tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88949558668682444172024-03-05T09:14:43.001+01:00Petra's sketchblogart, illustrations and experimental stuff from a young illustratorPetrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-18876240944534906032013-05-12T17:44:00.004+02:002013-08-01T16:10:26.478+02:00How to deal with a part time job as a freelancer.A while ago I decided to try to write a piece, maybe a small book, about how to deal with a part time job as a freelancer. But maybe I'm just not the type for writing a book. I finished the start of it though and it's a big piece of text, if you're reading this blog casually then you might want to save the article or bookmark it).<br />
<br />
Also: feel free to comment or if you have any ideas on how to proceed or any suggestions... anything is welcome!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to deal with a part time job as a freelancer:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A fact:
nowadays there are a lot more freelance people than there used to be. Why is
that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are
several reasons of course. For one it is because it is their dream, of working
as a designer, illustrator or writer for example, because it’s not impossible
in this world to chase your dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For others
it might seem like a good career step to work on different kinds of jobs next
to their ‘real’ job, so one day somebody can look at their resumé and think
they have a lot of potential, or because even if they have a job, they secretly
dream of working on something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For some it
might be a necessary thing, because economic times drove them towards a very
low stable income, but as freelancing isn’t easy as well there’s probably also
another reason why these people rather freelance than doing something else to
boost their income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">However
there are also reasons that are the same for probably every freelancer.
Everyone wants to be successful, which means that it makes you happy and that
you earn money with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And there
are also side-effects from being a successful freelancer, for example a boost
of confidence and become more ‘yourself’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are
all these good things about working freelance, but here’s another fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It isn’t
easy. If you start as a freelancer the chances are very high that you won’t
make a full stable income from the start. <br />
Of course there are things that might help, if you have a great business plan
and if you can prove that your business will be successful very soon then the
bank might be able to help you with an upfront sum of money (which you’ll have
to pay back one day). For artists it might also be possible in some countries
to get a start-up fund that will support you in the first year or so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But for the
most of us, these opportunities aren’t available. Some businesses are just
really hard to get started in, like me being an illustrator. Of course it was
my own choice and I knew it wouldn’t be easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But there’s
a pretty easy alternative for anyone that wants to start out as a freelancer
but needs a stable income: <u>getting a part time job</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why a part time job<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>Money</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">First and
foremost that’s because it creates income. <br />
You will need a stable amount of it to pay the rent and food and all. A part
time job can give you that, most part time jobs that are available for starters
are the ones that are between 12-32 hours per week. Twelve hours might just (not)be
enough to pay your monthly bills, while 32 hours can give you more money than
you’ll need but will cut the hours available for daytime freelance work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But here’s
the thing with most part time jobs, they often come with flexible hours, that
might differ between the twelve and thirty-two every week or month or so,
depending on how much you are needed (we’ll talk about this flexibility later
on), so the average probably will get you a sufficient income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>Peace vs. stress</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This money
can give you a lot of peace and calmness in contrast to a freelancer who would
be anxious to see the end of the month coming and will struggle to earn enough
money to make ends meet. There are of course people who rather have to struggle
with their own business than to have a part time job. In some ways, struggling
and working very hard for it might be good for a freelance business, but you
have to be able to cope with the stress. While a part time job will make you
earn money but also gives you the opportunity to slowly build on your freelance
business step by step. You don’t have to rush, there’s no need. You can think
everything through at your own pace. Now doesn’t that sound really good?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>Freedom of choice: Pricerates</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At the
start of your freelance career it is usual not to charge as much as a person
that has already worked for five, ten or more years. But it’s good to charge a
fair price as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Anyone who
reads blogs about freelance work these days won’t miss the posts that talk
about that you shouldn’t underrate yourself, that you shouldn’t neglect the
normal price for your work and go under it only to ‘get the job’. Well, there’s
a reason why there are so many posts about it, that is because there actually A
LOT of people that charge under the minimum wage. Which is crazy, but they do,
mostly because they are afraid they can’t get enough money if they charge more
because they won’t get the job. And they need the money.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Fortunately,
when you have a part time job you can just ignore that ‘need of money and
jobs’, because you don’t need that small bit of extra income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And it’s
only in your benefits: the jobs that pay almost nothing are those that aren’t
very fun or that aren’t really cared about at all. Do you really want to do
that? Probably not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Next to
that, it’s also very bad for the market to ask for a rate under the usual one.
