Making the transition from day job worker to full-time illustrator can be a challenging but rewarding process. If you are determining when and how to take the leap, here are a few things to consider:

• Assess your financial situation

  Before you quit your day job, it’s important to carefully assess your financial situation to ensure that you’ll be able to support yourself as a full-time illustrator. Consider factors such as your savings, your monthly expenses, and the amount of income you expect to generate from your illustration work.

• Build up your portfolio

  In order to attract clients and secure paid work as an illustrator, you’ll need to have a strong portfolio of your work. Consider taking on freelance projects or creating your own personal projects to build up your portfolio.

• Network and market yourself

  Building relationships with potential clients and promoting your work can help you generate income as an illustrator. Consider attending industry events such as the ones on this list, joining relevant professional organizations, and using social media and other online platforms to market yourself and your work. If you’re not sure where to start, platforms such as Linkedin and Futurelearn can offer introductory courses in digital and social media marketing.

• Create a business plan

  Developing a clear business plan can help you set goals and establish a roadmap for your career as an illustrator. Your plan should include things like your target market, your pricing strategy, and your marketing and promotion efforts.

• Plan for the transition

  Once you’ve made the decision to transition to full-time illustration, it’s important to carefully plan the details of this significant career switch-up. This might involve giving notice at your day job, setting up a home office or studio space, and adjusting your financial planning to account for the change in your income.

By considering these factors and taking the necessary steps to prepare for the transition, you can make a smooth and successful move from a day job to a full-time illustrator. Whether or not you’re ready to make the change to full-time just yet, we hope that these tips have helped you consider all of the steps involved in taking your illustration career to the next level!