Saphera Peters

12 lessons I've learned as a full-time freelance illustrator (so far!)

One of my favorite parts of this series has been designing these covers. Creating client work is great, but there's something so freeing about designing for myself.

When I quit my job in 2023 to pursue art full-time, I had no idea what I was doing. Now, two years later, l've learned so much about navigating freelance life, pricing my work, dealing with self-doubt, and staying consistent even when motivation fades.

These are 12 lessons I wish someone had told me when I started. Swipe through to see the covers so far, and let me know - what's a lesson you've learned on your own creative journey?!

#freelance #fulltimeartist #illustration #selfemployed #artbusiness #digitalillustrator #lifelessons

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

Saphera Peters

WE HIT 1k!!! This may not seem like a big deal to many but for me, this is a major milestone. I’m so so happy to have each and every one of you here on this journey with me. Thank you for being here and let’s continue to grow this awesome community together 🥹🩷.

How should we celebrate? I’m thinking a giveaway of some art prints, but let me know what you want!

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Saphera Peters

Hey friends! Part 2 of my Lisbon travel vlog is now LIVE! It took longer than I expected to release this because I faced a lot of emotions and anxieties during this trip, and editing it brought those feelings back up. However, I'm so happy that I pushed through and got this out. Enjoy!

1 year ago | [YT] | 4

Saphera Peters

My headshots but with a ✨Saf✨ touch 🥰

Skip the Carousel

1 2

2 years ago | [YT] | 6

Saphera Peters

My BIGGEST Client TO DATE 🪔

I had the privilege of illustrating a large 10’x10’ piece for none other than Scotiabank 😱. This was used in their Diwali Celebration event at Shoppers World, where I created an outlined version of my piece. Community members were invited to come up to the board and colour in the piece based off of the completed version.

When my parents first immigrated to Canada, Scotiabank was one of the first banks they ever used, and we still use to this day. To be able to create this (AND for Diwali 🥹) feels like a huge accomplishment and another full circle moment in my career.

Thank you Scotiabank and MKTG for this beautiful opportunity. Happy Diwali 🪔 ✨🫶🏽

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

Saphera Peters

🧿 HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT 🧿.

I’m 1 of 21 creators accepted into ‪@YouTube‬ Canada's Accelerator Program (CNCPT) which was created in collaboration with ‪@hxouse_‬ (founded by ‪@TheWeeknd‬ and his team).

For the next 16 weeks, I’ll be working with the YouTube team alongside AMAZING creators across Canada to grow my channel and learn the ins and outs of YouTube itself.

I feel like my dreams and manifestations are starting to come true, and can’t wait to learn from the best of the best to grow my community!

If you’re reading this and are already a subscriber, thank you SO MUCH for supporting me. We may be a small community right now, but we are about to GROW BIG because I’m officially DIALLED IN. I can’t wait to bring you all better content, help you grow as creatives, and learn alongside my journey as an artist.

Stay tuned for my upcoming content 🫡 .

youtube.com/@sapherapeters

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

Saphera Peters

sneak peak at my very first mural! full studio vlog coming monday 👀 STAY TUNED!

2 years ago | [YT] | 1

Saphera Peters

Happy Monday 🥳. I just uploaded a new video in the Artist Diaries series talking about REJECTION!

We all experience it but it doesn’t always make it easier. And while I have been getting some amazing projects recently, I’ve been getting rejected from A LOT. So go ahead and give the video a watch because I get into so practical ways to help manage rejection and bouncing back! I hope that this can help at least one person🩵

2 years ago | [YT] | 1

Saphera Peters

Unfortunately, there will be no video this Monday😿💔. I’m working on an exciting new project and can’t wait to share it soon!

2 years ago | [YT] | 5

Saphera Peters

So I recreated an old piece from 2020… it’s so amazing being able to see my progress this way. Not only am I constantly improving my ability to draw, but my confidence improves too. Keep experimenting and never give up!

Skip the Carousel

1 2

2 years ago | [YT] | 3