If it would be only one or two people, that wouldn’t matter but because more
and more people ‘undercharge’ themselves, the business will notice and get used
to those prices and ultimately you won’t earn enough money for it anymore to
make a living from it.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>Freedom of choice: Clients and jobs</u></span><span lang="EN-US"><br />
It’s also good to be able to say ‘no’ to certain kinds of clients. Not only the
ones that won’t pay enough, but there are also those that seem very kind in the
beginning but get demanding more and more. There is a limit in what you can or
will want to do and the same for asking a fair price counts for asking for a
fair way of dealing with business. If you don’t really want to work on the job
anymore you are able to tell them and cancel it, simply because you don’t need
the money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The thing
is: you don’t have to deal with literally anyone who asks something of you.
Often it is adviced you don’t do that as a freelancer, because it will confuse
people when you say you can or will do everything. And especially if you are
very good at one thing or want to specialize in a certain direction, don’t go
and be the jack-of-all-trades only because you need the money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>Expense to invest</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A stable amount
of money is something we all need. The non-stable income from freelance work
can be an extra above that, which is great because you don’t really need it at
the moment, you can use it for example to save up for when you want to take the
leap and work freelance full time. Or you can spend it on promoting your
freelance business (think of postcards, flyers or having a stand at a market)
or other freelance needs like books, courses or new hardware. Or both,
depending on how much you’ll earn. And if you’re working hard enough both as a
part-timer and a freelancer you’ll earn enough money to spend on other things,
for yourself and your loved ones, as well which is also a kind of investment if
you think about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><u>
Learn things!</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It might
sound stupid but even if you have the most simple job like being a cashier or
working as a waiter for example, you can also learn from it. After all, a part
time job is a job, even (or especially) when you didn’t choose for it or have
studied for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For
example, when I started working as a saleswoman at a small department store, I
wasn’t really the open, outgoing and lively type. I’m the kind of person who is
rather silent, who does her work best if she knows what to do and is able to do
it. I warm up gradually, I became to like working with my colleagues a lot more
after some time because I got to know them better, even though they are totally
different than I am. I guess there is just a nice thing, a good piece of
character in everyone that I became used to. Well, you can say the same for
clients as a freelancer, even when you don’t know them in the first place
doesn’t mean you can’t be open with them. I would say that if you are open and
show them that you’re enthusiastic in the first place, that helps a lot!<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Another
example from me is working with the costumers at the store. I am not good at
small talk, but there are often people who would make a joke here and there or
tell something short about what recently happened in their life or why they are
buying a certain article.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So in a
way, you’ll have to talk with them. You will have to make a certain connection
with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t
always know what to say, but if you honestly listen to them and say something
back, it shows that you have interest and that you have a connection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This
connection in my opinion is a really important thing, also in freelance
business. It can bring you happy clients that might even come back frequently,
not (only) because of your product or service, but because you have a
connection with them and the more you connect, the more they will be eager to
work with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’m sure
that any sort of part-time job asks for certain qualities that you can also use
in the rest of your life, that’s why money isn’t the only reason why a part
time job is good to have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you have
a hard time dealing with a part time job, remember that you’ll probably also
have grown a bit from it as well. It’s not like you stand still or do nothing
there, right? But if you have, you even could use that time to think about what
to do with your freelance job, like how to write certain chapters or think of
what to put in an image, so you don’t have to do that later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u>The not-so-clear ones</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are
also other reason why it’s good to have a part time job, but these aren’t very
clear at first sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">For
example, some freelancers work at home, behind their desk or computer or
…*fill-in*.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s just
not that good for a human to only be at home, to only sit all the time behind a
computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">It’s
good if you meet other people, to have contact with others. It’s a healthy
thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">It’s
