Thank you so much for video. I’m 51 years old and was a graphic artist back in the day lol. I quit my job and raised my children who now are 23, 19, and 16. I took a leap of faith and opened my Etsy shop which turned a year old. I love still being at home and I personally feel that being there for your kids while they are growing up is fantastic! My kids still talk about how I showed up to all of their sports and other activities-these are the things that they will most remember and cherish. Congratulations on starting your family. I hope that I can grow my own shop as you have. You have truly inspired me even though I am 51.

I had to become a self employed full time artist 3 months ago because of health issues and your video gave me inspiration so much! I'm hoping to be successful :) wish me luck ✨✨✨

YOU AMAZING - I love this!!! It sounds really similar to my situation too! Specially with the etsy store - I had 6 months of NOTHING hahhaha - Literally hahaha, so This is so inspiring to let people know not to give up! People give up before its even began! and always see other peoples success when they are already deep into their journey, not the beginning so this is super motivating heheh

I can relate to a lot of things you say, especially about not wanting to go back to a 9-5, but struggling to have any sort of work life balance 😬 Being an artist easily becomes a 24/7 job and it definitely took me a few years to balance that one out!

I think it's great that you take the time to make these videos, show us what your daily life is like, and share information on how you became a full time artist, so that other people can be inspired by you. Your videos have been a major motivation for me to get back into art and to try selling some stuff online. As a kid, I loved art and was drawing all the time. I wanted to be an animator, but right around the time I went into high school and college, the animation industry had changed drastically (it was no longer the traditional 2D hand-drawn animation I love so much, but all 3D), and even though I tried to get into an art school, it ultimately didn't work out because so many things were changing in my life. I eventually decided that I had no future in art, and that I could never make a living off of it, so I resorted to the safe route -- finding a normal, boring, stressful, aggravating 9-5 job that killed my soul. I have a job and it pays the bills, but it makes me vastly unhappy. I just feel like I'm not meant for it, because I'm an introvert, I'm nervous around people, and I don't handle stressful environments well. I've been looking for an alternative to this job and lifestyle for a while, because I just want to find peace, happiness and fulfillment. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and they have reignited the artistic spark I used to have. I've been drawing more and enjoying it once again, and seeing your success really inspires me. I hope to open an Etsy shop soon and try selling work such as prints, stickers, etc. Thank you for all of your great content. I love seeing your vlogs -- I always find it interesting to see how people live and work in their daily lives. And I just love watching you draw. :) Best of luck to you. I think it's amazing that you are doing what you love and making a living from it.

So great to hear the things you achieved in only one year, Sara! It's very inspiring, and I also think it's so brave of you to make such big decisions! It's nice that you don't have to depend on client work anymore - it must be such a load that fell off your shoulders. ☺️Loved the video, I hope you will have another amazing upcoming year! ✨

This had help me so much today. I just went full time due to health problems with my chef career and I was feeling a little scared but hearing that you went through down times too gives me energy to keep going. THANK YOU!😊

congratulations! I’ve been following your journey since last year and it’s lovely to see how much you are growing. wishing you all the best for 2019 ❤️

There is no better feeling as an artist than to create what you love and have it support you... I wish you well for 2019.

omg you are pregnant! 😍❤️ Congratulations 😄 Also, congratulations for all that you have achieved in the last year 😊 love seeing your process and videos..it gives me hope. thankyou 😊

Congratulations on your first year! I finally pushed myself to start my own channel and Etsy shop after being very inspired by quite a few people on KZfaq, one of them being you! Even though I only have 2 vlogs so far, I have already seen some progress just with my shop. I know if I wasn't trying to do KZfaq that I def wouldn't be trying to push out more products. I'm also trying my best with time management as well! It's kind of hard to when your studio is your home too, but you just do what you have to do. Keep inspiring!

