“Help! I’m feeling burned out!” In this live Q&A episode, Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry share how to protect your job from AI, overcome burnout, start illustrating late in life, and so much more.

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SHOW LINKS
Midjourney
Concept Art Association
Karla Ortiz
Mike Mignola
Anthony Wheeler
SCBWI
Jorge Monlongo
John Loren
Camille Andre
Laura Carlin

KEY TAKEAWAYS

With AI on the rise, safeguard your career by leaning into your humanity as an artist. Hone your craft, build community, and keep making and shipping the work you feel called to create.
Burnout is a message that something’s out of balance in your life. Pay attention to it, learn from it, and give yourself time and space to refuel and rediscover what lights you up.
The key to success is not youth, talent, or schooling; it’s your willingness to sacrifice to create something you love.

QUESTIONS

How can you AI-proof your career?

With the rise of AI, many illustrators worry about being replaced by technology. However, traditional art will increase in value as it becomes rarer. Hone your craft, consistently create unique projects, and build a community around your work, and you’ll attract clients and followers who value your humanity as an artist.

What do you do if you’re about to burn out?

Don’t ignore this feeling! Burnout is a call to evaluate your life and discover any imbalances that need attention. Look at the types of jobs you’re saying yes to. Do they hold your interest? What would be more enjoyable for you? Make sure you’re taking time to rest and refill your creative bucket. Sleep, eat well, exercise, take care of your relationships, and don’t beat yourself up; illustration might be your passion, but it’s no easy job! Burnout doesn’t mean you’re a lousy artist, and it can move you in new, healthy directions if you listen to it.

Can I make a good career in illustration if I’m starting late and didn’t go to art school?

Yes! If you’re willing to sacrifice for it, you can have a successful illustration career at any age. With all the educational resources available online (SVS first among them!), there’s no need for you to be self-taught. Study the pros, refine your skills, and put in the hours (even if it’s late at night or early in the morning), and you can create a great career for yourself.

Watch for our upcoming interview with Anthony Wheeler, who developed his illustration career without art school after professional success elsewhere. It can be done!

My dream agency reached out to me, but during our call they recommended I speak to other agents before signing with them. Is this common?

This sounds like an agent who knows what they’re doing. By encouraging you to shop around, they’re showing they admire your work but only want to represent you if it’s right for both of you. This is a green flag! Take their advice; talk to other agents, and return to this one if it still feels right.

Is it OK to have both picture and middle-grade books in my genre-specific portfolio?

Yes! They’re part of the same world, and can even enhance each other.

How long should I wait to follow up after pitching a project?

If it’s been a few months and you haven’t heard back, send a polite email following up, and let the potential client know that if you don’t hear from them, you’ll pitch your idea elsewhere. This industry moves slowly, so don’t be surprised or take it personally when communication is delayed.

What artists are you into currently?

Jake: Jorge Monlongo

Will: John Loren, Camille Andre

Lee: Laura Carlin

LINKS

Svslearn.com

Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44

Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt

Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo

Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.

Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com

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