I wanted to share some news with you.
I started my freelance career at the end of March 2008.
This marks a decade of working as a freelancer in Cape Town and I didn't want the milestone to slip by.
10 years ago, I was working at a web design agency. I was deeply unhappy there. It wasn't a bad company, it just wasn't for me. It was my first job straight out of college, it was also the only job that I interviewed for. At the end of March, 2008, only 3 months after starting, I quit my job and started the journey of becoming a full time freelancing illustrator, graphic designer, and thingmaker. I got a job in a clothing shop on Long Street, called Milk and later a waitressing job at the sushi restaurant, Minatos. I did so many other weird jobs in between, for such little money, but I was so determined to never work in an office again.
I landed some amazing clients that basically saved my life, the agency, Cow Africagave me my bread and butter work. I am so grateful to Cow for hiring me at that time. I really got to hone my skills whilst working for them. The magazine industry helped me so much too, in particular, Real Simple magazine and Elle. But what really got me through was the support of my parents. They were not keen on me quitting my job, especially after my dad had just paid for 3 years of very expensive college, but they supported me, regardless.
I did anything and everything to make money. I made little felt brooches each one embellished with old buttons, I sold them for only R40 each. They would take me so long to make, each one, hand sewn. I'd hand knit Teddy bears, these tiny scarves called Scarflett O'Haras and I'd hand paint gift tags. I started a blog and I worked so incredibly hard to, "get my name out there". I emailed all the magazines, agencies, all the interior designers and art buyers. I was so determined. After 10 years of this constant hustle, I don't have as much energy as I did, but I wouldn't change my career and this path for anything else.
Over this next week, I'll be sharing the origins of where some of my illustrated works came from, the original drawings that I did. I always love seeing pencil drawings and originals of pre-scanned artwork, so I thought I'd share it with you all too.
As a thank you for supporting me and my livelihood, please take 25% of the entire store for the next 10 days.
Use discount code: 10years
All orders will also receive a complimentary thank you card with each purchase :)
Thank you!
Discount valid until 5 April 2018. Limited to one use per customer.
Header image by Annie Spratt. Middle image by Keila Hotzel.
