September Update
Hello!
Gosh, it’s been a while… I intended to update sooner than this, but I honestly don’t know where this year is going. It has FLOWN by so far, with no signs of slowing down.
I thought I’d post a relatively quick update, as I have deadlines closing in on all sides. Fortunately, it’s all exciting stuff, I’m working on the first in a new series that hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s a mix of middle-grade and graphic novels, so LOTS of comic spreads to get through. I’ve been wanting to branch out more into the comics space, but I’ve always found it really intimidating, so this has been quite a nice balance.
Here’s a peek at one of the spot illos:
Speaking of balance, this year has really taught me that I need to overhaul my work/life balance. I’m never sure how honest to be when putting things out publicly, but I also feel a certain responsibility to shed some light on some of the pitfalls of being a freelancer - for me, at least.
I’ve been freelancing now for over 10 years, 8-ish of those full-time, the past 2 alongside a part-time job. Through a combination of different agents, living situations, the pandemic, and a bit of creative crisis, I was craving stability. I also felt an urge to do something a little different but within the same space. This is why I applied for a role with a children’s publisher as a designer. I love my role and all the opportunities it has presented, but the fact is, I have less time to spend on freelance projects. This was fine in 2021, when work was a bit quieter and I was transitioning between agencies, but since then, it’s picked up a lot and I want to be able to do it all. But I can’t, and I shouldn’t. My world isn’t going to fall apart if I say no to projects. In fact, it’s the ideal position to be in, and I should be taking full advantage of being a bit more picky with what I choose to do.
I don’t know if other freelancers feel the same, but there’s a fear around turning things down, in case things dry up completely and you’re shoved onto the top shelf, forgotten, and collecting dust. It’s not a healthy way to think, but it’s quite difficult to re-wire your brain, particularly if you’re a full-time freelancer.
All of this is to say, that I’m trying to be better at managing my workload, as this past year has been so hectic, that I don’t know if I’m coming or going! It’s been wonderful in a lot of ways, but I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t had a significant impact on my mental and physical health. I still have a rather large wave to ride, but come mid-October, things should feel more manageable, just in time for us to go on a much-needed break away to Edinburgh. I can’t wait!
Going forward, I will be making some changes to my workload, in an effort to have more downtime to recharge and prioritise some slightly different creative ambitions. It would also be quite nice to read more than 1 book in 6 months, but you know, baby steps.
Let’s round this off with a cover reveal, shall we! The brilliant Jo Clarke has written a 3rd book in her Libby series, which was revealed last week, but I want to share it here for anyone who may have missed it…
Ta-da! Libby is going to New York! Publishing 4th Jan with Firefly Press.
I’ll be back soon with some more doodles and hopefully feeling refreshed, and with much less coffee in my system.