Hi Bethany!
Apologies this is a few days late! I got busy over the weekend, but here we are:
2. What is it like being an independent illustrator?
It is difficult. You have to really want it, be dedicated, and be self motivated. You might start out like me (and probably a few others) working to live in a numb job, and having to fit illustration in around it. Working long after your shift and days off on your practice. You have to be savvy, and unashamed to push your work on every platform. To hashtag the hell out of it. You have to dream big and reach out and deal with knock backs (and no replies). Some days you’ll hate your work (everything you’ve done) and you’ll compare yourself. Somedays you’ll wish it was a steadier job. The independent part is incredible and it’s terrifying. You pick what work to take and when you do it and how you do it- but it wont come to you, you have to make everything happen. And you have to want it all enough to make it happen. I haven’t got their yet, I’m still learning a lot and my work is developing A LOT and I’m sure that once I’ve found my feet it wont seem quite so tough. Despite everything I’m so incredibly happy to do it and wouldn’t be satisfied doing anything else.
3. How hard was it to step into the industry coming out of university? Did you have any difficulties?
I think when you leave you have to hit the ground running. (I didn’t do that, however). I could have put in more effort on more days, and got to where I am faster (and maybe beyond!) I left uni and worked on my illustration around a full time job- in hindsight I wished I’d have worked less hours, and given more to my illustration. Maybe it’s part of the leaving-uni-pressure-for-
4. I sometimes struggle trying to figure out where I sit (my work) in the industry, did you have that struggle? And if so how did you persevere?
*unanswered*
5. What do you most enjoy to work on as an illustrator?
I’m making a book at the moment, that’s very personal and for some really cool people, and i’m enjoying that a lot. You can’t always do exactly what you want when it comes to illustration if you have a client, but having the freedom to put a bit of your self (experiences, feelings etc.) into it is refreshing, and what I enjoy most. Those pieces are often stronger and more engaging, because they have a realness and a relatability.
6. If you could give yourself some advice whilst studying at Uni looking back, what would you have said?
Work harder Helena! Talk more openly about your work. USE THE STUDIO. Draw everyday/ keep a drawing journal. Take uni more seriously. Apply to more competitions. Go to all the workshops where they teach you Creative Suite. Listen/ ask the tutors more. Question your own work more. Don’t take the first drawing as the one you’ll use. Try harder with screen printing. Find more context for your own work. Don’t look too much at other people’s work- look more at real life sources. Leave time with deadlines to be able to walk away when it doesn’t look/feel right, and return to it later. Approach more companies.
7. I see you've recently started to break into the motion graphics bracket, what made you decide to take this leap? Are you enjoying it?
I started experimenting with animation at uni, as I’ve always found it a really compelling visual method that can elicit emotion, sometimes much easier than a flat image. I also loved bringing the characters I created a bit more to life, showing their personality in how they move! It’s long and tedious at times, but I find if I’m really into it I have all the patience in the world for it.
I answered the questions in an odd order and ran out of time to finish question 4- hope you don’t mind (I can come back to it if we have enough time). I hope the answers are helpful! I tried to just be honest.
Again I’m so thrilled you came to me. It’s such a confidence boost for me and I can only hope I’ve been of help. Come back whenever you have any more questions!
Oh and let me know if there are any problems with what i’ve sent.
All the best,
Hel x
I am really happy with the response that I got from her, the answers to my questions were so in depth and helpful. I am glad that I decided to reach out to her because I think she is similar to me in a lot of ways, she is not that long fresh into the industry so it's really good to hear her insight on her tips for university etc. I think because she hasn't been like 10 years in the industry, she also has a good understanding about what it's like breaking into the industry in a more modern world. The world is always changing so it's nice to get advice from someone who is trying it in the same time as me.
The creative industry is so much bigger and broader now, so there is a lot more competition than there used to be, that's why I think it was good for me to talk to Hel, because she is so down to earth and knows exactly what it's like.
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