Erika Lancaster- Artist + Online Art Teacher
  • HOME
  • BLOG + FREEBIES
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • CLASSES
  • GALLERY
  • MY ART TOOLS

How I Left My Job and Became an Artistpreneur

8/9/2018

20 Comments

 
How I Left My Job to Become a Full-Time Artist
Follow
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
​

​
Frustrated with having to spend so many hours a day at a 9-5 job when all you want to do is work on your art? Confused about how to make the jump from working a full-time job into creative entrepreneurship? Wondering if making a living from your creative gifts is even possible to begin with?


Becoming a full-time artist or artistpreneur is definitely possible, provided you establish clear goals for yourself, set up a realistic plan of action depending on your current life situation, and keep working towards your objective, no matter what. 

It's possible, and there are lots of amazing artists out there doing what they love for a living.

Is it easy? Not at all. 

Will the first few years be tough? Absolutely. 

But as long as you stay motivated and focused on your end-goal you will get there.

In today's blog post and YouTube video, I'll be answering three of the most recurrent questions that I was asked during my recent Ask Me Anything event over at www.amafeed.com, which was much more focused on the business side of becoming an artist and how I transitioned from being a full-time employee into creative entrepreneurship.

This blog post and YouTube video are probably the most personal ones to-date and I will be sharing lots of tips and secrets that have allowed me to set the foundations for a successful art business. 


It's hard for me to believe that it's been a year since I left my last full-time job! I had been working as an employee for almost ten years after having graduated from university, and it wasn't until around three years ago that the idea of becoming a solopreneur started looking like something I could pursue.

Even though the idea made me extremely nervous and I was very uncertain about what would happen, I decided to take the leap and have been working extra-hard on my art business ever since.  

Though I am not making an income I can live off from yet, I have learned a ton throughout this year and I have confidence that I'm slowly (but surely) building a business that will allow me to live life on my own terms.

​
Aside from finally having time to devote to my personal artistic growth, this year has been full of new and interesting experiences, including meeting people from all over the world whom I share my passion for art with and would have otherwise never met!
​
If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists. *Subscribe HERE*




30 Day Sketchbook Challenge


​

Transitioning into Creative Entrepreneurship Questions



​1. What arrangements and preparations did you go through before leaving your full-time job? How did you know you were ready?
​

Firstly, I saved up as much money as I possibly could, especially during that last year. I've never been a very big spender, so I already had quite a bit of money saved up.

This was hugely important because I knew I wanted to treat this as a business right away and that I was going to have initial business investments to make on top of my regular living expenses!

Investments I would have to make right away included: Hiring an accountant, paying for a website/domain name, social media schedulers, business courses, quality art supplies so I could start producing work I could sell with confidence, etc.

Also, well before leaving my job, I was doing my absolute best to invest as much of my time out of work as possible into continuing to develop my artistic skills so that, as soon as I was able to, I would have quality products/services to offer.

​
It didn't matter if I had worked overtime (which I did several days a week) or if I had to give up being social on weekends, I made sure to schedule in time to work on my art. 
​


Here are, quite literally, some of the supplies I had by my side as I was working hard on building those initial skills. I even took these to work with me to draw or paint whenever I had a few extra minutes! 
​




​During every free minute I had (even during work hours at this point!-woops!), I continued reading articles and watching videos to learn as much as possible from artists that were already successful. 

I took mental notes of everything they had to do and how long it actually took them to make a living from their art, as well as many other things.

In regards to the second part of this question, I would say (as cliché as this sounds) I just felt it. I don't think the time is ever going to be 100% perfect, and you're always going to be nervous and feel uncertain when it comes to any big decision in life. 

​
However, I knew I had prepared as much as I possibly could and felt that my time to take action was running out. If I didn't do it then, I would probably be stuck teaching art in a school environment for the rest of my life. 

I spent the majority of that last year before leaving my job thinking about all of these ideas I wanted to make happen and anxiously waiting to get home to draw and paint and continue to develop myself artistically. 