also good if you use your body and legs, to walk or cycle to your part-time
job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">It’s
good to see something from the world outside, to enjoy (or experience the bad)
weather, to see what is going on in your neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of course
you can still do this when you are a freelancer, but a lot of people won’t do
it as often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not easy</span><br /><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes I
have a really bad day, when it’s cold outside, it’s really early and I just
don’t want to get up from the bed and go to the part time job. I just want to
work freelance full time already. Or more simply, sometimes I just don’t even
feel motivated to go to my part time job, because it’s not always fun,
challenging or anything that interests me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It can be
pretty hard to work at a job that wasn’t in your future-plans in the first
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><u><b>Stay positive</b></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is
not always a good medicine for it (you just have to go and work anyway), but I
guess you can realize things that might get you more positive:<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Cut
yourself some slack: you are actually fighting and working really hard for your
ideal job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US">Be proud of yourself. Life isn’t easy, really and there are a lot of
person who would just give up on having like two jobs. It’s honestly something
to be proud of.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Be
happy with what you do and what you have. For example, if you just got a new
freelance job and you’re excited about it, it could be annoying when you can’t
work on it right away because you need to work at your part time job. But at
least you can be happy to have gotten the job and you have something to look
forward too.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Most
people didn’t get ‘there’ in days, weeks or even years. It takes time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US">So take it easy, take your time and don’t rush yourself.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">In
case you can’t easily be proud of yourself, try to share your hardships and
achievement with other people. I’m sure that at least your family and close
friends can tell you that you’re doing great and that they will support you if
you need them.<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Looking after yourself</span></h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Juggling
with two kinds of jobs can be really difficult and ask a lot of you. Think
about it: it eats up your time and energy. So in some ways you’ll have to learn
to take care of yourself so you can work successfully. No really, when you
neglect simple basic needs like enough sleep, food and social contact you can
get overwrought, so pay attention to it. Not only yourself, physically and
mentally, benefits from it, but also the jobs and the people you work with. If
you’re overworked, you get nowhere so it’s better to prevent it. Here are some
tips to help you look after yourself:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Set
a standard scheme. Both for freelance work (9-5, or some different time that
works better for you) and for other daily needs like cooking, eating, doing
groceries, taking a shower and going to bed. And stick to it. Of course not
every day can be the same, but do it as much as you can. This includes the days
you work at your part time job, even when you don’t have fixed hours, you can plan
to not work for your freelance job at night, because else you could be very
tired the day after that.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Set
standard times to take a break from your freelance work. It helps both
physically to get rest (you’ll recharge and have more energy) and mentally,
especially when it comes to creative work, having a break and doing something
else gives you more space and bring new ideas when you’re stuck on something.
Usually business and places you work at have the same thing. And it’s for a
reason. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">If
you have work in the next morning, either part time or serious freelance thing
then get to bed early, or at least on time. If you have a party or something
alike I also wouldn’t drink too much alcohol because your body probably has to
recover from that even in the morning after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">If
you feel like you have to work too hard at the moment, you should take it more
easy. It’s quite hard to identify this problem, because we often think we
should work hard, ‘so’ it shouldn’t be
easy. The human mind can easily nuance these little message your body can give
you. These messages can also be from the outside world, like somebody telling
you don’t really look healthy or asking you what you’ve been doing lately and
you can only answer that you’ve been working really hard but not in an enthusiastic
way.<br />
Earlier on I said something about being able to work at your own pace, because
of a part time job, and it’s true. If it’s hard, take a day (or half) of your
freelance work off. I almost never heard of a freelancer being successful full
time at once, or even in a year or more. It takes steps. So keep that in your
mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">If
you earn money with a part time job that means you can also have fun or treat
yourself once in a while. It’s not for nothing that most parents give their
children a treat or gift when they’ve done something right. You’ve earned it.
