How I Became a Full-time Freelance Illustrator and Artist
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- Get nice and comfy folks, this is a long one with an emotional ending. I'm going over my last 10+ years of history in how I got started as an illustrator; the timeline of my career, what projects I worked on and when; how long it took me to make a full-time income as an illustrator; how and when I knew I wanted to be an artist; what I think about "big breaks," and what I learned from it all.
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Edited by the amazing Meg Potter -- THANK YOU, MEG!!
Channel: / megankate92
Website: www.megscreations.com
Filmed with:
Camera - Nikon D3300 (amzn.to/1Vogb8B)
Lens - Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens (amzn.to/1p23UIM)
Music:
Mama’s Whisper - The 126ers
This video is exactly what I needed. I have hit rock bottom, not because of an illness, but after 19 years of teaching, I am being let go in a month. I’m an Art teacher! My daughter has told me (and she’s right) that I’ve been using teaching as a crutch, not to pursue my art full-time. Well, it’s not in my control. I moved to NC for this job. Left family and friends. Knew no one. But at least I had the stability of my job. Your video hit so many chords with me. Thank you! I took my first baby step today and going down the wormhole, found you. THANK YOU!
The BEST video for entrepreneurs (not just illustrators) I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for your rawness, openness and encouragement
Wow, wow, wow, Ashley! Thank you!💞💗 Means so much to hear as I was really nervous about sharing it, so knowing it resonated is such a relief!🙏🏻
Could not relate more to those thought patterns of "this will be my last job" "this will be my last successful year". I'm always bracing myself for failure, and in a way I hope this never leaves... I don't ever want to be complacent and expect recognition and stability. The only thing that stops the uncertainty from feeling unbearable, is the trust I have in myself that I will keep going no matter what. And that's only come from experience, from having to pick myself up many times already. I wholeheartedly believe in the message of your video! One step at a time, growing in courage, it's such an important life lesson. Thank you Kendyll!
YES! Agreed on all counts -- the trust that you'll keep going despite circumstances is really the most valuable thing of all. And for me, there's something about knowing that the doubt and the struggle will always be there (no matter how good or how bad the circumstances are) is oddly comforting. I guess it takes away some of the feeling that there's somehow something wrong with me or my process because I don't feel 1000% confident all the time. And PS -- I'd love to see what you would make for this kind of a video!!💕💕💕
It is now mid 2022, but this video helped me so much. Especially after I see teenager and early 20s somethings constantly posting how they blew up in just six months etc. etc. and they’ve got all these money streams and opportunities and sales. And I am coming up to 50 song is still trying to figure out how to make it an artist. Thank you so much! Wishing you all the best. 🦋
Oh Kendyll! I cried when your voice broke down!
I have to say that to me, you had many big things already happening in your career as an illustrator. Things I can't never even dream about! This video is an inspiration, and i want to say thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much for the kindness, empathy and encouragement! I am so humbled and appreciative!💗💗
Definitely it was the universe guiding you through every possible moment for you to become an artist. Stay strong and true to yourself.
Can relate to the constant feeling like I don't know quite where I'm going and the acceptance thereof. We need more people like you, how beautifully honest, thank you!
Absolutely in love with your vibe, transparency and relatability in terms of your health struggles, as well as the non-traditional linearity in your journey. I'm still new to the art scene (a year of consistent artwork), constantly learning & the inspiration (more and more) from other creatives such as yourself, to put my work out there. I hope to keep extending my creative dream & get to the place I dream to be. ✌️💕
Thank you so much for this video, I needed so much. I'm right there right now, I'm so lost and I don't know wtf I want to do, I love illustration but it seems so far away to make it my full time job, but as you said just keep taking baby step, thank you so much for this
I LOVED this video Kendyyyyyyll, thank you SO MUCH for sharing this with us! ToT
Thank you so much, Fran!!!!💗💗💗
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This journey still feels like it took off quite quickly once you actually started taking art seriously. From 2012 on you pretty much hit the ground running. I was encouraged at the beginning of the video, thinking oh... four years doing this and not going anywhere is normal... then realized you didn't really start trying until much later and the rest of it sounded like things worked out pretty quickly.
