--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I didn't go to school for illustration. I…" description: "\"I didn't go to school for illustration. I did larger pieces, mostly drawings and paintings, and minored in video, but when I moved to N.Y.C., I didn't ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/900/abbi-jacobson-10659_business_i-didn-t-go-to-school-for-illustration-i_1121646.jpg" --- # I didn't go to school for illustration. I did larger… ![“I didn't go to school for illustration. I did larger pieces, mostly drawings and paintings, and minored in video, but when I moved to N.Y.C., I didn't have a studio space anymore and downsized to my desk and started illustrating. I started a greeting card company and sold cards all over the city.” quote by Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/900/abbi-jacobson-10659_business_i-didn-t-go-to-school-for-illustration-i_1121646.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/900/abbi-jacobson-10659_business_i-didn-t-go-to-school-for-illustration-i_1121646.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/900/abbi-jacobson-10659_business_i-didn-t-go-to-school-for-illustration-i_1121646.jpg) > “I didn't go to school for illustration. I did larger pieces, mostly drawings and paintings, and minored in video, but when I moved to N.Y.C., I didn't have a studio space anymore and downsized to my desk and started illustrating. I started a greeting card company and sold cards all over the city.” [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. She shifted from fine art to illustration out of necessity, turning limited space into a successful greeting‑card business. **In simple terms:** Adapted to constraints and found new opportunity. Key Takeaway Leverage limited resources creatively. Themes adaptability entrepreneurship artistic evolution Mood determined optimistic Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - starting a small business - working from a home desk - transitioning art mediums - networking in NYC Key Concepts creative problem solving career pivot resourcefulness Questions to Reflect On - How can constraints spark innovation? - What markets align with your skills? A Different Perspective Success may depend on market demand, not just artistic passion. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [City](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city/) [Greeting card](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greeting-card/) [School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) ## Related quotes > [There's a tradition of reenactment in documentary which is about sort of illustrating what the past might have been like.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-oppenheimer/there-s-a-tradition-of-reenactment-in-documentary-which-is-about-sort/) [Joshua Oppenheimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-oppenheimer/) > [Why did Ted Geisel end up writing and illustrating for young minds? He has specific imagery in the book, and we never would have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-meledandri/why-did-ted-geisel-end-up-writing-and-illustrating-for-young-minds-he/) [Christopher Meledandri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-meledandri/) > [The art has to have a life of its own and not merely illustrate. I've always felt a great illustration can make a good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-florian/the-art-has-to-have-a-life-of-its-own-and-not-merely-illustrate-i-ve/) [Douglas Florian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-florian/) > [I have been doodling since childhood. I have a passion for illustrating but cannot paint or colour for that matter. I illustrate what I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/devdutt-pattanaik/i-have-been-doodling-since-childhood-i-have-a-passion-for/) [Devdutt Pattanaik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devdutt-pattanaik/) > [“I’ve had so many influences and sources of inspiration as an illustrator that it is impossible to name just one. I loved Aubrey Beardsley…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-lee/i-ve-had-so-many-influences-and-sources-of-inspiration-as-an/) [Alan Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-lee/) > [It's not what happens to us that makes the difference in our lives. What makes the difference is our attitude towards what happens. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-robinson/it-s-not-what-happens-to-us-that-makes-the-difference-in-our-lives/) [Ken Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-robinson/) > [Illustrators are usually illustrating something big or commercial if not outright advertising. It's a form of prostitution, but that's cool because we don't have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-drooker/illustrators-are-usually-illustrating-something-big-or-commercial-if/) [Eric Drooker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-drooker/) > [Initial response illustrates a great deal about someone's personal philosophy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/initial-response-illustrates-a-great-deal-about-someone-s-personal/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [I was a magazine illustrator for many years before I became an actor, and I used to think, 'Oh, God, all those wasted years!'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-emerson/i-was-a-magazine-illustrator-for-many-years-before-i-became-an-actor/) [Michael Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-emerson/) > [It's pretty damning. That's Hillary Clinton juxtaposed against the FBI Director Comey yesterday, clearly illustrating she lied.