6 Tips for Staying Motivated as an Illustrator
Finding the time and energy to stay inspired and motivated to illustrate each day (or even once a week) can be challenging, especially when you have other responsibilities like work, school and children. I myself run a full-time business, have two young children at school, a wife who works, commutes and studies most of the week, and a house and garden that needs constant upkeep. That’s not even mentioning the things I neglect but probably shouldn’t, like exercise and healthy meal planning. It can all feel a bit overwhelming and “too hard-basket” but if you really want to build good habits and make it as an illustrator, there has to be a shift in mindset and a redistribution of effort.
There are a few tips that have helped me and I hope they help you:
Try to carve out a specific time each day or week that is dedicated to illustration. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, having a set time can help you prioritise your creative pursuits. I’ve set aside at least 1 hour per day in the morning or after dinner to only work on illustrations. I find the mornings are better as I feel fresher but it really depends on what else I have on that day. It doesn’t matter when you schedule it, as long as you stick to it.
Find inspiration in your everyday life. Look for inspiration in your daily routine, such as the people and places you encounter, the books you read, or the hobbies you enjoy. Take photos or make sketches of things that inspire you, and use these as a starting point for your illustrations. I’ve even gotten into the habit of reimagining people I see as cartoon characters, or noting any interesting ideas that come out of talking with my kids. Another artist I know many years ago recommended I carry around a little sketchbook with me to record interesting things I see in my day-to-day.
Set achievable goals instead of trying to tackle one big illustration project. Failing that, break down larger projects into smaller, more achievable goals. For example, you could start a daily sketchbook or create a series of illustrations based on a particular theme. I find that by doing this, you are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment much more frequently, which can spur you on to the next step / idea.
Surround yourself with supportive people. Seek out friends or online communities who share your interests and can provide encouragement and support. This can help you stay motivated and inspired even when you're feeling tired or discouraged. I used to attend life drawing classes at my local art gallery. It was refreshing to get away from my computer and use physical mediums again like charcoal. I also found the company to be very pleasant. There’s something very rewarding about creating art alongside like minded people.
Take breaks. It's important to give yourself time to rest and recharge. No one will judge you for doing this. You should really avoid forcing things (particularly through creative blocks) as it might generate negative associations with the work or the process and ultimately cause you to burnout.
Try new things. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles, mediums, or techniques. Trying new things can help you stay motivated and inspired, and may even lead to new creative discoveries. Whenever I’m stuck on what I should draw next, I often go back to some of my inspirations to try out a style I’m unfamiliar with. If I need ideas for subject matter, I go for a walk or I use an idea generator or AI tool like ChatGPT (see not so scary when it serves a purpose).
Remember, it's okay to take your time and work at your own pace. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be constantly producing new work. Instead, focus on enjoying the process of creating and finding joy in your illustrations.