Why are you an illustrator?

Replying to the illoguild.

The illo guild asked me why I am an illustrator?

There are a few reasons that interweave into one another.

1. A job I could do at 90

I wanted a job that I could do when I’m 90. - A job that the more I did the better I would become. A craft, A practice. I worked in tech for 10 years and have become disillusioned about how skills became obsolete so quickly that one always needed to be developing new skills as old skills became redundant. I love learning, and I prefer gaining faster than I’m losing.

2. Freedom to design my days

I wanted to design a job that allows for me to design my days. This meant the Job needed to pay based on outcome rather than scheduled hours spent. This flexibility allows for the ultimate enjoyment of life. I sleep when I’m tired and eat when I’m hungry. I match my activities around my energy levels and I get to spend quality time with family.

3. I’m good at it

Drawing is something I do better than the average person. Not draftsmanship, but a kind of drawing that communicates ideas and emotions. I tried working at things I was not innately good at. I learned that you can get further, faster at things you are good at.

4. A childhood ambition

I wanted to be an illustrator the instant I learned what the word meant. (Age 11)

5. I need a job

I need a job, being a good illustrator, pays as well (or better) than most jobs I could get.

The illoguild is an international collective of illustrators.

Ps: Are you an illustrator too? What’s your reason, I’d love to know!