Thank you so much for being the most generous person I ever knew ! Am yet to find someone who would be willing to share as much insights and experiences with such clarity and sincerity about their craft as you do Kendyll. Your videos have always been very motivational and inspiring,and this is no exception. In fact, you are the reason I felt inspired to try coloured pencil medium as well as mixed media and even start to consider the possibility of having a career in art. You even gave me a sense of direction whereas earlier I had no idea how to go about doing it and was just dabbling in art every once in a while and wouldn’t dare to try any new medium other than watercolours. So thank you for all that you do.. 🙏🏼
Have to mention this as well, am constantly impressed by the volume of work you do each month with such diligence and so much consistency and am trying to emulate that, although I must admit I do fail miserably many a times.. 🤭
Kendyll, you are so kind to share your story. It's been so very helpful, and your timing is uncanny. I put in my two week notice with my employer yesterday with the intent of pursuing my art career full time. "Not knowing. Take baby steps." I will try to remember your words when I feel unsure in the coming days/months/years.
Oh wow, Kerrie! What a big step! Congratulations!👏🏻 Really glad to hear the timing and some of the themes resonated for you. Wishing you success, and growth, and a brave heart on the road ahead.💪🏻💕
Thank you, Kendyll. I needed to hear this. Currently I am going thro chemo and divorce (he abandoned us) at the same time and one step at a time is all I can manage. I love cooking too. And hope to write a cookbook myself. I am glad you are finding the light as you progress in your journey. God Bless.
I hope you are doing well 2 years later 💗
@@melanistar I am. Thank you so much. I felt so sad for the woman (the past me) who wrote this comment. Grief is something that becomes part of who we are after trauma and loss but I know also find lots of moments of joy now. I am so thankful for them. And thankful for you for checking in on me. 🙏❤️
2 years later, your story and encouragement are still helping :) Thanks so much!! I will probably be watching this again at some point as a reminder :)
Thank you Kendal!!! How beautiful that even one year after you filmed this, it is perfect timing for me as I watch this. I can relate to you journey of getting an autoimmune disease and having to quit a job, and then finding that art was the only thing you could still do. I am living that now. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus and RA and could not do my job. Art has been the one thing I can continue doing. I have been working on my art skills for over a year now and am looking into how I can turn my love of art into a small income. You sharing your journey was a blessing and encouragement. When we go through challenging times and have no control over how our bodies respond, it is good to hear someone share a journey much like your own. Thanks for inspiring so many people...especially tonight for me when I needed it. Keep painting the world!
Your story really touched me! Looking forward to seeing some of your art work one day! God Bless you!! All the best with your journey.
Truly inspiring. I'm still in the beginning phase of my illustration journey, that place where putting one foot forward and just producing work is pretty much all you can do. It's easy to do on good days, harder to do on terrifying days. Which makes videos like this so helpful. It makes those hard days a little easier. Thank you for filming this.
I really understand you! 😣
Same here!
Thank you for sharing your experience! That phase is so challenging, and it feels never ending. Well-done you for continuing to put that one foot in front of the other. I'm so happy that you found some encouragement in this video. Thank you for telling me. 💗💕
I can totally relate, as I had been a graphic designer for a company too and had to leave this job because of chronic pain. Now I'm trying to get a foothold as an animal illustrator. It's very easy to lose hope, but then again I feel like this is the only chance there is for me to work a normal job right now anyway. So, I will keep going. It's good to see that it can work!