Even whilst at my job, my mind was already elsewhere!

​
​
Grayscale oil portrait by Erika Lancaster
Grayscale oil portrait study by Erika Lancaster


​
​
Picture
Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.



​

2. What were the most challenging aspects of transitioning from a 9 to 5 job to a full-time artist? What were the first steps you took when you became your own boss?


​I would say that, aside from all the financial preparations I had to make sure to make, it was difficult for me to accept in the beginning that artists ARE business owners.

As a business owner, I would only be actually creating art a certain amount of time and I would have to spend time doing activities that are tedious, boring and downright scary. For an introvert like me, this meant accepting that I would have to constantly push myself out of my comfort zone. 


Another thing that was challenging was to create, and stick to, a weekly work schedule. As a solopreneur, there is nobody setting a schedule for me and I don't have to abide by anyone's timeframes (unless I'm working on a specific client project or commission-but even in these cases I have a say in the matter).

This may sound like a dream, but anyone that has been doing it for a while can tell you that it requires a HUGE amount of discipline and commitment. If you don't get up and check off those things you have to get done that day to move your business forward, you're backpedalling (at least this is the case in the beginning). 

Throughout the months, my daily schedules have shifted around a bit as my priorities change and I discover at what points in the day I'm most creative. Nonetheless, I make sure to set my alarm to get up early, and stay as focused as possible throughout the working hours I have set for myself, every-single-day. 

Another essential thing I did once I left my job was give serious thought to what I wanted my life to look like in five years and what kind of business I wanted to work towards.

There are SO many directions that an art business can go in, and it's very important to think about what YOU want, so that you can then set those strategies and commit to them. If we don't know what we want, we're never going to get anywhere.

And yes, goals shift and new ideas pop up, but you have to MOVE in order for things to happen!


Check out my blog post titled Time Management for Artists: My Secrets for Staying Consistently Productive to learn more about my short-term and long-term goal setting method, as well as how I schedule my days to keep my business moving forward consistently.

​This blog post has a free goal planner and time-blocking worksheets so you can make sure you're moving forward yourself!


Lastly, but just as important as the previous points, I made sure to make self-care a priority. As a solopreneur, if I'm not well, my business is going to suffer. Especially in the beginning, it's essential to show up and be ready and able to put in the work. 
​


Grayscale oil portrait study by Erika Lancaster
Grayscale oil portrait study by Erika Lancaster


​

3. Do you have any regrets? Do you wish you had left your full-time earlier?


In the beginning I kind of did. Especially because I was already over thirty and I felt drowned in a sea of amazingly talented artists that were a lot younger than I was. I felt that I would have to push myself to the max on top of everything I already had to do to start building a business just to catch up.

​However, over time, I have come to accept and enjoy the phase I'm in. I also came to the realization that everything happens for a reason and I was exactly where I had to be.

​Also, I think I had to go through those job experiences and the growth they provided so I would be able to do what I'm doing now. 


I don't see those years as wasted time, by any means, and am incredibly thankful for those experiences that allowed me to grow at both personal and professional levels. They allowed me to prepare financially and mentally to be able to do what I'm doing now, building up my dream career. 


​
Grayscale oil portrait study by Erika Lancaster
Grayscale oil portrait study by Erika Lancaster


​
​

5 Tips to Achieve Success as an Artist


​
​1. Set up multiple streams of income for yourself.

Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Stay open and think of different products and services you can offer using your talents and skills. As a creative being, there is a ton that you can do to bring light to people's lives.

Stay generous and never underestimate the connections you can make with people that are either directly or indirectly related to your end goal.



​

2. Continuously learn from other artists that are already successful.

Research who's currently successful at doing what you want to be doing, and learn all you can from them so that you can do that as well, in your own way. Remember they started from zero, too and that, if they could make it, you could too. Learn from what's already working and keep paying attention. 


