How I Became a Children's Book Illustrator: My Journey to Full-Time Freelancing and Finding Joy in My Work

Hi, I’m Mirjana Bubevska, and I’m a full-time children’s book illustrator and designer. My journey to becoming a freelance artist wasn’t straightforward, but it has been rewarding, fulfilling, and—above all—filled with love for what I do.

• The Beginning: A Lifelong Passion for Art

I’ve always had a passion for art. From an early age, I found joy in expressing myself through drawing and painting. This love for creativity led me to pursue my education at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje, where I deepened my skills and explored the world of design. A pivotal moment for me was completing a graphic design course, which ignited my love for illustration even further and sharpened my technical proficiency in tools like Adobe Suite.

I started to realize that illustration was more than just a hobby or a subject I enjoyed—it was my calling. This realization planted the seeds for the career I have now.

• The Leap to Freelance

For a long time, I balanced my creative work with other jobs, always dreaming of going full-time as an illustrator. The desire to pursue my passion and make a living from it was strong, but like many artists, I faced doubts about whether it was possible. Eventually, I decided it was time to take the leap.

I officially transitioned into freelancing when I realized I wanted to focus fully on children's book illustrations. The turning point came when I started landing more projects, gaining more visibility, and building a portfolio that reflected my love for vibrant, playful, and expressive characters.

I have illustrated many books along the way, but my first major freelance project was illustrating the book "Cocoa and Cream, the remarkable twin ponies" for the author Deanie Humphrys- Dunne, which went on to win many awards, which from two of them were for my illustrations. This success gave me the confidence to fully commit to freelancing. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working on numerous projects for both individual clients and companies.

• How I Find Clients

Finding clients as a freelancer requires creativity, persistence, and a good network. Initially, I reached out to publishers and authors, sharing my portfolio and hoping to collaborate on their books. Over time, word-of-mouth referrals became my biggest asset. I also started promoting my work on platforms like Instagram (@bubisamart), where I share my latest illustrations, personal projects, and updates.

Apart from social media, I’ve diversified how I connect with potential clients. I offer illustration services on some freelance platforms which give me exposure to a global audience and new opportunities. I’ve also worked as a lead generation specialist, helping other companies find clients while refining my own methods for reaching out to potential collaborators.

• Balancing Multiple Projects and Loving the Work

One of the things I love most about freelancing is the variety of projects I get to work on. I’ve illustrated everything from heartwarming children’s books to dynamic comic scenes and even educational materials. Each project allows me to bring a unique story to life through art, and that’s where my passion truly shines.

Working on multiple projects at once is not without its challenges, but I’ve developed time management strategies to balance them effectively. I set clear deadlines, communicate consistently with clients, and maintain flexibility in my schedule to ensure that I can take on both larger, long-term projects and smaller, fun assignments.

For example, I’m currently working on an illustration project for "Run the Runway, A Walk in a Fashion Designer’s Shoes"—a vibrant, fashion-forward book that’s been a joy to illustrate. At the same time, I’m illustrating scenes for Bonnie’s story, while also doing trial illustrations and taking on new commissions. It’s an exciting, ever-changing workflow that keeps me inspired.

• Living My Dream Life

Freelancing has allowed me to shape my life and career in ways I never thought possible. I love the flexibility that comes with setting my own schedule, choosing projects that inspire me, and working from anywhere. It gives me time to focus on what truly matters—whether it’s honing my craft, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying life.

Every day, I wake up excited to create. My life as a children’s book illustrator has brought me immense joy and fulfillment. I’ve learned that with persistence, passion, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty, it’s possible to turn a creative dream into a thriving career.

If you’re considering freelancing or pursuing a career in illustration, my advice is to follow your passion wholeheartedly. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay open to opportunities, and never stop believing in your talent. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of doing what you love make it all worthwhile.

If you’d like to see some of my work, you can check out my portfolio. I’m always excited to collaborate on new projects, so feel free to reach out!