Quitting Your Day Job e010

[@BayleeJae]

Someone linked me to your video since I'm quitting my day job, and it was really cool to hear what you had to say. I have one shift left at my animation job before I'll be fully self-employed. I want to focus on doing my own illustrations and animated shorts, and not rely on freelance work. Thanks to my KZbin channel and existing fanbase, I'm able to do this. I have some money saved up "just in case" but I'm making much more than I did at my full time job anyway, so I'm quite confident I'll be fine. Even my lower earning months should be enough. I've been planning this out for the last year, so it was not a spur of the moment decision, and I'm making sure I'll be okay financially. I also cut down from full time to part time several months ago which really helped with the transition. Being my own boss and working on my own projects makes me so much happier, and completely cutting ties with my day job this Thursday will be so rewarding.

[@jakeparker44]

Baylee Jae Very cool story. Thanks for sharing!

[@blowingupanimals]

Baylee Jae Oh my gosh, I'm one of those fans, I didn't know you watched this channel too! Never give up Miss Baylee! we need art and art needs us.

[@reemCGR]

+Baylee Jae good luck on your journey! =) love and Peace from the middle east

[@blowingupanimals]

Baylee Jae So excited for you!!!!

[@TommyJereiah]

Wishing you nothing less than glorious success

[@KaseySnow]

Great video Jake. It made me feel somewhat validated in my decision to quit and the steps I have taken before and since doing so. Over the summer I quit my job of 5 years as an elementary school art teacher to pursue my dream career of being an illustrator. I made sure to have 12 + months of savings before quitting and did a lot of planning/budgeting before officially resigning. I had something of a fan base before I started teaching, but if you know anything about teaching then you know that it's more of a lifestyle than a job. To top it off, I worked at a low income school and it basically took over my life for the time I was there. Once I finally realized that I would never get to the point of having time/energy after work to do illustration, I decided it was now or never and set the ball rolling to quit. My journey right now is one of reconnecting with the fan base I had (and drumming up new fans) through personal projects and social media. I've been somewhat successful but still have a long way to go. I've been getting the odd freelance job here and there but am not too bothered by that yet; I kind of figured it was normal for small businesses to not make a lot of money in their first year. My biggest challenge has been figuring out *how* to work for myself, hold myself to deadlines I create, focus on and prioritize things, etc. I went through a month or so of floundering before I finally got my feet under me. I am going to cons, working on a web comic, getting involved in online art communities like SVS and Concept Art.org...that kind of thing. I've still got a lot of growing to do, certainly, but I'm sure this will be life-long process, not something I can expect to be a master at right out of the gate.

[@AstroRobyn]

When I graduated it was the height of the recession. I did a few freelance jobs until I got a full time position at a studio, which ultimately didn't work out. Fast forward a few years of working a day job while doing freelance on the side, and I decided that it was time to take the risk and work for myself. When coworkers that you've known for almost a year didn't know that you could draw, I knew that I was losing my identity as an artist and that was not okay. I had been planning for a very long time to strike it out on my own, but getting into the nitty gritty of finances, clients, places to live, etc should be done within a few months to a year. This gives you a clear idea of what your spending is, what the economy is like, where you want to be, and it gives you a deadline which should make you tremble with fear and anticipation. The fan base continues to be the hardest thing to figure out, and honestly there is no real answer for how to garner that. Do your best, show your work, and be open to new things. I've been working for myself for about 3 years now, and while financially it has had crazy ups and downs I have not yet gone hungry or been homeless. I say the trick to that is be very wise with your spending, and have solid social relationships where people respect what you do, know that you're responsible, and are understanding when you can't afford to go to the movies with them this weekend. Aside from finances my biggest obstacle has been dealing with an artist's self loathing. Never give up on yourself. I'm still learning, and I really hope that I can continue to grow as an independent artist and share my work with the world.

[@KitBeukes]

The point about picking your projects is so important, but also often tricky. I've been freelance for about two years now, and I went through a really tough patch because I'd taken too many projects that kept me afloat, but didn't satisfy me creatively. That fear of not always being earning can really kill your ability to take creative risks.

