School of Visual Storytelling

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Cam Kendell: The Balanced Illustrator

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Jake Parker and Will Terry are joined by illustrator Cam Kendell to talk shop and discuss Cam’s story, his secret for project management, and how to enjoy a balanced life as a creative entrepreneur.

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SHOW LINKS

Cam Kendell: website, Instagram, Patreon

Fart Quest

Dungeons and Dragons

Mortimer B. Radley

Flopnar

Choose Your Gnome Adventure

Kickstarter video

Aaron Reynolds

Clip Studio Paint

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To do well in your career, you must take care of all the other parts of your life: relationships, physical and mental health, etc. 

  • It can take years to grow a successful illustration career, but if you have ability, passion, interest, and a good work ethic, you can do it!

  • Working within constraints increases creativity and helps you become less inhibited in your art.

  • Use lists to manage your projects and track your time (and save them to estimate the time commitments of future projects!).

  • Focus on important tasks over urgent tasks.

About Cam
Cam studied illustration at Utah Valley University, where he learned under Will Terry. In school, Cam showed an eye for design and a solid work ethic, and after receiving his associate’s degree he decided to launch his illustration career. It was a difficult beginning, but he and his wife gave themselves seven years to make this career path work, and with the help of family, they succeeded. 

Cam seeks to take care of every aspect of his life, from his family relationships to health to his career. He believes that to be a successful business person, he must also be successful in his personal life. He sets clear boundaries, choosing not to work weekends or after 5 pm. Each day he focuses on the tasks that are most important, and he’s a big proponent of making lists and checking boxes to keep yourself on track. 

Cam loves the self-employed lifestyle for its flexibility and the ability to license his work, rather than simply trade time for money.

Cam has illustrated children’s books, created art for board games, and created multiple comics. You can catch his work on his website or on Instagram @camkendell.

LINKS

Svslearn.com

Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44

Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt

Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo 

Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.

Lily Howell: lilycamille.com

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If you want to be a part of the discussion and have your voice heard, join us at forum.svslearn.com.