3 paths to start your illustration career (and which one fits you best)

New YouTube video + some personal thoughts

Hello Creatives!

I just published a new YouTube video where I talk about something very close to my heart: how to start an illustration career - especially when you're not sure which path is right for you yet. I’ve been working in children’s publishing for about 2 years now - made my mistakes, gathered my first client experience, saw how the work with agent is going - and this video gives you my subjective view on what ways I see for you if you would like to start an illustration career in any type of publishing.

👉 You can watch the video here, plus as always leave a comment here on Substack:

Over the years, I’ve realized that there isn’t one “correct” way to become a professional illustrator. In fact, most of us move through different phases and paths as we grow. In the video above, I walk you through three solid starting points that I recommend to anyone looking to make a living with their art.

The 3 paths I cover:

1. Seeking agency representation
   Getting signed by an illustration agency can help you access bigger projects and ongoing support - especially helpful in markets like kidlit.

2. Representing yourself
   Freelancing, building your own brand, pitching to clients - this is the DIY path that gives you full control.

3. Self-publishing your work
   This is for the storytellers and creatives who want to bring their own books, products, or digital goods into the world - on their own terms.

These paths can give you a framework to get started without feeling stuck.

A few personal thoughts:

When I was first starting out, I felt so unsure about what “professional success” even looked like in illustration. It felt like everyone had it figured out except me. If that’s you right now, I hope this video gives you some clarity - and maybe a bit of encouragement to take that next step, even if it’s a small one.

💬 I’d love to hear from you in the comments: Which of these paths feels most aligned with where you are now?

Thanks for being here - and for supporting this growing little corner of the creative world :) And speaking of self-publishing, if you’re in the mood for support these days, check out my coloring books on Amazon ^^

---

Hi! I’m Weronika Salach, a freelance illustrator specializing in children’s books, toy design and surface pattern design. Over 40,000 happy students have taken my digital illustration courses and watched my YouTube videos. Let’s connect :)

👉 Website

👉 Courses

👉 YouTube

👉 Instagram

👉 Skillshare

👉 FB group for illustrators and FB group for pattern designers

👉 Etsy

👉 Books on Amazon.com and Amazon.de