I'm posting this here so I don't forget it
ME: “I have been a user experience/product designer since 2012, working for companies like Intel, Daimler, Schwab and US Bank and I currently make $XX an hour and I have bills and expenses that money pays for so I feel stuck working in the corporate tech space to continue my way of life, but I’m so bored of this work and sick of working with these people that I need something that fulfills my soul, not a job that sucks the life out of me. I love comic books, action figures, toys and cartoons and video games and have always dreamed of being a voice over artist or concept illustrator or some sort of creative, soul fulfilling job like that but I don’t know how to get there. provide a logical, detailed plan of how to transition from one job to another.”
ChatGPT:
“Thank you for sharing so openly — you’re not alone in feeling stuck in well-paying but soul-draining corporate work. The good news is that you’re experienced, skilled, and self-aware, which puts you in a strong position to build a bridge from your current reality to a more fulfilling creative life. Below is a realistic, detailed transition plan designed to help you shift from your current UX/product design role into a soul-fulfilling career in voice acting, concept illustration, or related creative fields — without jeopardizing your financial stability.”
🌉 OVERVIEW: BRIDGING FROM CORPORATE DESIGN TO CREATIVE FREEDOM
Destination Goals (any or all of):
Voice Over Artist
Concept Illustrator (e.g. for games, toys, comics, animation)
Creator in comics, games, or animation
Working with people who share your passions
Constraints:
Need to maintain your $XX/hr income level (or close) during the transition
Currently in corporate UX/Product Design
Feeling mentally and emotionally drained
Time and energy are limited after work
PHASE 1: Groundwork & Exploration (1–3 Months)
Goal: Clarify your creative direction, start learning, and build new habits with minimal time commitment.
🎯 1. Clarify Your Creative Focus
Pick 1 main track to start with:
Voice Acting – for games, anime, commercials, YouTube, podcasts
Concept Art/Illustration – for games, comics, figures, cartoons
You’re allowed to pivot later, but picking one focus helps avoid burnout and decision fatigue.
How:
Ask: “What kind of day-to-day do I want — solo, collaborative, visual, vocal, physical?”
Browse jobs/portfolios on sites like ArtStation (for artists) or Voices.com (for VO) to feel out what excites you most.
⏳ 2. Time & Energy Audit
Since you’re mentally exhausted after corporate hours, do a weekly check:
What hours can you realistically carve out (1–2 hrs/day max)?
When are you most energized (early morning, late evening, weekends)?
Use that time only for your creative pivot — even 30 minutes/day makes a difference.
📚 3. Begin Low-Commitment Learning
Start building the skills for your chosen creative path:
Voice Acting: Take an online beginner course (e.g. on Skillshare, Coursera, or via VoiceActingMastery.com)
Concept Art: Start sketching again, follow guided drawing videos (e.g. Proko, FZD School, Aaron Blaise)
PHASE 2: Skill + Portfolio Development (3–6 Months)
Goal: Build initial samples and experience while keeping your current income.
🎙️ 4. Create a Starter Portfolio or Demo Reel
Voice Actor: Record a basic 60–90 sec reel of different character voices or reads. You can use your phone and Audacity at first.
Illustrator: Create 3–5 themed pieces (e.g. a toy line redesign, comic panels, character designs).
Tip: Projects don’t have to be paid yet — they just need to show your ability.
5. Share & Get Feedback
Join Discord groups, Reddit subs, or forums in your chosen field
Post your work on ArtStation, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok (even anonymously if needed)
Get feedback and iterate — don’t hide the work.
💼 6. Seek Small, Soulful Gigs
Now test the waters:
Voice Acting: Sign up for sites like Voices.com, CastingCall.club, Fiverr, or Bunny Studio
Art/Design: Explore freelance jobs on Upwork, Behance, or DeviantArt forums
Look for passion projects, game jams, podcasts, or indie toy makers looking for help.
PHASE 3: Revenue Diversification (6–12 Months)
Goal: Start earning creative income and reduce dependence on corporate UX.
🧠 7. Rebrand Yourself Strategically
Build an online presence that reflects your creative identity:
Portfolio site (e.g. yourname.com or ArtStation)
Instagram/LinkedIn bio: “Voice actor & concept artist with UX roots” – or similar hybrid identity
Share progress and passion projects regularly
💸 8. Shift to Creative Income (Side First)
Set a target: “Replace 25–50% of my monthly income from creative work within X months.”
How:
Take on 1–2 paid creative gigs/month
Sell prints, designs, or character commissions
Offer VO or illustration services to indie creators, streamers, podcasters, or tabletop RPG designers
🧳 9. Downshift Your Corporate Workload
If you’re consistently earning some creative income:
Ask for reduced hours or part-time UX contracts
Move to freelance UX work with better boundaries
Use that freed-up time for your creative work
PHASE 4: Creative Career Launch (12–24 Months)
Goal: Make the full switch — or build a 50/50 hybrid life.
🔁 10. Iterate or Expand
By this point you’ll know:
What you love most
What people are paying you for
What gives you energy vs. what drains you
You can then:
Double down on a niche (e.g. character VO for indie games)
Expand into adjacent areas (e.g. making your own comic or toy line)
Collaborate with others in your creative space
BONUS: Mental/Emotional Reboot
This path requires a mindset shift as well:
You are not just a tech worker — you’re a creative who happened to take a stable path.
You’re not stuck — you’re buying time to build something that matters.
You don’t have to “quit and go all in” — just shift your ratio over time.
