Draw with me | How I became an illustrator: My career path and how I found my style

I was also taught that all artists were "starving artists" and you could never make it. I ended up quitting teaching art and moving into a corporate job but I daydream about being a full time artist, so it's nice to hear your story.

When I started my business 15.5 years ago, I would spend a few hours a day walking in different neighborhoods passing out postcards door to door advertising myself. I would get up early and grab a stack of 100 postcards and just go. It's hard work building a business, but so worth it. I love what I do and could not imaging doing anything else.

I just stumbled upon this and I first got mesmerized by the art but then started to pay attention to your story too 😅 As someone who is currently 26, this gave me a bit more motivation to actually go for it and try instead of just thinking about becoming an illustrator, thank you!! Beautiful journey btw and I LOVE this illustration that's in the video omg

It felt like a sibling giving advice to me. A warm hug. It'll turn out very helpful for me in future I think.. many congratulations to you. Much love. Keep creating! ❤️

I would like to see your process in other traditional arts such as watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, etc

just found this video while searching "illustrator" and love everything here. also wanted to make a special mention about the EQing/processing on your voice recording. it sounds freakin' amazing!

Just looked at your instagram, the evolution of your work is so inspiring! I graduated from art school with a focus in graphic design almost two years ago now…and have since realized graphic design frustrates me, and makes me feel like I’m working against the grain every time. I’ve always been an illustrator first…I’m 24 now and think I’ve decided that I want to do everything I can to make a career out of illustration, although so many people have told me not to start out freelancing and that i should stick with a graphic design job first. The fear and imposter syndrome is definitely the biggest hurdle

Your artwork and drawing skills are the perfect example of practice makes perfect.🎨✨️

I love those colors, it's so busy that it's way more of an esthetic decision than too much of a good thing! Very jealous of the confidence of putting color right on the page, with what it looks like very ;little planning

Thank you, this is exactly where I'm at now. It relieves me to know that even people of your talent felt the exact same. Now that burden of anxiety has been swapped with anticipation and excitement for the improvements and growth to come. I know I'm a year late but, thank you.

Really enjoyed watching this drawing come to life! Thanks for sharing your journey.

Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing drawing process.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Kim! Your determination and persistence are incredible! And all that hard work paid off in such amazing ways. I started my career as an illustrator “late in life,” shall we say. It’s such a joy to be able to do what I love and get paid for it! I know your story is going to help others find the courage to take those hard steps towards making a career in art. Thanks for being such a light and inspiration! Looking forward to more of your videos. And Happy Thanksgiving! 💝

Beautiful artwork~ love your vibrant colours & cool proportion :D

Yeayyy you posted again!!! This was so relaxing!

hearing your experience and your struggles is such an encouragement for me to keep pursuing art, thanks for sharing this!

Hi Kim! I discovered your videos recently and I’m so happy you shared your experience transitioning into full time freelance illustration. I’m a product designer but I’ve always enjoyed drawing in my spare time, and my dream is to become an illustrator. Your videos are so inspiring (and soothing!) and your story is so inspiring and valuable. Your work is gorgeous and you’ve really pushed me to believe that the transition is closer to reach than I think. Can’t wait to see more of your art and videos! 😍

This video is gift, really. Thank you for being so open about your career and journey to professional illustrator! ❤

Earlier today as I started my work (I'm a video editor), I found you and had been binging all of your videos. Now as the day ended (but still working), the new upload felt like a significant mood booster for the night. Thank you, you're awesome!

Thank you for sharing your illustration journey!