Thank you for being honest and to not sugar coat everything! This helped me so much too. I am doing client work on a side as well and had the same struggles as you and I kept wondering, there should be other ways to sustain myself. Not to mention what others though - o that is what you wanted and now it also isn't ok... Now I start to rethink my priorities and hope I will balance everything out. Good luck for your second year as a self-employed artist! You are a gem in artists community! :)

Thanks for this video Sara! You are such an inspiration! I think what has bring you lots of success has been YOUR COURAGE. You definitely are a risk taker. I have struggle to becoming a full time illustrator for about 4 years now, just because I'm afraid to show my work or to commit completely to it, even tough I know this is what I love the most there is always excuses to not make it happen. So after listening to you I have concluded that I just need to jump and make it happen, the worst result will be that nobody cares for my art, and so what!.. at least I tried, that's absolutely much better that staying with the doubt or regretting letting it pass. Thanks so much for the inspiration Sara. Hope everything keeps going really well with you this year!! :)

Thank you so much for sharing, Sara!💛 You are such an inspiration💛✨

I came across your video when you were starting and kinda laughed because how can you say if it's working or not just a few months in - SO, super glad you posted this update! Glad you are doing well, so inspiring!

I can relate alot!! I am more suited to creating content under my control rather than doing client works.. unless I really like the project. Currently working fulltime in an office tho because I need to pay my bills but my goal is to become a freelance and create my own brand. So I’m saving up for it. I love your content alot! Everything is just so inspiring. Happy New Year!

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I’ve been following you since your first opened your shop and it’s been really cool to see your journey, and your business grow! I hope 2019 is even better for you :)

You're living the dream I have for myself too! I hope one day I can also thrive on my personal artwork and illustration business! I'm currently working in a company and I feel frustrated that I don't always get to do work that I want to do. Thanks for sharing! :)

thanks heaps for making this video! and congratulations on your journey so far 🌱

Thank you so much for this video! You're such an inspiration and always give me a smile :)💛

Hey! I just found your channel! I love your tips! I have a 5 week old and a 3 year old, and have been looking for artists with kids to see how they plan their day and art making. Keep making videos! They are super helpful!

thank you so much for this honestly sara!!! 💕💕💕

I’m so glad your business is doing so well! Thank you for answering those questions it was very helpful. I have been playing with the idea of selling my art work but I feel like I don’t know enough yet to do it.

SO inspirational! I'm basically at the stage you were at this time last year! I just need to bite the bullet and leave the waitressing job I'm in right now. I admire you for putting your all into being a freelance artist and I hope one day very soon I can do the same! Keep it up, you're awesome! X

It was a long-waited video for me, I was very curious on how you felt about being a full-time artist. This video was very helpful for me too (who has similar aspirations) thank you Sara. 🥰

Thank you for this AMAZING video, Sara! You've come so far and done so well...you're a huge inspiration. Thank you for all of your beautiful work, content, and your transparency. Sending love.

Thanks again for sharing your story Sara! I still remember coming across your video talking about quitting your full time job be a full time illustrator! I loved it so much that I went and found you on IG :) Best of wishes for your 2019!

Congratulations Sara on your achievements for last. Love watching your video and your vlogs with your process. Your a inspiration to me and you make me want to work hard at practicing drawing and one day being able to open my own shop so I can be my own boss for myself. I pray for many more blessings for you and your family. Excited to see how your second year goes for 2019.

Hi Sara! ♥️ Best luck for you on 2019, it's very nice that you put time for you

Thank you for sharing so much of your personal experiences and thoughts about being a freelance artist. It's a dream of mine and I really find you to be an amazing inspiration that helps keep my drive going!

Hi Sara! I enjoyed listening to your recap of 2018! It's so nice to see you grow and come this far! ^-^ I found your youtube channel around October & I was totally able to relate to you! I am also shy but I want to become an artist and make a living off it someday! That's why I was so inspired by you 😍 You are amazing ✨

Thanks for sharing this! I'm glad you feel like you've finally found your spot. Love ALL your illustrations. They're so beautiful.

I'm always happy to hear your story, and very happy that your business is doing well, you worked so hard for it. I have similar experience with client works, starting the business with client work can be discouraging. I try to understand that normal people don't understand the reason they pick a specific artist to do the work. Sometime they completely ignores my portfolio, and just pull out a picture they found online, and they want that done. That makes me feel that my own portfolio isn't attractive, which I try to use as a motivation to improve, but also discouraging.

