how I started my illustration career

[@joana0figueiredo]

your doggy is puuuuerrrrrrrrfectttt 🥰😍

[@sunnykabocha]

☺️☺️🥹🫦

[@Van-Leo]

my current issue on my artistic journey is that i dont seem to find myself making many pieces or products. i feel perpetually in the cycle of "im not yet at the level at which i want to create things at" and ever every drawing i make, it still shows how much struggle i have with creating a piece. i dont find myself satisfied with the process like the artistic flow state we can find ourselves in because of how easily it can be thrown off by me hitting a brick wall. im not concerned over a style, but im not consistent at all, often having me fight myself over how to draw something to fit the rest of the picture, or maybe theres something im just not good enough to draw in the way i want it yet. i sketch plenty, but past a sketch, i dont see a point for me to make it into anything more. what purpose does this serve if it were an ink painting or water colored instead of just another sketch in my sketchbook? i dont see a need to do it and i dont understand where it comes from for others. i dont know if im afraid of the after for when i look at it again, or if i dont have a love for it at all which is worrying. im stuck on the fact i have a lot of "i dont knows"

[@artimals_]

I think you might be over thinking a bit 😅 which is totally fine, I'm very much the same. But with art it's all about being free and doing whatever. If you're happy enough with your art being finished at the sketch stage then maybe that's your style 🥰 But don't be afraid to push your work further, take a leap of faith and try something different. Try turning one of your favourite sketches into something more. Use a pen to crisp up the edges or add a splash of colour. Don't worry what others think about it or even what you think it should be looking like. You do you 🥰❤️

[@inkaymilka252]

The way i'm in the exact position right now. Trust me and the others you are not alone in this as i often go through this process as well. Like, for example, saying to myself " I don't know if this is worth something that can be made into either a piece or just something i can do for a sketchbook" or something along with "I don't think i'm at this skill level for me to create something meaningful". Especially with the last one because although i am a good artist and i know that myself, often enough i keep taking a backbone of my artwork because i either one don't have enough knowledge to attempt something so ambiguous like an art piece, or simply the other answer and that i don't understand that peculiar something. which often enough, would leave me dissatisfied with whatever i do. which sucks because those kinds of road blocks prevent me from creating anything i simply would like to do just because. i think perhaps studying a certain topic of what specifically you wanna do and work with the flow of that until you think you got the full knowledge on how to utilize your art skills to the fullest. That's what i usually do whenever i get stuck

[@Van-Leo]

@@inkaymilka252 surprised that not many art block videos talk about this feeling

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

In my opinion you don’t need the media. Exhibit your work in galleries, have your own website. You will be successful believe me . I did that and it works.

[@tofugoob]

Love this advice! I feel like ppl that are further along always encourage you not to intentionally find a style - it’s nice to hear a different perspective :)

[@iamrjdennis]

You rock, Sunny! 😊

[@notyourvalentinee]

keep going with your carreer! we are here to be "by your side"! love your videos >>> 💗💗

[@sunnykabocha]

awww thank you so much 🤩🤩

[@ellensbg]

This video is so perfect! Thank you ❤ My issue is that I love to work with so many different styles; abstract or realism, sketchy or detailed, and I love to draw so many different things. I need to find a more cohesive style which I'm finding hard. So many great tips in this video tho! Some tips of my own: get involved in your local arts community: find out about art markets, art programs, open calls, just try to get in contact with local artists and make connections.

[@idzeslamo2551]

I really like (18:56) when you honestly said i really don't know what i like, right now its just i am starting.

[@Colorbypixels]

this is literally the advice a big sis would give

[@sunnykabocha]

🥹🥰

[@shirinbegmyradova5743]

Thank you for the tips! I really liked your seeds and sprouts analogy))

[@sunnykabocha]

thank you love 🌷💕

[@LeslieStroz]

Great advice, Sunny!! And good luck with your Patreon! ❤

[@sunnykabocha]

🫢😬😬

[@ivymaria173]

I clicked on this video out of curiosity and one of your illustrations has been my lock screen for months now :)) you're so talented

[@sunnykabocha]

omgggg what the heck thank you

[@micaela.herrera]

This was so helpful to hear (specifically around style because I relate to being a chameleon creatively) and I appreciate you sharing your journey!

[@glenntuneschannel]

Dear Sunny, I was attracted to your Instagram page exactly because of your style; the colors you use, and as you state the fact that it is a bit racy and sexy in a very subtle way, plus of course your immense drawing talent. It is really great to hear you confirm what I felt. And very generous of you to share your story and growth, and willingly give advice. I commend you and thank you for that. And just to let you know, not everyone who is following you or watching this is young and an art school graduate. I have had a career in law and I am now using Procreate, and my iPad and trying to find my style and get better. I don’t know if you have done any videos on your creative process, but I would love to get your take on that regarding drawing software you use and anything you feel would be helpful. Thanks, Glenn in Paris, France

[@sunnykabocha]

thank you so much glenn ❤️

[@kanyyyy]

Thank you this was so helpful and informative ! I am extremely inspired

[@antonioteles5169]

this is so relatable and conforting

[@sunnykabocha]

aww i'm glad 🥹

[@BaileytheIllustrator]

I lovvedddd this video, it was sooo insightful!!