[@medwestmedia]

I'm 22 and nowhere near using art as my main source of income, I've been drawing as far back as I can remember and like to think I still need a few years to see what my comfortable "style" is. But videos like this as well as a couple other things I've listened to makes me believe that there's a life beyond a starving artist. I am at ground level but who knows, maybe I can look back at this comment one day and see how far I've come -Lorenzo M

[@TomSmithArt]

Perfect. Just what im looking to get into eventuallty. Look forward to watching this tomorrow as it's time for sleep. I Enjoy your videos!

[@DanAbdo]

I'd love to see a video that has tips for artists on how to do have a successful convention experience. Thanks for these videos btw. I've known of your work for a long time and I've found these videos really inspiring.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Great video! Thanks for the tips I've been working on that transition for a while now but this gives me a little bit more of a roadmap! 😊

[@brandoncaton7312]

coming from someone who just realized they want to be a graphic designer, and just all around independent artist you are awesome man. Such a good drawler and on top of that you make it easy for me to be confident.

[@natersart6854]

I quit my day job to become a full time artist several years ago, unfortunately, I didn't have a plan. I had no savings, no profitable project, and my mom was my entire fan base. Slowly but surly I am gaining traction as an illustrator. I had to spend a lot of time on non art related side jobs, just to eat. I still have to do a lot of undesirable logo and poster commissions which I would rather say no to. Things are better than they were, I now have several completed projects and my own its bitsy art studio, however, I really don't recommend doing it my way. Take Jakes advice, work hard while you have reliable provisions so that you can focus on creating quality work when the time comes. Still the best decision ever.

[@jakeparker44]

Naters Art Right on! Thanks for the your story. Glad you stuck it out.

[@TeeKetch]

I quit my day job a little over a year ago but had been growing a fan base with comic strips and sketches and facebook and Instagram for about a year or so prior to leaving my job. I've been able to keep going by taking freelance jobs that aren't directly in the scope of what I want for my personal projects however they have allowed me to grow as an artist and gain experience as well as a network of people who know my work and know my work ethic and professionalism. This has helped me maintain my income and also allow me time to work on personal projects in between other gigs. Thanks for the videos Jake!

[@laurenaddy3533]

My day job is quitting me, but at an oddly fortunate time. I've got 5 months to do all three of these things and I'm underway on 2 of them. My plan was really similar to this, Mr. Jake, so it was really nice to hear someone out in the field tell me "you're doing the right thing." Sometimes that's all the motivation one needs. The hope, is next year I can comment again on this thread with a new fortunate story! Thanks so much for this vid!!!

[@NeverDot]

I'm coming up on my 1 year anniversary of quitting my day job to pursue my creative career. While I did have a buffer, I lacked (and still do) some of your cited prerequisites. I lacked a strong fanbase and connections in the industry, as I was not just quitting my day job, but my day job wasn't related to the field at all. This meant no prospects for picking up related side projects. In the year hence, I've been focused on building a professional looking website, enhancing my social media presence, and building products I can sell, such as a children's book which I've self-published. Being the father of a severely disabled child, I sometimes wonder if it was the right choice, but I know if I don't pursue this now when I have the chance, I may never seize this opportunity. It's hard to justify giving up a safe wage when your family relies on you completely for income. Thankfully, my wife is supportive, though we're burning through our life savings like a NASA rocket, even with a massively scaled down lifestyle. I believe in what I'm doing and that I can be successful at it, but right now, almost nobody knows I exist. So I'll be picking through your other videos to see how to build up that fanbase.

[@Eddie_adi]

Hi, How did it turn out.Your doing your own thing I mean.I hope its going great.Would love to listen to your story.

[@NeverDot]

@@Eddie_adi I've stuck to it through and it's been a couple years since, but I'm glad I did it. I'm still not great at promoting myself, which I consider to be my biggest weakness. But I've got a presence now on various social media platforms and my website has regular content for people to check out. I've had a couple hits on my KZbin channel which helped a fair bit, but advertising is definitely an area I need to focus on to grow my brand. I've finished four children's books of my own and got hired to illustrate one professionally for a Chinese company! I did need to pick up a part time job (programming) to pay my bills, which has hurt my ability to be as productive as I was, but it's provided the capital needed to expand my physical media pursuits (books and such). I'm not giving up now and I'm happy with what I've accomplished thus far. Promotion is really my next major hurdle, because it's hard for people to support me if they don't know I exist.