I completely understand and have been on the path of finding myself since 2011. I was diagnosed with syringomyelia, a rare spinal cord disease. Since then, I've had 10 surgeries, spent 1 year in a wheelchair as an incomplete quadriplegic, and live every day with chronic pain. I do my best to stay positive and know that I have so much to be thankful for. I have lived 8 years beyond the approximate time I was given at my diagnosis. I still have issues from the paralysis, but I can walk and use my arms! I spent 15 years working in the medical field before I had to leave my job. I decided that my illnesses (I have 9 now) are not going to have total control, I still have dreams. So I decided to paint and draw. I love to write and have always wanted to draw. I practice every day and actually sell my abstract and fluid paintings now. I'm rambling, sorry. I related so much to your thoughts and feelings, thank you SO much for sharing. I wish you all the best 🌺🌱
I truly believe I needed to find this video in the time I did. I literally just gave myself the ok to try again at building an art career this month. I graduated in 2011 from an expensive art school and had no clue what my style was, what I wanted to do in illustration or how to go about it. I ended up working odd jobs here and there until my mother passed away in 2012. That was my rock bottom and I gave up art completely. I had resigned myself to working an unsatisfying job just to make ends meet. I found myself in grad school in 2014, hoping at the very least I could work in the art world, but as an administrator (museum/gallery). I absolutely HATED it. And just told myself I wouldn't try again. After dropping out of grad school, I took a complete left turn and went to teach English abroad in Asia. I admit, it was a way to escape my problems, but over the years I healed a lot of my personal wounds and took up art classes for stress relief in 2018. Now, I'm finally at a place where I am confident enough in my ability to pursue an illustration career once again. I know I have a long way to go still, but this video and all the artists that admit that self doubt and anxiety are very real things that affect an artist's work and self worth make me feel not so alone in going after this again. Thank you.
All the best, you will make it
Everyone behind have a lot of adventures and experiences, I am only 14 but I am starting to be scared of my future already. My family and I are going to move to another country soon. I have no idea when and will my health diseases be better in another country hospital. My dreams is to be an illustrator. I think my dream is clear but my destination is hard to reach. I am not from English and that is also a reason why my English is terribly bad. I know I might still have a long walk before my life ends, and need to be confident to face problems. But sometime I just tired of this world talking about money everywhere. The people living in my country have more than 50% of them have less than 300k per year. And nowadays houses are around $6millions. I am afraid I can’t afford a house of being an illustrator. I’m glad you have faced your problem!
Best of luck to you! X
How’s it going?
This was what I needed to hear. I did a degree in geography but I have really bad mental health issues and during the pandemic took my art more seriously. It’s slow and hard work but I love it every day and I need to just figure out how to keep going and get to a place where I can see more down the road
Thank you for putting this video out there. I had a life-changing shoulder injury and have had to rethink everything.
Right now I'm putting my toes out there, feeling my way forward. And I'm not quite sure where I'm heading.
It helps to hear from other people who have been there before me - going one step at a time, and no big breaks.
Thank you!
Enjoyed your video, and very relatable. Thanks for sharing the fact that you deal with an inner critic when sending e-mails, working through projects, communicating with clients, etc. I'm a medical illustrator and I think we all share similar struggles and successes in the creative community.
Thanks so much, Amanda! Yes, the inner critic is still all too real. The only thing that makes it easier is knowing that it never goes away -- I just get better at moving forward despite it! So cool to hear from a medical illustrator, by the way. How'd you get into it?
