I am as busy as I have ever been in my 31 year career as an illustrator.
This is somewhat remarkable due to the fact that I walked away from my biggest client 4 or 5 months ago. Virtually from the day I made that decision though I have been aggressively pursuing leads. I have also attended a couple of publishing shows. All of these efforts have resulted in new clients and an avalanche of work.
It's not just the new work and clients that excites me so much. It's the demonstrable fact that there are still plenty of people who are looking for illustrators...whether it's in publishing, advertising, professional sports teams or corporations.
The biggest lesson I've learned this year? That's easy: They can't use you Tim if they don't know you exist.
Here I am. Looking for an illustrator?