Man how long has it been since I last posted anything! I’m terrible at this blogging malarkey, probably because I’m aware that only my mum and hardcore friends actually want to know what I’m thinking, and that’s mainly due to the obligation that comes from years of emotional investment.
The last time I posted anything was before the exhibition in July (Which went pretty well thanks!). Since then I’ve been getting emails from other young artists asking for advice about the illustration industry (…I know, who do I think I am!). I remember when I exhibited at New Designers in 2009; I really looked up to the One Year On lot, especially Lizzie Mary Cullen. Every piece displayed was so professional and the designers appeared to have so much confidence which I assumed was fortified by a formidable amount of experience. I feared that I could never reach the same stage, which was why I was stunned when I was selected for 2010′s One Year On.
Eventually the show came around and I suddenly found myself required to dish out nuggets of wisdom from the huge bank of experience I felt I should have acquired by now. In reality I felt only 10% more informed than my bright eyed interrogators. The truth was I assumed the panel must have made a mistake with my application. What if it turned out I was there due to an administrative typo and they actually wanted ‘Bea Made’? I thought they were expecting this enigmatic artist who could shit out commissions faster than she could get them, and people would be selling their own kids and body parts just to afford her services. Then I turn up, Lea Wade, an overly honest illustrator who spent approximately 5 hours just trying to decide the best way to hang up her paintings.
Thankfully this bout of self consciousness only lasted until I started talking to my fellow exhibitioners. Of course, 
there were the lucky few who had done exceptionally well during the year, but everyone else, like me was equally nervous that they hadn’t achieved as much as they felt they should. It was great, as soon as I knew I was on the same page as everyone my professionalism suddenly kicked in, and probably for the first time this year I felt like this was now my job as opposed to my hobby. The show was great; I had so many good chats, made a few sales, and loads of people were getting excited about my work. I also had to repress a squeal of delight when Lizzie, the winner of 2009’s One Year On showed up and told me that my unfortunate lil pug dog character Matilda had become one of her most favourite images ever.
So basically the last couple of months have been good, I don’t wanna get all sentimental though so I’ll sum it up like this. Things aren’t as awesome as I want, but life is definitely heading in that direction.
Anyways, if there’s any fresh faced illustrators who stumble across this post and actually read it (especially those trying to snap out of the anti-climax of graduating), I wanted to give you one piece of advice. Stay social! Get on Twitter and talk to other illustrators. When you hide yourself away it’s easy to assume that everyone is so much further ahead, when the likelihood is that your imagination tends to make people more successful than they actually are. Twitter has been a bit of a godsend for me this year, it’s not all about idiots updating you on how many pieces of toast they burnt today-lolololol! If you’re not on there, then ignore the stigma and sign up, then start looking up illustrators and magazines & companies you want to work with. Here are a few people every good illustrator should have on their follow list…
@hellocreatives – A bunch of bloody lovely professionals by day, who run this awesome group by night, dedicated to spreading good vibes and helping people get to where they want to be. HYC Blog
@Nat_o /@Illustration_r – When she isn’t creating beautiful works of art, Natsuki can be found organising themed projects for other illustrators to join in with for her Illustration Rally blog. Illustration Rally
@Sandradieckmann – Another fantastic illustrator who creates projects and welcomes other artists to join in. At the moment she has two, If I was you and Haus Stories.
@jason_m_stone /@designstufdaily – Jason Stone, a UK designer runs Designstuffdaily. A blog which aims to combine a variety of design related stuff. It currently features an eclectic mix of designers, illustrators and artists.
@illo_island – Thomas James is an artist who runs a blog called, Escape from Illustration Island; A particularly brilliant resource for illustrators old and new which has tutorials, interviews and all sorts of helpful advice.
Oh, and finally you should add me too! @jammilicious. Go do it now, I wanna see those tweets!
Lea
P.S
Since the show, I’ve got my first ever PAID commission! It was such a relief not to hear the words “There’s no money; you do this for free right?” I hope I never hear them again!
