How to Start your Illustration Career | PART 1

[@ea3906]

There is so many artists on the social media, but only a very few put out information that is actually beneficial. Thank you very much!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!!

[@acelestialwitch8512]

I’m here because I have been asked to illustrate some books, I am new to the experience. They found my digital art on social media. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and I hope that I can navigate it well 🙏🏻

[@AnooshaSyed]

Good luck!

[@electricimpulsetoprogramming]

How it was?

[@taniyadutta8]

Hey! I am currently a professional content writer I wanna get into illustration can u tell the how u started a social media page? I really need help..

[@rayannevieira9988]

You are what I needed in this trying times. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bluumyn2125]

Thankyou SO SO SO much for putting out informative content like this! I just recently graduated and found this kind of video very helpful

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!!!

[@leavcafe4169]

Thank you so much for sharing! I am an illustrator as well living in latin america. I am just getting my start up and struggling to get clients as the process is a little bit more slow here. So this info on how to get clients is pretty useful. ill apply it to my best capabilities here!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you so much and good luck!

[@rachelc5616]

I saw you announce on twitter earlier that you were gonna start a KZbin and literally gasped! You are one of my all time favorite illustrators! I've been a big fan of your work since the good old Tumblr days and seeing you evolve over the years has been so inspiring 😭💕

[@AnooshaSyed]

Omg thank you so much!!!

[@carys3132]

This was an amazingly informative and helpful video. I am a self-taught illustrator and I wanna start from the ground up. Thank you for all your passion and wisdom.

[@vanguardeditzz786]

Your drawings are amazing and I’m so grateful that you were able to come to my school

[@angelbiscuits]

Bless you so much for this video and your channel. I’m a new grad and my illustration professors didn’t touch upon the business/career side of illustration at all.

[@Ashley-j9e5j]

Thank you for making this video! Genuine information, and genuine presentation. I'm definitely subscribing.

[@aliciarose_art]

Thank you so so much for this, I am in my final year at uni at the moment and struggling heaps with deciding what to do with an Illustration degree. You're a legend thank you!!!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You got this!

[@ninachen7542]

This was super helpful ! I just graduated from undergrad and took notes for the first time religiously, totally worth it !

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you so much!

[@JustinJCampbell]

Thank you for all of your videos! You've inspired me to really love and appreciate my art and with the onset of COVID, I've watched your videos to motivate me to pursue art, bookmaking and freelance. I appreciate your insight and artistry! Keep the videos coming!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome! Best of luck!

[@lungcell]

Aww yis! Missed your podcasts and I'd been recently digging through them again ✨

[@AnooshaSyed]

Aww thank you!

[@keepitreal333]

You are amazing Anoosha. Thank you for all the honest and insightful advice in your videos! Good luck with your incredible art ❤️

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@winterwell]

thank you so much for this, ive been looking for information like this for so many years. I cant thank you enough for sharing 💖💖💖💖

[@Josedraws]

This video lifted my spirits so much. Couldn't thank you enough for sharing this. You rock

[@itsyaboinadia]

dude this is the most helpful video i have literally ever watched and i have watched all of them. you're such a blessing ❤❤

[@lunamiranda23]

Loved the artcorner and your illustrations!! Happy you are sharing your experience on your new channel 😊

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@tehremy683]

This was super helpful Anoosha. I'd love to watch more videos about portfolio building. Also you should definitely share your at journey with us. ❤️ I love your art. I got my boss to visit your NYC Comic Con stall to get me your merch. Lots of love 😊

[@moijeee]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much. I recently had the chance to submit my art at places. Thank you again for explaining this super well! Excited for the next video 💖

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WajihaDesai]

I look at your art and porfolio so often and wished I could get these tips from you! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience! This is exactly what I need!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Happy to help!

