Eight Years In: What Self-Employment as a Coloured Pencil Artist Has Taught Me
Updated: 7 hours ago
Today is an exciting day! Eight years ago, I took the plunge and started my drawing business. In 2017, I realised I wanted to turn my drawing hobby into a professional career. So, I purchased my first little tin of professional coloured pencils. After months of practice and determination, on 7th April 2018, I launched my Facebook page and website to embark on this new journey as a coloured pencil artist.
When I first set up my business, everything felt new, and there was so much to learn. I thought it would be beneficial for myself and others to reflect on eight lessons I've learned over the years. I hope you find them helpful, especially if you're an artist or freelancer.
1. You Are Not Just an Artist - You Are a Business Owner
Being an artist and self-employed is definitely more challenging than it appears. I initially thought being an artist meant simply spending time in my studio working on my drawings. In reality, working for yourself involves juggling multiple roles. You wear many hats: marketer, accountant, customer service rep, and project manager. Learning how to price your work, communicate professionally, and manage finances is just as important as honing your craft. Despite the challenges, I love what I do so much that I wouldn't have it any other way.
2. Your Style Will Evolve - Don't Compare!
When I began my journey, I frequently compared my work to that of other artists. I often felt inadequate and doubted I would ever reach their level of skill. The well-known quote by Theodore Roosevelt, "Comparison is the thief of joy," is incredibly accurate. Imposter Syndrome is prevalent among artists, making it easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Fortunately, over the years, I’ve built my confidence. I now seldom make such comparisons. It still happens occasionally, but I understand that each artist's work is unique, and no two pieces of art are identical. Embracing my own work and art style has made the creative process much more enjoyable.
3. Talent Matters, but Consistency Matters More
In the beginning, I thought improving my skills was the most important thing. While growth is essential, I've learned that showing up consistently is what really moves things forward. Creating regularly, even when you don't feel inspired, builds momentum and discipline—something I’m still working on today!
4. Burnout Is Real, and Rest Is Productive
I might be contradicting my previous point here, but it’s all about finding a good balance. When your passion is also your livelihood, it’s easy to overwork. Being an artist isn't your typical 9-5; it can sometimes feel like a 24/7 job. I’ve had periods where I pushed too hard and paid for it with creative burnout. I’ve come to realise that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary. Stepping away often brings clarity, new ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. I can now gladly take a break from my work without feeling guilty when I believe I've accomplished enough.
5. Community Makes a Difference
Being an artist can be quite isolating at times—especially when you enjoy chatting with people as much as I do. Connecting with other artists, whether online or in person, has massively helped me feel less lonely. I feel so grateful for the lovely artists and connections I’ve made along the way!
6. Pricing Your Work Will Always Feel Uncomfortable
When I chose to start taking commissions, figuring out how to price my work seemed incredibly daunting. I had no clue where to begin or whether I would be pricing my skills too low or too high. I decided to increase my prices only after receiving honest feedback and numerous comments suggesting that I was undervaluing myself. I believed that if I set my prices too high at first, I wouldn't be able to lower them later if I thought they were too high. I know I’m not alone in this; it seems quite common for creatives to struggle with pricing. Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula that suddenly makes it easy.
7. Income Will Fluctuate - Plan for It
One of my biggest struggles with being self-employed is the constant fluctuation in income. Some months are great, while others are quiet. Learning to budget, save, and think long-term is key to surviving the ups and downs of freelance life. This has taught me valuable lessons about saving and budgeting better.
8. Progress Can Seem Slow and Is Often Invisible in the Moment
Only when you reflect on past works do you realise the extent of your improvement and progress. On a daily basis, it might seem like you’re not moving forward, but that’s not the case. Below, I will present a comparison between some of my earlier works and my most recent ones. I'm still very pleased and proud of the beautiful pets I’ve drawn in the past. Only by reflecting on older drawings can you truly appreciate your growth and see how dedication and consistency have paid off!
Nutmeg - 2018 Nutmeg - 2024
Nutmeg - 2018 Nutmeg - 2024
Milly - 2018 Rolo - 2026
Milly - 2018 Rolo - 2026
Embracing the Journey
In summary, even after years of learning, I still feel there's much more to discover. Despite these eight years, I haven't figured everything out yet—and that's perfectly fine! I'm embracing the journey and doing what I love, and that’s what truly counts. If you made it this far, thank you for reading my ramblings and for being part of my artistic journey. I'm incredibly grateful for the support and wonderful clients I’ve had throughout the years.
With love,
Jenna x
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