@@KendyllHillegas Yes, I try to not let fear created by my inner critic to keep me from moving forward. It's very hard, but I keep going. Ohh hard to keep a short answer to your question. I learned about it when I was in high school more than 15 years ago, went to art school but I took both science classes and art classes in college & earned a BFA, then graduated with a medical illustration degree from one of the accredited schools. I did a more traditional route to get here. I've been doing it now for about 8 years or so. It'd be cool to see you move in that direction if you choose to do so. If you have any questions about it, I'm happy to answer-- feel free to e-mail me.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I really appreciate it ❤ I so resonate with your story when you said you only focus on your very next step. That's exactly what I'm doing now. Your story really inspire people to keep going. Thanks again ❤
You are a beautiful and talented person. I cried from your story! I am amazed at your success and you should be so proud of yourself. x
Thank you Kendyl My eyes filled towards the end of your vid. You helped me today. I have been having a terrible gout attack all week due to a kidney problem. I was up all night 2 nights ago with the pain. The medication made me feel so sick and I had to go back to bed. Thankfully my cat meowed me out of bed lunchtime and I looked at my artwork on the screen and thought I’ll just try and go back to sleep if I can’t do it. I ended up able to complete 4 great hours of work, so thanks cat! ( I was so annoyed at the time though😂). So seeing your video this morning thoroughly endeared me. The baby steps you talk about I will hold to my heart and remember your words. Yours is a real story of endurance and I have been moved to action by you today 🙏💚🤩✌️✨
I am so glad I came across this video. Thank you Kendyll. It felt like you were literally talking to me! My journey is somewhat similar; when I was young I constantly changed what I wanted to do when I grew up.... vet, journalist, actor, lawyer. I was good at drawing but , like you, wouldn't sustain it for hours on end. I found myself years later, being quite envious of people who had always known what they wanted to do with their lives. Fast forward to university, and I did do graphic design & illustration (I am always quite confused and curious when I hear people in the US talk about college as it seems like you have the opportunity to do several unrelated subjects at the same time? It's not like that in the UK). Anyway, I left university in 2011, with no proper portfolio to speak of, as I had mostly gotten rid of it, due to thoughts of inadequacy. I naively thought I would be fine and that I would be able to churn out a new and improved portfolio in a matter of months and start my career. WRONG! As I'm writing this, I am pretty much in the same position as when I left university, working a job which is secure (yay) but mind-numbing, tedious and repetitive. My thoughts have been wandering back to a potential career in illustration and this video has really inspired me to try to focus my energy in this direction. Thank you for being so candid about the bumps in the road you have experienced and that it has not happened for you overnight. Long comment I know, but I really felt the need to respond to your video. All the best for 2022 and beyond! Aaron.
Thank you Kendyll, so so much for sharing your story with us. I’m in the dark as well, or misty as you said. It gets clear here and there, but I don’t know what I’m doing lol. Your story and knowing you pushed yourself to succeed means so much to me and I’m so happy you did it. Thank you again 💞
Thank you, thank you, Nakita! Hope you keep on taking baby steps through that mistiness -- it will slowly clear if you keep going! And it's so nice to hear that the video resonated with you. Thank you for telling me.💗💗💗
Sweet Kendyll, I just want to hug you. Thank you for sharing your heart.
This was exactly what I needed to hear Kendyll! I moved to the US 6 months ago and am still waiting on working rights so I've been in a similar situation in that I'm housebound a lot and just making work. I constantly get that feeling like I don't know where I'm going but this is such a big encouragement!! Love your work xx
Thank you for sharing this with the world. Your testimony is inspiring and motivating.
Hi Kendyll, thank you so much for making this video. This is exactly what I need right now.
Thank you, I don't know how I stumbled on this video but I have gone through very mirroring things that you have with art school, stressful jobs debilitating my health and burnouts and medical traumas that have left me in a stage of healing. Grateful for your words and what you went through. I have faith things will look brighter and that all Ive been through is to get me here right now so I can make art and take two steps.
Absolutely love your artwork and your story! It has really helped me feel like things are more possible then I thought. I’ve also been diagnosed with a immune disease and just recently started freelancing on the side. Listening to your channel really keeps me optimistic ❤️
Thank you so very much, Heather. So sorry to hear you've been struggling with health issues. I hope you can do what you need to to take care of yourself and be kind to your body. And I'm humbled to hear that you felt somewhat uplifted after watching this. That's the best compliment of all. 💗💕💕
Thank you, Kendyll, for this moving and incredibly helpful video. Putting one foot in front of the other and trusting, even in the darkness...
