tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post5049928551643419477..comments2024-01-30T06:16:04.909-07:00Comments on Will Terry - Children's Book Illustrator: The Secret Life of a Freelance IllustratorWillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533282613313770958noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-90938131866390886692014-04-07T11:22:17.116-06:002014-04-07T11:22:17.116-06:00Speak on! Wonderful inspiring read for the people ...Speak on! Wonderful inspiring read for the people out their that try to cut their own cloth! Thanks for sharing…My family thinks I am crazy because I will not settle for a typical 9 to 5;) Literally, I am just bouncing back from a relapse! But I will not quit with this fascination of mine to create art for a living! Sabrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04389411085667809622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-21082896473239754202014-04-03T10:37:05.981-06:002014-04-03T10:37:05.981-06:00Good luck Winona! :)
Good luck Winona! :)<br />Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-91437777826600964902014-04-03T10:36:04.474-06:002014-04-03T10:36:04.474-06:00Hi Carlos, I think it's so competitive that if...Hi Carlos, I think it's so competitive that if you're not ALL in you probably won't get noticed...that's not to say it's impossible - if your work is exactly what editors are looking for and you get it in front of them you could possibly work on it part time - but to get there will probably require more of a full time effort.Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-5049672857475274062014-04-03T10:34:24.128-06:002014-04-03T10:34:24.128-06:00We all do - I think you just get better at knowing...We all do - I think you just get better at knowing which ones to turn down...and what projects you can even start up on your own that can bring in money.<br />Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-41273232835449119102014-04-03T10:33:16.643-06:002014-04-03T10:33:16.643-06:00Thank you Tanya :)Thank you Tanya :)Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-59502935156571572312014-04-01T22:13:14.274-06:002014-04-01T22:13:14.274-06:00Thanks for sharing your experiences! Of course the...Thanks for sharing your experiences! Of course the overall point of not spending more than you bring in rings true outside of the world of freelance. After 5 years of college, I'll be all done in a couple of weeks. I don't plan on freelancing, rather I'll be looking to obtain a studio job in the animation industry...but I really do love illustrating and hope to one day illustrate a children's book, ideally one entirely of my own creation, story and all. <br /><br />Anyway, I'll have nearly $30,000 in student loans to pay off, so that alone will take up a near $300 a month on my end. It really is hard to break away from any "I want" stages, though. For instance, I really desire to live by myself. After 5 years of having roommates I'm at a point where I just want to live alone. Yet, simply having roommates can save a few hundred bucks a month. Be that as it may, when I have to move out in a couple months I will seek a place just for myself, and see how things go from there. If it does turn into a situation where my expenses are exceeding my income I will definitely have to reevaluate my situation and alter it so I don't get in too deep. Can't really tell what the future holds until its already arrived!Winona Janegahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01787307678277026779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-58272513793836572262014-04-01T07:59:41.442-06:002014-04-01T07:59:41.442-06:00Your welcome and thanks for clearing that up. I ha...Your welcome and thanks for clearing that up. I have seen it happen to too many people with having their money in one account and even doing some of your mistakes, ending up with a big price tag. And that's without the bigger problems to worry about these days. Though, your well positioned with your personal projects as a lot of artists will jump onto the band wagon for Folio Academy and SVS with the college bubble showing signs of popping. I managed to get out with just a small loan and if I do get some really good freelance gigs, plan to try and wipe it out. Freedom is also being debt free along with living within your means. Though, I am grateful to my parents. They been letting me crash at home during college and don't mind me staying longer. They rather I learn the lesson above slowly and with the least pain than the hard way they learned. We have some family who seem they can't get that lesson your preaching in their heads which contributes to "lesson learned" mostly for me through indirect means. Those "stupid mistakes" can sometimes effect more than just the person who makes them as my family has learned. I'm already half way to my first cushion goal of a thousand for an emergency fund. <br /><br />Though, took a little bit out and added it to my refund check to make a big purchase of sometime neat. I will try my hand at a review of my purchase on my blog I started in March and link it to Facebook since this relates to my "^I shall join you in a raid party to Craig's list, Ebay, and Amazon for such a deal." comment after you posted that you knew a guy who snagged a Cintiq in awesome condition for $500 off Craigslist on your Cintiq love affair Facebook post. Should be in by the end of the week, though UPS has shown it can be an overachiever out here and I hope they are like this with my packages as I can't wait to get it along with Manga Studio 5 and my brush cleaner I ordered along with it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18222300642821046736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-63905680050034774052014-04-01T04:30:10.542-06:002014-04-01T04:30:10.542-06:00I can't thank you enough for how open you are ...I can't thank you enough for how open you are about life and illustrating. Your sharing has been a blessing for me and so many people.Tanya Kostukhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01924509519516207528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-16787208619599055862014-04-01T00:06:56.243-06:002014-04-01T00:06:56.243-06:00I really appreciate your honesty in this blog. Rig...I really appreciate your honesty in this blog. Right now I'm just beginning my career, taking almost any client I can get. I've turned down a few, but I've still taken on some that make me cringe in the morning. But it's nice when the checks show up!Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-34284201839313668772014-03-31T22:56:46.375-06:002014-03-31T22:56:46.375-06:00Will! Thank you for sharing the hard lessons you ...Will! Thank you for sharing the hard lessons you have learned and re-learned about living below your means and making it as a freelance artist. I love reading your blogs and your insight into the world of children's book illustrations. It's inspired me to possibly pursue it as a part time endeavor in the future, but for now I'm just happy to be drawing and painting again. :) But this leads me to my question for you, do you think doing children's book illustration as a part time side gig is feasible? Thanks again!Carlos Finshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10669167290759713131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-88448158020756443602014-03-31T21:54:50.228-06:002014-03-31T21:54:50.228-06:00Awww - thank you! I congratulate you on your debt ...Awww - thank you! I congratulate you on your debt pay off! Awesome! Funny how we know this stuff early on but we get a case of the "I wants" and it's downhill from there. Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-48098474495228980702014-03-31T21:53:37.225-06:002014-03-31T21:53:37.225-06:00Thank you Mandy, I mentioned that I have my money ...Thank you Mandy, I mentioned that I have my money in the bank but it was a generalization. It's tucked away in multiple places because like you I fear what could happen if it was all in one bank. Thank you and make sure you appreciate the ability to live with the folks - I did that for quite a while when I was starting out and it was so helpful!Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-4300270951620823382014-03-31T21:51:49.554-06:002014-03-31T21:51:49.554-06:00Thank you Theresa! I really appreciate that! I wou...Thank you Theresa! I really appreciate that! I would have never thought I would ever receive compliments on my writing - if you only knew how bad I was post college! My wife helped me learn to write with lots of practice.Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-82653297553378811482014-03-31T21:50:42.425-06:002014-03-31T21:50:42.425-06:00I hear you Susan - doesn't it feel good to res...I hear you Susan - doesn't it feel good to reset and understand that you can be just as happy with less?Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-19810587827746542542014-03-31T21:49:45.977-06:002014-03-31T21:49:45.977-06:00It's been less nerve racking the more I've...It's been less nerve racking the more I've gotten involved in more of my own projects ironically - I think I've been able to smooth out the ups and downs.Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-69227457123161443012014-03-31T21:48:47.880-06:002014-03-31T21:48:47.880-06:00YES! FREEEEEDOM! - I really had to learn the hard ...YES! FREEEEEDOM! - I really had to learn the hard way...I had been warned - rewarned and warned again and again - but I had to touch the flame :( ...and yes - I admire the freedom way more than the granite counters!Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-48922685756680106322014-03-31T21:46:17.544-06:002014-03-31T21:46:17.544-06:00Thank you Katherine! No - but it would make a good...Thank you Katherine! No - but it would make a good video - I've actually had it on my list for a while so maybe I need to make it next! Thank you!Will Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16227970662992011469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-88047564392559692032014-03-31T15:45:58.729-06:002014-03-31T15:45:58.729-06:00You are so freaking awesome! As of October of this...You are so freaking awesome! As of October of this year we will have paid off over $56,000 of "stupidity" (refer to your #2)....but being a "weeee" bit older than you, I have learned my lesson and no, it won't be repeated again (that was the 3rd time I had to learn it and the third time's a charm!) We are working on saving up as well and you are so right....DON'T FREAKING SPEND IT! You don't need the latest and greatest new gadget! Oh and about that stress thing? A month ago on March 3 I landed in the ER for stress induced vertigo...yeah, yippy skippy. I'm a super health nut and the stress of the "day job" finally got me. So one month later...much more relaxed...major changes in priorities and a focus on getting to summer so that my "teacher brain" can recharge and my freelance work that is on the waiting list can commence! Great write-up!Christine E. S. Dionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08149229770327753833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-49734888518788870482014-03-31T12:38:44.370-06:002014-03-31T12:38:44.370-06:00Heh. Learning that lesson now. I hit a dry spell s...Heh. Learning that lesson now. I hit a dry spell soon out of the gates after the freelance job I got right out of college finished up. But, I am not letting it get me as I have learned so much in the