[@martinagleeson1381]

I love your videos Anoosha. Thank you so much for making them. They're unbelievably helpful

[@chloejensen5689]

Thank you SO much for this Anoosha! What an incredible resource 😭♥️

[@EriAikawadiary]

Omg! You’re back! I miss your podcast💕💕ポッドキャスト好きだった💕

[@AnooshaSyed]

Finally! Haha

[@arunano]

This is so awesome! Can you post something about pricing your art work? I tend to massively underprice. But where do you start for research for a jumping off point?

[@AnooshaSyed]

I'll definitely make a video on that in the future! For the time being you can refer to books like the Graphic Artists Handbook, or Art Inc, which was some useful info there.

[@jookiooki]

I loved the podcast videos they were so helpful! Thank you so much for this video and for continuing to be a big help for emerging artists everywhere! Super excited to see videos from you in the future!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome!

[@Gleamiarts]

This is so helpful I've watched so many videos on becoming an illustrator/how to start being an illustrator and this really clicked with me. It's so jam packed full of info. Thanks for sharing :D

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful! :))

[@repgapacor7022]

Thank you Anoosha! This video is really informative

[@tabarty]

Omy. Thank you so much anoosha for this. I'm literally taking notes as I binge watch your videos. Thanks again! Much love and prayers to you ❤

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome!

[@Javicandraw]

This was brilliant!!!! Im watching part two right away. I'll share this with whoever I can!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you so much!

[@kristinedraws]

Yes!! Thanks for doing this, excited to watch

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@umairsafdar4927]

anoosha very grateful I am, and really proud of you.

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@rhiforsyth2687]

This was really wonderful and super helpful! Looking forward to more content!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Yay thank you!

[@daniellaguzman8501]

Awesome video! Very in depth, which is hard to find

[@katarzynaprzygoda1898]

Hi Anoosha, i would like to thank you for your channel. I have already learn a lot and the work of an illustrator and related tasks have become much clearer to me. THANK YOU

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome!

[@AnaLatese]

Thank you so much for this! I’m an upcoming college senior majoring in Illustration and these tips are superb😊💕!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@TalkingWithNadsDar]

Dude SO helpful thank you. I honestly didn't even consider cold emailing and have literally just surviving off social media clients LOL. Thanks so much for your transparency, super appreciated :)

[@AnooshaSyed]

You're welcome! Sometimes you gotta chase after the clients if they're not seeing you haha

[@meep2858]

I loved your art podcast!! I'm glad you are back

[@AnooshaSyed]

Me too!!

[@thegr8nate]

Thank you for this video @Anoosha Seyd high appreciated.

[@mpdubois3720]

I just found your channel and I love your videos! They are so informative (and I love your illustrations as well). Thanks

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@Weiswolfe]

absolutely amazing video, im about to graduate from college and i dont have the slightest idea how to start, i started this adventure of illustration a couple of months, i think (i dont know if i had) i had advanced quite well, but family matters and taxes are pushing me to work into anything else, a lame ass job to survive and pay pension, my fear is if i do that i might lose valuable time to learn, and i dont know if im actually good enough for the industry neither, i always end up fighting with my relative when we touch that topic, the unknown is maddening, this video guides me a bit

[@thekokonutshell]

Thank you so so much for sharing all the info. And this is obviously more than "a little bit" helpful.

[@diaryofdaksha]

You’re a blessing . Thank you for sharing this.

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are welcome!

[@stevetgraphixartist]

Great info in this video!!!! Thank you!

[@jessoliveart]

You are an amazing person, thank you so much!! 💖

[@AnooshaSyed]

🥰🥰

[@DerekRyn]

Thank you for this video!! So helpful.

[@mxiiha9489]

This was already super helpful, thank you so much!

[@AnooshaSyed]

I'm so glad!

[@wendy2001217]

Thank you for sharing ! This helps me a lot . Gona do more improvement

[@AnooshaSyed]

You’re welcome!

[@wandrko1369]

Thank you so much!! This is very informative! 😊

[@marce9272]

Amazing video, really, really useful info, thank you so much.

