Cam Kendell: The Balanced Illustrator

[Jake Parker]

Art by Cam Kendall

Jake Parker and Will Terry are joined by illustrator Cam Kendell to talk shop and discuss Cam’s story, his secret for project management, and how to enjoy a balanced life as a creative entrepreneur.

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Click HERE to listen and read the shownotes.

[K.Flagg]

I really loved this interview! I love catching Cam sketching live on Instagram. It's really fun seeing his processes.

[Jeremy Ross]

Thank you @jake-parker and @Will-Terry for doing this great interview! I especially loved how you both got into the weeds; good stuff!

Great advice on success relationships between Ability, Opportunity and Passion!

[jthomas]

Why does it seem like that some artists get a career way easier than those that have to "struggle" in art when it wasn't their first passion compared to those that always wanted it? I don't mean to discredit Cam's hard work or work ethic, but he flat out says it wasn't his original career trajectory. And he says he could be happier doing something else.

It always seems like those that want it obsessively don't get it or it takes forever and those that dabble or get into it way later in life have it easier. Is it this just some mental voodoo?

[TessaW]

@jthomas said in Cam Kendell: The Balanced Illustrator:

It always seems like those that want it obsessively don't get it or it takes forever and those that dabble or get into it way later in life have it easier. Is it this just some mental voodoo?

I think it does happen that way- but the majority of the time? I have no idea what the stats on that are. The variation on people's nature and life circumstances, as well as art career paths don't make me want to guess.

I just don't think that early and singular passion for art and nothing else is a good indicator on if someone can navigate into and sustain an art career. I also wonder how many people actually fall into this first and only category? Passion gives no indication on all the other baseline elements that can contribute to a career. It doesn't mean someone will be good at art or know how to improve. It doesn't mean they'll work on it consistently or that they'll even enjoy it. It doesn't give them a personality conducive to networking, enjoying social media, or handling rejection well. It doesn't give them financial, organizational, or business skills. It doesn't mean they'll have financial, emotional, or educational support. A person who may develop an interest in art later, who could be happy doing other careers, might have a good baseline of various elements that will help them get an art career easier and faster. In fact their experience dabbling in various areas in life, may give them a leg up when it comes to their business sense and even the appeal of their art work. The mix and balance of everything will differ from person to person, it's never going to be an even playing field, and I think it will come to some people easier for sure. I can't think of anyone who doesn't have to work for it though.