I found being versatile in what medium and what kind of jobs I would accept. I started by creating watercolor portraits pets and people! I even worked as a school portrait photographer, this led to sports team photo's. I found myself in the late 90's unemployable as a freelance Graphic designer, because I had NO computer skills. SO I figure out how to do digital artwork.(It was NOT easy). Being willing to expand your skills and accept jobs that maybe are not in your basic skills set but if your willing to stretch yourself you can make a living as an Artist! I believe you did a very good job expressing your views and simply how to get to work as an Artist. I started in 1980 as a Freelance Artist, I started creating watercolor paintings at 10 years old with lessons from my Gran! In 2015 I semi retired and now create Art for myself! I probably spend to much time watching Art videos, but hey get the inspiration where you can when you can!
Hi Kendyll- thank you so much for this video. It was exactly what I needed to hear while in a slump of frustration and doubt. It means the world to hear a working illustrator lay all this out, and to hear it takes time. I've been making art for over a year and have gotten my first two clients from proactive (cold) pitching. The potential follow up you mentioned would be AMAZING re: how to actually seek out work. So far, I've only done cold pitching, which is so time consuming (tracking down art director names, their emails, etc.), and more often than not emails aren't opened or responded to. I understand this is the name of the game, ADs are time poor, but if you have other suggestions it would be life and sanity saving. Thank you so much!
This was VERY helpful and gave me so much to think about, thank you. One issue that I’ve had was when an industry chose me because my work seemed to suit them and I realized I don’t enjoy working in that industry and would rather try my style in making something else (i.e picture books instead of TV animation) and didn’t know if it was the right decision; I realized I should find something in between: for example making comics for teenagers; I’m trying to work on that now 🤞🏻
Hi Kendyll, Thank you for another great video. I'm gradually understanding what my industry and market would be after finally settling on my style and way of working. However, it would be really beneficial to hear more about this subject in a future video as I'm sure you will impart some very wise words!
Thank you so much for the thorough and incredibly informative video! it is so helpful for us artists starting out and trying to open some doors, I will be sure to take this advice with me. I would also love to know specifics about getting those clients that you are after :)
The idea is to draw lots of different people and genders and looks and body types if you want to be know as a portrait artist who has a full range and can do any portrait. If you just want to draw just one type, for example, super femme looking people, that's fine too, as long as you know that's the type of work you'll be hired to do. It's all always up to the artist -- the reminder is just that the work you choose to make will determine the types of client briefs you get tapped for.