​

3. Stay adaptable and flexible.

As an entrepreneur, there are a lot of learning to be done along the way before finding true success. As time goes by you're going to start finding out what works and what doesn't.

​Try to find a middle ground between what you like doing and what your audience actually wants. Adapt to do more of what's working.

​
​

4. Accept (and embrace) that you are a business owner. 

A lot of artists (perhaps even most of us) are introverts.

However, if we want to achieve sustainable success, we need to be open and willing to step out of our comfort zones.

Learn about marketing, accounting, inventory, sales and do not be afraid to put yourself and your work out there. Remember that it's as much about your artwork as it is about yourself.

​
Always stay professional and courteous, both online and off. Build up a solid and reliable reputation. 

​
​

5. Stay inspired and motivated, no matter what.

This can totally happen for you but you have to remain patient and keep going, but it's going to take effort and it's going to take time.

​
It's highly likely that you're going to have to work a full-time job, but stay thankful and take these experiences as learning opportunities to grow at both personal and professional levels so that you can use these skills to set up a successful art business later on.






​
​​

Watercolor Time-lapse Food Illustration
Self-Doubt as an Artist: How to Stay Confident and Keep Going
10 Positive Affirmations for Artists
20 Comments
Julie Davis link
8/15/2018 06:17:10 pm

Well said and fabulous post. Very inspirational!

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/16/2018 08:09:45 pm

Julie,

I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed this post! :) Thanks so much for taking time to check it out and for commenting. It is very much appreciated!

Reply
Erica
8/16/2018 09:41:02 pm

Thanks for sharing this post. First, your upbringing is similar to mine in which I was raised with both parents- my late mother being supportive and my father the opposite. I’ve drawn since I was child but didn’t get serious about it until my first year of college; I do have regrets, I wanted to join the military but sadly I had to have foot surgery, that part hasn’t happened yet but I was told to attend art school whet I was 16, fast forward to present situation, I attended art school but hasn’t completed my BFA yet and I will soon. I have subscribed to your newsletter so I can get somewhere in the art world, I have posted my artworks on social media but it’s a struggle because many people I follow are successful and under 30, some skipped out of pingponging jobs. Sadly I don’t work a full time but intermittent with no benefits, I’m working in Photoshop to hone my skills alongside designing my website. I’m over 35, so, thanks for giving me hope in that area but I’m doing this alone.
I’m looking forward to your emails concerning art tips and other creative matters.

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 09:12:52 am

Hi Erica,

Firstly, let me just say that I'm honored to have you as part of my list and look forward to getting to know you more, as well as helping you. :)
Thank you for sharing your life experience. Don't give into the thought that you are too old to pursue art. There are TONS of artists and illustrators that gain recognition until later in life. And remember that it's not the situations life puts you through that define you, but the actions you take.
So, you're in the process of attaining your BFA? AND you're also making it a point to start getting yourself out there on social media AND learning Photoshop, which is amazing! You're on your way!
Let's connect more over on the Facebook group or feel free to send some of your work my way through email: hello@erikalancaster.com . :)

Reply
Joann Schermerhorn link
8/17/2018 09:16:37 am

I am on a similar journey with becoming a full time writer, so this was a very inspiring and educating read. I look forward to the day that I can 100% do what I love. Thank you!

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 09:45:43 am

Hi Joann,

I have so much love and respect for writers! What you're able to do with words is an art, as well. :)
I'm happy to hear that you found this post helpful and that it has inspired you to keep working towards your passions in life! All the best to you!

Reply
Michele Miller link
8/17/2018 10:25:43 am

very interesting and courageous.

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 09:13:30 am

Michele,
Thank you so much for checking out my post and for your kind words! I really appreciate it! :)

Reply
Elly link
8/18/2018 03:03:09 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, tips and advise! This is a great inspiration for all those wanting to go along your same path! Best of luck with everything! <3 xx

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 10:01:01 am

Hi Elly,
I'm so happy to hear that you found this post inspiring and helpful! Please don't every give up on your passions!
All the best to you! :)

Reply
Jennifer link
8/19/2018 10:49:12 am

This was so thorough and candid, and a lot of these tips and experiences apply to all kinds of entrepreneurship ventures - so any aspiring business owner or freelancer can learn from these. I left my job in favor of entrepreneurship as well, so I know I can relate!

