Hi Jen, thanks for sharing these useful tips! Can I ask how to find an illustration accountability/ critique group? Is there something like Illoguild for more early stage illustrators?
Thanks for asking, Eleanor! Illoguild formed when all of us were taking an online class through Make Art That Sells when Adam asked who wanted to join a critique group and somehow the first dozen to say yes have formed a wonderful bond! My accountability group formed when my friend posted on social media that she wanted to start one to help her get things done, and she welcomed her friends that said yes. So, I guess my advice is to maybe post in your social media channels or invite creative friends from a class. All groups start at their early stage (Illoguild members are all at varied stages, for example) but that’s what’s great - you all grow at a faster pace when you work together! Maybe you can ask in the chat if others want to start a group during our next live event? Hope that helps!
You can always start your own, too! These questions every month & week have been helpful: What do you need to have done by the end of this month? Take some time to list down all of the things in your head. Then ask: What can I do this week to get me closer to my monthly goals? What day and time am I going to do that thing? Then, write down those things in your calendar. Seems obvious, but spending a little bit of time on this provides a lot of clarity! An accountability group keeps you doing it, and it’s really energizing to start the week with other creative peers getting things done! Good luck!
Hi Jen, thanks for sharing these useful tips! Can I ask how to find an illustration accountability/ critique group? Is there something like Illoguild for more early stage illustrators?
Thanks for asking, Eleanor! Illoguild formed when all of us were taking an online class through Make Art That Sells when Adam asked who wanted to join a critique group and somehow the first dozen to say yes have formed a wonderful bond! My accountability group formed when my friend posted on social media that she wanted to start one to help her get things done, and she welcomed her friends that said yes. So, I guess my advice is to maybe post in your social media channels or invite creative friends from a class. All groups start at their early stage (Illoguild members are all at varied stages, for example) but that’s what’s great - you all grow at a faster pace when you work together! Maybe you can ask in the chat if others want to start a group during our next live event? Hope that helps!
Thanks Jen for the great suggestions, I just realised there’s a session about this on the Illoguild Substack too!
I totally support deadlines, I don't work without them! although I still need to find an accountability group!
You can always start your own, too! These questions every month & week have been helpful: What do you need to have done by the end of this month? Take some time to list down all of the things in your head. Then ask: What can I do this week to get me closer to my monthly goals? What day and time am I going to do that thing? Then, write down those things in your calendar. Seems obvious, but spending a little bit of time on this provides a lot of clarity! An accountability group keeps you doing it, and it’s really energizing to start the week with other creative peers getting things done! Good luck!
Thanks, Jen, great stuff as always 💕