Reflections on the 6 month mark of writing on Substack

6 months in...am I going to make it to the end of the year?

In January, I decided to move all my subscribers over to Substack and start writing more regularly on this platform as a way to keep in touch and also hopefully grow my audience a little. I feel like I’ve accomplished those two goals, but now what? I’ve shared stories that I’ve written, my thoughts on being an indie author and artist, decisions about my direction, and all the big news in my life from my trip to Italy to the release of my third book!

I actually wrote so much that I have only just now caught up with my scheduled posts! I was able to relax with minimal work for about two months while everyone was kept up to date and hopefully learned a thing or two along the way. Substack has been a much better platform for the way I think and work. I had used Flodesk and then Pencil booth but felt that both platforms were lacking. I would love to know what you think about my Substack newsletters! For me it has been a pleasant transition.

In the future about once a month or so, I want to include a video reading and/or tutorial to build my online speaking skills. I hate speaking on camera but I think it’s a necessary skill in this age of online learning, podcasting, and marketing. I would like to practice and if you don’t mind being my practice audience I would love the feedback! IF you are not interested in those videos those are the newsletters you can simply pass by. I will still have all the usual stories, updates, and things I’m learning the rest of the month.

I appreciate everyone who is following me and my work. The illustration industry takes a long time to break into. It can take years to not only learn the skills and develop your style, but to also start to be recognized for your work. It can take longer to start getting regular clients as you build your brand. Its something I knew going into this but I think a lot of people don’t realize that. Many talented illustrators give up because its too hard, or its taking too long, or they get discouraged with all the rejection. To make it, you have to be able to navigate the rejection because that comes with territory.

Eventually the rejections will turn into conversations and those will turn into clients and the momentum will build from there. I’ve been actively pursuing my small business, building my portfolio, learning skills and developing my style, pitching, publishing books, and trying different things for over 3 years now. I’ve come a long way, probably pitched myself too early a lot of the time, and have made many pivots but I am confident that this is still something I’m passionate about. I feel like have a lot of creativity to share and believe that the right matches are out there somewhere! Wish me luck!