Us creatives know all too well the feeling of impostor syndrome. That feeling that you don’t really know what you’re doing and any minute now someone is going to ask you to leave the party. I think sometimes it comes from comparing ourselves to others, or comparing ourselves now to where we want to be. We haven’t met our goals yet, the self doubt creeps in and we question if we’re good enough.

I went through a bit of a dry spell after my illustration degree and there were definitely struggles getting back into it.

During my dark days when I’d lost my creative mojo I turned to YouTube for inspiration. I then discovered the channels of too amazing women who were sharing their life as illustrators online. Those women were Fran Meneses aka Frannerd, and Holly Exley. I suddenly felt hope that here were some real people talking about their process, their success and their struggles. Even though I was a lurker in those days and didn’t comment I still felt a connection and I think Fran and Holly become like my spirit guides on my own illustration journey.

I’m going to be drawing portraits of my fav YouTubers and sharing what they’ve taught me.

Starting with Fran; one of the things I’ve always loved about her channel is the advice she gives. I love this piece of advice (from her video How to start as an illustrator) because it gave me the permission to call myself an illustrator rather than an aspiring illustrator or wannabe illustrator.

“If you want to be an illustrator and you don’t know where to start. You might just say. Hi. I am an illustrator. And that’s it. You kind of started being one.”

It reminded me that if you make art you’re an artist. If you write you’re a writer. If you play music you’re a musician, if you illustrate, you’re an illustrator.

Fran goes on to give some really helpful practical advice in the video too; but this piece of advice really stuck with me and gives me the confidence to know I do belong and I am good enough.

You can watch Fran’s video below and if you don’t already follow her go check out her YouTube channel here.

Stay tuned for more YouTube portraits coming soon, including my portrait of Holly Exley.

I recently received a massive box of products I ordered from Awesome Merchandise. If you haven’t heard of them they’re a great resource for getting your artwork printed on pretty much anything you can think of.

I wanted to order some more products for my Etsy shop. I also have a Redbubble and a Society6, but they’re something more personal about packing and posting orders out yourself.

I’m also going to have a table at the Ink Paper + Print fair in Margate on Sunday 28th October. If you’re local to Kent stop by and say hello :)

Check out my video to see the products I ordered, and how I take my photos. If you’re wondering what on earth I’m wearing on my face in the thumbnail, you’ll have to watch to find out!