5 Myths About Freelance Illustration That Are Holding You Back

and solutions to all these difficulties

Do you ever feel like people don’t really get what freelance illustration is all about?

You know what I’m talking about—
Someone says, “Oh, so you just sit and draw all day?” Meanwhile, you’re juggling deadlines, emails, marketing, and maybe even doubting if you’re charging enough.

And the more these myths stick, the harder it gets to explain your value—or even believe it yourself.

What if you could break free from these misconceptions, work smarter, and confidently own your craft?

Let’s see how to tackle those myths one by one and reclaim what freelance illustration really means.

1. “Freelance Illustration Is Just Fun Drawing”

Imagine this—you’re sketching on your fancy sketchbook, sipping coffee, and living the dream of a carefree artist. Sounds amazing, right?

But wait, slow down! Freelance illustration is so much more than “just drawing.” We’re not only illustrators—we’re also designers, editors, marketers, contractors, printers, packers, accountants, and occasionally customer service reps (especially when a client send those 2 a.m. email about “ urgent change” for the 100th time). It’s a juggling act that demands the brainpower of a superhuman—but surprise! We only have one brain and 24 hours like everyone else.

What happens when you recognise this? You can stop beating yourself up for not doing it all perfectly (I have learned this in a HARD way). Think of your workload like preparing a feast. If you try to cook every dish at once, something’s going to burn, and you’ll be left with a mess. But when you plan beforehand, make a meal plan and focus on one recipe at a time—prepping, seasoning, and plating—you’ll end up with a meal worth celebrating.

Call to Action: Take 5 minutes today to list three tasks (outside of drawing/ illustrating) that eat up your time(a.k.a make the meal plan). Pick one to simplify or automate. Could you schedule posts in advance? Set up client email templates? Create spreadsheets to systemise clients list? Start small and reclaim your time. You might save hours every week, which you can used to refine your portfolio.

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2. “Turning Your Passion Into a Career Is Effortless”

When you monetise what you love, suddenly, the lines blur. That holiday sketchbook? It’s whispering, “Post me on Instagram!” That doodle break? It’s looking more like “work research.” And don’t get me started on friends casually suggesting, “You should sell this!”

Turning passion into a career isn’t seamless. Before you know it, your “hobby” feels more like a never-ending to-do list. But when you set boundaries, you’ll rediscover the joy that got you started in the first place.

Call to Action: Grab a cheap sketchbook with some unfamiliar art materials. Draw something totally silly, unrelated to clients or projects. Maybe it’s a cat in an octopus outfit or a slice of pizza riding a unicycle. Keep the sketchbook strictly for fun. No pressure, no judgment. It will soon become your creative playground, sparking ideas for work without feeling like work.

Bonus tips -

1. Use a larger sketchbook or paper—something bigger than A3 works wonders! Big spaces encourage free play and let you explore without boundaries.

2. Try using larger, thicker paintbrushes or chunky crayons. Kid-friendly art materials are fantastic for loosening up!

3. Keep your creations private. Avoid posting them on social media to take the pressure off and ditch the urge to create “the perfect piece.”

4. Set a 10-minute timer. It’s a great way to keep things light and prevent overworking your art.

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3. “Taking Breaks Means You’re Not Working”

Walking away from your desk feels like cheating, doesn’t it? But here’s the truth: Inspiration doesn’t clock in at 9 and leave at 5. It’s sneaky, popping up when you’re making a sandwich or walking your dog. Breaks are not the enemy, they’re the secret sauce to great work.

Here’s the thing: Creative work is a lot like driving. When I first got my license, I used to sit super close to the steering wheel, thinking it would help me see every little detail—even the tiny rocks on the road. But over time, I realised that sitting further back gave me a much wider view of the road ahead.

It’s the same with creative work. If you don’t step back every so often, you might get stuck focusing on one small part, missing the bigger picture. Taking breaks helps you gain fresh eyes and spark better ideas.

Call to Action: Set a timer for 30 minutes. When it dings, take a 5-minute break. Do something totally unrelated to work: stretch, eat, dance with your dog. Watch how the ideas sneak up on you when you’re not looking.

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4. “The Time You Spend on Art Defines Its Value”

“Wait, you’re charging that much for something that took an hour?” Oh, come on! That “one-hour masterpiece” is backed by years of practice, skill, and failed experiments. Your time spent isn’t just what’s on the clock—it’s the blood, sweat, and coffee it took to get here.

Think of it this way: A chef doesn’t charge based on how long it takes to cook your meal—they charge for their expertise. The same goes for you. Stop underselling your worth because of time. Your art has value, period.

Here’s another example from one of my favourite artists, Picasso -

One day, someone asked him to sketch something on a napkin. He quickly drew a masterpiece in just a few strokes, then handed it over and said, “That’ll be $10,000.” Shocked, the person replied, “But it only took you a minute!” Picasso smiled and said, “No, it took me a lifetime.”

The same goes for your art. That quick illustration is backed by years of practice, skill, and trial-and-error. When you recognise and communicate the value behind your craft, people will start to see it too.

Call to Action: Write one sentence that captures your journey—something like, “This piece reflects 10 years of learning, experimenting, and growing as an artist.” Practice saying it aloud with confidence!

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5. “Social Media Defines Success”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever obsessed over likes, comments, or that elusive follower count. (Same here!) But let’s be real: Social media is just one piece of the puzzle. Success isn’t measured by algorithms—it’s about connections, growth, and doing work you’re proud of.

An illustrator with 1,000 followers gets steady commissions because they’ve built genuine relationships. Meanwhile, someone with 10,000 followers struggles because their audience isn’t engaged. Numbers aren’t everything!

My first paid job came from sending personalized messages to potential clients. I created an illustration specifically for their brand and shared it with them. They thanked me politely, but nothing came of it—at least, not right away.

A year later, out of the blue, they invited me to create illustrations for their Christmas campaign. It wasn’t a fairy tale—there were plenty of rejections along the way. But every “no” was worth it when that first “yes” finally arrived.

Sometimes, it just takes patience and persistence to see the seeds you’ve planted bloom into opportunities.

Call to Action: Spend 5 minutes today reaching out to one potential client or collaborator. Write a short, friendly email or direct message introducing yourself and your work. It’s not about likes—it’s about real opportunities.

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So, there you have it—five myths about freelance illustration, officially busted!

It’s not all rainbows and doodles, but that’s what makes it so rewarding, right? Every challenge, every “no,” and every late-night sketch is shaping you into the incredible creative you’re meant to be.

The best part? You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Small steps, fresh perspectives, and a little confidence in your craft can go a long way.

Now it’s your turn—go grab that sketchbook, take a break, or send out that pitch. Let’s see where your journey takes you next! 🎨✨

See you all in 2025!