Tips for Balancing Illustration Work and Comics

[matthewroel]

Hey, everyone, semi-frequent lurker here turned user here. I'm in a position that I'm sure that most people here have gone through; deciding for sure what to major in so that I can set out to fulfill my aspiration to become a full-time creative and comic creator. Typical desire, I know. A very, very difficult goal to accomplish, definitely. I'm not dumb; this is not at all what's considered to be a practical goal. I've decided that If I'm going to spend four or more years in college, I need to invest in something that will get me potentially get me something more than just a minimum wage job.

Long term, its very, very difficult to make money off of comics, so it's better to think short term monetarily. There's graphic design, and studio art - no illustration major, unfortunately, but I doubt it's a herculean effort to wrangle a freelance illustration career - and after extensively thinking on it - hell, I'm still thinking about - I'm starting to lean towards freelance illustration as a career path.

As I see it, realistically, I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to freelance part time just yet, and I'm definitely a ways away from it being full time thing, but I'm considering going through with it, even knowing that it doesn't offer the same financial strengths of graphic design or web design. A big thing for me is that if I were to see it though, I would have to balance:

• Working on improving craft of illustration
• Seeking out job opportunities
• Part time/full time job
• Writing/making comics
• marketing on social media/forums for comics/artwork

Now, this is not at all atypical for an artist, but I'm curious to know different tips on how to balance it all without going crazy for a newbie. I'm really intrigued to hear from people in the trenches give their viewpoint on how they managed to get by, and I'm also curious to hear different viewpoints from artists who aren't just strictly illustrators. I should also mention that I'm considering illustration not just as a way to get extra income from comics, but also as a way to possibly parlay into different areas later, like storyboarding, concept art or even product design; nice to have options.

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[joannekwan]

I graduated with a BFA in graphic design and while I appreciate what I've learned in my program, I wish it was more web-centric. I strongly suggest going into web design, there's a high demand for it and I don't see it slowing down any time soon. Companies want web designers, especially UI/UX designers, and I would say it's easy to find freelance work to design sites and such.

On the concept design side, I suggest learning 3D modeling programs. Product design is also good. There are so many 2D concept artists out there, it's a pretty competitive pool and if you don't stand out from the rest, it will be hard to find a job. My friend in the last year landed a job as a 2D concept artist at a game company, but then that company folded so now she has to move back home.

I am not currently employed at a 9-5 job and am just a freelancer. I'm not making enough to sustain myself fully but I am lucky to have a wonderful family and boyfriend to help support me. The best advice I have is to be organized and have a schedule. Set aside a couple hours a day to draw, half an hour for social media, whatever works for you. I would think finding a job for most people is the top-most priority. Do that first and then work everything around it.

[matthewroel]

I graduated with a BFA in graphic design and while I appreciate what I've learned in my program, I wish it was more web-centric. I strongly suggest going into web design, there's a high demand for it and I don't see it slowing down any time soon. Companies want web designers, especially UI/UX designers, and I would say it's easy to find freelance work to design sites and such.

I've thought about web design, but I think it's possible to learn that on my own time, the same way there are people who learn art on their own time. The main issue for me is if I change my major to web design at this point, it'll take me longer to graduate, which comes with a host of complications, but if it's ultimately for the best, I might just pursue it.

The best advice I have is to be organized and have a schedule. Set aside a couple hours a day to draw, half an hour for social media, whatever works for you. I would think finding a job for most people is the top-most priority. Do that first and then work everything around it.

Yep, can't argue against this. Time definitely becomes very precious when you work to become a professional.

[joannekwan]

The main issue for me is if I change my major to web design at this point, it'll take me longer to graduate, which comes with a host of complications, but if it's ultimately for the best, I might just pursue it.

Haha oh yes, I started as a pre-pharmacy major and changed after my first semester, still took an extra year to complete my degree. But I knew pharmacy wasn't for me after the introductory course, and chemistry was slaying me. Best advice: Do what feels right to you!

[matthewroel]

Best advice: Do what feels right to you!

That's all I've ever done.

[demthorshie]

I'm currently working as a freelance illustrator full-time. My freelance work has been sustaining me for about 4 years straight now and i've been making webcomics for even longer than that. My best advice for you as far as balancing work and webcomics are organization and discipline! Discipline is very important for freelancers because we don't have a boss over our shoulders urging us to get the work done. You also might want to think about creating a weekly schedule for yourself, that way you can provide yourself some uninterrupted comic-making time without it interfering with your work life.

[matthewroel]

I'm currently working as a freelance illustrator full-time. My freelance work has been sustaining me for about 4 years straight now and i've been making webcomics for even longer than that. My best advice for you as far as balancing work and webcomics are organization and discipline!

That's really great to hear!

[Kayke]

I have a BFA in Illustration though I don't freelance full-time yet, I still have a part time job. I wouldn't say that being a freelance illustrator is ANY easier than being a cartoonist, in fact for me it has been a tad harder finding illustration gigs. I do freelance work in both fields, as an illustrator and as a comic book artist/writer, and both are hard fields to get established in. Design jobs are a bit easier to get in to, though still very hard, and to hold a 9-5 design job on top of making a comic takes a special kind of person with a lot of stamina.

I know that you're probably looking for encouraging words, but I'm going to tell you the harsh truth of it for a moment. It's not enough to want it, you have to need it. It's not always going to be fun, it's going to be hard and it's going to hurt. There are going to be times when you want to give up. I'm also going to tell you that even needing it is not enough.

I guess what I'm getting at is think longer and harder on this before making any life altering decisions. And don't have a plan B that is just as difficult as your plan A.

If you do decide to try your hand at it, my only advice is to stay productive enough that you can have solo projects on top of your freelance work. Freelance work comes and goes, but a solid solo project can get your name out there and show off your skills to potential clients and employers.

[phen]

Very real words from @Kaykedrawsthings -- the want to give up will hit so hard while you're trying to balance work to make basic living possible and passion. You will have to work to keep the flame in you alive -- it can't simply be something you feel. Effort toward what once was an involuntary reflex will fortify your goals!

I graduated with a BFA in painting (studio arts, woo!) two years ago and it's been weird trying to get on my feet. I've been extremely fortunate to have a supportive base at home to keep me safe while I chase the freelance illustrator dream. And I feel like that's something extremely important right now -- that safety net of kind, encouraging people! Money safety nets are not as reliable, certainly not as fulfilling or consistent, hah.

[KSlinger]

Wholly agree with @joannekwan and her suggestion to take up web/product design if you get the chance. I know (and hire) a lot of people who do this kind of work, as well as general marketing jobs like creating a flyers and posters. People with these skills make absolutely insane money in the right environments: quiet areas outside of cities and in villages where independent businesses are trying to level up and even in the cities if you can make good quality art and deliver it quickly.

There's a lot of illustration work out there up for grabs so you could definitely find success, but it's your work ethic, quality, and delivery that people will talk about. Be the reliable source and they won't fault you.

As for balancing creative jobs once you have them, just try to be honest with yourself and your clients about what you can achieve and how quickly you can deliver. Get to know how much time it you to complete tasks and go easy on yourself in the beginning. Don't take on too much and don't forget to take time out for yourself as well.

[matthewroel]

Wow, such honest responses from @Kaykedrawsthings and @phenylketonuric! Thanks; yes, it's definitely not an easy decision. Life as a freelance illustrator can be a quite trying, and yeah, personal projects can be a sanity saver.