Artist's Notes | May 2025

Long time no see!

I've fallen a bit off schedule and haven't written anything – got overwhelmed with household chores, moving to a new apartment, resolving immigration issues, preparing for an exam, planning a baby shower... Life is buzzing, huh?

Illustrator's challenge

So, this year I feel a lack of the creativity I had before. There are many reasons, but that's not important. I need to help myself get back into drawing for pleasure, incorporating it into my daily routine. Do you feel the same? Then you should know you're not alone – creativity often walks hand in hand with motivation (or its absence). These creative valleys are completely normal, even if they feel frustrating. The good news is that these periods are temporary, not permanent. It helps to read others you follow (like me – THANK YOU for reading!). This connection often helps me too, providing reassurance that everyone faces these challenges and finds their way through them.

So if you’re struggling like me now, maybe we can chat about a little challenge? I'd like to set myself on something – like a series of illustrations – perhaps in collaboration with another artist/photographer/brand designer? If you want to join in, email me!

Is the industry facing a crisis?

What are your thoughts on this? I feel that there isn't as much work as before, and the usual approaches aren't working. It's as if everything has stopped, but I hope this will be resolved soon. Nevertheless, bills need to be paid, so we need to act – perhaps coming up with new methods we haven't tried before!

What's helping me at the moment (you're welcome to try as well!):

• Reminding previous clients about yourself

• Reminding old leads about yourself (those who didn't become clients – I hope you're keeping records, right?)

• More presence on social media where people are looking for YOU – LinkedIn is very good in this regard, and I often see gig inquiries there

• Perfect time to work on long-standing ideas that you didn't have time for before – your portfolio works for you in the long run

• Planning projects for passive income – prints, files, freebies for collecting emails, educational videos, etc. Because why not? You never know what will make a difference eventually.

Readdle App Store feature illustration by Irene Neyman

Mentoring & coaching

Last week, I had another call with an illustrator with whom we'd already had a consultation. I see the results this is bringing to his career, and it gives both of us so much inspiration! We set goals for the next meeting, and I sincerely think that this approach really keeps you in shape – you don't waste time and get closer to your goals. Here's his feedback after the first consultation:

I knew that Irene was the right person to review my portfolio as she has a both perspectives, the artistic as a fellow illustrator, and the business experience as an art director. Now I feel more confident to approach clients after her tips on presenting my work, best practices on professional etiquette and self promotion.

If you want advice, ask the people that achieved the goal you seek. If you want to be an established and business savvy illustrator, ask Irene.

Tomas R.

I'd be happy to provide consultations for you, and I offer a 40% discount for students. Details on my website! P.S. I'm going on maternity leave starting in September, so I'm temporarily available for consultations only until the end of summer. I plan to resume work as soon as possible in the fall tho!

Newsletter update

I've been thinking for a while and decided to add subscription options for readers, and now you can become my supporter! You'll get access to a private chat where you can ask your questions, send your work for feedback, and discuss any other issues! I'll also write additional blogs with more in-depth topics and mention my tools and techniques that I actually use in my work, which will help in your creative business.

Moreover, I would be truly grateful for your support, which would allow me to write more frequently and with greater depth, sharing valuable insights and practical tools that can make a real difference in your creative freelance career.

As always, thanks for reading!