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/it-s-pretty-damning-that-s-hillary-clinton-juxtaposed-against-the-fbi/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [However, to modify a habit, you must decide to change it. You must consiously accept the hard work of identifying the cues and rewards…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-duhigg/however-to-modify-a-habit-you-must-decide-to-change-it-you-must/) [Charles Duhigg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-duhigg/) > [The opportunity should not be lost, which is afforded by the occasion, for illustrating and enforcing the thought that the universe, its creation, its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-s-draper/the-opportunity-should-not-be-lost-which-is-afforded-by-the-occasion/) Andrew S. Draper > [Bloggers and other flavors of lone wolf are publishing heart-wrenching photo-essays from the front line of the recovery effort. Newspapers and TV networks? They're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-bray/bloggers-and-other-flavors-of-lone-wolf-are-publishing-heart/) [Tim Bray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-bray/) > [One of the concepts I was having trouble illustrating was the concept that administrative systems create narrow categories of gender and force people into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-spade/one-of-the-concepts-i-was-having-trouble-illustrating-was-the-concept/) [Dean Spade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-spade/) > [The modern artist is living in a mechanical age and we have a mechanical means of representing objects in nature such as the camera…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jackson-pollock/the-modern-artist-is-living-in-a-mechanical-age-and-we-have-a-2/) [Jackson Pollock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jackson-pollock/) ## More by Abbi Jacobson > [I've been watching 'The Cosby Show' and 'Roseanne' a lot right now, and those work so well because they're not, like, jokey comedies; they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-ve-been-watching-the-cosby-show-and-roseanne-a-lot-right-now-and/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I will say that a lot of art, some of the best art, has very powerful and meaningful messages behind it, and the more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-will-say-that-a-lot-of-art-some-of-the-best-art-has-very-powerful/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [You know all those young people watching Comedy Central love 'Frasier.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/you-know-all-those-young-people-watching-comedy-central-love-frasier/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [Everything on 'Broad City' that my character has drawn is my stuff from years and years ago.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/everything-on-broad-city-that-my-character-has-drawn-is-my-stuff-from/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I find the most normal things about famous people to be the most fascinating.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-find-the-most-normal-things-about-famous-people-to-be-the-most/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [Comedy can simultaneously allow you to dive headfirst into the world's pain and escape it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/comedy-can-simultaneously-allow-you-to-dive-headfirst-into-the-world/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I recently saw this home video where my brother is playing this character Arsenio Grimley, who is a mix of Arsenio Hall and Ed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-recently-saw-this-home-video-where-my-brother-is-playing-this/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I'm from outside Philadelphia, a town called Wayne, which is, like, 25 minutes northwest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-m-from-outside-philadelphia-a-town-called-wayne-which-is-like-25/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [Why does 'writer' have no gender, but 'actor' has a gender? What is that?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/why-does-writer-have-no-gender-but-actor-has-a-gender-what-is-that/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [Someone like Amy Poehler, I don't know, but I feel like I know her. I think everyone feels like they know her.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/someone-like-amy-poehler-i-don-t-know-but-i-feel-like-i-know-her-i/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I definitely started to perform a little bit in middle school, but not the typical musical/play route. I think that I am funny, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-definitely-started-to-perform-a-little-bit-in-middle-school-but-not/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [We live in such a celebrity-driven culture, but all those people have to go buy toilet paper, and all those people have products they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/we-live-in-such-a-celebrity-driven-culture-but-all-those-people-have/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I'm from Philadelphia, and I go to Philly a bunch throughout the holidays, which is my only time to see my family, so we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-m-from-philadelphia-and-i-go-to-philly-a-bunch-throughout-the/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I drew a lot. I always had sketchbooks. My parents were really great about any gift-giving holiday - birthdays, Hanukkah, Christmas - it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-drew-a-lot-i-always-had-sketchbooks-my-parents-were-really-great/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) > [I really want to continue doing art. I would love to go back to doing paintings one day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abbi-jacobson/i-really-want-to-continue-doing-art-i-would-love-to-go-back-to-doing/) [Abbi Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) [Explore all 64 Abbi Jacobson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abbi-jacobson/) ## More Artist quotes > [One is a painter because one wants so-called freedom; one doesn't want to go to the office every morning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcel-duchamp/one-is-a-painter-because-one-wants-so-called-freedom-one-doesn-t-want/) [Marcel Duchamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcel-duchamp/) > [True works of art contain their own theory and give us the measurement according to which we should judge them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/true-works-of-art-contain-their-own-theory-and-give-us-the/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [I think most artists feel like they're outside society - no matter how many accolades they receive, or how much money is in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-rose/i-think-most-artists-feel-like-they-re-outside-society-no-matter-how/) [Aaron Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-rose/) > [“People in coats and ties were milling around the Talley gallery, and on the wall were the minimally rendered still lifes by Giorgio Morandi,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-martin/people-in-coats-and-ties-were-milling-around-the-talley-gallery-and/) [Steve Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-martin/) > [The prophet who fails to present a bearable alternative and yet preaches doom is part of the trap that he postulates. Not only does…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-mead/the-prophet-who-fails-to-present-a-bearable-alternative-and-yet/) [Margaret Mead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-mead/) > [“So, really," continued Jacob as if this were perfectly normal to expound on art in these circumstances, "when you think about it, the artists…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justina-chen-headley/so-really-continued-jacob-as-if-this-were-perfectly-normal-to-expound/) [Justina Chen Headley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justina-chen-headley/) > [“There are two options in art; either to adopt philosophical life by dissecting art, or to write your own philosophical life and claim it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/taf-teh/there-are-two-options-in-art-either-to-adopt-philosophical-life-by/) Taf Teh > [From as long as I can remember, I was always fond of drawing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-lucia/from-as-long-as-i-can-remember-i-was-always-fond-of-drawing/) [St. Lucia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-lucia/) > [I think a business guy is different from an artist. They walk different paths. Artists create the best outputs when they're having fun. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-dragon/i-think-a-business-guy-is-different-from-an-artist-they-walk/) [G-Dragon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-dragon/) > [The sublime in art is the attempt to express the infinite without finding in the realm of phenomena any object which proves itself fitting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/the-sublime-in-art-is-the-attempt-to-express-the-infinite-without/) [Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/) > [Art isn't done to decorate apartments, but to wage war against the enemy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pablo-picasso/art-isn-t-done-to-decorate-apartments-but-to-wage-war-against-the/) [Pablo Picasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pablo-picasso/) > [Designers shouldn’t design for museums any more than mummies should die for them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-caplan/designers-shouldn-t-design-for-museums-any-more-than-mummies-should/) [Ralph Caplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-caplan/) > [I don't believe in competitions between artists. This is insane. Who has the authority to say someone is better?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-arkin/i-don-t-believe-in-competitions-between-artists-this-is-insane-who/) [Alan Arkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-arkin/) > [I am not the avant-garde. I am the artist who comes after the advancing guard. I am more concerned with continuity of ideas and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathan-oliveira/i-am-not-the-avant-garde-i-am-the-artist-who-comes-after-the/) [Nathan Oliveira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathan-oliveira/) > [I am a horrible visual artist. I can't fix a car, sew, knit, cook, etc. Statistically, there is more I don't do than do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-brownstein/i-am-a-horrible-visual-artist-i-can-t-fix-a-car-sew-knit-cook-etc/) [Carrie Brownstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-brownstein/) [Browse all 32,600 Artist quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I didn't go to school for illustration. I did larger pieces, mostly drawings and paintings, and minored in video, but when I moved to N.Y.C., I didn't have a studio space anymore and downsized to my desk and started illustrating. 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