Hello and welcome to my shiny new blog. I decided I wanted to focus the blogs attention onto helping other illustrators make money from their work. Here I will write about what it’s really like being a full time illustrator, perfecting your portfolio, closing sales, how to market yourself and running your own business. I may also add some drawing tips along the way.

Being an illustrator is honestly one of the best jobs in the world, so I can see why you here. While you may have illustration skills running a business and turning those skills into paid work isn't easy. You need to have all the building blocks you to get started and turn that passion into a full-time career.

Before we dive in, I want to tell you a little about myself and what brought me here. I worked full time in a shop that wasn't my passion; however, it paid enough for my bills. Not long after I got the job, the shop ended up closing down, and I was left without work. Struggling to afford my mortgage, I took up a full-time role as a carer because I had previous work experience and qualifications. The work was underpaid with long hours and left me little energy or savings to build my future. I started to get sick, and old mental health issues arose. So, I took a huge gamble; I dropped my hours to 12 hours a week, paid for an affordable course, watched YouTube videos and asked mentors, then got to work. I had no idea what I was doing, I didn't have an illustration style, I didn't even know the layout of a children's book, and I didn't know what an agent was let alone how to get one. Now I'm not saying you need to take the same risks, and you may already be miles ahead of where I was. Maybe you have a style, have already had a book contract, or perhaps an agent - however, might need a little advice in areas to turn it into a full time business.

I got my first job through a family member. This book resulted in me testing the waters as a children's book illustrator. A while after this, I got another book deal; however, this wasn't paid, and I am not sure even now if the book ever published. Still, I was learning and building my portfolio little by little. I had already dipped into having my own business previously, so setting up a website was pretty easy for me (and can be for you, too!). Slowly I started getting more work, a book which paid £200, a poster, a few commissions, and then I landed an agent. I learnt how to manage my time and get high paying clients who are honestly a joy to work with. I took my business from £200 a book to being offered £3,500 within a couple of months, and a year later, I just landed a £10,000 project, a book with Vogue Williams, Katie Piper, worked with the BBC and Scholastic, I have people contacting me most days for work. Just as importantly it gave me the time to work flexible hours and travel the world, all doing a job I look forward to everyday.

All of this is possible for you too, and I can't wait to share all the inside knowledge and things I learnt along the way with you.

Here's the thing, once I knew I wanted to be an illustrator, I drew every day even after a full day's work, I asked questions, and I put myself out there, I listened to experts and I challenged myself. My advice won't help you if you don't do the same. No one’s will. The right time, the right moment, it doesn't exist. You are ready now. So let's get started.

Follow my blog for illustrators advice or contact me for mentoring and portfolio reviews.

Welcome - Becoming an Illustrator