just make rent and hustle it badly.

[@hollyexley]

Oh thats interesting - I guess it does depend a lot on location. I was in London so although it was also recession time, there were still plenty of restaurants!

[@waakkeuppp]

10:50, do you have a video about this (what it’s like to work with art directors/what they need from illustrators)?

[@silviapontes1209]

Hi Holly! I'm in the stage of making commitions for friends and family for quite a while. Usually, people who now me and like my work, someday want to gift someone with something different and original. I'm also an arts/visual mid-high school teacher with a contract for one year. I'd like to became more pro in illus and less of a school teacher.

[@shanslam1970]

Will you do some more speed painting videos?

[@hollyexley]

I tend to find they don't get many views so I don't do as many of them. I do lots of speed paints on my patreon though :)

[@shanslam1970]

@@hollyexley oh I'm suprised because they are brilliant.. once the patreon videos become older can you put them up for us lot to see? Or is that a nono?

[@louisebarnsdale2274]

Thank you for another really informative video Holly 😊I always wonder about the boring side of running a freelance business, for example managing the money, tax returns etc. How did you learn about this? Do you have a system you use to keep track of payments, receipts, artwork you have created etc? Do you have your own invoices/contracts? I am so confused by all of this and want to do it the right way from the start xx

[@hollyexley]

Ahhhh this kind of stuff is not my strong suit! I have an accountant to file my taxes, keep my receipts organised by month. And use Xero to make and track my invoices. My contracts I keep in a folder on a hard drive... and try to remember to print a hard copy. I'm sure there are more organised artists than me out there! But this works for me.

[@jacotromp1065]

LOOOOVE your tattoos. Not sure if you did this before, but who did them for you and what are they?

[@hollyexley]

Thanks! I only have 3 - a hedgehog by Rachel Hauer, a rabbit by Sam Rulz and a daisy- I forget the artist of my first tattoo (least fav!)

[@somebodyelsa]

Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge and experience

[@evesmith6429]

Hi Holly, Quick question. Would you recommend going back for an illustration degree if I already have my fine art degree? I would like to get into editorial illustration and have had a few jobs already but most of my work has been in the fine art world and art administration, i.e. gallery director for 10 years. Now I am an art teacher and would like to start illustrations.

[@hollyexley]

Eve Smith I would say you don’t need to go back to education - mostly because that would be expensive (if you pay for education where you live!) There are so many online resources to learn about illustration - would recommend skillshare for example. If you go on a newer video of mine I have a link for free access. Plus there are books and blogs to learn about the industry. I have an older video listing some of my fav illustration books .

[@TheJuJuShine]

How can I find you on skillshare? I tried searching you name and it didn't work. 😭

[@hollyexley]

SketchyJuju oh I’m not on there- I’m just a user currently 🙂

[@federica3164]

Thank you for this interesting video, as usual!!! Any advice for me that I studied illustration, worked until six years ago while stopping for personal reasons and now try to figure out how to restart again? No one seems wanna hire me and this is awful feeling specially after long time. I'm often thinking to give up because probably not good enough... please don't ignore my comment!!!

[@bellajenkins5669]

Are you leaning forward slightly in this video ?? It looks like slightly painful to have this posture

[@hollyexley]

Yea bit of a weird angle I think! Oh well!

[@lanigirognithemos]

That pop sound with every single picture is really distracting and annoying. Other than that good video. I always like hearing about others stories so maybe one day I can find my own way...

[@flowers_and_ann]

Such a helpful video, Holly!!!