And of course you should save money for things that are needed, but I think to
treat yourself is also a need. We need to stay happy as a human.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">......................................</span><br />
So that was the article for now. I hope someone can use something like this. Maybe I'll finish it one day :)!</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-8106071633252048382013-03-08T18:06:00.002+01:002013-03-08T18:08:43.365+01:00Find your online mediumHere is something I learned and wanted to share:<br />
<br />
<div>
Promotion by social media is a good thing.</div>
<div>
Just don't do everything, every social internet platform.</div>
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It's ok if you're not (that) active on all of them. </div>
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Just take those ones you like and the ones that you think will work for you.</div>
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Sounds simple, but it's actually more effective than using all of them and think that will work.</div>
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Trying is not bad at all, but just try to learn from it (and move on if it's not working for you).</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-87661862181232681962012-09-25T10:58:00.002+02:002012-09-25T10:58:43.385+02:00A list with useful links for illustratorsSome weeks ago I thought it would be good to make a list of all the stuff I thought were useful in my illustration career, not only for myself (I can easily lose track of these things) but also for others to easily find a lot of tips and information at one place.<br />
You can find the list here: <a href="http://illubis.blogspot.nl/">http://illubis.blogspot.nl/</a><br />
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If anyone has any other tips, like books or websites or anything, let me know please! I'm open to any other contribution or contributors. I hope this way we can help other (starting) illustrators as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. I just started the list so not everything I ever read is already on it...</span>Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-37550362042745211252012-09-02T20:33:00.001+02:002012-09-02T20:35:29.224+02:00Comparing...there's more to life!A week ago I was back in Groningen for a farewell party of one of my <a href="http://hannahbotma.nl/" target="_blank">former classmate</a>s. It was great to see so many faces again and good time to catch up with everyone, since most did go their own way after art college. Me being away for a year, not talking to everyone left me a bit blind in where I stood...and it also made me crave to know about what is 'good' and 'success' and what not. The thing is, you decide that yourself.<br />
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Turns out I'm doing pretty well. And I should be happy with that, I guess. I tend to set high goals for myself, even when it was said that the first years are going to be hard. And there are so many young talented illustrators with jobs out there. I thought: I can do that too, no, I thought I should. Like it would be normal for anyone. But even in these times, it's even more harder to get illustration jobs and I'm not doing as well as I want(ed) (which is: earn enough with it to start full time, but honestly what do you expect after a year?).<br />
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Everyone should decide for themselves what they want and how they want to do that. I'm an impatient person, some days I can't handle the fact that it takes time and that in that time I have to spend my time working at my side job. However: the turtle won, remember? And not to forget: it's all about the journey, not the goal. And the journey is where I'm on. I'm fighting for what I want and it's even paying off, I'm living the life even when that's not exactly at the point I think I would.<br />
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It all just takes time. So take it slow and in your own manner, but don't stand still for too long. Don't just look at others and their skills and accomplishments and compare yourself, look at what you do yourself and ask yourself if this is what you wanted and if it is the best you can do. And then just be happy with however your situation is...if you're still alive.<br />
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However, there's a good side to comparing too, but it's not really comparing. That is: if you see amazing work and feel motivated in an instant. It's inspiration...but don't get confused and feel like you're worth any less. If you see something amazing and you feel like you want to make something (yourself, something yóu made, don't copy ;) ), then don't stop yourself and do just that!
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And do what you want in the meantime too. To be honest, for some people I think it might be better for them to focus and for some people it might be better to accept that waiting 'in the meantime' is a good thing, so I can't tell anyone what to do. My opinion is that this world is so big and full of many other interesting things to do in our life, that it's ok to nót be busy with art and illustration once in a while...<u>enjoy life</u>!<br />
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P.S.<br />
For me this led to having new pets: <a href="http://ferretfriends.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">our ferrets</a>, they're so funny and cute, look at these babies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMoOOQiwRejNxVk7uqfCfMlfa7QqLkbnv_OK61eS1uGF-czxLntqgbVYeq84FZNar3FlyUlcAqzZ0Ybaz-VkXouI7cN5CX2GekY4-b_YhZa2dNNIXkbXd_L1PdOfeIbQWGhls1txJjGDM/s1600/pendefretten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMoOOQiwRejNxVk7uqfCfMlfa7QqLkbnv_OK61eS1uGF-czxLntqgbVYeq84FZNar3FlyUlcAqzZ0Ybaz-VkXouI7cN5CX2GekY4-b_YhZa2dNNIXkbXd_L1PdOfeIbQWGhls1txJjGDM/s320/pendefretten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-31475276734139065202012-06-13T10:11:00.001+02:002012-06-13T10:21:21.254+02:00Critique and advice (in online art communities)About a month ago I decided I wanted to go back to the <a href="http://conceptart.org/">conceptart.org</a> forums, because I thought this would be useful for me, to learn and get critique about my work (since I decided again that I thought concept- and game art was something interesting for me). I thought that forum was a motivational and useful place.<br />
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But it wasn't.<br />
