This is me 4 years ago...

I look happy, I look like I have my life in order, but I was living with my sister who let me stay in her child's room temporarily. I was broke, hardly any income coming in, with no vision for my future, only a bicycle to get around, an old pc and a Wacom drawing tablet.

I felt anxious, lost and totally behind in life. My 30th birthday was fast approaching and I knew something had to change. I realized that no one is going to save me. I had to make a choice and take charge of my own life.
Firstly, I had to change my mindset. You can't get anywhere if you can't believe it first.

Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a children's book illustrator, but I had been doing portraits and other freelance artwork here and there instead. I finally listened to my gut and took action.

I created my first children's book illustration and I put it out there in the world. Out of pure luck I got my first children's book to illustrate. I was way out of my comfort zone but it just felt right. After that it just snow-balled into a full time career. I aimed to improve with every book I did. I never stopped learning and I always try to go above and beyond for my clients.

4 years later and my schedule is fully booked for a year in advance and I have a waiting list for the year following. I could buy my first house with the man of my dreams and I don't have to cycle my way around town anymore. 

I feel so lucky and thankful to everyone who helped me on my journey and who continue to support me in my journey ahead. 

My new venture Caterpillar Collective is to help more people in the children's book community. I want to put the professionalism back into self-publishing. I want to help authors find freelancers that can help them create a professional book that will sell. And I want to help freelancers that are struggling to find work, by putting them in front of the clients that are looking for them. Win win.

Join the launch team if you want to try out the platform for free for 30 days when it launches at the end of Jan https://mailchi.mp/caterpillarcolle.../sign-up-to-email-list
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