Transition Into Illustration: Breaking Into The Industry

Does having a successful illustration business that supports your needs fully sound like a dream come true? If you're struggling to make this a reality or curious where to start then welcome to this class.

8 years ago I was a stay at home mum with two small kids, yet over time I’ve become an in demand illustrator by sharing my gifts and talents with the world. And this is the first time I’ve revealed my entire illustration story anywhere! Although there isn’t a single set route to a successful illustration career, I can share my personal insights and experiences to give you a realistic understanding of what to expect. 

Reaching your own illustration goals can be taken step by step. The first half of the class is dedicated to laying the foundations, then building momentum to boost your skills and expand your outlook. You’ll be tasked with imagining what an ideal illustration career looks like for you.

There is a super handy 12 Part Transition Into Illustration Worksheets pdf which you can download to help you with defining your gifts and talents and how you can impart your unique passions into your illustration work. And a you can download my timeline to see major highlights of my transition journey. 

The later lessons Include tips that I’ve picked up from my own experience:

- marketing & social media

- setting up different income streams

- negotiating fees

- pros and cons of working with one style.

There are lessons on positioning your illustration for the markets you’d love to work in and contacting clients. And my personal experience with self care practices as an illustrator.

Whether you're just starting out as a freelancer, wanting to build your income and quit your day job, or are an established illustrator looking for extra tips and tricks, this class is for you!

MY OTHER CLASSES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEOS

Set Creative Goals - First Steps to Success

Leverage Pinterest for Your Creative Business: Strategies for Attracting Clients

Bringing Your Patterns into Photoshop : a Toolkit for Digitizing Your Work

Food Illustration : Design Your Favourite Fruity Recipe

ARTISTS MENTIONED IN THIS CLASS

Top Teacher Stephanie Fizer Coleman and her WEBSITE

Top Teacher Nic Sqirrell and her WEBSITE

Heather Dutton on Spoonflower and her WEBSITE

Artist Zoe Ingram 

USEFUL LINKS

Association of Illustrators

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

This Is Marketing - Seth Godin 

• Introduction
• Project and Class Materials
• What is an illustrator ?
• My Story and Timeline
• Goals: My Story
• Goals: Finding Yours
• Inspiration and Considerations
• Income: How Much Do You Need When Transitioning
• Passive Income: My Story
• Passive Income: Considerations
• Attitude: Be Led by Fun, not Fear
• Improving Skills: My Story
• Improving Skills: Things I Wish I'd Known
• Finding a Community
• Mentors and Asking for Advice
• Pros and Cons of a Single Style or Niche
• Becoming Businesslike: First Steps
• Marketing and Social Media
• Income Streams and Earnings Breakdown
• Editorial and Publishing
• Branding and Packaging
• Art Licensing and Surface Design
• Teaching
• Clients: Finding and Contacting
• Clients: Fees and Negotiating
• Self Care
• Final Thoughts