[@AnooshaSyed]

You’re welcome I’m glad it was helpful!

[@izzleshizzle22]

Hi Anoosha! Love your videos! I just found your channel and I've learned so much. I'd love to hear any advice for building a strong portfolio or any prompt ideas you think could beef up a portfolio and catch art directors' eyes. Thank you for your knowledge! I'm fully self taught and these videos are saving me!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you for the kind words! I definitely want to make videos on portfolios (what makes a good one vs bad, what you need for art directors, comparing portfolio builders etc) :) Stay tuned!

[@TheMissbambi]

Just graduated and this is very usefull! I have so much difficulty with research. I already had a list with clients but often unsure how to contact them because I don't have many professional projects yet. I would love to work for different projects and love the idea of diverse projects, which makes research often very hard. I do have one really comprehensive style luckily, but not many examples of actual client work yet. The start is often the hardest!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You got this! I agree that the beginning is the hardest but once you get your first three clients it becomes a lot easier. I hope these tips were useful for learning how to contact your client list! Also check out the second part of my video where I talk about contacting art directors specifically. :)

[@kamalanair3594]

Love it!!! Looking forward for more and more video from you!!! ❤️❤️

[@AnooshaSyed]

Yay! Thank you!

[@DrawingDayDreams247]

I absolutely love your videos thank you for taking the time to share this information ♥️ I appreciate you!!♥️

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you so much!

[@moonsofourmother2815]

Wow.... You are AMAZING, beautiful and abundant! Stay in Your bliss Queen ♡

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@tomatochemist]

I’m starting out my scientific illustration career, I have a degree and fine R and another degree in chemistry. You definitely need a significant amount of scientific knowledge. And even within that, different people are going to have different specializations. for example I’m interested in creating visuals for lab manuals whereas someone else might be drawing animal skeletons for publisher slides!

[@nansaristudio8609]

your work is amazing.

[@sampadasabharwal9819]

Thank you so much! This video is so helpful.

[@AnooshaSyed]

I'm so glad!

[@lapaderakw6657]

such an amazing useful video , thank you so much for ur effort!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You're very welcome!

[@roxannesatindollz]

I’m so excited for this KZbin channel, thank you so much for sharing all your tips and tricks! You have no idea how helpful it is. Being a small illustrator who sometimes feels like giving up, these tips and tricks give me hope that I can turn things around and keep trying. Also are you from Toronto? I’m also a fellow Canadian children’s book illustrator 🍁^_^ I definitely need to make myself a spread sheet for past clients/ clients I dream of working with, because right now I just have a bunch of names and addresses scribbled on pieces of paper scattered around my office and nothing is very well organized at the moment 😓 I’ve been with an illustration agency, for a few years now but it’s no longer working for me. I feel like they are taking advantage of their artists, which is not cool so I will definitely stay tuned to know more about how to find freelance work on my own, since it can be extremely daunting at times not knowing where to start and very disheartening not getting responses when sending out emails. So thank you so so much, I am very excited to watch your next videos! ❤️

[@AnooshaSyed]

Yes I'm in Toronto! I'll make another video about agencies but I should tell you that if you feel like this agency isn't right for you, that you should leave. My first agency took advantage of me and it was a horrible experience and I'm glad I left. I am currently with another agency now that I adore, so I should stress that sometimes its about finding the right agency for you and I hope that your experience with your current agency doesn't turn you off from all of them. Best of luck!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Sorry roxanne, I just did some snooping and realized we had the same agency.... get out while you can!!!! Don't let them pressure you to stay either.

