5 Ways I Make Money As An Artist and Art Youtuber (with exact numbers)

[@a.salguez]

I can't wait to start posting here on KZbin to promote my art career as well. I've struggled A LOT when it comes to the infamous art block and mental stability but after discovering you channel, I feel like I can also do this. Thanks for cheering up this artist on her 30s!

[@asparagussauce]

holy shit, the online art community is such a small world! fancy seeing you here!

[@a.salguez]

@@blissyogi8699 Thank you so much! I will give it a go 😊

[@a.salguez]

@@asparagussauce Oh my, I wasn't expecting to find you again through KZbin! Going asap to follow you on instagram

[@PinkNeptunee]

Just subbed!

[@superiorgo2368]

I write, I writer I respect once said something like "I don't get writers block because it's my job and you aren't allowed to freeze up at your job." It really helped me to frame things. If art is your future don't let yourself freeze. You only freeze because you give yourself the room to. If you were at work you'd probably just do your best to get the job done and possible redo it later.

[@thepinkcloudproject7678]

Thanks! I’m just getting started after years of denying this dream and my soul is on fire! I got sober 9 months ago and now I have nothing holding me back but me, and I’m ready to go! Your channel single-handedly broke down the business side for me. Like, “explain it to me like I’m 5” level. I just completed illustrations for a childrens book that will be published in November, and I’ve got some painting commissions lined up! I will always be checking in on your channel:)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Congratulations on your sobriety! That's a huge deal. And your upcoming children's book!!!! I'm so so glad I was able to help break it down for you, making this career path more accessible for people is a major goal of mine. Feel free to share your work over in our community discord, there are a few children's book illustrators over there!

[@YetiMakesYouLulz]

I'm trying really hard to start up my art career finally, and these videos really make it seem possible. If I could work hard enough to get even half the success you've made for yourself, I could finally quit my soul crushing retail job and just focus on making art ✨️ I'm gonna try my hardest to keep grinding. It may take years, but it'll be worth it! Thanks for all the tips and inspiration!

[@galtenoble]

Good luck to you. Retail work is the worst!

[@zofiajaneczek184]

Please keep on going! The world needs you to be a creative. I'm also stuck but not in retail and it's killing me! It take everything I have just to make it to this job and not walk out every single day. Believe in yourself and to your future success!

[@hunnybee-v4y]

I'm going through the exact same journey right now, once you know what you want and focus on making it happen anything is possible, never let anyone discourage you

[@Onzawa3340]

Any updates? how u doing ?

[@croft4746]

Also understanding the market is so essential, and especially keeping in mind how marketing and business savvy is how you’ll make money, the art itself is an extremely small factor. I found this book called Artful Ambitions: Your Guide to a Thriving Art Career by Alexander Abbott I think, and it changed so much for me. It’s a tricky market but definitely hackable once you understand it.

[@johncarmanarts]

An interesting and growing phenomenon on KZbin: artists who make money from KZbin videos about how to grow their online presence rather than actually selling their art or devoting most of their time to a serious art education. Or put another way, artists who make most of their money from KZbin videos about being an artist rather than actually being an artist

[@hopevity]

@@johncarmanarts I think she’s just posting what people like to see which is educational videos. I think she used to draw things.

[@abiconnick]

Yes!! Need more transparency like this in the creative industry🎨 Money is such a taboo subject, when it really shouldn't be!! Appreciate you putting yourself out there and being honest (as I know so people could potentially misinterpret this as 'braggy'). It's okay to want to earn a lot of money and I think this will inspire and open a lot of peoples eyes to what is actually possible, hopefully save a few starving artists too! Loving the content 💛

[@greenplasticgun]

It's the honest reaction to to finding out you made more than you thought that got me. Congrats on being a successful artist and thanks for sharing it with artists! You are the change!

[@nicholasjacobson7834]

The key to making money with art? Be a KZbinr.

