A Day in the Life of an Illustrator: Creativity, Movement, and Inspiration
Ever wondered what a day looks like for an illustrator? It’s a mix of creativity, movement, and a little bit of relaxation. Here’s a peek into my daily routine, where I balance work, inspiration, and self-care!
Morning:
Checking In and Getting Moving
I usually kick off my day by checking my emails to see if I’ve heard from any clients or received new commission requests. After that, I hop onto social media, mainly Instagram and LinkedIn, to ensure my scheduled posts have gone live and to engage with anyone who’s interacted with my content. I love to hear from anyone who is interested in my art and is a simple and fun task to start the day.
To get my body moving after a night of rest, I try to fit in a workout or some yoga. As an illustrator, I often find myself sitting for long periods in the same position, so this helps refresh my body and boosts my mood, which is essential for inspiration and motivation!
Midday:
Creative Work Time
Once I’m feeling energised, it’s time to dive into the creative whirlwind that is my workday!
Whether I'm tackling a commission, sketching out fresh ideas, or breathing life into my illustrations with vibrant colours and intricate details, each day brings a new adventure.
Sometimes, I crank up some music to set the mood and get those creative juices flowing. But when it comes to brainstorming and decision-making, I prefer to keep things quiet to really focus and let my imagination roam free.
One day I might find myself in the hustle and bustle of London, meeting with a client and soaking up inspiration from the city.
More often than not, though, you’ll find me with my head down, lost in my sketches and illustrations, creating my little world of art. Of course, I always make sure to take a well-deserved break for lunch to recharge and keep the creativity flowing!
Afternoon:
Nature Walks and Fresh Ideas
In the afternoon, I like to take a walk. Just like my workout, it helps keep my body active and sparks inspiration. I enjoy being around nature, so I often find joy in quirky animals, beautiful plants, or simply soaking in the sun and water. These little moments can really ignite my creativity!
The rest of my day is spent finishing up any tasks I’ve set for myself. Some days, that includes working on social media posts, maybe filming clips for an Instagram reel or writing this blog post. I also try to remember to drink water and take bathroom breaks, as I can easily get caught up in my work and find myself slowly dehydrating.
Evening:
Wrapping Up and Relaxing
As the day winds down, I take some time around dinner to relax and watch a bit of TV, often a quiz show or a series I enjoy. To end my day on a calm note, I journal, learn a lesson or two in languages, and dive into a good book. Right now, I’m reading Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, as I’m really interested in classic horror fiction after reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which I loved.
The Joy of Being an Illustrator
Being an illustrator is a fulfilling journey filled with creativity and inspiration. Each day brings its own rhythm and flow, and I love the balance of work, movement, and relaxation. Let me know if you enjoyed this post and if you would like a more detailed day in the life in the future. You can reach me on here or through my instagram @joelymaria_illustration where I post behind the scenes, inspirations and more! Thanks for reading!
