Enjoyed this Francis! I think when you’ve not been working as a ‘traditional’ artist previously, imposter syndrome can creep in, but I’m glad you’re embracing the artist, ditching the stuff you don’t want to do, and running with it. Looking forward to seeing more work! 🙌
Hi Francis, what an engaging read, and the emotional state you described resonates with me so well. Your typographic work is absolutely stunning – keep up the fantastic work!
As for my own journey, I've been working as an illustrator for over 15 years, primarily focusing on infographics. I've been diving into the world of painting for about six years now, and with each passing year, my passion for it only deepens.
Choosing to specialize in infographics was a deliberate decision for me. I've always had a fondness for numbers and mathematics, so visualizing data naturally appealed to me. However, there's something about the tactile experience of "analog drawing" – the brushes, canvas, paints, and the feeling of getting your hands dirty – that I missed. Spending hours illustrating series of charts in front of a screen in Adobe Illustrator can make you feel anything but creative; it can be downright frustrating.
Around six years ago, I made the best decision ever by picking up painting and drawing en plein air. I started carrying my sketchbook everywhere, sketching during every journey, and even joined others in painting outdoors. It quickly became an addiction, reigniting my passion for the creative process. Buying an easel and experimenting with watercolors (a medium I wanted to master since my Art Academy days) added a new dimension to my artistic expression. Painting now occupies almost half of my time, presenting a new dilemma: indulge in art (yes!) OR focus on finding commissions (money!).
While I still create illustrated information for a living, maintaining this balance is surprisingly cool. The analytical and routine nature of my infographics work in Illustrator contrasts beautifully with the more free-spirited and personal approach to painting. It's quite a refreshing dichotomy!
Painting has become essential for me – a means to truly feel alive. Last year, I took another step by giving art courses. It's both exhausting and incredibly satisfying, and despite considering myself a beginner, the experience has been profound. Income from this endeavor isn't entirely reliable at this stage, but it's a journey worth taking.
This year, I ventured into opening an online shop. I took a bold step by offering original paintings alongside prints of my illustrated maps and travel illustrations. Initially unsure if it all aligned with a unique selling point, I thought, "Heck yeah! It's all a part of me!" It's been an exciting and personal exploration of my diverse creative expressions.
Keep rocking your creative journey, and here's to the beautiful chaos of balancing passion and practicality! 🎨✨
It was so wonderful to read your newsletter this time. I have worked with graphic design for many years, and when anyone said that I should explore my artistic potentials, I always denied. I am not an artist, I answered. Little did I know.
After a serious deseace plus too much stress for too many years I have now come to the point where I done with graphic design. It makes no sense to me anymore. I am fed up with fulfilling the wishes of clients; now I fulfill my own desires and dreams. At the moment I am at a strictly limited budget but so be it. I have time to explore and play. I have drawn for many years plus taken a number of classes in calligraphy and today I am trying to make my way into painting. This year I am following a yearlong class in creativity with Carla Sonheim and I am so happy, hopeful, inspired, and motivated. I don’t know where it will take me, only time can tell. I have to be careful with myself and take small steps. And that’s okay. I will never push myself too hard anymore.
I’ve had a similar phase of digital-only lifestyle at the very beginning of my working life in the design field (design and earn over art and hobbies). Slowly it depleted me to burnout before I realised. What helped me the most was learn to treat time for personal creative work as sacred and not allow for compromise on quality just to get paid. I separated money from my work and to combat earning-anxiety I spent 1 hour per week improving my financial literacy for a year. Then used what I learned to make and execute a plan for the creative lifestyle I wanted. I feel that this approach is more sustainable than the previous, because after my burnout I really thought ‘Never Again’. It is hard at first to grasp or measure emotional hygiene, but it was my key to finding balance and fulfillment.
Anyways, this became a long comment. Maybe it will help someone here, I hope. Thank you for sharing your experience – it brings so much joy and resonance hearing stories about reaching creative fulfillment like you are right now.
Hi Francis, thanks for sharing this, the tension between doing what you want creatively and making money is always difficult, it’s inspiring to see someone making the leap to aligning your career with what you are most called to do. I wish you the best as an artist!