past few months, some lessons and such coming from you, Will Terry. Upside for me, my parents don't mind me sticking around while I get myself to the point I can get on my feet, but I am not taking to keeping to the roost without learning what I can from those around me. My father used to work as a boiler maker in a union, hence he was the mechanic version of a freelancer and I have talked to him to learn the lesson of savings and other useful tips. Also, I been raised by the garage sale generation of Baby Boomers and my mother only realized I am one of the Generation X who will follow in the footsteps of stoestringing with seeing I was having a panic attack seeing she was paying for $60 bucks for my sister's(twin still in college) shoes when I got a pair for $20 at Kohl's a bit back. As well as figured out which of the many ways to make a savings work for me... Though, my recommendation to you Will Terry is to not have all your savings in the bank or in the saying "Don't have your eggs in one basket." goes which you probably know from freelancing. Even though you might think it is safe there, FDIC insurance does not cover all the trillions of dollars in all the banks accounts in the USA that is within it's rules and in the law the government can "bail-in" entities by giving depositors a hair cut from their savings like they did in Cyprus, Greece last year. Seriously, it is in the law to do that and that goes the same for Canadians as they added it the same time to their rules like the USA. Before you have another stupid moment with thinking this would never happen in America, look at the interest you are earning in the bank and what fees they are having you pay. Other than using the bank as a means of exchange, it's more productive to buy a safe and keep your savings in it while keeping enough in the back to pay bills and such. Also, with how much banks have become electronic, you might not even be able to get your money out if the power goes out even if a bail in does not happen. Seen enough panic from "rural newbies" who live in the rural side and in the city nearby with thinking they have to buy all they can expecting their debit cards and credit cards will not work when a seemingly big storm(be it ice storm or hurricane)through to understand a lot of people don't think they can survive without electricity for a few days. I might be 22, but I don't have a panic attack when the power goes out(unless working on a job and I make sure the client knows just in case if the situation looks likely). In fact, I just switch to either cleaning up a bit, switch to working on something in traditional media, talking on the phone(still got landlines) or even read a book or knit. But, then again, power goes out often here to where we make jokes as to how old and flimsy the power grid is to the point some businesses have back-up generators to make sure they are still running.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18222300642821046736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-55885043116982246792014-03-31T11:31:26.605-06:002014-03-31T11:31:26.605-06:00I do think writing makes a difference in how well ...I do think writing makes a difference in how well an artist does financially. Besides being a good artist, you're a good writer.Theresa Taylor Bayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00886143448221324175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-22754180513619271602014-03-31T10:47:18.897-06:002014-03-31T10:47:18.897-06:00So true, Rob! I miss my big house but love my free...So true, Rob! I miss my big house but love my freedom. My hubby and I live with his dad and I work where I live and love it! Will, it is amazing how much money you can live on when you have too. I was looking at my old pay checks from the big corporate company I worked for and yes, I would love to make that money again but I live on so much less now and I am afraid if I made that kind of money I would slid into that old pattern again, I hope not! Keep going and writing. Thanks again!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15951945139030245430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-53190687016361123322014-03-31T10:31:35.677-06:002014-03-31T10:31:35.677-06:00Will, you article is so true. When there is no wor...Will, you article is so true. When there is no work it sucks! and when the checks come in a reason to celebrate. It's a crazy world out there and freelancing is just so nerve racking.Bits and Pieceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12320446947930043831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-50580112718158775162014-03-31T08:05:07.370-06:002014-03-31T08:05:07.370-06:00Living below your means = FREEDOM
You can't p...Living below your means = FREEDOM<br /><br />You can't put a price on freedom.<br />My wife and I were looking at buying a house. To our amazement a large majority of our friends said, "don't do it - don't be fools". They envy us because we have freedom. We lust after their granite counter tops and spacious homes...they lust after our ability to pick up and go anywhere anytime we want.<br /><br />Great post!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05843206982226018094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8558633592606222881.post-32712580733434319392014-03-31T05:02:45.173-06:002014-03-31T05:02:45.173-06:00You're a good writer too, besides being a fant...You're a good writer too, besides being a fantastic artist! This was interesting and inspiring, and very enjoyable this morning. Do any of your books or videos talk about the process of approaching publishers, and how to submit and get noticed?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05600673251180423439noreply@blogger.com