Eight Years In: What Self-Employment as a Coloured Pencil Artist Has Taught Me

Today is an exciting day! Eight years ago today, I made the decision to take the plunge and start my drawing business. It was in 2017 that I realised I wanted to turn drawing from a hobby into a professional career, thus purchasing 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 of a coloured pencil artist.

When I first set up my business, it was all so new and there was a lot to learn. I thought it would be beneficial for myself and others to reflect on eight lessons I have learned throughout the years. Hopefully you find them helpful for any other artists or freelance people out there.

1. You are not just an artist - you are a business owner

Being an artist and being self-employed is definitely more challenging than it appears. I initially had the naïve idea that being an artist meant simply spending time in my studio working on my drawings. In reality, working for yourself involves juggling multiple roles and wearing all the different hats: marketer, accountant, customer service rep, 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, often feeling inadequate and doubting 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 have built my confidence and now seldom make such comparisons. It still occasionally happens even now but I came to 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 showing up consistently is what really moves things forward. Creating regularly, even when you don't feel inspired, builds on momentum and discipline - something that I am still working on to this day!

4. Burnout is real, and rest is productive

I am potentially contradicting my previous point now haha! 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 it is a 24/7 job. I’ve had periods where I pushed too hard and paid for it with creative burnout. I came 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 to people as much as I do. Connecting with other artists, whether online or in person massively helped with feeling lonely. I feel so grateful for the lovely artists and connections I have 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 and overwhelming. 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 should and 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 down the line if I then thought they were too high. I know I am not alone with this this as 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, 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 such a valuable life lesson on saving and how to budget 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 will always be proud of the beautiful pets I have 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!

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  Nutmeg - 2018

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  Nutmeg - 2024

Nutmeg - 2018 Nutmeg - 2024

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  Milly - 2018

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  Rolo - 2026

Milly - 2018 Rolo - 2026

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