82. The business of making money as a freelance illustrator, with Aysha Tengiz artwork
The Creative Boom Podcast

82. The business of making money as a freelance illustrator, with Aysha Tengiz

  • S4E82
  • 1:10:00
  • June 27th 2022

It was the picture books from her childhood that inspired our next guest to become a freelance artist. The illustrated stories sparked a passion for drawing for Aysha Tengiz but were also what kept her sane growing up in Turkey, where her family had moved to be closer to her father’s.

Now based in London, Aysha specialises in illustration, animation and textile design. Her work is playful, colourful, and often of everyday scenes full of charming characters like Fil, a lonely elephant who was also the star of her first picture book.

A graduate of Camberwell College of Arts, Aysha has worked in Illustration since breaking into the industry five years ago. Today she is represented by Closer & Closer in North America, and her clients include The New York Times, Facebook, and Stella McCartney. It’s been a whirlwind of success. One she partly puts down to being part of a thriving London community.

In this episode, we talk about freelancing as an illustrator and why it can often be hard to find your place in the world and settle on a style that suits you and your personality. We talk a lot about money – a subject that we feel just isn’t covered enough. And we understand more about what it takes to survive in an increasingly competitive field.

Season Four of The Creative Boom Podcast is kindly sponsored by Astropad Studio.

The Creative Boom Podcast

Join host Katy Cowan on The Creative Boom Podcast, where candid chats with fellow creatives offer fresh perspectives, expert advice, and a shared understanding of the challenges we all face. Whether seeking inspiration or practical tips, this show brings warmth, insight, and connection to your creative journey. Come for the stories, stay for the friendly vibes, and leave feeling empowered to shape a fulfilling, sustainable career.

Meet the Host

Katy Cowan avatar
Katy Cowan
Founding Editor

Katy is the founding editor of Creative Boom, an online magazine, podcast, and community that celebrates and supports creatives worldwide.

With over 25 years of experience in media, PR, and marketing communications, she began her career in broadcast journalism in 2000 before transitioning into public relations. In 2007, she co-founded Boomerang, a digital communications consultancy based in Manchester, working with clients such as the BBC, TATA Group, and Manchester City Football Club.

In 2009, Katy launched Creative Boom to support struggling creatives. It has since grown into a leading platform that reaches over one million creative professionals each month. The platform has partnered with brands like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Canon, and Wix to deliver impactful campaigns tailored to the creative community.

Today, Katy focuses entirely on Creative Boom, dedicated to empowering and uplifting artists and designers worldwide. Her passion for supporting creatives is at the heart of everything she does.