I related so much to what you wrote. I feel the exact emotion, I jumped into illustration books towards the end of 2023, so 2024 was my first year of freelancing as a kid lit artist too. I have had an okay of a start, but I sometimes feel like I'm lost in the woods with no direction, theres so many things that I want to accomplish but also publishing takes time. I'm slowly learning to be okay with slow progress too, I'm learning to appreciate these mundane "what am I doing with my life" moments between projects. And I'm coming to terms with the fact, that freelancing means cheering for yourself when no one is around, creating projects for yourself if no one is hiring you. I have been working on my book dummy with my agent too and I'm super-duper-fingers-and-toes-crossed-optimistic for 2025!
I have been following your work on IG for quite a while, it's nice to meet you here :)
WOW it’s crazy and honestly so therapeutic to see you describe EXACTLY how I feel?? Why have we had like the same start to our careers!! I really felt the “cheering for yourself when no one is around”… I think that’s been the hardest adjustment for me - not getting the instant gratification I am used to and kind of desperately crave 😭
I’m so happy to hear you’re optimistic for the new year!! Good luck on your dummy, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful!! <33
Ah I'm taking this as a sign! I've been hmming and hahing about finally dipping into the world of children's illustrations, but reading this has given me a bit more courage! Time to start painting ideas :)
Love your work and it's so nice to see you here on Substack! I find your article so relatable as I find myself working on too many art business/illustrator career adjacent ideas and projects.
I'm taking the leap this year to illustrate books, and it’s exciting but also terrifying. I really admire your optimistic outlook for the future, as well as your stunning pages. The way you approach compositions and colors is truly inspiring.
I related so much to what you wrote. I feel the exact emotion, I jumped into illustration books towards the end of 2023, so 2024 was my first year of freelancing as a kid lit artist too. I have had an okay of a start, but I sometimes feel like I'm lost in the woods with no direction, theres so many things that I want to accomplish but also publishing takes time. I'm slowly learning to be okay with slow progress too, I'm learning to appreciate these mundane "what am I doing with my life" moments between projects. And I'm coming to terms with the fact, that freelancing means cheering for yourself when no one is around, creating projects for yourself if no one is hiring you. I have been working on my book dummy with my agent too and I'm super-duper-fingers-and-toes-crossed-optimistic for 2025!
I have been following your work on IG for quite a while, it's nice to meet you here :)
WOW it’s crazy and honestly so therapeutic to see you describe EXACTLY how I feel?? Why have we had like the same start to our careers!! I really felt the “cheering for yourself when no one is around”… I think that’s been the hardest adjustment for me - not getting the instant gratification I am used to and kind of desperately crave 😭
I’m so happy to hear you’re optimistic for the new year!! Good luck on your dummy, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful!! <33
Ah I'm taking this as a sign! I've been hmming and hahing about finally dipping into the world of children's illustrations, but reading this has given me a bit more courage! Time to start painting ideas :)
Yes!! I am so glad - getting started is the most nerve-racking part but I'm so glad you feel inspired to start!!
p.s. i love the colours and whimsy character of your work! I'll definitely be following you on insta
I love your compositions and color ! So beautiful ✨
🥹🥹 that means so much, thank you!!
Your bear on a hill page is gorgeous!!
Ahhh thank you so much anoosha!! 💖💖
Love your work and it's so nice to see you here on Substack! I find your article so relatable as I find myself working on too many art business/illustrator career adjacent ideas and projects.
I'm taking the leap this year to illustrate books, and it’s exciting but also terrifying. I really admire your optimistic outlook for the future, as well as your stunning pages. The way you approach compositions and colors is truly inspiring.