[@roxannesatindollz]

Anoosha Syed omg, I’m speechless... I can’t believe it. First let me just thank you for taking the time to reply, and second, thank you for telling me this, because now I don’t think “maybe it’s just me”... My experiences with “said Agency” has turned for the worst on this recent contract and I’ve been going through so much stress these past six months. I’ve been working countless hours to meet all their expectations and they can’t even seem to pay me on time. Claiming that “The cheque was misdirected” or “lost”?!? BS!!! I’m so over it, once this contract is completed I’m leaving and never looking back! And I’ll try to recover, mend my wounds and get back on the freelance horse at some point hopefully. They even scammed me out of $$ claiming to advertise on my behalf and never did a thing! This agency is taking advantage of artists especially students fresh out of art school who don’t know what’s fair and what’s not. I feel like there should be a list of agencies to beware of so that this doesn’t keep happening to aspiring freelancers. It’s just so unfortunate and I’ve had enough of it. I’m glad that you’re with an agency that respects you and I hope to find one that will work well for me in the near future too so I can forget all this bad stuff ever happened. 💔

[@AnooshaSyed]

@@roxannesatindollz Their countless fees for promotion and advertising that they pressured on me has never brought any new clients for me. It really is a scam to get money out of innocent artists... I've since learned that a good agent would NEVER charge you for their services. In the contract it'll state that they require a 180 notice (ridiculous) before you leave the agency so please let them know now. Another friend of mine had left them disregarding their 180 day notice, threatening to take legal action so they dropped it and let her go. In general avoid agencies that represent 100+ artists, the agents cant possibly give enough attention to their artists. When doing your research in the future, contact artists who are already represented to get their honest opinion of the agency.

[@roxannesatindollz]

Anoosha Syed wow, same for me, these so called “portions” never proved to be very fruitful for what they cost. The only thing that seemed to have worked for me was the book fait they attend. But now with everything that’s happening with the pandemic, the book fair is cancelled and of course the agency isn’t refunding anyone :( . I agree that large agencies like this one are not good, and in the future I’ll look for smaller more hands on agents. So the 180 days notice I was aware of but I wonder what that means... I think it’s that you can’t work with an other agency during that time? I don’t plan on jumping back on the horse right away anyway, since I need to reassess my freelancing plan, but you’re right, the sooner I can let them know, the better. I can’t believe that you’re friend also had to leave the agency, I wonder just how many other people had a bad experience with them. Anyway thanks so much for your input, and meanwhile stay safe, take care and keep arting! ☺️

[@desertdreamin]

This was SO helpful. Thank you 🙏

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tawfeeqsadan5718]

This is a good video. Nice background, chill vibe. Subscribing for pt 2 and future content.

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@ChipsyKuraChan]

This was incredibly helpful 💕 can't wait for more videos!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you so much!!

[@breathingtokyo]

this was so interesting and useful, thank you so much!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@muskandhakad7992]

thankyou for the information shared. it was much needed. :)

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome :)

[@Damlaart]

thank you for this video ❤

[@orionmak3379]

Do you have a video about all the different illustrator career paths you can take and the different industries? Your work is amazing and your videos are super clear and helpful!!!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Not yet, but that is a great idea! :) I'll try to work on that at some point in the future.

[@HomewithNadineFlorida]

Thank you! I am in my late 40’s. I have done fine art but want to transition to illustration. Not sure what my first step should be.

[@joanasbeethere]

especially for the email, thanks alot.

[@catyroyalty]

This was super helpful!! Thank you so much 😭😭😭💖

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@specsNsarcasm]

Thank-you ✨✨✨✨I neeeeeded this

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome!

[@elenacomte5086]

Thank you so much. Really helpful.

[@AnooshaSyed]

You’re welcome!

[@Tofa_illo]

Thanks this was really helpful :)

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@acelestialwitch8512]

I feel I need to simplify my art style in order for it to be smoother on digital platforms so I have to reel myself in than if I were to draw or paint it

[@idontbelonghereanymore6834]

Good insights thankfully

[@KeishaSalmonArtist]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@AnooshaSyed]

You’re welcome!

[@Gleniz]

Really really helpful! Thank you!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You're very welcome!