[@alecfarnsworth9591]

Thank you for your tips and tricks. I really appreciate them. I decided to make that leap of faith two months ago. Scariest thing ever. There were some downsides. I didn't have a safety net in place. I had a freelance gig with a company based in Salt Lake and was promised a multitude of work, but in reality they don't have as much as promised. They are also creatively draining as you said in the video. I've been trying to grow my fanbase but the lack of support has floored me. I'm on the verge of having to step back to the daily grind to support my wife and son. I know that I will get there someday.

[@ryuvector]

I currently took the leap a while back and quit my day job, I found myself in a field that made me so depressed and unhappy to the point of making myself physically sick. So now I do what I love best and that is doing art, I don't get much freelance work and commissions due to a lot of people undercharging for there services which is bad for me cause i have financial obligations. A few weeks ago it sadly was getting to me and all the negativity towards question myself and my work things like am i really a good artist, does my work suck,etc. Your video was great in helping me see some pitfalls that I didn't notice and thank you so much for your helpful advice Jake. My friend Nico posted this link and i am glad he did. I am going to work harder and grow! :)

[@MattSmithIllustration]

I made the jump with the support of my fiance, who wanted me to be successful. It's not something that's easy, and you have to take a lot of jobs at first you don't want to do, but may open doors to other opportunities. Not working for free or anything, but I've been doing a lot of local tourism designs lately for instance. It's not in my 'creative vision', but I can work on my process, and build a body of people who are interested in my work. I don't know, I'm not 'successful' yet, but I'm determined to make stuff for a living. Thanks for the video Jake!

[@jakeparker44]

Matt Smith This! Great advice on what projects to say yes to and why. Thanks for your story.

[@julioaragao]

Awesome to see that there's people like you that is open to sharing this kind of advice with the will to help others. You deserve whatever good you find in life, my friend!

[@sagetenshi]

fantastic video; the combination of your personal confidence and piles and piles of practical reasoning and planning is really inspiring to a beginner artist like myself. also i've found that little tid bit at the start about chopping and changing the workflow to help freshen things up has definitely helped me in the past.

[@YukaSoemy]

I had a plan to build my buffer within next 6-8 months and then quit my day job, but last week I received an offer from another company, which was just perfect: I could work remotely and have a better compensation. BUT couple days ago my art director said he wants me to be a leading artist on a new project, so now I have a really hard choice between chilling while working at home or leading my own project.

[@troybugarin]

This is great advice. I'd also love to hear more about convention etiquette and having your own booth.

[@Floatharr]

These sort of videos are extremely valuable, as someone who's been making art for a relatively long time but with no experience with social media and business. I'd love to hear more about that side of things. Thank you for the videos!

[@Korrinath]

Your inking reminds me of a cross between Bill Waterson and Doug TenNapel, in other words I love it. These videos are a big source of inspiration, keep it up!

[@jakeparker44]

Korrinath High praise! thank you.

[@tonitinte]

Korrinath When he inked the ears I instantly thought about Calvins Hair :D

[@rileyframbes2121]

Great video Jake! It was fun to give you a fist bump and talk at ECCC. Looking forward to more awesome advice and good art!

[@crisgaret]

These characters are great, would love to see more of them. Thanks for the conversation, very inspiring, not just for independent illustrators, but for anyone out there looking to go at it on their own. Can't wait until you are out in Colorado sometime. Would be an honour to meet you.

[@lindabedwall]

I'm really happy I found you. I have come a long way and this summer I took coaching to prepare to start my own business in art, next year I will go further and take new contact to get some help to how to prepare the paper work of starting my own, business pan and all that. I'm still scared to go for this direction, the questions of if I'm good enough to live of my skills. one thing at the time, I'm on my way.

[@JonathanPriceArt]

Thanks for sharing your advice. I'm trying to get to that state myself.

[@pacificfirebrush]

Thanks so much for this, your channel is a goldmine!

