I consider myself a "brief led" creative practitioner and I take comfort in admitting this. This way of working and approaching briefs means I can make decisions regarding method, media and content, based around the context, specifications of what is being asked and research I undertake in the initial stages - instead of being limited to a particular skillset. I think this means I would like to be a freelance illustrator - or at least try my hand in this, to get some client work under my belt before making any further decisions or set focus of my practice. I don't want this to come across as a cop-out however. I have been extremely critical of myself throughout my time on this course which has not been enjoyable. Therefore, to free myself up mentally for work in industry as a freelance illustrator, I am trying to go with my flow instead of against it and am yet to see variety as a negative. So far when i have been approached for commissions - being the "yes i can do that" person hasn't failed me and keeps me open to expanding my practice into new territories.
I know this wont always be plain sailing. I am in no way an expert with a perfect skillset in every area and therefore wont be skilled enough for all things that come my way. But I have had some form of experience both through education and in industry in many areas which should hopefully appeal to enough clients to get me started.
When asking my peers for feedback on the content of my portfolio, no one considered the diversity a negative thing which was really motivational. It has also allowed me to free up the pressure of having a set style, allowing myself the reassurance that no decision lasts forever and whilst I may take on commissions for a certain type of work - this does not have to be the defining factor of my practice.
Im not sure where I heard it or who told me but someone once described their creative practice in 2 halves. Their personal practice is like an artists practice, forever exploring and evolving - broadening the skillset and personally driven. Their professional practice is an illustrators practice - it has a job to do. This has stuck with me as it seems to simple but hearing it from someone else has confirmed that this division of ones practice works for them without stifling creativity and still making a career out of what they love.
The work I get paid for doesn't have to define who I am as an illustrator just because it has my name on it, therefore the growth and movement within my practice could lie solely within my personal play. It would be great if both my personal and professional practice overlap - with people wanting to pay for the work I create through passion and exploration, but not everyone "gets" the vision all the time and I am fully prepared to do a ton of client work that doesn't convey my interests per se.