Illustrators spread the love on Twitter to remind us it’s not all bad news for the artistic community.

With dodgy competition prizes and a fixation with followers devaluing the profession as a whole, life as an illustrator has perhaps been pretty tough lately (well, tougher than usual).

We were happy then to see Colin Kersley aka artist Alternative Aesthetics put out a Twitter call yesterday for illustrators to share positive stories in their lives and happier sorts of interactions with clients. When we last spoke to Colin it was about follower counts deciding the worth of artists, so it’s great we’re featuring him this time for reasons more positive; find tweets below that brought a smile to our face and perhaps even the odd tear.

My first cover comission just died (topic shifted) but the client was so happy about the sketches that she insisted on a really good kill fee for me :D pic.twitter.com/xM9dKDnraj

— Ari Liloan (@Made_ByAri) August 28, 2019

I really wanted to work for Harper Collins, Big Cat Books and I emailed a wonderful editor with the off chance she’d pass on my details. Less than a month later I got work and that book is out end of September! It’s ok to ask for work and to show passion for your job ⭐️? pic.twitter.com/8JwUl36hZv

— Grace Sandford (@GraceSandford) August 28, 2019

My wage as an illustrator gone up every year since I started. This year I thought I’d earn less because I have a baby and I’ve had time off, but I’ve had a great 6 months and I’m still on track to earn more. pic.twitter.com/Rpzc2QpFvk

— Willa Gebbie (@willagebbie) August 28, 2019

I had to stop seeking freelance work for quite a while due to health problems but I’m now managing better and this month I had my first paid editorial in a long while. Both the client and I were really happy with it AND I got paid before the invoice date! ? pic.twitter.com/5dZAVPO5ah

— Abi Stevens (@AbiStevens_Art) August 28, 2019

I took 6 weeks for my own project (wip: a book about my dad who was an artcollector). I shared drawings online and it got noticed. I got a commission for 13 illustrations in the same style for a scientific publication. Feels really good when taking time for my own work pays off. pic.twitter.com/momtykayhS

— lindarusconi (@lindarusconi) August 28, 2019

I changed my career from designing boring-ass leaflets and posters to creating cool, engaging pieces of content where I get to illustrate almost every day. #dreamjob ??? pic.twitter.com/I4rPZNok1Q

— Pete Bingham (@peteboomdesign) August 29, 2019

Nailed a job recently that was incredibly difficult and long hours, we just have my manager feedback and they asked us to invoice for more money just for doing a good job despite the awkward circumstances. Lovely ????

— sarah burgess (@3os_knight) August 28, 2019

Lovely idea! Client shout outs go to @BigIssue, loved working with them! They pay on time and art director @RossLesleyBayne is super to work with! Gives you all the info you need and is always upfront with budget ✨

— Taaryn (@taaryn_b) August 29, 2019

I have 3 regular clients (in the third sector) who really value illustration and give me lots of creative freedom. Also recently applied for a graphic design gig (bread and butter), but the client saw my illustration and is going to commission me for that instead. Best outcome!

— Jo Harrison (@joelizaharrison) August 28, 2019

Illustration has flown me around the world, opened lots of doors and provided a lifestyle comparable to other respected professions. Which is all we really want.

— Visually Speaking (@V_S_studios) August 28, 2019

Just signed my first contract with an Illustration agent. really happy about this and looking forward to the next stage. ?

— Paul Reid (@_PaulReid) August 29, 2019

Recently did a portrait for a friend- Her brother had recently passed away and she chose me to do a painting of him to remember and honour him by. Her reaction was so sweet and rewarding.. makes me love what I do so much more! pic.twitter.com/6IufJiOc54

— Daria Joyce (@dariasjoyce) August 28, 2019

Guy I did free illustration work for a decade ago (his thing had no money / I wanted practice / it amused me / we were internet friends) now regularly hires me for good-paying jobs.

We’re still friends too.

— Seth T. Hahne (@sethhahne) August 28, 2019

See? All’s well that ends well.

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