This is so inspiring as making my art a living is my dream and my passion! Thank you for this lovely video:)

Love your videos, there is not enough people who do these types of videos for new or potential artists out there. Keep it up! :)

love your work! and really motivated

Thank you for keeping us updated🙈 You're such an inspiration! I really want to become a freelance artist after I finished studying aswell. Until then I have some time to prepare for this big step :) I wish you all the best for 2019!

That’s a great space behind You with wonderful light. Good for You.

Yay! I just became a patreon of yours! It's not much but you inspire me so much with your studio vlogs and your work that I wanted to give back. And you have two babies on the way so i guess every little bit helps! Keep making these videos :D :D

Something I never thought about with being an artist is that you really become a business person and marketer and manager and SO MUCH all at once and I think you really hit on this point ❤️thank you!

Thanks for this vlog!!! Ur an inspiration! ❤️

Also, congratulations on being pregnant! That’s awesome! Love seeing creative people doing what they love for a living. Working on doing the same with my baby girl on the way! Keep on pushing! 😁🤙🏾

This is so motivating and I love how honest you were. I’m currently a Product Designer, and started my side hustle for illustration ✨ it’s scary but seeing videos like this but makes me feel inspired! I started uploading videos too 💖

Thank you for sharing your real feeling!! I will start full-time textile artist from April.Your video gave me a power^^

Thank you so much for sharing! These are some of my favorite themes for artists to cover because it's such a jungle out there trying to become a full time illustrator 😭

This is just what I needed. This is the year I hope to leap into being self employed. 🤞🤞🤞🤞

I love your videos they are very inspiring❤️! And your art is soooo cute!

I really liked insights on how your business life is growing it was great! I wish you lots of happy days and amazing adventures in growing your business bigger! :)

Thank you for sharing your progress as a freelance illustrator 🙂 Love your work!

Kudos Sara 🤰 on the pending new edition to your family!

You inspired me to start drawing and I'm so so happy. Thank for your so so good VDO :)

Congratulation and good luck for the future!

hay great video! love the insight you're giving, appreciate it!

That’s awesome. The transfer from B to B, to B to C.

Love it, thanks for the inspiration 💕💕💕

Thank you for all the helpful info and congrats on all the things you have achieved in the past year(s) What planner do you use? I’ve been looking for one myself.

Thank you for this!

I'm making pumpkin soup and I cannot wait to have my dinner while watching your new video. Love your work loads! 💛

so cool, thx for sharing your experiences with us! ^^

I love love your work! At the end of 2018 I decided I wanted to start an Etsy store to sell stickers but didn’t know how to go about it, and I’m so glad I found your channel! Hopefully by the end of 2019 I am able to take the plunge

Your work is amazing! I love it 😊

Congratulations for all your success! Wow I'm so inspired by this video and I want to become a full time artist one day. Making slow moves and maybe one day I'll be able to acheve my goal

I'm so happpy for you!

Thank you so much for this video & your views & sharing your experience - it is so terrifying to open up your own business. ... but you sharing your experiences is so inspiring & reassuring xo

Great video! Thanks for sharing your insight and your freelance experience! I would love to see more videos about your experiences being self-employed ❤️😄

Hi Sara, Thank you so much for this video ! This is the first time I watched one of your videos and I found it very inspiring ! I truly appreciate your enthusiasm, sincerity and courage. I just subscribed to your KZfaq channel and will join you on Instagram and Patreon as well. I see we are "neighbors" ... I live in the South of France. I moved here 10 years ago from South Africa, and never looked back. I'm living my dream ... You see I'm a musician, I play and teach the flute (quer-flöte) and for that, Europe is the place to be. But I'm also a mandala artist and recently I made the decision to take fewer flute students in order to develop my mandala creations into a second income-earning activity. So, wish me luck ! 😊 I'm very thankful for artists like yourself, sharing your experience. It is a great help to someone like me starting out and having to find may way with regard to all the possibilities of social media, internet shops ... I have one specific question though : you mentioned earning income with your KZfaq channel. Would you mind giving me an indication of how this works or where I can find out more. Thanks again for the video, I look forward to further discover your work !