Enjoyed this Francis! I think when you’ve not been working as a ‘traditional’ artist previously, imposter syndrome can creep in, but I’m glad you’re embracing the artist, ditching the stuff you don’t want to do, and running with it. Looking forward to seeing more work! 🙌
Hi Francis, what an engaging read, and the emotional state you described resonates with me so well. Your typographic work is absolutely stunning – keep up the fantastic work!
As for my own journey, I've been working as an illustrator for over 15 years, primarily focusing on infographics. I've been diving into the world of painting for about six years now, and with each passing year, my passion for it only deepens.
Choosing to specialize in infographics was a deliberate decision for me. I've always had a fondness for numbers and mathematics, so visualizing data naturally appealed to me. However, there's something about the tactile experience of "analog drawing" – the brushes, canvas, paints, and the feeling of getting your hands dirty – that I missed. Spending hours illustrating series of charts in front of a screen in Adobe Illustrator can make you feel anything but creative; it can be downright frustrating.
Around six years ago, I made the best decision ever by picking up painting and drawing en plein air. I started carrying my sketchbook everywhere, sketching during every journey, and even joined others in painting outdoors. It quickly became an addiction, reigniting my passion for the creative process. Buying an easel and experimenting with watercolors (a medium I wanted to master since my Art Academy days) added a new dimension to my artistic expression. Painting now occupies almost half of my time, presenting a new dilemma: indulge in art (yes!) OR focus on finding commissions (money!).
While I still create illustrated information for a living, maintaining this balance is surprisingly cool. The analytical and routine nature of my infographics work in Illustrator contrasts beautifully with the more free-spirited and personal approach to painting. It's quite a refreshing dichotomy!
Painting has become essential for me – a means to truly feel alive. Last year, I took another step by giving art courses. It's both exhausting and incredibly satisfying, and despite considering myself a beginner, the experience has been profound. Income from this endeavor isn't entirely reliable at this stage, but it's a journey worth taking.
This year, I ventured into opening an online shop. I took a bold step by offering original paintings alongside prints of my illustrated maps and travel illustrations. Initially unsure if it all aligned with a unique selling point, I thought, "Heck yeah! It's all a part of me!" It's been an exciting and personal exploration of my diverse creative expressions.
Keep rocking your creative journey, and here's to the beautiful chaos of balancing passion and practicality! 🎨✨
It was so wonderful to read your newsletter this time. I have worked with graphic design for many years, and when anyone said that I should explore my artistic potentials, I always denied. I am not an artist, I answered. Little did I know.
After a serious deseace plus too much stress for too many years I have now come to the point where I done with graphic design. It makes no sense to me anymore. I am fed up with fulfilling the wishes of clients; now I fulfill my own desires and dreams. At the moment I am at a strictly limited budget but so be it. I have time to explore and play. I have drawn for many years plus taken a number of classes in calligraphy and today I am trying to make my way into painting. This year I am following a yearlong class in creativity with Carla Sonheim and I am so happy, hopeful, inspired, and motivated. I don’t know where it will take me, only time can tell. I have to be careful with myself and take small steps. And that’s okay. I will never push myself too hard anymore.
I’ve had a similar phase of digital-only lifestyle at the very beginning of my working life in the design field (design and earn over art and hobbies). Slowly it depleted me to burnout before I realised. What helped me the most was learn to treat time for personal creative work as sacred and not allow for compromise on quality just to get paid. I separated money from my work and to combat earning-anxiety I spent 1 hour per week improving my financial literacy for a year. Then used what I learned to make and execute a plan for the creative lifestyle I wanted. I feel that this approach is more sustainable than the previous, because after my burnout I really thought ‘Never Again’. It is hard at first to grasp or measure emotional hygiene, but it was my key to finding balance and fulfillment.
Anyways, this became a long comment. Maybe it will help someone here, I hope. Thank you for sharing your experience – it brings so much joy and resonance hearing stories about reaching creative fulfillment like you are right now.
Hi Francis, thanks for sharing this, the tension between doing what you want creatively and making money is always difficult, it’s inspiring to see someone making the leap to aligning your career with what you are most called to do. I wish you the best as an artist!