It's been just over a month since I resigned from my day job to pursue illustration full time, and I'm still alive! Actually, if someone had told me two years ago that there would come a day I'd wake up and think, "What should I paint today... Magic or Star Wars?" I'd have made them pinch me to make sure I wasn't dreaming... or dead.
Of course, the biggest worry about switching from a well-paid full time office job to freelance illustration was money. That's why I hesitated for so long, and I think that's what artists fear the most about the transition. For me personally, having the extra time has been well worth it. I'm seeing a vast improvement in the quality of my artwork so far. Even better, I've been able to take on more work, which is helping to close the financial gap a little bit. Going on a budget is never fun or easy, but I'd prefer to give up some luxuries and turn the heat down a few degrees than continue to kill myself working two jobs. Period. And hey, I'm saving on gas money by not spending 2 hours in traffic every day. ;)
The biggest day-to-day challenge so far has been keeping track of what day/time it is, so I've been relying on my calendars and digital alarms a lot more. December has turned into a very busy month- so busy that I couldn't have handled all the art orders on evenings and weekends alone. But I'm working at a comfortable fast pace, and in the extra time between assignments I've been able to start some personal work, and do things I've neglected for a long time (like updating my blog!)
Congrats on making it work!
ReplyDeleteI just started following your blog recently, and i must say, great stuff! :)
I've been teetering on a similar point. Working a decent graphic design job, but wanting to go back to school to focus on illustration (and have more time for drawing/painting).
"...and I think that's what artists fear the most about the transition."
ReplyDeleteIt was easy for me, I just got sick of being laid off every 6 months.
Thanks, eygji! I was on the same track as you, working in design, so I hope you can manage to get back to the painting.
ReplyDeleteHüth, I can definitely understand that!
HOORAY! You are my hero! I want to be like you when I grow up.
ReplyDelete<3 you, Suzi! You are already full of the crafty goodness. Now you just need to do it constantly!
ReplyDeleteReally, this kind of story motivates me a lot. I do have the interest in freelance jobs and done a lot of researches for this.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Employ! 4 months in now, and I'm still loving it (even in the heat of tax season, ugh).
ReplyDeleteSome of the people consider that freelance is an easy way to deceive employer, but I am sure they are wrong. First of all you have to make professional resume to show your skills to them before being hired and then your skills will also be verified that makes employer comfortable. The most important thing is they pay after getting complete tasks that make them safe.
ReplyDelete