[@ueckbueck]

😂

[@TheHuYao]

guess I'll just stick to making no money then because I have the same charisma as a rock

[@realtalk4994]

Yeah I mean, doing art KZbins is cool and all, but it's a totally different set of skills from making the art. Lol

[@maureenp2248]

According to my friend who's a vfx artist, the biggest money in art comes from working in the advertising industry. But doing cgi for tv/movies is also quite good and feels less "selling your soul" lol

[@rohit620]

@@TheHuYao woww you've alot of charisma then.. Rock is a GOAT in WWE

[@SimonBoulter]

Good stuff. I enjoy these art business/youtube growth videos. They seem to be really helping to grow your channel. Also, I'd like to see more videos about your own artwork.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Most of my recent videos are batch filmed because I’m moving right now, but once I’m settled in I’ll be doing lots of studio vlogs! Stay tuned 🥰

[@JarOfLooseScrews]

Agreed, really appreciate your transparency with this. A lot of artists need to watch videos like this, you offer ideas and advice I wish I'd known about years ago, too. Many thanks for your videos, as always very helpful : ) To everyone else, good luck with your art careers, hope you get to do what you want to do.

[@Erik-fn7kj]

Love your art 👀

[@JarOfLooseScrews]

@@Erik-fn7kj Thank you very much

[@tinyspyro8163]

I REALLY love your presentation style. You have a nice, calm attitude, friendly and at the same time, straight to the point with just enough details/context :) It is SO NICE to watch a creator who doesnt add waffle/filler to hit that 8 min mark!

[@kevinhernandezrosa4819]

Most of this work that you are doing I wouldn't define as being "Art" it's more like design and admin and lifestyle coaching.

[@mimiirae]

unfortunately, if you want to be any sort of creative / artist working freelance, you're gonna have to basically do 10 jobs in 1 and transfer all your skills! unless you're really really lucky!!!

[@lukegordonharris]

Thanks for being so open about all this! Do you have a video about how you balance everything, like how many hours you put in to KZbin as opposed to freelance?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I have a few (just search planning or time management on my channel) but nothing super up to date. After I finish moving I’ll probably do an update on that!

[@rigelr5345]

@@KelseyRodriguez Second this, would love to hear more about it! Thanks for the transparency.

[@athernandez666]

@@KelseyRodriguez I'm REALLY looking forward to that. Thanks!

[@allisonvillaizan5096]

TEH SPANISH DUB WAS SO SHOCKING I LOVE YOU!!! IM FROM LATIN AMERICA AND IM SAHRING YOUR VIDS WITH ALL OF YM FRIENDS!!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

[@sismystik]

I love you for being transparent! I’ve been struggling with this !

[@AngryPanda.]

One of the most useful videos I've come across on this topic. I've been a struggling freelancer for years, feeling inspired to try and start up some other income streams

[@pinkbunnypeepsyall8251]

i really appreciate you sharing the numbers! most artists are super evasive about that (understandably) but it’s nice to know concretely how financially rewarding different things are

[@ChickenGeak]

It's people like you who are sharing their knowledge and resources that are genuinely ensuring the next generation of artists don't suffer. Thank you so much for being so transparent and, well basically giving me hope for my future as an artist. I quit my job to take care of my mother through the pandemic and with multiple mental health issues of my own I just can't go back to a normal working environment anymore, it's now or never for me to take myself (and my 240 followers on instagram) to bigger and better things, you're giving me the hope and motivation I need to kick myself into gear, thank you

[@DanielAlvarez-ud7su]

My goal in life right now is to be my best artist, I have a lot to reach for. I stumbled on your channel thinking this’ll just have more hollow videos but I’ve watched more and got more motivated. With every tip you give me, I actually feel like I can do this. I’m 19 and have a lot of growing up to do but I have a good feeling this is what I live for. Thank you for showing us the way!!

[@StrawbearyStudios]

Thank you for always being so transparent! It’s so motivating and I love getting to see how much you’ve grown!!

[@tampham2421]

Thank you very much! You’re really appreciated!!! I want to see these kind of things as a starting artist to know what I’m getting myself into, how much should I expect to invest in and get out, etc. But none of the artists I’m following ever talk about this, like it’s taboo or something. Thank you so much!

[@FoundersandCreators]

Things I love about this channel: 1. The Content 2. Cool Thumbnails 😉

[@lucyl697]

man I am super jealous haha. for me the issue getting started is finding the disclipline and energy to develop my skills to the point where my art is actually monetizable

[@kellybrassard767]

I just came from your video where you talk about your plan to become a full time artist. At that time you around 500 ish followers, look at you now! (And this video was 1year ago) I am so so happy for you! Love the transparency ✨ ❤

[@kibalev]

I really want to explore posting my art here on youtube! I think it is such a powerful platform to share your ideas and artistic vision! Thank you for your videos, they are truly inspiring!