[@mariyahrahman9982]

Thank you for this!!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You're so welcome!

[@Angela-fq9il]

Thank you sooooo much for this!!!

[@AnooshaSyed]

You're so welcome!

[@alinasiraziz597]

thank you,it was helpful and keep doing this MA and prayers for you.

[@TyLianti]

what mic are you using? it sounds a little tinny. I love your art on twitter!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you! I'm just using my phone camera + mic at the moment. It's not ideal, but it's what I have on me at the moment since I'm still figuring out how to do this and I'm not ready to spend too much money on new products. Hopefully in the coming videos I'll be able to improve it!

[@shubham_M7777]

There are lot of high income skills but I can't decide which one should I choose. Web development, 2d animator, illustrator, copywriter Can you help me?

[@Artofparul]

Thank you 😊 so much for this video.

[@AnooshaSyed]

You are so welcome!

[@mimimar_]

Thank you so much, this is very helpful!!!!!!!!

[@AnooshaSyed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoanaLuari]

thank you!

[@aDogggggg]

Thank you so much for this video! In general, do you feel that it's necessary for an aspiring illustrator to have an art degree of some kind? I'm from Australia, and we have very, very few art schools here, and art degrees in our universities typically focus on fine art. I just started working freelance this year, and I'm doing fairly well so far - but do you think companies will prefer that an applicant have a degree?

[@AnooshaSyed]

I can't speak for Australia but at least in North America (and I'm sure in the rest of the world) you don't need any degree for illustration. Clients don't care about your degree, they look at your portfolio for your qualification instead. If you have good work you'll get hired regardless of where you went to school. I know plenty of people who are self-taught who are successful now as well. It might be different if you are looking for an in-house position but it doesn't matter in freelance.

[@aDogggggg]

@@AnooshaSyed Thank you! :)

[@skytaylor4209]

One thing to keep in mind about scientific illustration is I belthere are focus areas like say anatomy....ie. an artist portraying anatomical illustrations within the body won't do like illustrations about space fpr example. I myself in my anatomy classes would draw detailed pictures alon with the specific notes amd my instructor said I should do that. That would be cool but I'm more freelance then that might allow being the attention deficit hey squirrel disorder lol😅

[@biankacarver1874]

Hello Anoosha, I'm really enjoying your videos, there is a tons of information in them I didn't know. First I watched the how to price your art one, then followed you on Instagram and jumped back here. Thank you for doing the great work! Have a nice day

[@chelonyscreativechannel]

U are an inspiration i hope i can be an illustrator thats my dream job

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you and best of luck :)

[@felinkulus]

I am gonna watch ALL your videos >:( and you gotta DEAL with it! xD

[@Vartikas.illustrations]

Thank you Anoosha for such an informative video. I’m a self taught artist and still learning illustration. Do you think there’s still a market for non art grads beginners out there?

[@deedeevazquez4942]

could you make a video on designing cards? :0

[@joanasbeethere]

tHANK YOU

[@Zeeshanhameedofficial.]

Wow your art is very good

[@AnooshaSyed]

Thank you!

[@gerganastoyanova3335]

Do you think it would be a problem to contact companies and agents with a website under the name of a one person studio I’m trying to open for myself rn instead of my full name?

[@surajmahajan6154]

Thankyou mam ❤️❤️

[@aartha6820]

Hi anoosha, I wanna ask, how long do I have to wait to send another email / submission email if I already send them one? I don't want to spam them of course 😅😅

[@gracielaherrero1996]

How do I make my illustrations into electronic documents for an electronic portfolio or to submit? Scanning changes the colors

[@AnooshaSyed]

You might need to find a better quality scanner, use a camera, or edit the colors on photoshop. Usually even with my scanner, for traditional art I still have to edit the colors on photoshop first to correct any color distortion.

[@xiao668]

:) thanks for this video!

[@AnooshaSyed]

No worries!