ギャランス・ドレのインスタグラム(garancedore) - 7月19日 01時04分

Did you know that a few years ago, I decided to stop doing commissioned illustrations?
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I almost always say no. I was always way too disappointed about how heavy handed the asks and edits were. Often I would look at the end result and really not like it. There is nothing more disheartening than seeing something you’re not proud of go out in the world.
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I had started as a magazine illustrator and would say yes to anything : “Draw a girl brushing her teeth! And make her look sexy, but chic! And colorful! And happy, but also concerned...”
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🤔
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Who cares, I needed the work! I felt so lucky people even called. I’d say yes.
When you have dreamt so much about a career and worked so hard for it, you sometimes hold on to it for dear life, even when it makes you unhappy (ahem reminds me of relationships ahah)
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But soon I realized I just wasn’t really good at commissions. Some people really are and that’s a talent I guess I don’t have. It was just endlessly painful to me. That’s when I shifted to photography (which is another story I can tell you next time if you want!) and decided to keep illustration just for myself and for my readers.
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This is one of the big NOs in my career. There has been a lot of them and they’ve shaped it even more than anything you have seen, even more than the YESes. It’s funny we never talk about what we refuse to do - but that defines us as much as what we do! I should do a series of stories of my NOs 😂
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Sometimes an illustration project really inspires me, and then I do it, out of love.
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Apart from that, today I am free to do whatever I want with my pencils and brushes. Sometimes I don’t draw for days. Sometimes I just have fun with calligraphy. Sometimes colors and shapes come up, like today. That’s how I love it. .

Have you ever had big defining moments of NO?

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michellebergerondesign Hmmmm. I love this discussion. I had always wanted a commission from you! Lol. My whole professional life is based on commissions- I clearly recognize that nagging “gut” feeling when I meet with someone and know it might not be the right fit. I do try to take each experience as a gift and a lesson, especially if I encounter bumps in the road. My things take months to make, so the process can be quite exhausting but I do feel such gratitude to know that people value a piece of “creative” me. Nothing feels like when the creation just flows, with no client or direction. It’s a wonderful point to make. It’s beauty at its purest and in the rush of deadlines and bills, we often forget to truly appreciate that moment. ?? Thank u ?

gliamanti A few years ago I had publishers down my throat to turn a blog gaining popularity in an underground community into a novel. The pressure of them wanting 1 made me feel I needed enough development to eventually go for a second one.. deadlines deadened the magic that it was. In not meeting them, I was also becoming unacquainted with my voice.. with the characters I had created from nothing and grown to love.. and eventually, I chose to protect them and their story. Some things are not worth compromising for. It will be finished when it’s meant to. The result is that we (characters & myself) are all free to grow without constraints. ♥️

an_ordinary_thing A big defining moment for me was a long time ago reading your blog and you said something about (and sorry if I’ve remembered it wrong now) what you’re not good at becoming a defining part of your style. That really resonated me and I’ve embraced that as part of how I’ve defined my style. Not being limited by my limitations, but embracing them and working with them. Also yes to saying no to commissions. Deciding not to pursue a career as a photographer has made me a much better photographer. Thank you Garance! I never comment but this one today especially resonated with me. ?

moodypelicans I used to say „yes“ to freelance projects. And I was always so frustrated by their workflow and the end result. Then I realized, I need to stop that and just enjoy my day job, which is even better than what was coming from the side. I am a successful professional and some things should just stay in the office environment. I do whatever I want in my free time. I read about art, I started drawing, I sit on my terrace and admire the evening sky and nature around while drinking wine. There will never be enough money. But there can be enough happiness that comes from freedom.

irina.cherciu Thank you for sharing Garance! Universe just gave me an instruction with your post, it came very handy. I used to say yes to all branding and design opportunities up until i realized that its devaluing my work. More no i say to less attractive projects the more refine my new client is. Indeed its super hard and i agree with the above that 30 min or day or even a week is enough to evaluate and make a decision. However there is one thing that bothers me and there is no answer to it, friends and work. How to keep friendship and start saying no in the working field?!

ilariafatone The very first time I said NO to a client, that I realised a project I felt bad. It took me half a day to find a way to say the first word we learn to speak. I thought I couldn’t afford a NO but I didn’t feel confortable in accepting that project at the moment, I was way too busy and I knew I would have added a burden to my work. And I was surprised when the client understand my reasons and offered me to postpone the deadline and work together later that same year. I felt relieved and I learned to say no and To listen more to myself and my feelings ??

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