Kendyll! I watched this video today at least 4 times and I can’t tell you how I am feeling now. Just want to give you a big hug. Thank you for being such an inspiration. 💕💕
Thank you so much for sharing this!!! I had a horrible burnout at work and now I can't go back because I can't bare doing it. Can't handle the stress it brings. I always wanted to do art but my family never viewed it as an option. And now after hitting the bottom I'm trying to change my life and work on my drawing one small step at a time. I don't know if it will lead me somewhere. But your story, your words of encouragement are so precious, so supportive! Thank you, Kendyll!!!
Thank you for this video. Health issues have also impacted my life choices and I'm grateful for your honesty and the hope that you give us all!
Wow❤️ as someone who also has chronic pain I appreciate your honesty so much. Balancing your health with work, passions and mental health is hard, I’m so glad you followed your heart. Thank you for this video 💖
I recently developed Narcolepsy, and it ended my military career. It hit suddenly and I went from being 100% independent to not even being able to drive myself anywhere. Two massive, non-art related things that you importantly covered. The necessity of a support system, and making the best of a potentially bad situation. Because of refocusing and looking at the blessings in disguise, I've focused like never before on my art and creative side. My very first art vending event is the 30th of this month, and I'm excited for the future. I love your mindset of moving beyond limitations and still realizing goals and dreams. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you so much for making this 💚 I am in one of those places where I'm trying to feel my way forward one step at a time. This is such an open and vulnerable video to make, thank you for being willing to share about your process in this way
Even though I don’t know you, I’m very proud of you for being tenacious and consistent in your goals. You are strong and courageous in every way not to mention a very gifted and talented artist. You will go places I’m sure of it. Great artists are rare and you are one of them!! Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work.
I just wanna THANK YOU for uploading this video!
I have been trying to build a professional artist's career for myself for the past 1.5 years most of the time feeling like I haven't got control over pretty much anything in my life and career which was very stressful. I kept however painting because at least that gave me purpose and satisfaction, hoping and praying that I'm going where I need to go and some day my jorney will make sense. It helps to hear experiences like these of other creatives, learn from them and feel less lonely and isolated. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for creating this video. I found it very inspiring and applicable even though my own timeline includes an additional 30 years in what was your "organization" time period. I'm starting my art journey at an age that you hope to get back to fine art and your words help me to think that's okay. Thanks again. I wish you all the success, health and happiness.
What an awesome, inspiring story! You are AMAZING in so many different ways. Talent and brains! Not forgetting beauty and honesty. I can see how you have succeeded in a career where I did not. I dabbled, did not have the tenacity that you have. That’s what it takes. Thank you for this video. I hope you and your health are prospering.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I really identify with your experience of having so many different interests and not knowing what you would "end up" doing. I appreciate your real-life story.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Yes the creative path is something we must listen to and respect the process. I think your video was outstanding and so relatable and YES everything you said makes sense. The creative path takes patience but with that comes treasures that keep unfolding because we decided to listen despite hitting rock bottom...and kept the faith. Whether you helped the hungry or your fellow artist....you are still improving lives with your u-tube videos. I cannot thank you enough Kendyll l!!!
Ps. I know all about big ideas/ unfinished projects in my younger days..lol.
This was HUGE! Kendyll. Thank You for sharing your journey.
Thank you, Joy! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it.💕
Thank you so much for this video!!! This is exactly how I've been feeling. I'm so Happy im not alone in this art journey!!!
As someone who had a family member who was very sick, your story really hit home for me Kendyll.
Wauw, Thank you so very much for sharing this incredible brave story, Kendyll
I already thought you an inspiring person, but talking about your personal experiences in this way takes a lot of guts and I admire and thank you for it.
Because your message finds me in that dark place right now and I confess I cried when you talked about taking baby steps and that even than you can still be an artist. Even if the feeling of doubt is taking over and you have no idea where to go or how to make it. It's a terrible scary and lonely feeling and I can't thank you enough for expressing the message to keep faith in taking a step day by day.
