Making Your Freelance Career Bulletproof with Nathan Fowkes

[@nfowkesart]

One important thing that I covered in this talk but possibly did not state strongly enough is that no one has to do (or like) the things that I do. You don't have to like landscape painting or want to teach, or any of the other projects that I listed. The point is gaining a useful expertise, no matter what the expertise is, then plugging it into the circle that I discussed. Chronicle your regular work then show people how you create it. Possibly through tutorials for a small fee on Gumroad, Patrion or any such. Over time you'll have enough material for a book or a class etc. Maybe sell prints and originals of the work you love to do, anything you can think of; all these things help others and create an additional income stream for you. In addition to your regular freelance work, each of these extras can build onto the next and create your “plan A through F”.

[@WatercoloristSyangtan]

thanks Nathan,sharing the jornney of art ! and the gr8 concept and vision of bulletproof talk .

[@timbye]

Absolutely amazing talk. Your talent blows me away, but your steadfastness of character and work ethic are what really inspired me here. Thanks so much for sharing, and praying for full recovery for you. 🙂

[@irismuddyhehe]

your positive energy , sense of humour and versatility are as awesome as your artistry Nathan. such an inspiration.

[@nRique305]

🤍

[@tommydacomicguy741]

happy you're OK my dude.

[@ArtofMalik]

This guy is a great storyteller. He knows how to engage his students. My favorite artist.

[@LightBoxExpo]

This extremely kind of you to say, and we couldn't agree more! 😊

[@dndallasta]

Out of all the people in the world that could've had a shitty "eyepatch story" happened to them, the Universe picks one of the sweetest, most generous and talented artists and educators alive today. Glad that it was just scare and that you're doing great, Nathan!

[@zaboater]

Nathan Fowkes is a giant. Not only an expert artist but a leader who elevates the industry as a whole, as heard here in this talk. What a lesson on perseverance and preparation!

[@LightBoxExpo]

Nathan is truly an expert artist and a leader. We have been eager to share his talk! :) I hope you enjoyed it! ~Ashley

[@zaboater]

Lightbox Expo DEFINITELY! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@erick_solar]

Holy shit I've never heard about this artist but now he's like a god to me, it's really impressive how he kept working even when he was basically out.

[@makanansari144]

I'm glad he is alright!

[@WindSwirl]

It kinda makes me happy to know that me taking your schoolism classes helped get you through a hard time. Best wishes to you! (Also I'd like to mention that I love the way you tell stories. Your voice always hooks me.)

[@philsmith7398]

50, 60, 80-hour weeks for 20 years!!? He deserves all the success he has. Great artist, tutor and all-round good guy.

[@LightBoxExpo]

100% agreed. Not only is Nathan a legendary artist, he's one of the kindest human beings out there! Thanks for watching!

[@agapon2023]

50-80 hour weeks sounds kind of depressing to me 😐

[@AbeerMalik]

Nathan is my favourite artist. It was an awesome speech. I got really emotional ...am so happy that he is doing great now. I wish I could meet my hero someday,

[@LightBoxExpo]

This is so kind of you to share! Nathan truly is inspirational, we hope you'll get a chance to meet him too! :)

[@Alfred_the_doodler]

Just now watching this 3 years after it was uploaded. Still relevant and impactful! Thank you light box

[@JaredCullum]

Excellent talk. I’ve worked in comics for the past few years and struggle with the gap between work. This is encouraging. Thank you.

[@LightBoxExpo]

Glad to hear that you found Nathan's talk encouraging, he has quite the impact! ~Ashley :)

[@NatureSketchbook]

Nathan is an incredible artist, an excellent teacher and he seems like a wonderful and funny person. Glad he's here to tell his story and share his expertise.

[@LightBoxExpo]

Agreed! Nathan is incredible! :)

[@belivmi]

i feel so lucky i had the opportunity to do a workshop with N F in Firenze in 2014. He inspires me since then. Incredible person.

[@LightBoxExpo]

Wow, that's amazing! We hope you'll have more opportunities to do another workshop with Nathan. :) ~ Ashley

[@belivmi]

@@LightBoxExpo hope that too :)

[@thepaintercat]

Nathan you are a personal inspiration for me, you gave me the gift of understanding and appreciating art, It was scary hearing how the story started but then I felt an immense relief knowing that you are going to be alright, I can't even begin to imagine how many emotions you went through, an experience like that probably only makes you love life even harder, bless your heart.

[@kiddpenn]

Thanks so much for posting this!

[@LightBoxExpo]

It's our pleasure! We hope you enjoyed Nathan's talk! :) ~Ashley

[@santostory]

Wow! What a great artist with a great ambitious attitude!!! Such a valuable presentation! I took one of his classes on Schoolism - the guy is a super talent!

[@LightBoxExpo]

We completely agree, Tony! :D ~Ashley

[@santostory]

@@LightBoxExpo Ashley - his stories are so inspiring, and his determination through hardship empowering! Such a talent as well!

[@cr0uchingtiger]

Absolute legend. I feel bad for giving him a little jibe about the patch at Lightbox. My British sense of humor.

[@nfowkesart]

I like jabs about the eye thing, and a few people said, "well, glad you're not dead." Gallows humor is the best.

[@cr0uchingtiger]

@@nfowkesart oh hey Nathan! yeah I thought I'd make light but then as I did it hit me - dude does art for a living, he's likely more distressed than most! Anyway, amazing story and wish you all the best for the future!

[@brucegonzalez8595]

Thank you for sharing your life experience Mr. Fowkes! I mean WOW! Just when you think nothing else can go wrong... man, I tell you!🤦🏻‍♂️ I’m truly so glad things turned around for you, your health, career, family, and life!💪 and that book! This is my first time experiencing LBX, and I’m sure it’s totally amazing in person, but even so, I’ve heard & learned from some truly unforgettable speakers / artists /people like yourself. Appreciate all your wisdom & knowledge. Thank you again for your advice on life!

[@LightBoxExpo]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! So glad to hear Nathan's talk inspired you in such a positive way.

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

astonishing video Lightbox Expo. I broke that thumbs up on your video. Maintain up the quality work.

[@okitasan]

11:53 eyepatch story

[@WatercoloristSyangtan]

Absolute marvelous ! and encouraging !!!

[@mattelder]

Brilliant talk and interesting hearing about how the schoolism thing.came about. Discovered schoolism early so really excited when Nathan started releasing his classes.

[@hopekelvin1065]

You know when it's the time a professional can't be forced to sit in an office yes After 2 decades experience

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

Cool dude. Been there.

[@venomtang]

Great post!

[@LightBoxExpo]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@MakiNoAtorie]

You know, I think I'll go for a full time position lol

[@andrewcheng2852]

Finally!!

[@LightBoxExpo]

Sorry for the wait! We hope you enjoyed hearing Nathan's talk. :) ~ Ashley

[@agapon2023]

I wonder how old Nathan Fowkes is. Can't find it.

[@BETTERTHANBLUES]

53 would be my guess. I went to school with him.

[@hopekelvin1065]

Thanks

[@LightBoxExpo]

It's our pleasure! :)

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

24:44 26:00

[@ginaraeproxy]

I'm struggling to pay the bills as a freelancer. These horror stories have literally made me ill. Any one of those things would push me over the edge. Capitalism is broken.

[@yourah3]

Capatalism isnt broken, you chose to do something that is extremely difficult, (make a living with art), and you choose to do it in the most challenging way possible, (being a freelancer). Literally everyone and their mother warns you how difficult it is and now youve discovered that they were right and youre blaming capitalism? Nut up or do something else