Illustration by WNW Member Holly Stapleton
“Very few creatives want to talk about whether they actually like their own work. This is especially true in our culture of self-promotion, where many artists are forced to feign confidence when discussing their work and ease when describing their process.”
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It is a wonderful stable job with good benefits so the thought of leaving something so steady is scary. But my dream is to do something focused more on spirituality/new age modalities and/or personal development…
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Illustration by WNW Member Murphy Phelan
“How do we spot trends, the ones that transport us to the greatest interpretation of our work? They’re easy if you know where and how to look. Trends are cyclical, therefore predictable.”
Read MoreSo how does a UX designer not only get a job but make sure it’s a good one? As you might guess, it requires more than hard skills and proficiency in prototyping tools.
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When I think of working on my side project, I get overwhelmed then think about how little energy I have then feel guilty and the cycle happens over and over…What can I try to get inspired enough to make my idea real and get closer to doing the work I really want to do?
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Looking over my diary, I can clearly note the sharp rise in my productivity level when my creativity is carved out in a routine. Let’s just say the times when I've noted simply ‘work on illustration tomorrow’ have yearned less than impressive results. Allow me to break down how I've crafted a creative routine that works for me.
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I forgot how much I needed other people. On a soul level, the residency kind of saved me. I had no idea that what I needed most was feedback and collaboration, not more hours logged at a desk.
Read MoreI have a good-paying job as a designer at a small, but growing startup, yet I’ve always had the dream to pursue a more independent path as an illustrator...I’ve thought about taking the next step, but I don’t know if it’s foolish when I make a good living that allows me to be independent and save. Is this a silly pipe dream?
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Illustration by WNW Member Jason Raish
Yet hyper-positivity isn't sustainable for those on the bestowing or receiving end. At risk of sounding like a downer, I find myself disinterested in vibing strictly in a positive direction.
Read MoreI graduated top of my class and it’s humbling to be a small fish in a big pond again. I know I’ll get better in time, but I’m struggling to be patient with myself and my career. How long does it take to get really good at something? To be recognized? To have better opportunities?
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Illustration by WNW Member Yifan Wu
Generally, we’re not interested in gigs that don’t deliver on creative fulfillment or social currency. Why do we limit ourselves?… When we succumb to the myth of one marketplace, we scramble to be seen and heard. We scramble for opportunity along the well-worn path.
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Whether you’re just starting to truck your way down the freelance road or you’re a seasoned pro, reaching out to art directors and companies is one of the most fruitful ways to get design work. I’m going to share with you exactly how I’m contacting art directors and companies I want to work with.
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“My biggest challenge is not being able to quantify and expose my strengths. Jack of all trades... King of none.”
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Illustration by Andrea Johansson
“For a minute I was nine again, screaming my head off as Mia Hamm slides across the pitch on her knees, pumping her fists. As often as advertising squeezes our insecurities in its spindly fingers, occasionally it produces the inverse effect: connects us to our dreams.”
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Illustration by WNW Member Yifan Wu
“One quality I always look for when interviewing designers is the ability to get their concepts implemented in the final product as envisioned during the design phase. Basically, I want to know: did your ideas actually ship? I’ve noticed that designers who succeed share certain underlying skills and approaches.”
Read More“I guess the underlying dilemma is that I’m not sure how to maintain the idea of myself as a kind of ‘jack of all trades’ or to make some kind of active choice and promote myself as a product/niche service.”
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Illustration by WNW Member Kevin Whipple
The pressure of doing what you love stands to kill you faster than doing what makes you apathetic. Our identities more quickly attach to a profession we hold dear because it runs parallel to our sense of personal purpose. We feel exultation at our highest heights and utter despair at our lowest lows.
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Illustration by WNW Member Greg Kletsel
For years, I’ve continuously devoured and internalized every piece of writing advice available. Every tip, trick, tidbit, factoid, and helpful hint. Every “do” and every “don’t.” None of it has made me a better writer. Turns out, all that advice getting passed down as gospel is totally unhelpful.
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“I decided to give freelance a go after the contract ended and I assumed work would just come in. But the truth is, it hasn’t. Every month I tell myself this is it. If I don’t get more work, I’ll start applying to companies and take a break from freelancing. But I don’t want to do that. I want to keep working for myself and really build something I love.”
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