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Already on the first day and one of my first post some guy (with apparently x years of experience which made him a sort of 'god' on the forums) came with a harsh and snarky comment, when I didn't even reacted on what he said in the first place. Since, you know, I came to learn that the internet is a place full of sensitive people and communication isn't all that perfect...so I try to be polite and friendly.<br />
After I became a bit angry about it (it was really uncalled for), someone said I should just let it be. And I did, ...just after I came back there, I left again.<br />
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I thought I was the only one thinking that that forum is a bit of a harsh place, where people want to fight instead of just going to a process of learning and drawing together. To me, it's not a place where I can get motivated or get useful advice. I could learn yes, but to me...people that tell me 'I'm just not good enough', aren't constructive and useful at all. But apparently I'm not the only who thought it wasn't that of a nice place, I discovered <a href="http://fred--lang.deviantart.com/journal/Online-Art-Communities-Can-Really-Suck-306972917" target="_blank">someone else</a> feeling the same and I guess there are more people alike.<br />
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Well, here's the thing: some people don't really think about how they can bring their message the best way, some people just spill it out the way they want it. And that's no problem, I mean, we're not always thinking of others, sometimes we have to think about ourselves (and especially on the internet it seems easy).<br />
But when you're dealing with critique you should always be careful what to use and what not. Not every critique or advice might be useful for you. And sometimes it might not be useful at all. Some people might like environments where people are brutally and honest and say "this sucks", but in my opinion, it would be better if someone said "this sucks, but you know it could look better if you gave more attention to this and this part". And then there are people who are really sensitive about their art, even when they want to learn and get critique, who rather appreciate it if you use the sandwich method of also pointing out the good things...for some people that works best.<br />
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In the end I think as an artist or illustrator you learn to deal with all sorts of critique and advice, seeing as that I got already lessons by very different teachers. So I think that the best way to deal with it is <u><b>to filter it out, take what you think is useful to you</b></u>, and always try to see it positive: you could learn from this. It might help to write out the things that you think are useful and let the rest be (but at least think about it). And if you don't really understand what someone is saying, just try to ask (politely) what they meant with that.<br />
And then again: don't be afraid to ask for critique and advice, ...you can learn from it and become a better artist as well as a better person. You know...especially when you're being a starter you should remember that you're not perfect, you are still learning. And that's ok. It's ok to make mistakes, because you learn from that, so don't be afraid to just keep on going!<br />
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-39098861350780685782012-05-21T08:32:00.002+02:002012-05-21T08:32:14.818+02:00Inspiring speech by Neil GaimanI came across this amazing and fantastic speech by Neil Gaiman for starting artists or graduated art students.<br />You really should see it, it's very inspiring, motivating and true! Watch it <a href="http://vimeo.com/42372767" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />Hope you have a great week :)!Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-22356604430131765212012-04-01T13:04:00.000+02:002012-04-01T13:05:17.856+02:00Where do you come from?What a weird title, but I think it's an important question I wanted to talk about in the next Tips 'n Topics post. If you're interested in hearing about passion, drive and confidence: <a name='more'></a>
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I guess a lot of artists and illustrators know the shy feeling of 'what would they think?'. As a kid, my mother used to be very proud of the things I made and on birthdays and the like she showed my relatives. I'd rather NOT show it to people in real life those days. I don't (or didn't) know how to react to reactions, comments or compliments. That's because I made the art for ME not for someone else. It was and still is very different to me to put my art on the internet than showing and presenting it in real life. However, I gained a lot of confident by showing it on the web! The internet is something I feel comfortable about, it comes natural to me because it is an indirect way of showing. Like: you put something in a gallery but you aren't there all the time and then at the end of every day you go through what people wrote in the guestbook about your art.
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Now, the last year, I realized it doesn't come as easy to some people. Some find the internet as scary as real life. Or some people just find it plain scary to show their art. I have to say, for me it was pretty scary to make a Facebook profile for my illustration business and showing my friends and family my work, but I think it was a great thing to do! <br />
There are several reasons why people show their art in public. They might just want to 'share' it, or they might want to get opinions, or they might want to get a certain kind of 'recognition'. I was never the kind of girl that showed my art for recognition...not in the first place at least. Sometimes I'm just a bit proud of what I made and I think others would like it too, so I share. And often it comes from this small (and often) deeply hidden place in me that is called passion. I don't do it for anyone, I do it because I enjoy it a lot, it drives me. And mostly, that's why I share my artwork with others: it's a result of passion.
Yes, of course: kind comments are nice and often they give me a bit of more confidence. For me it doesn't really matter how many comments or reactions I get. It's not about popularity. It already means a lot when it reaches one person, that's already a change I think.
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But even without anyone reacting, commenting on something...I'll keep on drawing and painting and making things. Because it's what I like to do, because it drives me.
