| Every creative writes one of these at some stage |
So, I’ve been thinking A LOT about what I’ve been doing in my career lately (it keeps me up at night sort of thinking). In the last couple of months there have been some major changes. I’m completely and utterly on my own now – no design partnership and no partime job for security. It’s just me and my freelancing business. I do however, have amazing friends and family to keep me sane and this has been most helpful, especially when I play the ‘what am I doing’ and ‘do people actually like my work’, which is completely irrational. I know that there are people out there that really do appreciate my skill. But sometimes it gets a bit tough and all you want to do is act like a child that can’t have another piece of candy because the whole picture becomes to over whelming to cope with logically, sometimes it’s easier to be a big pain in the ass – although I’m not sure for who.
I guess most of my thinking and concerns (about my decision to brave being a freelance illustrator/graphic designer) have been about, how can I sustain my small business for further years to come. I seem to be doing okay for now but, I guess at one point I’d like to own a house or travel and maybe even have kids. I’m certainly not expecting it to all arrive at my door – it’d just be nice to earn a moderate living for the thing I love doing the most. SIMPLE! Right!
My partner Tom is also a creative, going through similar motions as myself, so it’s not like we have each other to rely on for a full time income and for that added cushy security padding for when things get tough. It’s just us, our practices and our cat for cuddles.
I read a lot of books and blog posts regarding freelance creative practices and how others have found balance, between life, work and cash flow. Some are liberating and some make me feel worse.
I’d like to share some that I have found helpful in hope that it may help others feel liberated too.
http://bentheillustrator.prosite.com/23231/240808/articles-by-ben/lets-start-a-new-illustration-industry
http://www.aoiportfolios.com/about/commissioners/guidetocommissioning.html
*The first link I can’t take credit for finding by myself Tegan Rose from Ink and Spindle posted it via facebook. :)
I enjoyed reading this, I haven’t got to the point where I’m writing one of these myself, but I’m sure I will;)
I recognize all your thoughts, especially that child part made me smile:) It’s good to hear that you’re not alone even if you have to do things on your own. If you know what I mean.
Looking forward to reading those links now.
ps: Love your work, so please never stop;) You inspire me.
Kristin – Thanks for the comment, it means a lot. You should read those links they certain changed my negative perspective. I’m feeling quite refreshed and motivated again and now in search for a new direction to make it work.
Have a great Christmas. xBE
Hello! …first off, I’m just blown away by your illustration skills, they’re mad.
I can really relate to this post, I’m a freelancer like you, trying to make a successful business doing what I love. It is certainly challenging as you say, especially when sometimes you pour your heart into a piece and you don’t get the feedback you would have preferred when showing your client. When that happens, I have a big sook but then wipe away the tears and try to be more rational and “business minded” :P
You are very talented x …so I think you’ll go very far!
Hi Sheryl – it’s such a fine line as a creative not to mix business with personal ambitions or emotions. Really, that’s our drive – our expression! I’m still learning on how to distance myself from client work, so it doesn’t effect me personally. Thanks for the post, I find comfort in the fact that we’re not alone in our thinking. x B
beth! totally agree.. its so normal to feel this way.. how is everything going with you now? great links ps
Sarah – they’re great links, I’m glad I found them, such insight!
I’m traveling good, I’m looking at things differently now, I think it was a rough patch I was traveling through then but, I’m feeling like I’m coming out the other end. You certainly have to put up with the sh*t to appreciate the good things. Thanks for asking. x