Guys this is really embarrassing but this year has been SO quiet for work and I’m really trying to get some illustration work in as I’m now currently living on my savings and they are running out fast. If I don’t get work in soon I don’t know what I’m going to do
— Aoife Dooley (@Aoife_Dooley) September 2, 2019
I’m really freaking out and not really sure what I can do to help the situation
— Aoife Dooley (@Aoife_Dooley) September 2, 2019
This afternoon.
Aoife Dooley, the brilliant illustrator, graphic designer, author and comedian reaches out.
Can you help?
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Temp for a while to keep the wolf from the door whilst seeking work in her field in the evenings?
She doesn’t want obvious answers…
I’m not sure if she is talking about work from stand-up or illustration or both – either way it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
I do illustration myself and I’m still trying to figure out how to make money from it. I actually just assumed Aoife Dooley was killing it, been following her for a few years on different platforms.
But, It’s tough, the competition is fierce and the imposter sydrome is very, very real.
She has a decent profile which is something – might be worth setting up a patreon or something?
Linkedin any good? Get networking
Get on Upwork and start pitching for projects. There’s no shame in admitting you’re not rushed off your feet. Telling everyone you know is a great first step. Good luck!
https://www.upwork.com/
But you have 9k followers…
I’m afraid the answer here is “get a job”
Freelance has a lot of perks, occasionally having to hustle like the rest of humanity doing crappy valueless joyless work for the sole purpose of surviving is part of the price you pay for those perks.
Unfortunately
This is exactly the case
We all have to take on work / jobs from time to time to make up our monthly breakeven
Ah, crappy valueless joyless work for the sole purpose of surviving …like most people most of the time. Has to be done but if you can find a way to earn a living that doesn’t crush your soul… go for it.
She’s an illustrator. What job do you suggest she get in her field?
In her field? Probably none. I don’t know illustration as a career but I’d imagine the choice is either freelance or long-term contract work for a publishing house without much in between. But if you need to make rent you can’t be picky.
Digital marketing agencies often need illustrators. Newspapers too from time to time.
I’m sure she’s a capable young lady that could work in the customer service industry somewhere. I think she’d nail it as a hotel receptionist, be nice to get a bit of witty banter or conversation from a hotel employee instead of the glare of death and how dare you interrupt my seething (OK that’s not all hotels obviously but definitely two in my recent experience).
You could ‘draw’ the dole?
Okay, here’s an idea: You know how Dublin Bus is looking for wimmin drivers, €40k per annum or thereabouts. How about taking the job for a year and creating a graphic novel based on your experiences wheeling around Dublin every day?
a horror story ? ;)
As a young print artist I did some bitty jobs to bump up the months that were not so good, ended up with that becoming my own business but not in the thing I love, actually I intensely disliked many aspects of real estate, what I’m saying is be careful what you do to round up the month, try make it something complimentary or at least surrounded by your kind of people,
kids writers sometimes need illustrators, design work if you have any computer skills websites often need illustrators and it pays well, or even a bookshop part time ? Best of luck.
I totally agree Janet. Be careful what you do to make ends meet lest you get stuck doing it. I’d be more in favour of paring back costs and staying on track. Time is precious.
Surely this has something to do with a patriarchy?
all the other illustrators are doin fine. it might be the illustration.
Living off savings….(plus the weekly scratch but we wont mention that) Begging for more off the books cash gigs so to keep the scratch because once you get a real pps job like the rest of us begrudgers you’ll lose the extra money for nothing paid for by the begrudgers who suck it up and work real jobs and pay tax. I know a guy whos been following his “dream” at graphic design for the last ten years , also has been on the scratch for all that time plus gets market research gigs every now and then where he lies about using products . be it roley tobacco/cigarettes/vape pens (doesn’t smoke) health insurance customer (isn’t one) mortgage holder (isn’t one) etc along with all the blowhard taxi drivers sitting in a circle drinking coffee , lying , and walking way with €70 quid cash for an hour session in Dundrum every other week. ( can get you the market research woman’s number if you want?)
I know have an illustration of you in my head, lots of shade
If only Mick Flavin was still here …
Has she tried getting an agent. There’s a large market for book, audiobook and digital cover art as well as video games, dvds, magazine work etc. I mean she loses the 10% cut but she’s well talented enough to land an agent I’d say
good idea !
Most artists I know are currently in other employment to pay the bills. It’s the sad truth – I hope she gets a break.
Xmas markets will be popping up in the next few weeks – get illustrating!!!!
had a look at her website – nothing there to buy. She could do cards, mugs, posters etc, might bring in a bit of income… most other designers have some thing to sell as well as offering services.