Reading · Inside the Illustrators Studio

Hello again! Thanks for joining me here. I’m changing things up slightly for this episode of Inside the Illustrators Studio. I’ve introduced a new section: Something I Wish I Knew, which is a way of sharing some of my mistakes and also thoughts on all the things I wish I knew before I started my illustration business. I feel really excited about this one (and thank you to George, from Eejits, for the inspo)!

If you’d like to support me on my “journey” (why does everyone think that’s a cheesy thing to say, I love the word, I also love the band Journey, so there), then I’ve moved my Brain Dump to the end of the post… that’s possibly the best way to get to know me, as a person, beyond being an illustrator. Yay. I also share an update from my Primary School’s tour (and why I’m doing it) at the end.

So, let's get on with it then, shall we? First up…

You probably already know but I create prints, cards and cool homeware and giftware type items. I often print them myself too. Honestly, I get such a buzz every time I peel the sublimation paper back from a freshly pressed coaster or mug. It’s like a little bit of magic each time. I currently sell my work in a few shops around North Yorkshire and sell online. I have a Shopify shop and still have an Etsy shop, although lots of makers seems to be abandoning it now as the platform sells a lot more than just the cosy handmade items it used to. What do you think about that? I saw someone of Etsy selling dental floss the other week. Weird.

I sell my work on wholesale basis, and I’m in the midst of setting up for Home&Gift, a buyer’s festival, over in Harrogate. GULP! My first trade show, but I’m super excited to get stuck in and share my awesomeness (…or at least that’s the plan).

I’m also half way through my Primary School’s Tour… I’ll tell you more about that later on in this post…

Since I was a teenager, I would frequently travel to London, to see a show. I even worked on a couple of West End shows. I was obsessed. However, it changed for me I worked in London as an animator. I grew to hate London. It was lonely, dark and grumpy. I was living in York, but commuting to London and living there Monday to Friday. I grew to love York and resent London. But now, I’m much happier in life and my general day to day, and I’m pleased to realise that going back to London is a joy again.

Last week we went down on Tuesday and came back Thursday lunchtime. I saw 4 shows. Yep, 4. The dream! Here’s what I saw, along with my simple star review system. I saw Hadestown (4 stars), Standing at the Sky’s Edge (4 stars), Heathers (5 stars) and Next to Normal (a million stars!! - wow that show was incredible). I love a theatre chat, so pleeeeease feel free to chat with me in the comments if you’ve seen any of those… I have many, many thoughts to share xx

Find Your Tribe: When I started selling my work back in 2018, it was lonely. Before, in the world of 9-5, I often worked in a team and looking back, I completely took for granted how much I need to be around people. Looking for groups and communities to join in my area, mentally, was a game changer for me. I was really lucky to find York Printmakers, then the York Etsy Group (RIP). But as soon as I started socialising (online) with members of Pedddle and especially Indie Roller (now Joyful Selling), that's when I felt me and my biz started to take off. I suddenly had a support network that was in a similar boat to mine. I'm not sure I would be where I am without their support and comradery, to be honest. They get it. They get me. Nowadays, you’ll also find me in The Good Ship Illustration and hosting Draw As You May every year with the incredibly talented illustrator, Sarah Long. I learn so much, and grew so much as a business because of these tribes. So, for anyone starting out in a creative business, find your people. Go to network meet ups. Get out there, find other indie biz people to mix with, who share and relate to what you’re doing.

I’ve known the brains behind Edwina&Olive, Poppy, for a while on Instagram, and have met in real life a couple of times too. Apart from being immensely talented with her gorgeous makes, she also works full time (!!) all the while, running her indie business producing pins, stickers and range of incredible stationery items. Her work is sassy and sometimes sweary. Chefs kiss! So if that sounds like your vibe, definitely check out her awesomeness.

Shop here: Edwina&Olive

Keep scrolling down to read this week’s Brain Dump, as well as more behind the scenes from my illustration desk, buuuut let me use this interval to let you know where else you can find me:

Something I Wish I Knew Earlier...

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