This video inspires me to become a full time artist myself one day 🤩

thank you for this video it was extremely helpful

Thank you for this video. Very helpful 😊😊

any tips for artists that are so burnt out they dont really like drawing anymore....?when are you going to open your shop?

Great video and year for you! It's hard being an artist. I'm still trying to make a living off of my art but it's hard when your art is a little different 😂. Hope your baby is doing well and 2019 treats you awesome!

How important has your website been finding commission work? Have you found work through book fairs?

You are the best, an inspiration for sure 😊

Hey Sara, Thanks for sharing this incredible video and your experience with us. I am also a freelance artist and I would like to setup my own small business out of it. Your posts are really inspiring and always motivates me to improve and grow better. Keep up with inspiring others... My best wishes are always with you!! I just loved it!!

very motivating! congrats on your pregnancy

I would like to see your art-portfolio!! Any advice to create it nice?

really good and helpful video :)

Congratulations on your pregnancy, wonderful news. I have very much loved you art and channel and the best of love for the future 💙💗

I love u so so much! Your like an amazing artist- teach me your ways!! Pls do watercolor or digital tutorials!!!

When I started to watch your videos it inspires me so much so I follow you on your instagram I love looking your works ♥️

It's not clear if your online shop is through skillshare or not? If yes, could you please talk a little about how you take contact with them and how many drawings/paintings/illustrations it takes to be able to start. How much does it cost monthly if you live in a European country?

inspiring studio

I love your channel, full of great content.

So inspiring! This is my dream! (I think haha) :) I have to try it first I suppose :)

Can you show us your illustration portfolio?

I really really get what you mean and to be honest, I hope that I will also be able to live from my personal work. From MY creations I put my love and soul in :)

I have just started working on my portfolio to make at least 20 pieces to be able to upload on a future own page. How do I open an online shop, are there several options? Which is the best? I would be forever grateful to you if you gave me/us an advice. Have a nice weekend. Looking forward to your next vlog.

Thank you for sharing ur story! I, just starting my freelance career and find a lot of people asking for logos. I turn them away because i dont know graohic design software. Do you know graphic design software, and do you think its needed to do client work?

Lovely video, thank you for sharing your story! I adore your work and recently received my first order from your shop. I was so excited about it and I love the prints! :) I have three questions left: 1) How much time do you spend on your shop, KZfaq channel and Patreon? I mean, can you give like a rough estimate of a ratio (25% on Patreon, 50% shop, 25% KZfaq)? Sorry if this is a silly question, I know it must differ from day to day... 2) You said you would like to continue working like this for some time now. Does it never get boring? I'm just wondering because it's hard for me to imagine something never get boring. 3) How many followers did you have on Instagram when you made the jump? I hope I didn't bother you with my questions :'D

Hi! Im a teenager wanting to start a business just like you! So any tips for it?

Thank you for sharing your experiences and advices, Sara. By the way, you're super beautiful pregnant!

Can someone please tell me how much the items are in her shop.... for me it doesn't seem to show in her website for some reason :/

I was one of your first followers here on KZfaq, and it's so impressing how much you accomplished in only one year. I also would like to pursue an illustration career, but I have only started my Instagram account and I find it really hard to gain followers..do you have any tips for those who are looking to start a career in illustration?

I think I saw one of your stickers on a car! That’s in California, USA! 😊

One thing I wish we had was a community for people who make a living as a self employed artist so we can all chat and ask each other questions or vent. No on in my real life does art or runs a business and are only 9-5 office workers or trades workers so I have no one to talk to. I also don't even have art friends in real life. I have a few art friends I've met in the community but it would be cool to have an actual group of say all the artists making majority of their income through patreon/store/similar stuff.

What's your tip for growing a following? Thank you for this!

I tought it was an vlog 🥺😩😭😭

Gerade habe ich noch überlegt ob du in Deutschland wohnst und dann erst gesehen das du wirklich in Berlin wohnst 🙋🏼‍♀️ Ich auch!

Oh how I know what you talking about when you talk about clients.... my god.... it is so frustrating... instead of working on your personal work you make billion changes into a sketch that was accepted!! Good luck Dear:) I love watching your progress.

♥️♥️♥️