I know what depression does to a person. It's ugly and often it's even a struggle to function as a normal human being.
Today was such a day. I hated myself for not being able to paint or practice my music for upcoming shows. My fiddle screeched, my voice broke when I tried to sing and my paint dried up in front of me without even dipping a brush into it.
I use my emotions and inner thoughts and feelings to express, but on a day like this I'm completely powerless and I have no control over anything.
Your story gave me hope today. Hope that I can take little steps in what I love to do and that I can be an artist with or without big success. To just breath and slowly move forward.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Amazing journey. Thank you for being so willing to share, I know it was difficult to re-live. So encouraging!
Thanks so much for sharing this Kendyll 🤩 it makes me feel like I'm not alone in how this winding path is working! Thank you, you're amazing 🙌
Success is never a straight line. Thanks for sharing, this is very inspiring. I'm going back to school as a illustration and animation major in the fall after 6 years in the medical field. Always wanted to do art as a job though, and I draw all the time. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for baring your soul in this video! It was very helpful for artists who doubt themselves (which is probably most artists)!
thank you for sharing this
The ending of this was so moving. Thanks so much for all your advice and encouragement. Love your work as well.
Very inspirational, from across the pond (UK)
I don't even have enough words to describe how much I loved this video and how to thank you enough for such a motivating story... you gave so much strength thank you ... well done keep going
This was the BEST video! So encouraging and vulnerable and genuine. I appreciated it so much.
Sending you so many hugs Kendyll! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us with such openness. You are so generous with your time, your experiences and yourself. I cannot thank you enough. Your video makes so much sense and is so needed. You are more of a light than you know. You are an inspiration!💖
Thank you for this video; I'm so touched by your words! Greetings from Montreal
Thank you, Cristina! That's so, so nice to hear!💗☺️🙏🏻
This is probably one of the most helpful and honest videos I've ever seen, thanks so much for creating it. I have a very similar story, I loved and studied art at school but was advised to go down an academic path so I trained in languages and then became a teacher. I ended up having a break down and was signed off work. I tried to return to work in school and office jobs several times but each time I got sick again. The only things I could manage were making things, drawing and painting, baking, walking, yoga and gardening. I started a craft blog and like you started to wonder if an art and design career was possible. I moved away from craft and went to art college part time in the evenings and learnt about textile design and illustration. I then took courses in surface pattern design and business whilst painting every day and sharing my work online. The trouble for me has been no clients who have worked out so far. One magazine approached me, took my work but the editor then quit and they didn't use my work or pay me. A big textile firm said they loved my work but wanted me to do spec work for them. Cold emailing or cold calling design firms lead to no work and my art prints didn't sell. I had spoonflower sales but they take a 90% cut so I mostly just made spoonflower money so I closed it down. I started looking for gardening work and saw a business coach about self employed gardening. She saw my art work as I'd brought my sketchbook. She loved it and encouraged me to try again. So here I am, trying again, about 10 years after I was signed off work the first time. I just feel in my heart and gut that I'm an artist and designer and that it's what I'm meant to be doing, so I'll keep going but it's VERY depressing and frustrating when most working designers keep it a mystery and you wonder how on earth they got to where they are, and even if they are actually earning a living from it. Thanks so much, I'm v glad you kept going and I hope your health is going OK now.
Thank you! I needed this so much! I cried with you... And I promise to take baby steps and keep going!
Your work is incredible, what you do with coloured pencils is mind bending ❤
This timeline was so relatable and a breath of fresh air!! Makes me feel closer to normal for not becoming an illustrator right out of college. Thank you chica I really appreciate the transparency 💛🙌🏼
Thank you for sharing this, I really understand that self doubt feeling. I’m starting a new career in illustration as well and your video has really inspired me.
