Be yourself

Make the stuff you really want to make and put it out into the world. ‘Self promo’ in the social media sense can be a bit soulless in my opinion. Who cares? Everyone’s promoting something. Spend your time and energy making the work, then think of where you can get people to see in its most appropriate setting. Whether that’s in print publishing, an online platform, film screening, exhibition, a workshop… the format should relate to the content. Then talk to the people there about it. In person. Don’t ever be afraid to talk about yourself and your work. As long as you are asking questions too, then you will have great conversation and people will be interested in what you do and are passionate about.

Be knowledgable. Learn as much as you can, all of the time, forever. The more you read, watch, see, observe, listen to, the more you will understand the world and what your role is in it. Context is everything.

Practice drawing lines. Over and over. Understand the control you are capable of, and work with that.

Manage your Money

Be upfront with yourself about your finances. Don’t hide from your bank account. Initially, expenditure needs to be as low as possible on all non-allowable expenses items (see this government guide). However, you should be able to assess when it is a good time to invest in yourself and your studio practice. Working on rubbish equipment that slows you down is sometimes necessary but not economically sustainable in the end. Better to get in (manageable) debt and and have a fast computer that doesn’t beachball or crash every five seconds.

Buy people stationery and books for presents because then you can put it on expenses. Make sure your holidays are work-related, like, you are doing essential research or going to a meeting when you’re there (aren’t you??!)

Get friends and family to buy you non-allowable items like clothes and toiletries for your presents. Spend your own money on equipment and materials and subscriptions. Or save it. You will need a back-up fund for if you get sick or injured or out of work.

File all of your receipts weekly. I never do this because I’m stupid and don’t listen to my own advice.

Don’t ever stop.

Art, illustration, design, animation – it’s a long game. Focus on the horizon.

Find out what your ‘thing’ is; what do you most care about in the world? What makes your heart beat fast and get you excited? Your work should be centred around this thing. Then you will always be motivated to do it.

Be brave.

Take risks and believe in yourself.

If opportunities arise, even if you aren’t completely certain you have all of the requirements for the job, go for it. Anything technical you don’t know can probably be learnt via online videos in your evenings, while on the job. Ring the most reliable person you know and ask them for help or advice if you’re feeling unsure.

Tell yourself how great you are, and how great you are going to be. Even if the evidence doesn’t quite match up yet. It will ;-)