And that's exactly what I wanted to talk about here. Confidence, persistence and that drive...it comes from within. I think that is something that you shouldn't forget.
Especially when it comes to art, it something that is 'shown' to people, it will, one way or another, be judged. But what does it matter? Is that something that should stop you?
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Translating this to day-to-day life and business: it could mean that some people just aren't interested in what you create. It could mean that you wouldn't earn that much money with it. I know money is important, especially when you have a mouth (or more) to feed. When you're going through hard times like that: no clients, no commissions, or nobody really interested in your work....that's pretty rough. Because art is, I think, a very pure thing...a reflection of our feelings.
But you can also be TOO careful about that. If you have a passion, don't let rough times or fear of judgement stop you.
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I'm not saying I'm the kind of person that won't ever give in, it's just that I know that 'hard times' can make you stronger. How? Because everytime I had a hard time, a rough day, a night full of scary thoughts, that was one of the reasons that I had to listen to that feeling that remains in the end. Which is passion, and a drive. I know that THAT will always remain. And as long as it's there, there always be some kind of hope (even when it means I have to change, or learn things...). I also know that, when you overcome those fears and those hard days, you'll become stronger (as well as a person as a stronger artist). It might all sound so very cheesy like, and it might be something you've heard or read many times before. But I think it's something that you'll often forget when you're confronted with a challenge.
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So where do you come from? What is the origin of your acts? Why do you do what you do? Do you have something that keeps you reminding of that motivation? Are you the kind of person that wants to give up or wants to keep on believing? Do you have a goal? If you show people your art, just remind yourself what exactly you're doing and be the best you can be: be yourself!Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-57265197477190115592012-02-26T16:07:00.002+01:002012-02-26T16:12:32.014+01:00The art of motivationFind it hard to keep yourself motivated as a (starting) illustrator/artist? Feel like you're the only one?<br />
The following things might help!<br />
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One of the good things about having a part-time job next to being a freelance illustrator is that I make the most of my 'illustration-days'. I'm so happy I can work at home and I want to do all these things, there is no doubt that I'm not getting busy that day. I love my 'illustration days' (and also: weekend too)! And yes, I have some financial security so I don't feel thát much pressure to get 'every' client and do 'every' sort of illustration job. I try to do what I like and I do some personal projects next to that.<br />
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There are, of course, the downsides. I really wish I could have more time for my illustration business, I get kind of jealous and sad when I see full-time (freelance) illustrators, I really wish I would be able to do that, but well, this gives me a goal to work towards to. I need to be patient but still keep on working..it's something that you'll need a lot of determination and motivation for I guess.<br />
But also: if I have some actual illustration commissions then I barely have time to finish it. I don't mind working in the evenings, but it's kinda hard when you worked all day long, especially when your part-time job is something that makes you (physically) tired. And then I also have a boyfriend whom I want to share some time with, and then I'm not even talking about meeting friends or family.<br />
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Yet I feel like it's something of an unspoken subject. These times there are a lot of people talking about tips for getting in clients, how to start your illustration business etc. but nobody is really talking about how to deal with the fact that you'll probably need a part-time job and that it is hard to still work as a 'starting' illustrator besides that. I mean, I can't be the only one doing that. Even when I listened to some podcast about a recent graduate getting her first big project, they said she was 'lucky' that she got it in her first year. Meaning...it will take some time before you 'land' in that phase. It might take months, it might take years. At our art academy they said it could take about five years that you'll have a decent amount. Five years is even longer than art academy itself, can you imagine that?<br />
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Anyway, it would be nice to know if there are others like me who still need a part-time job next to trying to become a full time illustrator...that I'm not the only one. And next to that, I wonder how everyone deals with it, how they motivate themselves.<br />
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For me, these things keep me motivated:<br />
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- <u>Try to make it yourself easy to start drawing.</u><br />
I keep my draw-and-paint tools close to where I sit at home... I know I have dozen of things..paint..markers..pens, paper, my iPad+stylus, sketchbooks next to me. I try new and 'fun' things and materials, even when I will never use it in a finished illustration. I even bought a pretty pen case...when I see it I want to use it. These simple things really help. Set up your 'workstation' (or your whole room, if you have that kind of space) so that it works the best for you, try keeping things that you find motivating close to yourself.<br />
