Charmaine Chanakira
“Do not feel pressured to say yes to opportunities that do not align with you. More will come, be authentic.” – Charmaine Chanakira
Fanny Beckman
“As creatives, we need to get better at charging the right fees, both to value our own work correctly but also to ensure that our colleagues don’t have to lower their fees out of competition.” – Fanny Beckman
Guy Armitage
“I wish I had known how long it would take. Everything on social media seems so immediate, but the reality is that it takes time to create something of value. Overnight success takes a decade.” – Guy Armitage
Carmela Vienna
“I wish I knew how to navigate the social aspect of the art world. It’s taken years for me to understand the value of networking and how crucial it is to connect with likeminded people, but also people that you find motivating and inspiring. You never know just how much your network will champion your ideas and lead you to doors you never knew existed.” – Carmela Vienna
Marley Starskey Butler
“Genuinely, there’s nothing that I wish I knew before I started my creative career, because I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s things I’ve found out along the way, but the process of learning is better. If somebody told me all the lessons I know now at the beginning, it still wouldn’t have made a difference because I prefer what comes out of the process of these difficulties and challenges.” – Marley Starskey Butler
Bee Illustrates
“If I had to go back in time and tell my younger self what I wish I’d known about embarking on the journey to becoming a freelance illustrator, creative and curator, I’d probably lead with the following advice!
Even if you’re a complete novice, faking it till you make it really does work – if you act confidently, professionally and at the level of the clients you want to bring in, they will take you seriously.
I can’t overstate how important a strong portfolio is! I was recently a judge for the D&AD New Blood x EditorX portfolio awards, and what I was looking for was a portfolio that was a true representation of the person behind it, that was user friendly, clear and easy to understand, that was well curated and showcased a mixture of the artist’s best work/biggest clients, as well as personal projects and the kind of work they would like to get hired to make. It should be easy to see their place in the industry reflected in their portfolio.
I’d also say to immerse yourself in your local creative community – go to markets, art galleries, events and workshops and get talking to the people there. In a best case scenario they might point you in the direction of an opportunity, become a future collaborator or put you forward for a commission that they weren’t the right fit for, and the worst case scenario is that you’ve made a new friend and had a nice conversation!
And finally, I’d remind my younger self that success in any field doesn’t happen overnight! Don’t give up – there will be setbacks, but you owe it to yourself to persevere at doing what you love.” – Bee Illustrates
Short Supply
“The industry is unfair. We wish we’d known that sooner, because once we understand the problems, we can start to fix them! Find your people and be good to them, take every opportunity you can to be generous, patient, slow… We only have a finite time to pursue our interests on this earth, when you look back at all you’ve achieved one day you will remember not what you did but how you felt doing it. How do you want to remember feeling? Let that guide you!” – Short Supply
Andreea Pislaru
“Being a creative is alot more work than you think it is. Sometimes, you are shown this dreamy, ideal lifestyle but there is alot of work that comes behind it.
Don’t be put off by the fact that it is such a subjective area. Be prepared for criticism and having to take on feedback.
And make friends! It is such a rewarding industry to work in if you are willing to put the work in.” – Andreea Pislaru
Phoebe Minson
“Occasionally, exploitation can occur within creative professions. Being aware of your rights and recognising your true value is crucial and don’t be afraid to step beyond your comfort zone and explore fresh avenues and opportunities, even if it’s just to discover what doesn’t resonate with you. While it’s unacceptable to be underpaid to the point of struggling to make ends meet, it’s also very uncommon for entry-level positions to provide the money for the ‘1%’ lifestyle of dining out frequently or buying new sneakers weekly. Maintain practical expectations!!
Learning how to work smart and stay healthy isn’t a waste of time, trust me. The sooner you figure out what’s non-negotiable for keeping your mind, body, and soul in good shape, the better off you’ll be. Take time to reflect, analyze stuff, and remember to be kind to yourself and others. Learn from life’s curveballs and jump on opportunities when they pop up. Life’s all about becoming the best version of yourself, so treat every experience as a step toward discovering your true self at the core.” – Phoebe Minson
Bethan Jayne
“Being a creative is such a huge learning curve and it is important to take time to discover what you like. You also don’t need to pigeon hole yourself in to one medium or genre. I really love painting absurd pieces but also taking photographs of wildlife so I allow myself time to do both. Allow yourself room for growth and give yourself rest when you need it” – Bethan Jayne
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Bethan Jayne Goddard
