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.
If everyone summarized their lives like this, I think we'd all realize how similar we are.
Thank you for sharing your journey, even the harsh times! Success and finding purpose and identity are crucial, yet it takes time and sometimes changes as we progress in life. Currently I'm an artist who's looking into the world of illustrating and reading this gives me hope for all artists out there. Making money as an artist won't be easy, just like everything else in life, but with perseverance and dedication, we can make it happen. We just have to keep going. Thanks again for posting ❤️!!!
Wow, first off, thank you for sharing your journey . There were so many 'stages' which overlapped with my own, I wasn't sure who I was reading about haha. I am a writer who has come back into illustrating (mostly cartoons because they are fun for me) - see my webcomic CHAI COFFEESHOP on Insta, X, etc. I also did graphic design work, which taught me how to use Photoshop and Illustrator, but never really called to me. Next up is a children's book and likely adding illustrations to my blog here on Substack. I'm officially rambling now, but it's lovely to know there are others out there who have wrestled with bringing their passions to fruition.
I think it's more common than we think. For the most part, we're taught that passions are hobbies and that work has to be 'serious'. they're kept separate from one another. But I absolutely think what brings people joy should be taken more seriously - and by seriously, I just mean given more time and made sacred. It doesn't necessarily have to become a day job for everyone but a passion should be given space. Now I"m rambling...
What an incredibly relatable timeline. The unease, the confusion, the desire. Thank you for putting this timeline into words - I see you, AND feel incredibly seen! Congrats on your newest books :)
Currently 28 and re-evaluating my current career in Content Marketing, reading this post made me feel not alone. I think I have some time to make the illustration switch eventually 🩷
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.
If everyone summarized their lives like this, I think we'd all realize how similar we are.
Thank you for sharing your journey, even the harsh times! Success and finding purpose and identity are crucial, yet it takes time and sometimes changes as we progress in life. Currently I'm an artist who's looking into the world of illustrating and reading this gives me hope for all artists out there. Making money as an artist won't be easy, just like everything else in life, but with perseverance and dedication, we can make it happen. We just have to keep going. Thanks again for posting ❤️!!!
Wow, first off, thank you for sharing your journey . There were so many 'stages' which overlapped with my own, I wasn't sure who I was reading about haha. I am a writer who has come back into illustrating (mostly cartoons because they are fun for me) - see my webcomic CHAI COFFEESHOP on Insta, X, etc. I also did graphic design work, which taught me how to use Photoshop and Illustrator, but never really called to me. Next up is a children's book and likely adding illustrations to my blog here on Substack. I'm officially rambling now, but it's lovely to know there are others out there who have wrestled with bringing their passions to fruition.
I think it's more common than we think. For the most part, we're taught that passions are hobbies and that work has to be 'serious'. they're kept separate from one another. But I absolutely think what brings people joy should be taken more seriously - and by seriously, I just mean given more time and made sacred. It doesn't necessarily have to become a day job for everyone but a passion should be given space. Now I"m rambling...
What an incredibly relatable timeline. The unease, the confusion, the desire. Thank you for putting this timeline into words - I see you, AND feel incredibly seen! Congrats on your newest books :)
Currently 28 and re-evaluating my current career in Content Marketing, reading this post made me feel not alone. I think I have some time to make the illustration switch eventually 🩷