Natural Niche - Children's Illustrator Natalie Smillie

Hear how Natalie went from the RAF to flying solo as a freelance illustrator. Along the way she's found her niche, an agent and a dog... but it feels like almost not enough hours. Here’s some of the key takeaway points: Natalie found her niche of Children's iullstration naturally, it was just what she found herself alway drawn (pardon the pun) to As an illustrator, getting an agent has meant a contsant stream of work (they do the marketing for you) and consistent money (they chase it for you) The weekly Twitter challenge #colour_collective was a great side project for her: the public nature of it gave her accountability, the social nature created new friends and conversations, the weekly nature meant she consistently added to her portfolio in a way she wouldn't have otherwise Natalie found working from home pretty isolating, often not leaving the house - so she got a dog, now she has to go out (and dog walkers are very sociable) Twitter plays a big part in keeping Natalie sane, it really is social Follow people on Twitter whose work you like/aspire to, you often see behind the scenes glimpses too More from Natalie Smillie Natalie's site Natalie on Twitter Useful Links Twitter Colour Collective Challenge Penny Neville-Lee Who the hell is Steve Folland? You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up. JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFollandBeing Freelance is hosted and created by freelance podcast editor Steve Folland.JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFollandBeing Freelance is hosted and created by freelance podcast editor Steve Folland.