I love you Kandy! Thank you for sharing your experience! Thank you so much! Keep growing! :) God bless you! 🌸 💖 💗 🌸 💞
I just came across this video and it was everything that I needed. Thank you so much for sharing. I relate so heavily. Down to the illness that made me realize there are aspects of life that I can't control but that doesn't make me any less worthy of living a thriving life. It makes me happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel for someone whos experienced such a dark place.
Every now and then a UA-cam video comes along which has everything: honesty, truth, emotion, etc. This is one of those videos. Kendyll, you have a new fan. And, yes, I am on the same path, a Fine Arts background in painting, disabilities, self-doubt, and all, so this really helps me feel like this is something I can do. Thank you!
Martin, thank you so much for sharing! I am so glad to hear that it resonated with you. I think creative people in general can have an "I'm the only one like this" complex, and then when you add in health/disability challenges, etc it takes it to a whole different level. You're not alone, and you can do this!🖌🎨✏️
Very encouraging. Simply natural and honest. You've just like taking me by the hand and led me out from my dark moment. Thank you Kendyll for sharing your heart.
Thanks for sharing your story! It is so valuable! I discovered for me some new directions in drawing. And the words about taking one more step every day responded to me! Thank you!
You are such a blessing to the world! 🥰 Thanks a bunch for sharing your journey with us. You really inspire me to take the next step. 😊👍🏽💜💛💚💙
Peggy!!!😭😭😭💗 This comment made my day. I am so happy to hear that you're getting in touch with that feeling. You can do it! Just take that one next step.💞👍🙌
This is really inspiring, I am right now in my path to finding my voice as an illustrator, and being aware that health issuess didn't stoped you to have a steady career on illustration, really conforts me (I have a permanent condition, which is progressive and I don't know how much time left I have, staying 'good' and functional, so well, I'm trying!). Thank you so much for this, it inspired me a lot!!!
Thank you so much for sharing, Sora. Sending good thoughts your way, and wishing I could give you a big hug!💕
This was really inspiring! I really look up to you, and now not just as an artist but as a person. It hasn’t been a year since I “quit” my job (my circumstances kind of forced me to) and became a full-time freelancer, and I ALWAYS still feel like I’m just getting started and don’t know what t do or where I’m headed. Hearing that it took you years to have those things trickle in little by little is so inspiring to hear and gives me a lot of hope ❤️ thank you for sharing your experience!
Oh, Lean, thank you so much for saying that!! I can't tell you how happy it makes me to learn that this connected for you and that you found some motivation in it. I hope you'll continue to feel encouraged and keep on moving forward bit-by-bit on your journey. 💕
You're so amazing. Thank you so much for being so generous with each and everyone of your videos. 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, Miel!! Sending those hugs right back.💞
Kendyll, thank you so much for sharing your story and continuing to make these videos. I have followed your work since 2016 when Buzzfeed released the article about your food illustrations. You have been one of my biggest inspirations for my illustration career. This particular video has brought me comfort and clarity as to what my long-term goals might be, as I graduated 4 months ago with my BFA in illustration. I haven't had any work (outside of some future exhibitions) yet for my freelance illustration career, but this video gave me hope that it doesn't need to be a "big break" or happen this second, rather that it will happen when it's meant to be. You continue to be one of my favorite contemporary artists!
That's so, so nice to hear, Emmalene! I'm super grateful, and couldn't be happier to hear that you found some comfort here. Keep on going step by step!💕💕
Wow! Very powerful. We are all on the Hero’s Journey (Joseph Campbell). The reward is not at the end of the journey, it IS the journey.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Couldn't agree more! And thank you!☺️💕
You moved me with your story. Ive listenet to the whole 45 minutes of it and it's so incredible and motivational. Keep going on slow and steady. This is awesome. I am totally encouraged to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Working hard and seize the opportunities. Thank you
This was so interesting - thank you for sharing! Especially loved the timeline to visualise your career. Amazin x
So inspiring and generous sharing _ thank you!