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- <u>Whenever you really don't feel you have the energy for drawing, try to do something else illustration-related</u>, like scrolling through your Tumblr dash or read blogs/rss feeds. Sometimes there are things that get me excited and make me think: I want to make something that awesome and I get pumped. Just try to not get too distracted.<br />
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- <u>Buy magazines and books related to drawing and illustration. </u><br />
They're not always exactly what I'm looking for. Like, it might not be always 'useful', like the articles are about what part of the industry I'm interested in. But there are always things that keep me thinking and growing. And it's easy..it's fun to read things about my work and hobby! (and..yes..since I have a part-time job, I can afford these things :) ! )<br />
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- <u>Make the most of the time you have.</u><br />
Meaning I always have at least an idea of what I want or need to do on my 'illustration day'. Usually íf I have commissions or projects to finish this might be easy, but in case I haven't I think about what I want to do that day and I write it on my (online) calendar.<br />
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Also: there are times in between...I just open up a new canvas or paper and just start sketching or doodling away. It's hard when you only have one hour and you think: I can't create something decent in that time. It doesn't matter. It might be hard to leave it be after that hour, but at least you did something in that little time you had, right!?<br />
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- <u>Keep a list of ideas or plans.</u><br />
Whenever I think: "Oh I should draw this some day" I write it down.<br />
In case I have 'time left' and don't have any ideas I can use it, I'll never run out of ideas!<br />
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- <u>Don't put too much pressure on it.</u><br />
I don't draw everyday anymore, even when I'd like to and I know from experience that I have times in a week when I'm tired and times when I have energy and motivation. I feel like putting too much pressure on myself makes me even more tired then I already am. So less pressure means more drawing, means (I think) that my work will get better and that I at least 'do' something illustration-related.<br />
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This also means: take time off...give yourself enough time to relax and 'recharge'. To be honest, I find this one hard, because you know: I also think drawing or reading about things I like is relaxation and fun. But it's not really totally having your head somewhere else. It might help to see a friend or take a walk and do grocery shopping...to really think about something else and give your illustration-brain a break.<br />
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-<u> If you made something and you're proud of it: share it. </u><br />
This also keeps me motivated: knowing that others like what I create, it also gives me some hope. It's funny how I read somewhere that in these times there are too many people sharing things on the internet, especially illustrators don't need to show 'everything' because it might give off the wrong idea to a client... That it isn't good enough to show. But...I have the idea that the majority of 'starting illustrators' I know aren't really sharing at all..or barely. Next to that: it is a form of self-promotion, you never know when someone sees your art and wants you to make something for them!<br />
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- <u>Don't give up</u><br />
..it's the most important thing.<br />
It's hard when you think you've tried everything to get clients or did personal projects and nobody seems interested. I know I had some time I thought: what am I doing wrong? And I compare myself to others and think that I'm just not good enough. But give yourself some credit: you work hard right..and you're probably making great things, be proud of what you do, because it's something not everyone can do.<br />
Illustration is a hard industry to get into (especially in these economic down-times), but it's something very rewarding. Just know that, when you keep on working hard and keep trying things (different kinds of promotion, change/update your website, do some personal projects)...you'll get there someday. It might be soon, it might be later. Being patient is, indeed, also a kind of art.<br />
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I know I'm just a starter...what do I know? Well at least I know these things...and I hope I can help others with it and find illustrators and artists who I can share this experience with. If you're one of them and have other tips or ideas, feel free to share them in the comment section!<br />
<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8894955866868244417.post-29739742233356259032012-02-13T21:37:00.000+01:002012-02-13T21:37:35.885+01:00Tips 'n TopicsInspired by the online precense of some illustrators, I wanted to start to blog about 'being an illustrator' and how that works. This is because, first, it's something I do want to talk about because, well, I'm an illustrator and I find it interesting to think about. Also because I don't know many people I can talk about it with and I'd love to do that more often. Second because I want to share things I find interesting and useful as a young illustrator that just started.<br /><br />I thought of starting a new blog, but I know how hard it is to get that audience, which I already do have here on my normal blog (though it's not a big number..). I thought I could maybe start a blog-in-a-blog on a new page, but apparently a new page here on Blogger just means only one posts instead of a new page with a new blog.<br /><br />So instead I'm going to post these 'Tips 'n Topics' posts under a label, which will hopefully show up as a link on the top of the sidebar. I hope that I can share things and help others with this!Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12406661890951009056noreply@blogger.com0