Last year, my freelancing was going great. I finally felt like a real illustrator, y' know? I landed a fabulous agent, started getting regular assignments and felt validated after all the years of paying dues. Yay, I'm working!
And now the illustration market is painfully quiet. At least, it is for me which has made it easy to believe that it was a grand fluke and now it's over. Mope, mope, mope.
This is not to say that I want to give up. Not at all. But getting past that dejected feeling is challenging and I've been thinking a lot about what I need to do to keep going and not go INSANE with doubt.
And the answer is simple, really.
HOPE.
But hope alone is not enough. I've found that I can't just sit and "hope" something good happens. I have to create situations to be HOPEFUL about. I can't be a passive spectator in this, I need to work at it a little.
So how am I doing that?
*I'm working on my own storybook dummies...seriously working on them. Writing manuscripts, having them critiqued, working on them some more, fleshing out the sketches and finishing a piece or two in color.
*I'm taking a writing course. (Anastasia Suen's poetry workshop) I took her Intensive PB workshop a while back and found it invaluable. Not just because of all the "meat and potato" info but also because it gives me a reason to sit down and focus on my writing.
*I'm reading. A lot. (For the class but also for pleasure. Reading good books is very inspiring)
*I'm working on some fresh pieces for my rep. The ol' portfolio never tires of fresh work.
*Sending postcards to past clients, reminding them I'm alive and querying new ones.
Much more productive than moping, I think.
Even though, a few chocolate filled moping days are allowed from time to time. But not too much! It's going to take a heck of a lot more than HOPE to get back into your jeans if you do. Trust me on this, I know.
HI Roz-
I can relate to that...at times there is so much work that I barely have time for anything else and when that happens I don't promote myself or develope other projects and then things dry up...These slow times area an opportunity to stretch and promote and to develop other projects until the next crazy busy time...Hang in there and keep moving forward...a little moping is good I think- in a wierd way- I think the discomfort gets me rolling again after awhile. You do great work, and I think reminding people of that is a very good thing-
Posted by: Steph | April 12, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Thanks Steph.
That is a really great point about the down times helping you push yourself. I'm feeling that a lot right now. I want to get "better" and you're right, this is a good time to work on stretching myself. Thanks for posting, it's great to read from others that have gone through this and then been busy again. =O)
Posted by: roz | April 12, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Oh,I know the feeling! Good for you that you are being positive and making things happen. When I have less work, I lose confidence very easily and just want to curl up under a blanket. But then I remind myself that I am lucky to have this life, even when it is hard at times. It is nice to be encouraged by people like you - and of course, it goes without saying but I will say it anyway...you do beautiful work :)
Posted by: Sweet Pea | April 13, 2007 at 07:14 AM
Roz-its wonderful you are staying positive. I am new to this whole freelancing too and its got its ups and downs. I had a great year last year too and this year I ask myself, will it be just as good? All this self doubt...but ultimately we are doing what we LOVE, so dont forget that! Keep on working on your book dummies, keep writing, things will be alright and you'll be busy again :-)
Posted by: chickengirl | April 13, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Thanks so much Jannie and Susan. Again it really helps to read that I'm not alone with the rollercoaster feelings!
Posted by: roz | April 13, 2007 at 10:08 AM
hey, when was your last promo mailing? How often are you doing them???
Hope the dry spell turns into a flood real soon!
;-)
Posted by: theresa | April 13, 2007 at 03:24 PM
Hey Roz- it is OK to enjoy a little "down time" too...think of it not as the end of a career, but as the inevitable dip in freelancing- because it happens to everyone! Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff now- new projects, promotion, etc. Besides, a Cadbury Creme egg here and there never hurt anyone (hehe!)
Posted by: Liz | April 14, 2007 at 07:02 AM
This is exactly how I'm feeling at the moment too Roz! And I'm doing pretty much the same things as you are - working on my texts and dummies, making illustrations for my porfolio, sending out postcards. Let's hope we'll get a lot of fun work soon!
Posted by: Anette | April 15, 2007 at 02:24 PM
I haven't been sending promos out because I thought I could stop when I got a rep. Guess I should keep doing it on my own huh?
Thanks Anette, Liz and Theresa!
Posted by: roz | April 16, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Roz, develop your OWN stories! Now's the time.....you can do wondeful things.....and everyone, including me, will buy them.
Posted by: Barbara Johansen Newman | April 19, 2007 at 06:01 PM
a fluke? you crack me up Roz. keep moving forward, the work will follow. you have a good plan, it will pay off. :)
Posted by: heather | April 19, 2007 at 07:36 PM
Good for you, being positive and productive. I'm feeling a bit mopish myself today so your post was a good reminder that things ebb and flow for everyone.
Good luck with promos and future fabulous assignments. :)
Posted by: Gina | April 20, 2007 at 12:57 PM