Ahhhh hope to see you soon Lisa! I’m in London this weekend but it’s jam packed. Maybe we can arrange a drawing get together?! DM me!! I’ll make the trip xx
Wonderful and very inspiring. I often feel so lost and that it's already too late to start. But if there is one thing to remember in your story is that your true calling will always find you. And if you keep working at your dream one day it will come true. Nothing in life comes easy, you are a truly inspiring artist and I am glad to follow you today here as well. I can't wait for my daughter to discover your books, and once she is old enough to understand I will tell her your story too 🥰
A feeling of Deja vu. Forty years of being a teacher because I was told I needed a secure job. I wrote and illustrated my way through it to teach kids and help them grow. Finally writing and illustrating for myself. I’m inspired. Love the way you do both. 💕
What a joy to read this! Thank you so much for sharing 🥰
I was also told I can't make a living with art. So I studied architecture and hated myself for years. I'm now 27 and it's only been a year since I started drawing everyday. Both curious and terrified of what the future holds.
Wow, this made me cry a little. I got to this newsletter on one of those substack recommended posts, and I'm so glad I got to read this. I'm 26 and currently reevaluating my current career. I also graduated in Graphic Design (for the same reasons) even though I always wanted to work in an art related field. Now I find myself in a pretty decent and stable job, I'm making a career for myself, and even though it has a good pay, I actually hate it. I stil haven't found the right "plan" to actually change my path, but this post gave me a little hope! I'm glad I found your substack and your art Claire
I am honestly blown away by this 🥰 keep the job for now I say, but make art and explore in the background. The path will become clear when the time is right
I now need the 10 chapter version, Claire... This made me cry, and I'm not drunk. I'm only a 35-year-old woman in the middle of a big existential crisis, taking a break from working as a freelance graphic designer, and trying to spend more time drawing and doing stuff with paper, which I've always liked. Not sure if I want to become an illustrator, but I was also told that creative stuff didn't pay the bills. I didn't know I needed to read this post today, but thank you for sharing it.
This is so comforting to read. At 35 going on 36, I don’t know what my future holds at all or what path I should take. I know I have a hodgepodge of skills that can perhaps take me to one career or another, but it feels like I’m waiting for the world to carry me someplace instead of intentionally going for something.
Anyway, that is to say, thank you for sharing your journey.
What a fabulously generous, empowering, 'stick it to them' summary ! Thanks so much for sharing, your hard work has paid off and nobody deserves your success more! 🙌✨
It took half of your life, journey of ups and downs ups and downs like a roller coaster, for some it's an adventurous, for some it's full of fears and pains... But there's always a lesson, there's always a beauty in it as your colourful work's.
This is brilliant and you are so lovely. Thank you for being you! Hope to see you soon! Xx
I’ve seen your message! I was on a train with crap Enid. I will check my calendar but June sounds good. Xxx
Ahhhh hope to see you soon Lisa! I’m in London this weekend but it’s jam packed. Maybe we can arrange a drawing get together?! DM me!! I’ll make the trip xx
Wonderful and very inspiring. I often feel so lost and that it's already too late to start. But if there is one thing to remember in your story is that your true calling will always find you. And if you keep working at your dream one day it will come true. Nothing in life comes easy, you are a truly inspiring artist and I am glad to follow you today here as well. I can't wait for my daughter to discover your books, and once she is old enough to understand I will tell her your story too 🥰
A feeling of Deja vu. Forty years of being a teacher because I was told I needed a secure job. I wrote and illustrated my way through it to teach kids and help them grow. Finally writing and illustrating for myself. I’m inspired. Love the way you do both. 💕
This is brilliant and very relatable !
Aged, over 50 with first illustrated book coming out this year x
Wow 😮 CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR WORK AND YOUR MARRIAGE 👰🏻♀️🤵🏻♂️
I dropped out of Art School after 1 semester… and just started freelancing in NYC. Wonderful story there!
You've got a new fan. Thank you for sharing with us.
What a joy to read this! Thank you so much for sharing 🥰
I was also told I can't make a living with art. So I studied architecture and hated myself for years. I'm now 27 and it's only been a year since I started drawing everyday. Both curious and terrified of what the future holds.
Wow, this made me cry a little. I got to this newsletter on one of those substack recommended posts, and I'm so glad I got to read this. I'm 26 and currently reevaluating my current career. I also graduated in Graphic Design (for the same reasons) even though I always wanted to work in an art related field. Now I find myself in a pretty decent and stable job, I'm making a career for myself, and even though it has a good pay, I actually hate it. I stil haven't found the right "plan" to actually change my path, but this post gave me a little hope! I'm glad I found your substack and your art Claire
I am honestly blown away by this 🥰 keep the job for now I say, but make art and explore in the background. The path will become clear when the time is right
I now need the 10 chapter version, Claire... This made me cry, and I'm not drunk. I'm only a 35-year-old woman in the middle of a big existential crisis, taking a break from working as a freelance graphic designer, and trying to spend more time drawing and doing stuff with paper, which I've always liked. Not sure if I want to become an illustrator, but I was also told that creative stuff didn't pay the bills. I didn't know I needed to read this post today, but thank you for sharing it.
This is so comforting to read. At 35 going on 36, I don’t know what my future holds at all or what path I should take. I know I have a hodgepodge of skills that can perhaps take me to one career or another, but it feels like I’m waiting for the world to carry me someplace instead of intentionally going for something.
Anyway, that is to say, thank you for sharing your journey.
Loved this!!!!!
I absolutely adored this!! Life's so unpredictable, what a wonderful way to share your journey!
What a fabulously generous, empowering, 'stick it to them' summary ! Thanks so much for sharing, your hard work has paid off and nobody deserves your success more! 🙌✨
It took half of your life, journey of ups and downs ups and downs like a roller coaster, for some it's an adventurous, for some it's full of fears and pains... But there's always a lesson, there's always a beauty in it as your colourful work's.
Best thing I’ve read on Substack in ages. I couldn’t love this more. ♥️
That’s such a wonderful thing for me to read. Thank you, Jo.