Leading Artists

Do you see yourself as a leader?

I’m a parent, cafe boss, artist and a dog owner. So I guess I’m a leader.

Yes that’s right… I think if you are an artist and actively putting your work out into the world you are a leader. Because I think many artists are too timid about posting their work online. Making deals with themselves that I’ll post my art online when I’m creating work that’s really good. The sad truth however is even as you get better you’ll still think you aren’t good enough. There will always be something that you want to improve or work on. I think the best advice I have heard is just start where you are.

By putting work out there you are firstly showing the world you are an artist. And even if you don’t think you are ‘good enough’ other people will usually disagree. You may start to get people making offers on your work, offering you commissions and other artistic work. If I didn’t share my art online, I never would have gotten the job of illustrating kids books for Elijah and Crumpet. I also think it’s important to share your art from the stage you are at so you encourage others at a similar stage.

I restarted my art career late in life and I have a tendency to draw like a kid. However since becoming a parent I was noticing these simple Ii lustration styles in kids books and thought that I might be able to do this. It turned out to be a lot of work but also quite achievable. Illustrating for kids books also opens up the avenue of storytelling that I love, coming from a filmmaking background.

So if you are an artist, definitely start where you are. Post your work online and become a leader by inspiring others to follow their creative passions.