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Sunny you have a style. Do what you really love and following your heart. You are an amazing illustrator and artist your work has a meaning. Love you as an artist and illustrator. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sunnykabocha]

love you 🥹🥹🥹🌷❤️❤️❤️

[@bethanyroche8927]

In love with your dog fr

[@sunnykabocha]

i told him that 💕

[@fuzzydragons]

congrats on getting all of those jobs and increasing your price along the way with each one😀 i have too many styles to count lol, i prefer working realistically, but it takes so long and etching isnt exactly a big money maker when it comes to sales. if i painted traditionally im not sure if I would develop one solid style, but with working digitally its so easy to draw different ways. im fine not one having ne style, comes in handy when someone asks me to create something for them

[@margam_illustration]

Oh man great advice, thank you so much for making this video! I think my biggest issue is figuring out where my art could be applicable and who to even contact. I mainly do landscape/nature illustrations, so it's not really editorial 🤔 Maybe it could work for some sort of covers? Posters? But I'm not really sure which field of illustration that is.

[@mysnailmail]

thank you for the video!!Could you please tell me where did you study for your bachelor's degree and where are you studying for your masters right now? In the process of choosing a place for myself and it has been so scary and so exciting at the same time. The facilities in your videos look so cozy! Really appreciate you posting these videos, thanks again!!

[@anyaakovalchuk]

Loved the video!!

[@sunnykabocha]

ohhhh that makes sense!! thank you x

[@anapaulaotero-illustration875]

great tips!!! Thanks so much!

[@sunnykabocha]

😍😍💖

[@lauriesawyer2615]

Thank you for your story and info! I think dogs toes smell like Fritos! Lol. We call our female Husky Frito Toes!

[@nataliatoledovillegas473]

Hi Sunny! Thanks for sharing this video with us :D! It's very useful :)! I'm a Graphic Designer, but I have always loved to illustrate and I'm hoping to become a freelance illustrator someday, but it hasn't been easy to try to find my style, I really enjoy colourful, girly illustrations, but I also enjoy doing children's drawings and they can be very different. I feel like every artist always mentions that you must find your style, but can your style evolve? Sometimes I get confused, and think, is this my style? will it change in the future? is it bad for it to change?... Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your videos, they are quite inspiring and your art is very cool! I like the energy it gives :D... Have a lovely week!

[@stevetgraphixartist]

Hi Sunny, i LOVE this video! so many tips for illustrators! I did the same thing with NAMES lol, I copy and paste without changing the name! Just curious how long do magazines give you for the illustration? Thank you!

[@sunnykabocha]

hi! maybe like a week to finish the illus!

[@pearlmonaheng]

Hey Sunny could you also do a video about what it was like doing your BFA, basically like what the entrance requirements were, breakdown of first, second year etc. and like what they were teaching you, what classes you had and how much the fees were🙏🙏 Just basically if someone wanted to go to the same college If you don’t mind 🫶 Thank you I love your videos and work btw🔥, I’m a BFA student from South Africa xx

[@joana0figueiredo]

Hi Sunny! Do you think is important to have TikTok?

[@ChantelleArts]

My camera also does that thing where it suddenly stops recording, I read online that it’s to do with the camera not being able to keep up with the high file size or the slow SD card, I wasn’t able to fix it but changing these made my camera record for longer before it stops, I don’t know maybe this could help you? 😊

[@sunnykabocha]

ohhhh thank you!!

[@kasiag4274]

[not an artist /it’s just a hobby + interest for me] Continuing the discussion on style - it’s kind of like an Instagram aesthetic that makes the account “wholesome”. I think it’s sad though, I think especially artists can be so multifaceted and in an art degree you learn to work with so many different media etc which should be valued in my opinion - that it’s not easy to represent that in one’s work is sad - like music albums also in most cases need to be “themed” to be really good. I mean I guess you could create multiple “albums” with different niche cohesive styles that you are an expert in/expanded in - and then you could let one style dominate or something but at least you’re not limited by your chosen style. And also if you do art professionally - wouldn’t clients want choice or want to see that you’re able to do more than just what you market yourself with? Idk I don’t have any insides into the art world except KZbin haha (love art vids). And also I guess it’s important not to be afraid to let your style evolve over time, because that way you can keep putting the love and authenticity into your work - which is what in my opinion makes art good.

[@LondonsBlueBubble]

hi !! I love your channel so much - its honestly so inspiring & really helpful to watch, especially because I would LOVE to go into something like this. I'm new here, so I'm not sure if you have any videos about this already, but what tools do you use for illustrating (iPad, pen, etc.)? also, what camera do you use for filming, I've been wanting to get more into editing lately lol. thank youuu :)

[@sunnykabocha]

i just posted a video about drawing digitally on procreate!

[@Kketerina]

💖

[@yami7519]

thanks so much sunny, this is really helpful! I was wondering, did you send your portfolio to buzzfeed, vice, and newyork magazine or did they reach out to you through social media? X

[@sunnykabocha]

i probably did send them an email with my website, but they would respond weeks to months later with an assignment!

[@sarahrohrbaugh2142]

What school are you going to in England? I’m wanting to study abroad in England.

[@sunnykabocha]

arts university plymouth! xx

[@kylewang304]

Doggooooo!

[@sunnykabocha]

kyleeeee ❤️

[@ajisaigasuki]

ガンバ☆

[@tarsitanik7040]

M b a k u ❤️❤️ i s t r i k u.

[@kaiser234]

y'all dont let her lie about the smell of dogs does. its pure mud and soil

[@sunnykabocha]

it's earthy but i don't mind it xx

[@drawlynnfaves]

i want to pet your dog 🥲

[@sunnykabocha]

he'd love a cuddle 🥰

[@tarsitanik7040]

Selamat sore mbaku kekasihku ❤️❤️ c i n t a k u untukmu p a c a r k u calon i s t r i k u tercinta.

[@janalehmkuhl305]

Will there be a restock of all/some of your illustrations on your etsy? 🫶🏼

[@sunnykabocha]

hi! they should be all stocked and ready :)