Embracing Freedom: My Journey From 9-5 Office Job to Full-Time Self-Employed Illustrator

I want to start this by saying there is no quick ‘how to’ on becoming a full-time artist, it took me an awful lot of hard work, 3 years of having no social life, basically working 2 full-time jobs at times (which I do not condone) dedication and perseverance. By the time I took the leap into self-employment, I was knackered!

I graduated from university in 2013 with a degree in illustration, in early 2014 I landed my first Graphic Design job. From then I worked as a designer, Monday–Friday, 9-5, office-based, and by mid 2022 I’d had enough. Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong at all with these jobs it just personally was not for me, as someone who loves the outdoors I hated being tied to a desk for all those hours. I want to share my journey about how I went from a traditional office job to the life of a self-employed Illustrator.

A burning passion for art and creativity beckoned me towards the path of being self-employed.

Recognising the desire for change:

It all began with a simple realisation – the longing for creative fulfilment. While my office job provided financial stability, the repetitive nature of the work left me yearning for something more meaningful. I discovered solace and joy in the world of illustration during my free time, and it didn’t take long for me to realise that this was where my true passion lay. In 2020, during the lockdowns, I finally had the time to really push my drawing skills. Without thinking it could ever be a business, my work started to take off. I was selling a lot of prints through Etsy and picking up clients and so I accidentally started a side hustle! I now run my website and shop through Squarespace, but Etsy is a great place to start to get your work online and selling, I learned a lot in a short time.

Skill development and learning curve:

I started to really dedicate myself to honing my skills as a digital illustrator, I experimented with different styles and techniques to find my unique voice in the vast world of digital art. I spent a LOT of time working on my skills in Procreate. Over the next few years my style developed and with every illustration I could see improvement. I highly recommend going through YouTube and watching how other creators utilise Procreate. This was my foundation when I first started using it. Just be willing to put the time into learning and experimenting, there is no quick fix.

Building a portfolio and online presence:

As my skills developed, I began curating a portfolio that showcased my illustrations. Simultaneously, I invested time in building a strong online presence, this was key for me. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, became virtual galleries, allowing me to connect with fellow artists, potential clients, and art enthusiasts. Social media is where 90% of my clients find me; they then link through to my website and contact me there. You have to be marketing savvy now to get ahead on social media. If you can, utilise paid social media ads, run the odd competition and keep up on social media updates.

Juggling a side hustle:

Balancing a full-time job with my side hustle required planning and commitment. I often worked late after putting in a full day’s work; weekends became precious pockets of time, dedicated to working on my business. The key to my juggling act was efficient time management. I integrated illustrations into my daily schedule, whether during lunch breaks or early mornings. It was a challenging but rewarding few years as I honed my skills and expanded my portfolio. Going down this route of keeping your full-time job while you build up your business isn’t for everyone, I just made it work for me. Part way through 2021, I started to save up as much money as I could. I think subconsciously I was working towards the prospect of leaving my job. Any money I received from clients and shop sales I did not touch and just kept in my business account whilst putting as much as I could from my full-time wages into a savings account.

Preparing for the plunge:

By this point, I had put the time and effort into getting my work to the standard I felt it needed to be at to be a full-time artist. The next step was about preparing for the business side. In 2022, I started buying the equipment I knew I would need but probably could not afford once I was self-employed. First up in June 2022 was a new iMac which cost £1,300. In November 2022 I bought my printer, an Epson ET-8550 which cost £795 + paper costs. These were significant costs for me and I had done hours of research on printers before I took the plunge, but I knew these were wise investments to make in my business. I also saved up enough money, so that I had a years worth of full-time wage set aside, then if anything went wrong I could still pay myself. This was the safety net I needed, without it, I couldn’t have left my job. I have to reiterate that I did not take the decision lightly. I thought about it for months, it’s not easy leaving that guaranteed monthly wage behind. I told myself a lot that even if it didn’t go well, I can always go back to work, it’s not the end of the world and there’s no shame in trying and failing.

Embracing full-time self-employment

In early 2023, as demand for my work increased (and feeling really unhappy in a 9-5 job), the prospect of full-time self-employment became more tangible, I faced the ultimate decision. With careful financial planning, a solid client base, and the unwavering support of family, I made the leap to become a full-time self-employed illustrator. The newfound freedom allowed me to fully immerse myself in my passion, dedicating all my time and energy into my business. Throughout 2023 is when I saw the biggest leaps in my work, with vast improvements and development, I started picking up more and more clients. It was just taking that leap from a secure job that was the hardest part, having a bit of self belief was the final push I needed.

Conclusion:

My journey from a 9-5 job to a self-employed illustrator was not without challenges, but the rewards have been immeasurable. The freedom to express myself creatively, the ability to choose projects that resonate with me, and the joy of connecting with a wide audience have made every step of this journey worthwhile. If you yearn for a similar change, remember that with dedication, perseverance, and a strong passion for your craft, the transition is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Just be willing to put the hours in.

I do not regret the path I took in going into full-time work straight out of uni; I learned a lot working in these jobs and without the knowledge gained from these, I would not have had the skills that I need to run a business. Basic skills like being able to talk to clients, write emails, present my work and marketing were all learned whilst I worked as a Graphic Designer.

Yes, there are pros and cons to working for yourself, but for me personally, the pros FAR outweigh the cons. I am the happiest I’ve been, and I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of.

Photographs taken by Chelsea Cannar