This video is what I needed to see. I am struggling with chronic health issues and there were so many things that you said that I can relate to...SERIOUSLY relate to. Thank you so much for being so open and honest.
I just happened upon you/this video today. I have a lot of similar situations (health issues, had to quit my day job, didn’t know if I was good enough to do art etc.) in my story. I’d just like to say that you deserve every bit of recognition and success. Your work is beautiful and you are such a delightful person! Thank you for your upbeat message and for being so real and honest. I’m going to go binge on your videos. I’m happy to have come across you❤️
Kendyll…. Thank you sooooo much…xxxoooo this video was so helpful to me, as I’m working a job that is not my passion at all, you’ve shown me to keep putting one foot forward. Much love and so much gratitude to your being real as I needed this today.
Thank you for this heartfelt video. It was very validating that I can follow a seed or a whisper and not only “a call”. I have so many ideas and inspirations but none that are super clear that I have been stalling myself choosing a path. I appreciate your experience.
Thanks for sharing, Melanie!! You can absolutely do that. From one whisper-follower to another, it doesn't necessarily get easier, but you do get stronger. 💪💗
Thank you for being so open with all of us! As an artist/designer and someone that was essentially forced out of a stressful but fulfilling job because of health issues and the limits of my own body, this really hit home & touched my heart! 💜 It was also touching to hear you share the story of your dark times. Your messages of taking baby steps & about moving forward is exactly what I needed to hear. THANK YOU!
Wow this video is so good, thank you so much for sharing. Hugs from argentina, hope your channel grows much more!
Thank you. Everything you said did make sense. Its been so helpful thank you for your openness!
And then I cried right alongside of you. Our journeys are never what we imagine them to be. And I agree that you just have to keep going, through all of the hills and valleys. I know that I am always learning and growing, falling and getting back up. Thank you for your transparency and encouragement.
Thank you for this video! it's exactly what I needed to hear :)
That's so good to hear, Maayan. Thank you!💕
I can't tell you how much this helped me. I've gone through so many similar ups and downs with my art - I left teaching to focus on it and my family (also pregnant so with you there!) and just hearing someone you admire voice what's inside your own head just really helps! Thank you. Lots of love to you from the UK x
Thank you so much Kendyll. Very encouraging. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray for your health!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It has encouraged us so very much to keep taking one step with forward or sideways, but to just keep moving.
Stumbled upon your channel during quarantine and I’m so glad I did. This video resonates so much! As someone who likes to plan WELL in advance for absolutely everything, your message about taking baby steps and continuing through uncertainty is really encouraging. Thank you!
Wow, I found some similarities in our stories, of your struggles. Thank you for sharing about this, its really been encouraging to me. This is one of the most helpful videos I have watched in UA-cam, thank you.
I am swept away by your video. I can relate to your story. I truly appreciate the content and, most importantly, the way you presented your story, not many can show their vulnerability, and you did. I wish you health 🌱
i understood exactly what u were talking about, glad to know I’m not the only one. Can’t wait to see what other things u accomplish!
I’m watching this in 2023, it was very helpful & encouraging!
Really hit a chord straight to my heart and motivation to not give up on my dreams even if my health almost got the best of me at some point. I also was hit with deep depression and despair. Thank you and do not doubt yourself, do not doubt if your videos relate, of course someone out there will relate and appreciate you sharing your story, as touching and difficult as it may be. I can confirm I am one who is inspired by your message. ♥
Thank you so much for sharing this! Oh my, you speak my heart. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in my early 20s too and it pulled the rug from under my feet but made me come back to what I always enjoyed - drawing. Your honesty about your vulnerability motivates me to follow through, even when full of self-doubt or pain. Step by step, that’s the way. Great job for being so honest about your coming into being. I feel like there are too many misconceptions out there that create unnecessary pressure to measure up. No one is born a professional and certainly those who are, seem to be less sure of it than others suggest.