[@chknhero3427]

Thank you for sharing this! It's actually very encouraging to see another artist make money from their work 🙏

[@samphilobinna4964]

Making passive income is not easy as they say it is but it is very possible just be informed

[@graythistle]

thank you for the transparency and for sharing what has worked for you. you're amazing and so kind

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Thank you so much for your transparency, arlee bean is the only other artist who is upfront and honest about their income, even so, you go beyond her in your openness. Much appreciated.😊

[@elsaartsy]

Thank you for this, it’s so nice of you to share this kind of information. I really want to start making money of my art but it’s so difficult in the beginning but I hope I can grow my following and eventually live my dream of being a full time artist. And it’s so nice to see the different ways you can make money of your art. 💕

[@jocydoesart]

Thanks for sharing your journey and congrats to your increasing revenue! These videos have opened my eyes to how being a full-time artist isn’t a fool’s dream, but an actual tangible reality. I’ve been enjoying starting my own journey thanks to you! Excited to keep following your videos :)

[@janinafisher101]

Really appreciate your transparency, so we can see what is possible. Another good idea would be to tell us the breakdown of how long you spend on each of those income streams to generate that income. Love your channel, Kelsey!

[@miniciominiciominicio]

Wow, that’s so awesome of you to directly share this information. You’ve accomplished so much. Even with my incredibly fulfilling career of a front-line healthcare professional -not a doctor or nurse- on the code team and work with the sickest, most at risk of dying right now patients, at full time I make $5k net. And that’s Canadian lol I can just imagine what 1M sub counts who get adsense and sponsorships but also stream and get money thrown at them on twitch/youtube make. Plus those that have a patreon as well. What a privilege to know some real numbers. Thank you for sharing and gl in the future!

[@safegourd]

Thank you for this video!! I’m currently trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, and videos like this make me think that art might actually be possible as a career for me ^_^

[@isthisfinn]

I am so proud to see how far you came :) You are really inspiring, and i'm currently in the process of learning about content creation and filming my first video thanks to you!! Thank you so much for being transparent and honest with us

[@prismaticmochi]

Nice! It's great your income is scaling so quickly! It really helps being able to see the figures and different sources, as well as a realistic time frame and view into the amount of effort it takes. Thanks so much as always 🙏

[@Al3xInWon3rLand]

Congratulations Kelsey your hard work is paying off! I’m so inspired by your journey and willingness to share the highs and lows. Wish you more and more success!

[@saifsami_ss]

i like the style of your editing and the environment you are in and the transparency and positivity you have thank you so much and i hope you reach your goals

[@tobizarb9452]

This is awesome! The thing I love most about your videos, is that you share the successes AND failures. Your mindset to persevere or pivot and try something different is inspiring to watch. To see an artist build their career and take us along the way is just what the community needs. Yourstory (with trial and error) from the current perspective and not from someone who only shares once they've made it is something rarely seen, especially in the art community. Your perspective and transparency is so valuable! Thank you.

[@AMO17]

Lordy, it's been a struggle for me personally, but I love when other artists succeed. I get stuff here and there, but I've been ghosted pretty frequently. I'll keep pushing for a little while longer, though.

[@JocelynWhite]

Just wanted to let you know the part about the month delay made perfect sense to me. You did well explaining :) Also, I don’t consider myself as an artist as I do not commonly create art. However, I am very thankful to see you so willing to share information you didn’t have when it could’ve been helpful. I think that shows your appreciation for the industry as well as other artists. Definitely subbed and excited to learn more about artists and their process beyond just art.

[@quotesntrends2901]

Thank you for being a transparent. Abolish the stigma that we can't be successful with pursuing your passion for art.

[@Jinan.]

I can't tell you enough how useful your videos are, thank you for posting this kind of content ♥

[@saragrekey]

It's so insane to see your journey through your videos! We are literally watching your advice working, its so inspiring

[@noovernightguests]

Thank you for making this video Kelsey! I would love to be making 7K a month but for now, it's all about building up my content and community. This was actually really helpful and I appreciate your honesty.

[@calmthefrontdoor]

Congrats Kelsey! You're videos are amazing, you make it so short and sweet and easy to understand, but somehow packed with information every time!

[@kathrynd8055]

I’m so proud of you! I’ve seen your channel grow so much over this past year and it is so inspirational! Keep up the good work!

