One Year of Bitniz

Today marks one year since I've become a full-time, self-employed, nacho-cheesed illustrator. Here's what I've learned:

• You need a workspace. Big or small, you need a stable, consistent place for you to hide and work in.

• If you want to draw storybooks, but your portfolio is full of doorbell packaging, you will continue to do doorbell packaging.

• Under promise and over deliver. Always.

• Get organized, or hire someone who will do the organizing for you. Uncle Sam is effing needy.

• Watch out for people who want to waste your time. Anyone who can't clearly (and briefly) explain their project is wasting your time.

• Find a buddy in a similar situation and commiserate. You'll want someone to share good and bad news with.

• There's always something to work on. If you have nothing to work on, you're doing it wrong.

• Continue to work on personal projects. Have big ones and little ones. Make it your passion, and you'll always have time for them.

• When building relationships, don't always make the conversation/topic about you seeking work. Take time to get to know people.

• Be yourself.