Transitioning from Hobby to Profession: Insights from Illustrators

For illustrators, the decision to turn their hobby of drawing into a profession marked a pivotal moment in their lives. During this transition, they began to view their rough sketches not as mere personal expressions but as "proposals." This shift in perspective was a significant turning point in their careers.

During their transition from hobbyists to professionals, they decided not to downplay their artistic abilities. They recognized that expressions like "I wish I had better drawing skills" or "I'm not a master artist" were no longer acceptable as professionals. Just as one would expect a chef to stand proudly behind their dishes, they understood the importance of being honest and committed to their artistry.

The question "What kind of illustrations are you best at?" is often a critical opportunity in the illustrators' journey. They emphasize the importance of having a clear answer to this question and decide to identify their specific strengths. Defining their niche helped them establish their professional identities.

As hobbyists, they used to draw without a care in the world about time. However, transitioning to professional artists introduced deadlines and work commitments. To manage their time effectively and avoid the stress of last-minute work, they learned to plan their projects carefully. Proper time management is crucial for professional illustrators.

Originally indifferent to art trends, they realized the significance of keeping an eye on market demands as professional illustrators. To meet their clients' expectations, they adopted a proactive approach to stay updated with current trends. Being aware of what's popular became a crucial aspect of their work.