How to combine two professions and be happy: freelance illustrator and proofreader
Hi! My name is Milya Kotery, I am a freelance expert and content marketer. I talk about selling your digital products and increasing your freelance income. Follow if you want to know more about leveling up your freelance business!
This is Natalia. The first half of the day she proofreads articles about homeschooling, and in the evening she draws illustrations for clients and stocks. Check Nata Blackthorn’s illustrations on her Instagram.
We ask her some questions about how to combine two professions from different fields, stay productive and grow in both ones.
“My work has always been about content: I got a degree in philology, my first job was in a local newspaper, and then I made and proofread subtitles for hundreds of videos for Puzzle English–an online platform offering an English language learning service for Russian speakers. Now I work in a company that offers homeschooling online for kids all over my country: I proofread and publish articles about the school, distance learning, and problems of schoolchildren who study at home.
But I also always loved to draw. It was my hobby first, and at one point I decided to turn it into another source of income. I started taking many different courses: fashion illustration, watercolor art, botanical art — and made my first portfolio”.
When it came to business it turns out that there are many ways to make money: not only working with clients but making illustrations for stocks.
“I made some simple botanical illustrations (and even photos — it’s my another hobby) and upload them on Shutterstock and several other stocks. I’ve read that there are some difficulties with the exam on Shutterstock and if you are a newbie in illustration they will most likely reject you. But I took a chance and was approved.
So my first and the most important advice for beginners: don’t be afraid to risk! You may be already good enough to work with stocks, even with the best ones like Shutterstock.
By the way, I still have earnings from these first illustrations. And, of course, draw new ones”.
Nata tries to keep up with two jobs but it is difficult because of her studies.
“I keep learning and taking courses about new aspects of the watercolor paint, botanical, portrait illustrations. Besides, I want to study motion design, 3D-graphics. As an illustrator, I should promote my Instagram to attract new clients. It takes all my time after my main (proofreading) job.
Proofreading usually takes 4–6 hours a day then I open Adobe Illustrator, take my Wacom and start learning and practicing. Almost at midnight I make the plan for tomorrow: what should I learn; what should I draw as homework; what should I do and draw as personal projects and illustrations for Shutterstock.
Sometimes I manage to squeeze clients into my schedule”.
What is the most difficult and the greatest part of two jobs on freelance?
“I think the best and at the same time, the worst part is total freedom. You must manage your time effectively, force yourself to get up earlier, study every day, and do mandatory things to promote your freelance business.
The second thing I love about freelancing that you can try everything you want, find something you truly love and enjoy, and effectively combine it with your main job. If you are a freelancer you don’t need to give up anything”.
Visit Nata Blackthorn’s Instagram to see more of her illustrations and stay tuned for new stories and tips about freelancing.
Note: I am not a native speaker of English, so feel free to point out any mistakes.
Milya Kotlyarova, a Freelance Expert and Content Producer