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 10:03:07 am

Hi Jennifer,

You're SO right! An entrepreneur is an entrepreneur, after all. I think all entrepreneurs are inherently creative and courageous, no matter what niche they're in.
I wish you all the best in your entrepreneurial journey! Enjoy it and keep going, my friend! You can do it!

Reply
Heather link
8/20/2018 08:11:54 am

Fantastic post, and I like the format you used (answering questions and then giving your top tips) as it really helps engage the audience rather than just throwing information at them.

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 10:05:16 am

Hi Heather,

Thank you so much for checking out this post and giving me this feedback! I'm happy to hear that you found this format clear and helpful, as it's something I'm always thinking about as I'm writing my posts.
I really appreciate it!
Take good care of yourself! :)

Reply
Susan
8/20/2018 08:31:26 am

Very interesting article and I enjoyed reading it!

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 09:46:34 am

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for checking out this post! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it! :)

Reply
Karolina link
8/20/2018 09:08:09 am

Great post, girl! I am so happy that you took the risk and decided to follow your dreams, I love success stories! Also, it is always great to see artists proving the society that they can be business people as well, not only starving romantics. Keep it up, girl!

Reply
Erika Lancaster
8/20/2018 10:10:12 am

Hi Karolina,

Thank you so much for checking out this post and for your kind words! You have no idea how much I appreciate it!
I really believe the world needs people that make time for their passions and take them seriously, as this is how we can really make a significant impact around those around us.
Thanks so much for the encouragement to keep going! :)
Take good care of yourself!

Reply
Veronika
12/20/2020 06:31:39 am

This is so inspirational thank you so much. I am 17 and I've been wanting to be an artist since I was a child however I started to take art classes only five years ago and my parents are not really supportive of the idea of me studying art. It is true that it is a risk but I love it so much that I am kind of torn apart and not sure if I should give up on my dream or pursue it. (Btw I am sorry for any mistakes, I am not a native English speaker)

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
12/28/2020 10:27:03 am

Hi, Veronika!
If your heart is telling you to keep going on your art journey, pay attention to it and never let it go.
Do remember that, at least most of us, start by working "regular" jobs and building up our skills and even our businesses alongside those jobs.
Becoming skilled as an artist and building up an income with your art that fully sustains you, takes time and A LOT of discipline and grit.
If your parents are trying to steer you away from art, perhaps there is an art-related career that you can study, such as Graphic Design, which is what I did, that enables you to be around other artists, start getting tons of experiences that will help you with your art career in the future, and it's likely that you'll be able to find a job after graduation.
Never let go of your passions, values, and personal goals, but do go about it in a smart way and set yourself up for success by making an income that sustains you.
This is, unless you have people who are willing to support you financially, of course. I personally wasn't in that position and worked regular jobs for around 10 years before starting my own business on the side. But I'm very grateful for those opportunities because I grew so many skills which have helped me as an artist/business owner.
Here's another video I made that I recommend checking out: https://youtu.be/n6t8VHzU3NM
Hope this helps! Keep going!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    ​
    Learn Drawing and Watercolor Step by Step Tutorials

    ​
    Best Art Blog Helpful Resources for Artists

    ​

    Picture

    ​
    Become a Patron!

    ​

    www.dickblick.com

    ​

    ​
    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites
    ​to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the 
    Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
    ​

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
       
​  
Website Disclaimer              Privacy Policy              ​Terms and Conditions
©  2022  Erika Lancaster.  All rights reserved.
  • HOME
  • BLOG + FREEBIES
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • CLASSES
  • GALLERY
  • MY ART TOOLS