[@hotboxcomix7446]

I'm in the process of quitting my dayjob. I demoted myself so I'd have more time to work on building my fanbase and establishing a solid body of work for the next year or so. Once I'm comfortable with both of those I plan to make a kickstarter to fund my first comic and make the big leap of faith!! Scary but exciting

[@beamay1405]

I'm doing the same thing. Just resigned yesterday so I can focus on personal projects and building a fanbase. Good luck to the both of us! :)

[@AustinShurtliff]

So helpful! I'm moving towards a career in illustration and this is just what I need. Thanks Jake!

[@novarealm]

I think since you were already a very accomplished artist and working jobs that pushed your art skills every day, you could do this. However I don't see a way for the growing, not-yet-amazing artist to establish a significant fanbase unless they have LOT of time to commit to their art. I personally work ungodly hours on a regular basis and I've decided to quit my job and move back to my mum's place with nothing but a few months savings. I'll use those months to work tirelessly on my art and hopefully build a fanbase in that time - one thing is for sure, that would be impossible with a job to juggle alongside. Thanks for your insights though I love your channel :D

[@totnorbi]

same here - been doing that for months now, first few months is hell and anxiety cause u see all the money being spent and none coming in, stresses you out after years of 'earning'... but now that I'm starting to see results from all the art study, it's much less stressful. can see the light now :) keep pushing!

[@novarealm]

Do you have your art uploaded somewhere? Would love to take a look! Mine's at instagram.com/kasimogram/

[@chrismckiernan7414]

You are an amazing artist, very Knowledgable, and the the advice you've given has really helped me.

[@RenePfitzner]

A video about convention etiquette would be great. I cringe when I remember as I kid I asked Jim Valentino to draw 3 characters that weren't even his own-- for free! He was very nice and he drew me a ShadowHawk. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@upallnightproduction7972]

A lot of useful information, thank you!

[@PabloVasquezillustration]

Thanks for your videos men, they're really helpfull. Your vision is somehow fondamentally clear and gives tons of hope. Keep doing those talks! Hope to hear from you soon again.

[@patrickwilliams2985]

I'm 20 days away from getting out of the USAF and starting my journey. You have my thanks! :D

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

How's your journey going, Patrick? I'm just starting mine now.

[@flash6293]

I Love watching your videos, I'm actually trying to make it as a comic book art and listening to your advice really helps.

[@drawmeo.]

Thank you for the advice! I've just discovered your channel not too long ago as I was looking into inktober. I really like your videos! It's great to work on my own art projects while listening to videos such as this, that provide some helpful guidance to beginners like me! :D

[@RajivNarayanan]

Love watching your videos Jake. This one has been a geat help!!!!

[@DubstepSon]

thank you, ive thought about some of these even though im not going to quit my job because i don't have any but my country. that was helpful, i'll be building a solid plan now. ty

[@andydang1324]

Thank you so much. You said a lot of things I needed to hear.

[@Cjmrsh]

Thanks Jake for this video only subscribed recently, and this video is perfect for where I am at right now I am in that weird grey transition spot from working a 'day job' to actually going full on artist. Still have a ways to go but I hope to be one of those success stories soon!

[@montsecastellano1807]

very helpful info, fist video I watch of you, recommended by another illustrator friend, thanks for it!!

[@AngelaLochCross]

I am in the transitioning phase. I started a small business and as my own boss I can do art in the lulls. I'd have to add that you need to be prepared to work longer hours than you ever did working for someone else (at least in the beginning), which isn't too difficult if you love what you're doing.

[@CaperCube]

This is top notch advice, Thank you! You are a true professional

[@BoudewijnDanser]

Thanks for another video! One about conventions would be sweet.

[@ChipsMattGaming]

Great video Jake! I want to be an independent artist, i don't know how to really approach how to build a fan base right now.

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Re: Agents. I would enjoy learning more about agents and how they may or may not bring in business. I am a portrait artist. My studio is in Salt Lake City.

Are the robot designs you made for the Online Game (at 15:00 ->) somewhere to be seen? Does the project have a website? Awesome informational video! :) Thanks!

[@jakeparker44]

Manu Järvinen The project was cancelled :( and I signed an NDA so I don't think I can talk about it.

