Please share your story
-
@Bea-S I've just started too as a beginner and there is so much to learn especially as a beginner in all of the courses. I've made things already that I never managed before. And flexibility is a must have for me too having to juggle this in a small amount of spare time. Try it out when you have enough space in your agenda to really get most of it and then you're probably won over. Good luck and hope to see you here in the future!
-
Hi @Bea-S, I started SVS as a beginner in 2019 with zero art training.
Naively, I tried to work with agents and publishers for my first books, but just received endless rejections. I decided to just make my books on my terms and learn as much as I could about making books (e.g.,writing, Illustrating, editing, marketing, etc.).
During this process, I took many courses here on SVS so I could learn as much as I can to improve my skills.
I built a website portfolio based on critique arena challenge pieces and started working on dummies to send to agents.
The rejections keep rolling in, which I appreciate because it’s nice to know someone is taking the time to look at my ideas.
Here we are in Q4’22 and I’m still trying. I don’t yet have an agent, nor have I a traditionally published book; however, I’m still trying…
At 43, I’m still very young and continue to improve and will continue towards my goals in publishing both personal projects and traditional books via the gate keepers.
I’m not a success story, but rather a story of grit and resilience. Hope this helps.
-
The world of childrens publishing is a slooow game. Don’t quit your day job just yet. I’ve not gone pro yet, but I have grown exponentially whilst my time with svs. There are plenty of illustrators here at svs that have though. @Nyrryl-Cadiz @mag @NessIllustration @carlianne just to name a few. The classes are worth it, you work at your own pace, and the forums are great place to learn from your fellow students as well.
-
It depends what you mean by 100% beginner. No professional work yet? Or do you mean you've never drawn anything in your life and you're starting from the fundamentals? I think most people start classes here have been at least hobbyists before and can draw decently, they just need that push to pro level, polish their skills and business strategy. Of course, the least drawing knowledge you have the longer it will take. That's not to say it should discourage you! Good things take time
I started drawing 20 years ago, have been professional for 7.vanessastoilova.com
instagram.com/vanessa.stoilova/Check out my Youtube channel for tips on how to start your career in illustration! www.youtube.com/c/ArtBusinesswithNess
-
@Bea-S Hi!
As Ness said before me, depends on what means 100% beginner
I started SVS, because I wanted to be better with picture book illustrations - meaning I knew how to draw or paint (my father is a painter and my mum graphic designer, so I had my basics in photoshop too), but I had no official art training and my drawings were pretty bad
SVS helped me with composition (something I never really thought of before), values, color balance, storytelling, business side of things, everything really.
I am working as a full time illustrator - for now illustrating picture books with our local publishers. I try to focus more on my own projects too. Last year I was lucky enough to get a literary agent, they are shopping around my own picture book right now (wish me luck!
) I am not gonna lie, it's still a hustle. Being a full time illustrator usually is a long run, not a sprint. It's great if you have a financial stability outside of your illustration - that way you are not forced to take every job, but you can pick and choose those ones that will help you get better and grow. I had mixed journey in that regard - there were times when we needed every penny, I even worked on upwork and similar sites - found some really great clients there, but they pay very little and take every bit of your time, so you have no time left to work on your portfolio, which is crucial to work your way up to the clients YOU want to work with.
I'm sending some before and after for you to see
I would definitely try the 14 day trial. To get to see how Will, Lee and Jake (and occasionally other teachers) approach their classes. You can also look them up on youtube, their podcast (3 Point Perspective) is great resource of information too.
Me personally, I loved the possibility of the monthly subscription. Every time when I knew I'll have more free time that month, I subscribed and tried to learn as much as possible.
If you are thinking about going professional it's definitely worth it.
Good luck! I'm looking forward to see your art journey!!!
-
@Jeremy-Ross Hi Jeremy,Yes, it is never too late to learn something new. I really appreciate your sharing.
Good luck to your goals! -
@mag Thank you very much for explaining everything so nicely to me! It helps me a lot.
-
@NessIllustration Hi Ness. I am able to draw potraits with charcoal pencil+power. And I have the basic understanding of colour theory. Some of my practices attached.
-
@Nyrryl-Cadiz That's true
-
@Chantal-Goetheer thank you
-
@Asyas_illos Yes. I agree with you. Thank you for sharing.
-
@Bea-S That looks very nice! It seems to me what you're missing is mostly finding out which market suits you and preparing your work for that market.
