Do you have any advice for budding illustrators?
Start by trying out various mediums, are you more fluid or controlled, perhaps you’re detail orientated or want to work on a large scale, all these attributes will help to build your visual style. Create images as gifts if you don’t have a brief, or think about something you like, I love English mustard and have a burning desire to illustrate a pot! Perhaps you prefer people or buildings?
You need to have a portfolio of at least a few pieces to pique people’s interest. Take your time, I spent 40 hours drawing a peregrine falcon when I started out. Practice really does make perfect. Start with your network, friends, family, colleagues, talk openly in person and on social media about what you want to learn / do, people will then keep you in mind when a project arises.