Jake Parker Oh, dang :(

[@Dylanquinn666]

Another great video as always, Jake. Great insight. I'm doing my first con this coming August. I was planning to get everything prepared over the summer. Business cards, prints, banner etc, I'd love to hear your take on the subject. It would definitely be useful to some of us and very much appreciated :)

[@alfredojulio1004]

Thanks a lot for do this video Jake!!

[@rattybabby]

Hello Jake, I Love you're Videos, Thank You so Much For them! I would Absolutely Love to see a Video on How to Do a Convention, Cause I'm gonna be Doing My First Convention the 2nd Week of June in NY. And I'm a bit Nervous, as I'm not sure as to what the Basic things I need Are, Prints, Portfolio, Business Cards, etc. Thank you so much!

[@blessedboi708]

Can you show us your room please ? I wanna see what kind of room and stuffs you got

[@keithparker7045]

I would really like to be an artist and or animator. I've drawn for years. And then quit. I've tried getting back into drawing and lack the mental skills or just the effort to get back. Either because of my job(s) or trying to get an education. And it drained me. I tried getting into shirt designs. Made a couple and put them up to sell them. Had a couple people interested in them as well. But sold my laptop and it's kinda hard doing it on my phone coming up with more design's. Being a Parker and having that creative skills set is awesome. But when life knocks you down, it's tough. Again recently I thought about rough sketching ideas. Just to help with depression and other thangs life throws. And watching drawing videos kinda get me back into that drawing mood.

[@ScavengerV8]

Cant wait for the comic class

[@JohnWilsonComicsGuy]

I beg you to do a video on etiquette both for fans and at conventions. Common sense is in such a short supply these days.

[@MsDungeonX]

I'll get there someday. I just have to keep trying my best. :)

[@erickwillians5250]

I love yours videos! Continue please =)

[@MrChambers]

I made that transition a while ago but unfortunately didn't have this advise, however I was lucky and my situation forced me to work hard and Im now making a living doing animations on youtube and freelance, I'm still kinda in the red though but things are ok

[@signor.spaghetti]

i really enjoy your videos so keep it up! i'd really like to know what you studied to become so good

[@timodland49]

Jake, I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on saying YES and NO to jobs. Currently dealing with taking jobs that may not contribute to my personal Brand.

[@jakeparker44]

Tim Odland oh man...that took me a long time to figure out. Ok, I'll talk about that in the next video.

[@rjohnbernales9209]

great vid Jake :) thanks and I look forward to the next one :D

[@greenc1088]

I decided to quit engineering which I already spent 5 years because it is causing me depression, I was about to be extended additional 2 years but instead I decided to quit. Now I'm kinda lost, but I don't regret quitting engineering I don't love it.

[@kashiwamizu]

Somehow it reminds me of a Moogle, kupo ^^ And great tips and art as well!

[@briainhudson2485]

You are soooo good at drawing Question what is your preference when it comes to marker ?

[@soychidoese]

I'm currently not in an art based day job, but I am grateful for this simple and clear video. Granted I'm in the process of creating a portfolio but it's coming up for sure. Starting on Instagram surely helped. What advice can you give to me and such people who are not in any creative field currently but want to make the transition?

[@lucaseddsilva]

Thanks a lot for this advices! :)

[@EdSpirit35]

I highly appreciate your advices Jake and thank you so much for sharing!! :) I have been working on a publisher for 6 months and I really love my job and has give me a good salary. However, my boss is one of those creative minds that doesnt ask second opinions and block my boundaries. I already have a fanbase and a Patreon that would have more supporters if I dedicated more time. Finally, my health issues have been worse even since i started working here and the only thing i need is more activity but my day job just prevents me to do it due to time. So the two reason I am quitting soon is because I need time for my health (and it doesnt involve medication, just time to do exercise) and to promote my art. What do you think?

[@jakeparker44]

EdSpirit35 Go for it!!! You'll do great.

[@EdSpirit35]

Jake Parker Thanks a bunch! and I will. www.artstation.com/artist/ed_huerta Already working on my portfolio to show my work at the end of the Year. :)

[@dr.dragon8003]

We're making the jump to working on "The Adventures of Jesus and Frankenstein" full time soonish...lol Thanks for the info. Very helpful!

[@Spacechipbeta]

Awesome vid, Jake! Thanks! One question, dude: what kind of brush are you using for this little beatiful sketch? I want it! Thanks again.

[@jakeparker44]

Alfredo Torres It's a Kuretake No 13. There's a link to where you can get it in the video description. And for future reference I always put links to my tools in the video descriptions. Go get the pen, you'll love it!

[@Spacechipbeta]

Jake Parker Thank you very much, man! Yes, I search for the pen on Google and watch you have in some image on Pinterest. Now, I have another final two questions: do you use the platinum ink converter on this Kuretake No. 13? Are the bristles on this pen really good? Thanks a lot, Jake! Really.

[@Spacechipbeta]

Jake Parker I have Pentel brushes and are great but always look that many artirts use Kuretake and, I see you here working so nice with this tool. :)

[@FMVega]

Holy $#@! im not ready I needed this video thanks bro...

[@3polygons]

-Having the experience, I'd say 3 -5 years buffer....will give you backup to not actually just get projects (that's not that hard) but reach the point (experience, network, prices upgrade) where you get every month enough income to pay till every last bill. You will be maybe loosing money till that point, in a logarithmic curve. Maybe going positive balance since that very moment.- -It's very different if you get your clients already from your past job (and is legally doable) , as then all you need is just some cash flow of 3 - 6 months...- (scratch that, it's mostly what he says, lol)

[@DustinAlexanderBolton]

Thank you for this post. I really wanted to know what pen you're using to ink.

[@monalenker]

Thank you for that precious Video! What's that pen you use called? I love your work :)

[@antoniotylersketchworks3389]

I've been wanted to do this, but at one time I was working two part-time jobs, and now I'm only working one PT job, so I don't have the buffer I need. But in going to try and do done freelance work, a webcomic, and possibly a Patreon to not only provide a second income, but hopefully set myself up for a quitting my current PT job. A question about printing out sketches on cardstock: do you adjust the opacity at all?

[@Hugbryggen]

Hi Jake! Can you make a video about convension. And how to attend one? Best regards Nille

[@MacSmithVideo]

thanks!

[@coolkidzruneveryting]

Dear Jake, Big fan Btw (and you will probably never answer) but thank you for all the great tips and you deserve more sub's but nvm that. I am still very young, 14 years of age. And I wanted to know if you have or should get a job before getting to art for a living. I know I have youth and you really inspire me to do what I like to do and I wanna make it a option for when I get older as a failsafe and doing what I love. ~ A.J

[@kairon156]

I really like this character. it gives off an FF9 feel.

[@animatrix1490]

Random Question: Have you ever seen Silverhawks, and what do you think of the designs in that? I honestly am not sure what to think of them, but I'd like to hear your take on it.

[@jakeparker44]

Madeleine Fisher Used to watch it when I was a kid. And I have not looked at the designs in the last 2 decades. But I remember them being cooler than anything else on TV.

[@animatrix1490]

Jake Parker I really like they way they animated them--they really took the trouble to make them always be shiny and have a bunch of highlights. It feels like they'd make really cool 3-D models, if someone were inclined to do a reboot of them.

[@zmalm87]

Thank You!

[@DanTemirov]

Nice Line Art!!!

[@drawingstuff6660]

I still can't ink , I don't know why

[@Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeasy]

Hi jake how do you transfer your work from traditional to digital?

[@TENZING_]

Do you use photoshop or illustrate or what?

[@toddarted]

Hey Jake- I love these videos man. It's almost like we're in a Tijuana motel together again.

[@jakeparker44]

Todd Hamilton haha, we will always have Tijuana. I'm so glad we weren't kidnapped.

[@t.tonerr.a9062]

What name of the pencil u use

[@danielrko9895]

what if you don't have a job to begin with

[@SPMask]

What pen are you using?

[@kashiwamizu]

+Steiner Palomino It's Kuretake Sumi Brush Pen, the info is on the description

[@Anne-yu2lx]

how is your drawing style called?

[@jakeparker44]

anne krijnen ummm I'm not sure...how does Neo-Wattersonian sound?

[@bryanmclendonjr9942]

What is your job, if I may ask?

[@yumnoodles7814]

:')