187. James Hughes: How to Build a Creative Career Without Burning Out - Martina Flor

Martina Flor’s Open Studio

In this episode of the Open Studio Podcast, Martina Flor sits down with James Hughes, the illustrator, educator, and founder of The Illustrator’s Guide, to talk about the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building a sustainable creative career.

James shares how he turned his freelance illustration practice into an educational platform that helps artists learn the skills traditional schools often skip—like pricing, outreach, and real-world business strategy. You’ll hear why newsletters have become one of his most valuable tools, how teaching helped him reconnect with his own creative goals, and the importance of creating your own path in a competitive industry.

Follow James!

⁨@TheIllustratorsGuide⁩

https://www.instagram.com/theillustratorsguide/

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast