6 Ways I Make Money as an Illustrator

[@harukoharuhara8466]

How do you price your work?

[@hollyexley]

Haruko Haruhara Hi! I have a video on this topic here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZLbqGeChrGYotU 💙

[@lifegpt]

look at similar work and see what there charging

[@curateddaisies4128]

That, but you also need to make sure the person is pricing their work right. And look at how much you need to make to cover your own personal living expenses

[@buckybarnes3803]

many years ago i would chase a certain percentage of my unpaid invoices. but once i set a policy of 50% deposit, then i never had to chase down an unpaid invoice again. instilling a down payment doesn't scare customers away, but instead they have more respect for you as a professional and someone who's serious. it weeds out those who weren't serious to begin with and you'd probably have problems with getting them to pay anyway.

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

that's do true.

[@paulgibbons2320]

Agreed. Think it's worth doing that.

[@estherdeangelis]

Fantastic video - clear, concise and beautifully conceived, illuminating your values and your journey as an illustrator. Thankyou for your care and sincerity.

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

thanks. from london

[@alicjamasiukiewicz7919]

Thank you a lot for this video! I'm trying to switch from 9-5 to the freelance and the fear keeps holding me back. Each video like that gives me more and more courage to make yet another step towards my dream :)

[@hollyexley]

Alicja Masiukiewicz ah that’s wonderful to hear Alicja , I hope you’re able to reach your goal soon!

[@alicjamasiukiewicz7919]

Thank you Holly!

[@Paytonxoxoxo]

Good luck!

[@alicjamasiukiewicz7919]

thank you @@Paytonxoxoxo

[@annadrawsnow]

Alicja Masiukiewicz Just do it! Courage 💪

[@josephinedellow6329]

Hi Holly! I am an illustrator too and similar to you, I do client work, personal commissions and sell at markets and on Etsy. Something else I do is teach Photoshop one-to-one lessons from my studio. I didn’t train to teach but just realised eventually that actually I knew a lot and could help others. It’s a handy way to earn a bit extra and there is very little prep involved as I cater each lesson to the pupil as I go 😊

[@richardbornemann806]

As an illustrator I only have 1 income stream and you are exactly right, it can vary a lot. Love what you said about having to sacrifice your personal life when work comes in. That is so true! It's like you have to drop everything and get the proposal out, then reel it in, then get rolling on the first proof. One thing that can really help with work flow is when you have one dependable client that sends you work on a frequent basis, like every couple weeks. One of my clients is just like this, and to service them I have expanded what I do from just CGI to include other things which I call "graphic support". An example of this is doing work for this client like Photoshop work or even charts and graphics for PowerPoint. It builds skills and also keeps your clients in your camp, so to speak, and this strategy of offering other related services has worked super well for me.

[@Gotblade]

Just taking baby steps into this myself. I wish you all the best!!

[@richardbornemann806]

Oh, yeah, and I definitely subscribed. I want to hear more of your insights.

[@AKoiLion]

I've been struggling with stable income but I'm trying to lean into this space to grow my art and today my stomach was in knots over this. I am so glad I found your page because it is such a realistic view into how things will go for me if I follow this path

[@Kimmiekawa]

I love it when you make videos about your illustration career 🙌✨ Thanks for the advice! ❤️

[@xinyiwang1525]

It is good to hear an illustrator talking about his/her career. Thanks for sharing!

[@saharsaki2451]

Hey Holly, it was a great video, so simple and minimal, but so useful too. Thank you!

[@hollyexley]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@bellajenkins5669]

This video is stressful and yet very inspiring ! I love the idea of taking parts in so many little things haha

[@salometsagareli6902]

It's my dream to be an illustrator.. But i haven't graduated any art school.. I study painting by myself.. I hope my dream will come true.. You are very pleasant person and you are motivating me.. Thank you..

[@liizzset]

How is it going?

[@KalinGeorgiev_Yashiro]

Your voice is suuuper relaxing!

[@allisonstone6748]

Yes, it is. I found her accent and voice similar to Emma Watson)

[@zillehuma822]

Hi Holly I am a freelance visual artist too. Your videos are very helpful and I absolutely agree that this profession can be very lonely. Being a freelancer many times schedule don't match and we drift apart.

[@Mokkel73]

Really appreciate the authentic tone of voice, the honesty and the mellowness. Subscribing!

[@adelgaspar9246]

lovely, well put together video, thank you for sharing

[@TaylerMadeYTChannel]

Lovely video, Holly!! I’ve been watching your videos almost daily for a few weeks now, and I so appreciate your practical view on life as an experienced illustrator! I am only just now beginning my illustration journey, and will be launching my online store in January, so learning from your content has been invaluable! Thank you, and warmest wishes. 💕✨

[@artemorbid]

Thanks for this post, it really helps me out. I only just started and need all the help I can get.

[@desklifebliss7974]

So glad to have stumbled across your channel. Subscribed now Xx

[@KatieThomasCreative]

Can I suggest that you make a course on Skillshare? That'd be another way to make income. You're content is really great and I've actually seen similar things to what you're doing on there. My apologies if you already have gone down this route (I haven't checked) but I think you'd be great at it!

[@mailartlover]

Thank you for doing this video Holly! I really appreciate that you share your knowledge and experiences in illustration field. Also, thank you for the effort of making more video, is also very much appreciated.

[@WayneTully1]

Yes, great video! the more income streams as an artist you can have, the better...having your own books and products is something that I'm working on and colouring books too. I've done art for print on demand sites and once you get past the fact that you get low commissions over on them sites, you are able to think in terms of exclusive designs that people actually search for and would want to buy on t-shirts or mugs, making you more money in the long run

[@hollyexley]

That's really great advice - I'm going to take that onboard myself! I always put off putting my work on POD sites (although I am on Society 6 but I haven't updated it in years!) - it's another, time-efficient way to generate income.

[@DennisCNolasco]

Thanks for breaking all of this down for us Holly.

[@emanuelamarchetti5559]

Dear Holly, do you have any advice for beginners to find out in which illustration areas can our style fit or how to create a niche for ourselves? I would like to work for book covers and illustration and editorial illustrations, but I am not sure how and where my style can fit, have a lovely day and thank you for your great content :)

[@williemitchell3134]

Hello....Nice informative video....Very nice hair color & style too!

[@24stepsartanddesign66]

Thanks Holly for a really interesting video. It would be super great if you could post a list of the illustration fairs you know about. I am based in the uk and find this information really hard to get hold of xx

[@ChrissieNicely]

To be honest, I have never heard of any crafter or artist who made anything worth mentioning from craft or art fairs. Have you? I think they are a dying breed. The only fairs that still really generate money are those where manufacturers are exhibiting and things like ComicCon. - It is a lot to do and to fit in a day if you want to maintain all that you do, I think. In German the word entrepeneur is called "selbständig" which is a combination of "selb" meaning self and "ständig" meaning contantly. And that is it in a nut shell. I grew up in a small business household - my late father was a sign writer/window dresser (and painter/scultor in his spare time). So we were doing secretarial work, dealing with customers, helping where we could in the workshop from an early age because my father hand made all his displays of varying sizes, my mother did the bookkeeping. And when you were out, you would still have to represent to maintain the good name (which didn't go too well for a certain period during my adolescence, I might add). Anyways, eventually my sister and I followed in his footsteps in a way. And so, even though I work an office job now to support myself, I am still always doing this and that. :-)

[@hollyexley]

Ah I love this! The german phrasing is beyond perfect. I know a lot of illustrators who do do fairs - can be a good earner this time of year. And even if it isn't on the day, it's a great place to network and market yourself e.g. by having newsletter sign-up available and/or business cards etc. Lots of effort and preparation, but for the right people I think it could be worthwhile (I think I'm too introverted to make the most of fairs!)

[@bellajenkins5669]

There’s a huge fair in Brighton that does pretty well :)

[@ChrissieNicely]

I'm glad to hear that! @@bellajenkins5669:-)

[@ChrissieNicely]

@@hollyexley Those are very good points. Plus it may be different in the UK. The networking is very important and if you find time to do it at the fairs, that is very good. My problem half the time is that I work mainly on my own and my friends are all not really into what I do. This is what I love about you and Craig. He seems to always be there to support you when he can. And I remember you talking about other illustrators you met, so it could not have been half bad. ;-) Btw, I used to be very shy and I got a camera to help me get over it. It helped a lot. Nowadays, people won't believe I was so shy. I need to have a good reason to get over myself. Perhaps that could work for you - i. e. if you really like someone's work you would get yourself to approach that person, right?

[@bymostudio]

Your voice is so calming. Thanks for this video.

[@leonatsiara]

Love all your your videos Holly! You are very talented and your illustrations are so beautiful! Did you think to make a colouring book? I think it would be nice idea. I haven't seen colouring books with food... Thank you for your advice ❤️

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Fantastic Holly, Thanks so much for sharing with this with us. Xx

[@dusicaneskovic2899]

Thank you for a very sincere video with positive and negative sides. I just subscribed!

[@Aquarellina]

But Holly, have you tried selling on Creative Market as clipart. I know it might instantly look like not a lot of money can be earned, but when you put out products constantly you can get passive income (a lot of artist's live from this and it's not microstock bullcrap). Also you don't have to deal with shipping 'cause it's digital product such as png and pattern files.

[@anaeliart6520]

Great video ! Really appreciate your videos about your experience as an illustrator :)

[@Goldzzombie]

Hi Holly, looking back, is there anything you wish you'd done better or differently regarding your portfolio, etsy shop, clients etc? I'm trying to gather as much info as possible about going freelance and want to avoid as many pitfalls as possible! Thanks xxx

[@spinogeno8206]

Thank you for the Tips. Could you reduce the sound of the music, it is higher than your voice in some parts. Question: Why you do not get a regular full or part time job as an illustrator ?

[@hollyexley]

I thought the music was a bit loud but only in the beginning? I didn't have time to re-edit! I don't personally see many in-house 9-5 illustrator jobs these days, especially for illustration styles like my own. But I could be wrong?

[@stilo398]

I got around the problem of private clients not having enough of a budget for art portraits by choosing the neighborhood to sell in and just going there, parking my car and knocking on doors with portfolio in hand and cold calling. I developed a way to close people who liked my work and had some interest. "Hey, I'll only be here once." I earned a living at this for 10 yrs., made as much as $2500 for a pen and ink. Architects get even more for a rendering, why shouldn't an artist?

[@BeingBendsen]

I'm currently starting up an KZbin channel and an Etsy store, so thanks for sharing your tips! 🙌

[@bentooh2371]

✨👌 Always learning valuable things from every video you make!

[@hollyexley]

:)

[@consistentlychristy2991]

With fairs if you sign up people to a mailing list, you have a way to reach out to them later and with your social media and stuff on business cards or whatever. It's a way to market and possibly reach them later

[@ravensmith3662]

Can you make an updated version of this? Unless nothing has changed.

[@Miss_Annlaug]

This video is brilliant. BRI-LI-ANT!!!! OH GOD I WISH I HAD THIS video when I was 20....

[@Sara-ti7he]

Thank you for sharing so honestly! This was very helpful

[@hughdidit]

How did you build your client list? Do you have a rep or did you just submit a portfolio or from social media? Thanks.

[@azzuparis]

Very interesting and inspiring video, thanks for sharing 😊

[@garethgough4112]

Great that you mentioned the cost of negotiating a job. Many times you can spend half a day to a days worth of time going back and forth with some clients. I think your'e right in saying you need to strike a balance if you can between your own work and client work when it comes to making an income. Would you have any advice on the best ways you go about sourcing client work? Thanks for a great video again Holly!

[@paulgibbons2320]

I really like your work. Thank you for the content.

[@artkat31]

Thank you for your honesty. I thought your video was very nicely done and you seem like a very sweet person 😊

[@hollyexley]

Teresa Katsaros thanks!!

[@doumbasera2202]

Thanks. Btw i love your hair colour.. Is that real??? Or dye?

[@blushforest3982]

Just discovered you channel and I love it! Thank you so much for sharing this :)

[@xXxCaTxXx13]

You're really adorable and good at transfering knowledge. Thanky you!!

[@amanda6940]

How do you get clients in the first place?!? :(

[@hollyexley]

Amanda I have a video about how clients find me here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moa6p3SdiraSetU 💙

[@natashahamunene2052]

I love your channel and I am so confused as to why I have only just found you. Thank you.

[@pinkcloud3126]

I'm at the start of your video, but WOW, your hair is beautiful! Ps now I've finished the video and it was really helpfull, thanks!

[@hollyexley]

pink cloud haha thank you so much 😄

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Do you have any suggestions for building an illustration business if you work full time. I dont have allot of free time. I have a KZbin channel but its so tiny. I draw regularly but I want to make a commitment to my art on a new level.

[@hollyexley]

Art About Art hi! I do want to make a video about how I went freelance - because it wasn’t overnight, it was a gradual reduction in hours at my full time day job. It’s hard, so hard, to work full time & build on the side.

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Thanks Holly for being honest. It most have taken a lot of determination to do that. You always give for exactly how the industry is. I will look forward to seeing that video but start with putting together my portfolio and building it. Thanks for reading my comment and for commenting. I really appreciate it that you took time out of your day to do that.

[@Nonorama]

God, I should make some new things for my etsy shop.... already happy that I sold enough small pieces to have made more money with the shop, than I have spend on fee‘s for the shop :D But one can offer commissions well per etsy? Like: buy this commission for 50€, give me a ref and I‘ll draw this in 3 weeks time? Have no experience with it so far... Also, passive income streams.... for it to become „passive“ it is quite a mountain of work. Like Redbubble or self publishing. Doing it right and then getting noticed...PUH xD KZbin is purely fun :D makes you feel like a pro and like you‘re doing something cool...

[@lynnede4383]

Encouraging and inspiring, as always, thank you! I have yet to start making my videos for my channel! I wonder if you can give some specific tips about that as you say you taught yourself, which is great; type of software you use for editing, camera set up. Well, anything, ha!

[@hollyexley]

Lynn Ede hi Lynn - yes of course! I would be happy to make a video about this. Will add it to the list!

[@lynnede4383]

@@hollyexley That's fabulous, Holly, thank you. Can't wait. I'm stabbing in the dark here regarding making videos. Oh and very limited budget, eek. Help! :D x

[@katjamayrhofer5222]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@emmathrussell]

great video ^^ I would love to do more fairs but also they tend to be too far away or i don't have enough products, but something to think about :)

[@hollyexley]

I would too! They're so enjoyable and a break from the norm - but definitely involves a lot of planning and stock taking.

[@JessyScribblez]

Hey Holly! I'm a comic style illustrator and I've just this year started to sell and exhibit my artwork and crafts. I really want to ask someone about the business side of freelancing and, I guess... what kind on licencing (if any) you would need to BE a freelancer, have your own online shop / etsy shop, or sell your products at conventions and fairs/street fairs (like Comic Con). I've had a look at GOV.uk on the licencing front and... I've just kinda ended up in a head-spin trying to figure out what kind of licences would apply to me. I just wanted to ask, if you don't mind of course, do you have any tips for this situation I'm in?

[@onoesmurlocs]

This guy stream's on twitch and I know he sells prints at places like Comicon in America, he's really friendly and I am sure if you asked nicely in his stream he would be able to answer your questions www.twitch.tv/forrestimelk

[@kitsune-kun2009]

Thanks for the video! I've been considering some of the avenues you mentioned but how did you get over the fear of putting yourself out there on social media platforms like KZbin? The Internet can be such a scary negative place, what pushed you to make the leap?

