new Pikaland Good to Know zine out!

Amy at Pikaland has just added a new zine to her "Good to Know" series for designers and illustrators. It is #11 in the series and is called "What jobs have you taken on while you manage your art/illustration career: Are you holding multiple jobs to make ends meet, or are you a full time artist?".  She posted this question on her blog back in 2011 and got a lot of great responses from all over the world, so she turned it into a book... and I'm in it!  I shared about my experience back when I left my teaching position as an Art Educator to pursue my illustration work, and the jobs that led me to gain experience and actual work in the field as a freelancer:

"I left my first job as an Art Teacher to pursue my freelance illustration
career. I ended up working as a secretary at a beverage
distributor to earn an income and for health insurance.
I quit that job and decided to do temp work... which led me to
my dream job at an advertising agency. They placed me for two
weeks as a receptionist but after meeting people in the Creative
Dept., they asked to see my portfolio and I was offered a position.
I was able to build my portfolio with high profile clients,
and then later could pursue freelance with a better background.
Currently my “job” is being a mom but I get freelance work now
by word of mouth and later will pursue what I want to do when
my kids are grown. I’ve learned a lot from working at lots of
different positions – even at a ski resort! You never know what
will turn into a great opportunity so don’t be afraid to try
different avenues and let people know what your aspirations are.
Bethany
www.flickr.com/photos/bethanyhissong/"

This whole series is just full of good information! I own most of them (they are highly affordable too!). It was an honor to be a part of this one and even though I'm not currently illustrating, I'm sure there will be more drawings in my future. :)  So if you know anyone pursuing design or illustration (or any creative field), then mention Pikaland "Good to Know" zines because they are definitely informative and inspiring!