Becoming a Self-Taught Professional Illustrator #3 – Continue to Explore but Decide When to Focus on What Truly Matters

Last updated on July 23rd, 2026 at 12:57 pm

In my previous post of this series about my creative journey as a self-taught professional illustrator, I shared how those early years of exploration… from sketchnotes and different types of art to design… slowly brought me back to faith-based creativity – something that I focused on while working a day job.

It wasn’t always clear which way to go, but one thing stayed constant: my desire to create art that reflects my faith.

Seek out new opportunities and see where they take you.

After I began sharing Christian art, my style started to lean more playful and storybook-like. I was drawn to children’s illustration and naturally began exploring that path.

At the same time, I was looking for possible avenues to marry my love for illustration and my faith while making a living. So I applied to a full-time job in the children’s ministry of my church and other internships in faith-based organizations. My application for the full-time job was rejected. And while I was seriously considering taking up the internships, monetary concerns and the fear of losing my job stability held me back yet again.

When doors close, take something from that experience and move forward.

I chose to continue working on my craft even if my career was uncertain at that point of time. I invested in multiple children’s illustration courses and mentors. I spent almost every other hour on creativity – be it honing my skills or simply enjoying the wonderful works of my inspirations. I enjoyed drawing fun and whimsical characters and my skills improved. I even built a portfolio with hopes of illustrating children’s books one day.

It made sense at the time. I enjoyed drawing fun and whimsical characters. And my skills improved. I even built a portfolio with hopes of illustrating children’s books one day.

Check in with yourself regularly to ensure that the direction you’re taking is aligned with your heart.

But as time passed, I realized I was chasing a version of creativity that didn’t feel completely aligned with myself. I was so focused on honing my skills and worked on briefs that I wasn’t truly passionate about. While I still enjoyed illustrating and sharing my work online, I was no longer creating art that carried the messages I wanted to tell.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace… — 1 Peter 4:10

Create what you want to create, not what you think you should create.

I knew I didn’t need to create faith-based art even though I’m a Christian. But I was constantly pulled back to the art I made from my walk with God… simple reminders of His presence in everyday life. It felt like something I was meant to keep returning to, even if there was no grand revelation or audible call.

It became clear: I didn’t want to create art that would simply fit in any other illustrator’s portfolio. I wanted to create art that is born out of my struggles, and my rest in God’s Word.

Art as a form of worship.

Art that reflects real life experiences…

Art that holds space for the uncertainty, loss, and doubts.

But also the peace and joy found in trusting God.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. — Isaiah 26:3

Once you’ve decided on your focus, learn to stick with it.

One thing I’ve realized is that I’m always drawn to many things, and want to do many things all at once even though it’s physically impossible to.

With encouragement from a close friend (this friend was also the one who suggested to me to start an Instagram account previously), I nailed down my focus on faith-based art. I was going to spend the next few months making art born out of my insights, thoughts, or takeaways from Bible verses, sermons, or devotionals that I’ve been consuming. At that point of time, it felt like I was starting all over again.

Don’t look for an art style. Create, get inspired by others, analyze what you’re drawn to. And create again with your unique touch. Rinse and repeat.

For the next few months, I stuck with that. I kept focusing on God’s Word, kept creating, and kept showing up. I still wasn’t clear on my art style and direction. But I knew that it was only a matter of time.

And sure enough, I discovered the style that I enjoyed creating in (and resonated with my online community). Within a matter of months, my audience grew exponentially. While numbers shouldn’t mean much, it gave me some form of affirmation and encouragement. This mattered to me, especially since my family isn’t supportive of my creative career.

When you have the combination of art that you enjoy creating and art that your online community loves, you double down on it. So that’s what I did.

There may be moments when you’re pulled in many directions. It’s good to explore. But I think it’s essential to do so mindfully. And by this I mean to always check-in with yourself. Is the direction your heading in where you want to go? It’s okay to try something and realize it isn’t a good fit. It’s okay to take a U-turn and return back to something you focused on previously.

And when doors close, you can always trust that it’s simply a redirection. There’s still more in store for you.

In my next post, I share more about the art and business side of my creative journey thus far, and where I’m going. Thank you for being here with me!

– Nicole