Relocating to another country (art jobs, visas, etc.)

MissMushy

@animatosoor @AndyIllo Both Toronto and Vancouver have thriving arts scenes like most big cities I suppose. Each has a different feel - Toronto I guess is more urban, multicultural vibe while Vancouver is more outdoorsy, enjoying nature - type vibe? In my head I imagine it is like the difference in vibe between NY and LA.

I came to Canada in 1988 and now some 30 years later can honestly say it was the best decision of my life. Although I still get homesick pangs especially in the dead of winter, (I am originally from the Caribbean so my first winter here was a bit of a shock, to say the least ) I wouldn't change a thing. I can't really help with info on the various visas etc. cos a lot has changed since my move and I know nothing about the professional arts scene but I wish you both the best of luck with your move!

P.S. Happy We the North Day!!!!!:smiling_face_with_open_mouth:

animatosoor

@AndyIllo Thanks for sharing your experience with the working holiday visas. I'm happy to know that you managed to get it!

Also, thank you for keeping an eye out for children's book opportunities - I would definitely appreciate that.

Your editorial work is beautiful, by the way. Very inspiring stuff. Definitely write to magazines you're interested in working for if you'd like more editorial work!

Self-promotion can be tough work. It doesn't come easy to me, and I'm still learning the ropes.

animatosoor

@MissMushy Thank you for weighing in - it's really helpful to hear from Canadians on this matter, as @AndyIllo said.

And I appreciate hearing from you even without all the visa information - it's beyond helpful to hear from locals on what to expect.

I see that you have mentioned not having a lot of information on the arts scene there, but out of curiosity, have you been able to freelance in art during these years, or work in any studios near you?

Thank you for the wishes, and Happy We the North Day! Hahah

MissMushy

@animatosoor unfortunately, I only came to pursue art recently, after professional careers in accounting and social work (yes I know - I'm weird ) so haven't attempted freelancing or otherwise myself - still consider myself a beginner artist. I am sure others on here will be able to weigh in on that aspect.

animatosoor

@MissMushy You're not at all weird for only having gotten into art recently - it's fairly common these days, it seems, and there's nothing wrong with it. Again, it means more than I can say just to hear from you on this, so thank you!

NessIllustration

@animatosoor I may have to go through his videos! He was a great teacher after all haha. His French was a bit broken but he was trying real hard, and he always had great wisdom to impart

NessIllustration

@animatosoor Just a heads up though: Toronto is one of THE most expensive cities in all of Canada. Second only to Vancouver which is THE most expensive @AndyIllo ... You will have to earn more income to earn a living there, which may put unnecessary pressure on you at the beginning of your freelance career...

@AndyIllo Some cheaper but still large cities that have a big creative scene are Ottawa (the capital) and Montreal.

AndyIllo

Thank you @MissMushy for sharing ! Your description of Vancouver sounds perfect to me- I love to camp and go out for nature walks so reassuring to hear
Can't imagine the shock of a Canadian winter after moving from the Caribbean, but amazing to hear you've stuck it out for another 30 years on top of that, must be worth it!

@animatosoor I know a lot of people apply for working Visas while already in Canada as a tourist so if you do end up doing it and need any help just give me a shout ! Thank you very much for your kind words about my work too!!

As far as mental preparation goes, I tried this once before travelling around SE Asia and Australia for 9 months. I tried to draw as I went, but it's surprisingly draining just travelling around so didn't do as much drawing as I'd hoped. I know for a fact you're in a much more focused mindset than I was, so as long as you keep at it i'm sure you'll be fine

animatosoor

@NessIllustration Absolutely! He's at https://www.youtube.com/user/AdamationStation/.

Adam Duff also has a mentorship programme, hehe, which I might try someday!

animatosoor

@NessIllustration Thank you for the heads-up on the costs of living in Toronto (and Vancouver). I was only in Toronto for a few months and did not have a point of reference as to what the costs of living would be like in the rest of Canada. I'll be keeping this in mind.

animatosoor

@AndyIllo Ah, I didn't know many people apply while already there on tourist visas. I'll have to read up on it some more.

I can imagine that creating art while traveling like that could potentially be draining. I was able to paint digitally while in Toronto recently, but I had no idea what to paint and floundered a great deal as a result.

It's great that I come across as having a focus! Hahah it's newly-found, for sure. I want to give this all I've got this year.

AndyIllo

@NessIllustration Thank you for the heads up! I've heard a lot about how expensive Vancouver is, which you're right would definitely put some strain on. Will have a read into my options Nice to hear there are plenty of places with creative scenes though!