[@pyarghblock9125]

Thanks for being transparent. It's helpful to struggling artists to survive just for average living... No fancy sport car or big mansion... Just stay low and focusing on creating. i still with One subscriber after months in my Art channel here. Zero skill in marketing myself in all these years.

[@alittleofsomething]

Just getting the online shop going would help *me* to live a much better life, and you got so much figured out. Damn, those multiply income streams are something.

[@nevadewinter7032]

Seeing this give me hope, I have been struggling with making art as a career all my life and I'm barely entering my 30's. I have a supportive partner and friends that want me to pursue in this career but... having my family tell me that working as an artist will not help me in life and after hearing it for so long I started to believe it was true.. And here I am working at a job I hate LOL. Finding your channel gives me the motivation and drive to finally put my skills as a career!

[@Rachelhappyface]

I’m so pleased to see a video like this! I’ve just started trying to learn more about Procreate because I really want to break out of my day job and do something more creative, this is exactly the kind of content I need!

[@ImperfectlyLaura]

I really, really appreciate how straightforward and to the point this video is. I would love to be able to say I'm making that much in a month someday with my artwork!

[@sarafeartist]

Thank you so much for being so open about the financial aspect of being a artist/content creator, it’s super inspiring! 🤩

[@patriciavargas8762]

I love love your content, you are my inspiration for not giving up on my art. I would love to see you progress from 0 to now in the future and how you keep working on it and maintain making art and all of that. I'm super happy for you and what you achieve!

[@EvelinTee]

Agreed. It’s so hard to find out any info on making money as an artist and I appreciate your transparency.

[@pHixiq]

Wow that’s insane !!! And you don’t even have an absurdly high subscriber count ? Makes you realize some things. Props to you !!

[@cannibalcatgirl]

THANK YOU FOR BEING TRANSPARENT. I hate that money is such a taboo topic. How is one supposed to get a realistic idea of how this stuff works if no one discusses it? Thank you for sharing! I love your channel

[@michelepastele5347]

Thank you Kelsey - I really appreciate your generosity in sharing your actual income and the actual streams of income. That is so hugely helpful and I know it will be helpful for so many other artists as well! x

[@Barrrt]

I love the transparancy and thank you for sharing this

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Fair enough, most of my income is youtube related at the moment, a big reason why that’s the case is because I’m moving, so physical products weren’t a possibility aside from small batches of things on my Patreon. That being said, all of my income is strictly related to my creative practice, none of this would have been possible if I wasn’t an *artist* posting on social media. You’re right though, there are lots of options out there! Get creative with it.

[@piry3093]

So helpful and honest. You’re a great contribution to the community, thank you!!❤

[@ArtistaRachel]

Thank you for these videos Kelsey! It's amazing to see how much your channel has grown. So encouraging.

[@QuietPenguinGaming]

LOVE the transparency!! Thanks Kelsey!

[@arthurgphotography]

Great content for people mid career like me who want to pivot to our passion. Keep them coming!

[@fesbra]

so straight forward. so glad i came up with this. i'm a 34 year old mtg artitst looking at how to afford stuff in the future and this is gold.

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you again for being so transparent 🙌 your tips are immensely useful

[@ninnnnnilum]

Thank you very much for this video! I've always wondered about the exact numbers too. Thank you for being the change that you needed when you were starting out :)

[@chimchan8248]

subscribed. girl you gave me a lot of hope in starting an art/lifestyle channel.

[@MeganBrookeThomas]

This was the perfect video for me to learn who you are!! Great video overall and really appreciate your openness. Lead me to watching more videos and plan to keep doing so. 😊

[@liminalsister4078]

I love your videos. The transparency is super inspiring! I really appreciate artists who talk openly about money 🖤

[@ManishaChanXD]

It’s been my life’s dream to make some sort of income from my art. I pray it works out for me and I’m ready to put everything I can into it

[@IfTheLydFits]

OMG I am so happy for you!!! Thank you for being so transparent and sharing all of your knowledge and progress with us!

[@FilipaValentim]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Amazing video! You are so incredibly generous to share this information, your transparency is GOLD ❤️👏 Congrats on the amazing KZbin trajectory you’re killing it and you’re crazy inspiring 💪😍

[@Latifastudios]

Thank youuuu for this Video!! It's so informative and motivating to see; definetly going to binge watch your videos. I need all the knowledge I can get xD

[@charberrymilk]

You are so generous and kind and I don't even know you in person!! :') You inspire me everyday!!

[@PercabethLovernot]

this is so cool! thank you for providing numbers, it really puts things into perspective for me

[@SylviaHowell-o3e]

Yay, Kelsey! Congratulations.

[@jowrites]

Thank you for sharing this and being so honest and open. I find this very helpful.

[@vanessaleon4466]

I am so extremely happy for you!! $7k! you go girl!! I LOVE this because it shows me that is possible, that abundance is infinite and if you put the time and the work you can make it :). LOVE FOR YOU!!

[@trevorduppart8841]

Well done! Transparency is always so helpful.

[@HolyAwesomeStitches]

I've just started watching your videos as I'd like to make my living as an artist as well. Your videos are godsend. Your willingness and transparency to talk about the steps artists can take and just how financially beneficial it can be is so nice to have as a resource. I can't wait to see where my own career will take me, and it feels more real than it has before thanks to the help you've provided!

[@arythea5459]

Respect to your transparency!!! Please continue doing so.

[@athenakaterina8545]

you are amazing!! thank you so much for alll of your videos. some of the most helpful art advice I have received in years.

[@rinovarka]

Really neat to see this breakdown! Me personally, still working the long game, gotta make stuff to make in an online shop to vids to freelance, with a unrelated job on the side ahaha. Best of luck with your other endeavors!

[@arsontattoos5702]

I love your videos. Your always so positive and inspire me so much. Thank you for helping so many people!!❤️

[@honeybearjenn]

you're videos are SO helpful. thank you so much for what you do, and you're hard work really inspires me to do more with my channel and work

[@thespitefulartist]

I absolutely love this! I just downloaded Notion and love it ❤

[@MaddCB]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🍾 that makes me happy when I see other artists winning!!😊😊

[@markadelhoch1063]

Congratulations on your success! That must feel so good after all of the challenges you faced to achieve it. Making a living as an artist has always seemed like such a tough grind but you really make it seem like a dream that can indeed come true. Thank you so much Kelsey!

[@Dani.Coates]

HOLY SHIT! you're exactly who I've been looking for! I've been wondering about how/ to look for someone who does freelance work. YAY! now time to start binging your channel!!

[@laowaistudieschina7470]

Lady, you are a gold mine of information!! I thank God for your channel and I thank you for sharing your expertise! Now I have some idea where to start on my own journey.

[@foolsanticsstudio]

People should talk about their money more. It helps others in the same field figure out what works and what doesnt. But yes some people do straight up just brag. Some seem like they are bragging when they aren't. But that really comes down to how you present the video. And I can also see not wanting to share your success cuz that creates more competition specifically for you. But I would also counter that with even if you showed me exactly how to paint, our paintings would still show differences. Even for one person it is hard to replicate their own work exactly.

[@arizonamars]

I love this!! Thank you so much for this information. I'm so excited to finally move out of the 9-5 lifestyle and be happy!

[@eliaszacariasart]

How you get your video also to appear in spanish? Do you have someone that translate it for you?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

it's a new KZbin feature I got early access to, check the description for info

[@eliaszacariasart]

@@KelseyRodriguez amazing thanks so much for your content and this info. I am just getting started on youtube =)

[@quidquerias]

Truly the perfect thing to see from a bird's eye view if you've no idea what the current environment looks like! Thank you!

[@angelica-webster]

I am filling out my notion template I just bought the other day - thank you, Kelsey!

[@branimalYT]

Going to go comb through your videos now and try to make a plan for myself! Hope that my art is good enough lol, thanks for the eye opener!

[@Anairda98]

Omg I love this so much 😍 this inspires me greatly ♥️

[@danielsandoval8591]

Thank you for sharing this! Very helpful seeing actual numbers :)

[@srabonbon]

I randomly found your channel and I cannot stop watching ! I love all the advice and raw-ness you have. You played a part in me finally taking that step and posting so I just wanted to say thank you, you rock !!!

[@yanckebaxter783]

Thank you for your content, teaching and kindness!!

[@marabstracto3215]

I just saw this video, I had never seen you and I already love u. Thank you so much!

[@aleishastringer3678]

I just came across your channel, thank you so much for this video! I'm looking at a future as an artist and this is really helpful