Celebrating the launch of the Garance Dore Boutique, one of the world's most sought after blogger gives us the inside scoop on what it takes to become a successful illustrator. Time to take note.

1. You have to be very patient and hardworking. It takes a long time to establish yourself and its rare for success to arrive in just a couple of years. You have to push yourself every day and remember that breaking into a competitive business is all about dedication.

2. Get your work seen as much as possiblecreate a website, do your own PR and enter competitions. Nobodys going to come and hand you a great projectyou have to be proactive and inventive. Do things you dream of being commissioned for. I used to give myself fake illustration assignments like doing a Chanel campaign that I would publish on my own website.

3. Potential employers want to know you are a like-minded person and this is something you can show through your clothes. I love brands such as Valentino and Stella McCartney for workwear because I think they are very modern and talk to the modern woman.

4. Editing is very important. If you are showing your portfolio to a high-fashion magazine, select pieces that show a clear, fashion-editorial direction that will inspire the people youre going to see. Its better to show 10 great illustrations than 50 average or less relevant ones.

5. Dont just rely on the internet for inspiration. Leave your studio and surround yourself with creative peoplegoing to an art school, even just for evening classes, is great for this. The job of an illustrator can be very lonely. If you like to meet new people and travel, its great to mix illustration with other disciplines like photography and blogging.

Amazing advice from a truly talented creative. Be sure to shop Garance Dore's collection of prints, arriving just in time for the holidays.