Are You A Puddle-Jumper Or A Train-Tracker?
Episode #297 | Art by Lee White
Should you choose a niche and settle in, or follow the winds of inspiration? Jake Parker, Sam Cotterill, and Lee White teach how to pick the path that aligns with your values in this live-recorded Q&A.
SHOW LINKS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Constraints compel creativity. If you’re feeling stumped, restrict your time, media, or color palette and discover the power of narrowing your choices.
Today’s commitment doesn’t have to last forever; give yourself enough time to see a project through, and enough grace to shift gears when you’ve learned what you needed to from that experience.
Define what success means to you. Is it financial stability or creative satisfaction? Build a life that supports your highest values (without neglecting your other needs).
QUESTIONS
What lessons do you use from Cal Newport’s book, Deep Work?
Deep Work taught us to audit our time and follow natural rhythms of productivity. We guard our productive hours against distraction and save low-creativity tasks, such as admin, for the lower-energy portions of the day.
At what point does an illustration career begin to feel sustainable?
This depends on your definition of “sustainable.” If you mean financially reliable, traction usually hits after about five years, assuming you pick a lane and stick to it. Around that time, past projects begin funding future work, and you’ll start looking down the road instead of scraping to survive in the moment. By ten years, compound success will give you even more leeway to make plans for the future, experiment, or change course.
If you prioritize emotional and creative sustainability, things will look a bit different. To stay fulfilled, you’ll want to follow your curiosity and dabble in different projects. This will reduce your ability to rocket to success in any one field, but will allow you to answer the call of inspiration. To support this lifestyle, you’ll likely need a backup job to keep the lights on while you follow your muse.
Neither one of these paths is superior; you must simply choose the one that supports your highest values.
Should I attend SCBWI conferences, even if I’m not interested in publishing or finding an agent? Are local SCBWI chapters worth joining if you can’t attend in-person events?
SCBWI conferences will be most useful to those hoping to publish or find an agent. If that’s not you, the Society of Illustrators or AIGA might be a better place to find community and continued growth on your illustration journey.
SCBWI local chapters can be wonderful resources for education and community-building, even if you can’t attend their in-person events. They often host virtual events and webinars that allow you to meet other illustrators, share what you’re working on, and learn more about the industry.
Where can I find agents accepting new illustrator submissions?
QueryTracker.net is a great place to start! Look for literary agents if you want to write your own books, and art reps if you’re only interested in illustrating.
Are residency programs a good idea?
Residency programs can be a great opportunity to meet other creatives, collaborate, and spend focused time on your pet projects. If you get the opportunity to apply to one, shoot your shot! Only a fraction of the opportunities you try for will materialize, so if you’re even slightly interested, it’s best to throw your hat in the ring and see what happens. If you’re accepted, you can decide whether or not to go.
Are you a train-tracker or a puddle-jumper? Listen to the full episode and drop your answer in the comments!
