Although I did a lot of research on self-directed projects, I struggled to find examples of illustrators who talked about the process of completing such a project. I found websites with suggestions for self-directed projects or information about how artists responded to a brief. However, although they contained some useful information, this was not what I was looking for.
I found one example that was very interesting. Wylie Beckert explains in a blog (https://www.muddycolors.com/2021/03/the-art-of-the-self-directed-project/) how she started a self-directed project after struggling to find work. She reflects on what she learnt in the process and provides some valuable advice on the subject:
Choosing a project
It is important to think of the objectives from the very beginning and to have a vision of the process and the finished product. Wylie Beckert’s suggestions is to think of what would be the ideal commission, but also to identify opportunities to learn or improve personal skills. In her case, she chose to illustrate a set of cards that would enable her to develop her skills while showcasing her style and her love of storytelling (“The Wicked Kingdom” project).
I find one of her advice particularly useful: choose a brief that is challenging but not so complicated that it would be difficult to find enough motivation to complete the project.
Setting up a plan
Another advice from Wylie Beckert is to wonder at an early stage how the product can be exploited commercially. It could be exposure or a chance to sell derived products for instance. In her case, she thought that creating a pack of cards might give her a chance to reach a new audience with card collectors and gamers.
It is important to establish a realistic timeline that would take into consideration work outside the project. Wylie Beckert expected to create 19 illustrations and to complete the project in a year. Although it took her a bit longer because of outside work, knowing how many illustrations she needed to design and having an initial timeline helped her to complete the entire project.
She also suggests not to choose a project that is too ambitious and to take into account personal skill levels. A project too long while still learning could mean that the skill difference between the beginning and the end of the project could be too great. Even in her case, she found that with her last illustrations, she was a bit limited by the work she had completed at the beginning of the project.
Execution
Wylie Beckert decided to execute most of the project herself, which included packaging the cards and distributing them. Whatever the completion of the project involves, it is essential to do all the necessary research before making any important decision.
Exploring the full potential of this project
Wylie Beckert created tutorials and limited edition prints of her artwork to maximise her commercial gains from this project. This enabled her to finance the time she spent on it.
After reading this blog, I thought of projects I had completed in the past and what I learnt from the experience.
I find that no matter the project (it could be writing a dissertation, creating a portfolio or completing an illustration), research and preparation are essential. I made the mistake in the past to spend less time on that phase of the project. I found later on that I had to catch up on the research and that I sometimes ended up going in the wrong direction. As a result, the project can become a bit chaotic.
I have also sometimes be too ambitious for my current skills and found it challenging to complete some work.
For a self-directed project to be both successful and enjoyable, I can see how important it is to write a clear brief and prepare the project carefully taking into account time, skills, taste and opportunities.
Catherine Roux Degree in Illustration 