[@hollyexley]

It can indeed - it’s like any scary thing, the desire to do it has got to be bigger than the fear- even if just a tiny bit. 99.9% of the interaction I have on KZbin is with lovely people and that helps me deal with any negativity and makes me want to continue 🙂

[@wildflowerwhispersstudio6]

thanks for sharing

[@trashandawhite3250]

Hi Holly, I am thankful for this video. It's just right and to the point. I learned a lot and how to actually start illustrating. God bless. Love ya

[@jadajohnson7957]

I like to draw n post my drawings on Instagram do I make money by posting my drawings on Instagram? I want to make money by illstruation

[@jessicacarapella9955]

you're awesome Holly!

[@ang.giselle2024]

Why not license, clothing or wrapping paper etc 😊🌸

[@hollyexley]

Oooh great idea!

[@giuliar2539]

I'm definitely subscribing to your channel

[@elizavince1311]

I love the music in this. I think it's spot on.

[@도시고양이애용맨]

it really helpfull. Thanks 😃😃😃

[@ALAN-ALAN1997]

Designcrowd is real or fake

[@ohinghosh7814]

help i need work link

[@eltarotdelou]

Subtitulos en español ☺ please

[@ShamilaArt]

Great video as always ^_^ Another way is by POD websites like society6 and redbubble.

[@hollyexley]

Shamila Art good point yes! Thank you 💙

[@lynnede4383]

Yes, particularly to avoid those printing costs! As Holly says, you need some cash in the bank to get the printing done, so Redbubble and Society6 are a good way of printed work out there without the outlay. Of course, remuneration is much less... as these companies do most of the work for us, after we have made the designs.

[@federica3164]

What about Patreon? Is it good income for an illustrator?

[@Botandarun]

I'm surprised you didn't mention Patreon :o

[@hollyexley]

Pangur Bán I know, I forgot! Mentioned that in the description of the video

[@Botandarun]

@@hollyexley Woops I'm sorry, you caught me not reading the description hihi ^^'''''''

[@fredflints]

Holly...just a little constructive criticism...drop the background music! It is too distracting. You are definitely not the only you tuber who has made this mistake. On the bright side, when I was able to wade through the music to hear what you were saying, I enjoyed the info and I thank you!

[@dougieladd]

Thanks Holly - Have you considered doing watercolour tutorials on Gumroad? This is a good way to create passive income.

[@hollyexley]

Never heard of Gumroad (thanks for the tip!) - but yes, I have always wanted to make a watercolour / illustration course. Trouble is there are so many tutorials for watercolours already - when I think of my niche I will give it a go for sure!

[@SohailBalochvlogs]

Hello

[@اناليس-م5ع]

Background music is higher than your voice!

[@johncj6068]

You Are So Beautiful Mam.... You made My Day.... And The Information Is Amazing I will try the first tip which you gave us.

[@alvialmafi]

hi quicksilver

[@cyliemyrus]

Why did I know you had a British accent?!

[@SohailBalochvlogs]

From Pakistan

[@MW66VB]

NEVER, invoice a job beyond the length of turnaround for the project. 1 hour. 1 day 1 week one month. Anything longer than a day, get a deposit. REMEMBER, You are an industry. Therefore, if a Client wants to work with you, then they work under YOUR TERMS if their company can only process on a 30 day net, then raise the price, get approval and have them begin processing both, the Deposit Check AND the Term check. Then begin work ONLY AFTER you have been handed the deposit check. That way you can be paid within the time frame of the project. No client is entitled to having term payment. That comes from long term business with them and trust. For Artists, getting screwed over is a constant fear. I have worked wit schools and government agencies and this has worked for me. Regarding Deposits, When a potential Client agrees to work with you or approves your art and says whats next, the next words out of your mouth should be "How would you like to pay your deposit?" Listening to your video, you seem to have issues in this area, at least that is how it comes across. I have been working professionally as an artist for over 30 years. If I am broke today, I can hustle what I need within a day and have one or more projects happening. I live by what I wrote above. All Freelancers should do the same. Your time is money, and your time should be BIG money. If a Client asks why you charge what you do, politely tell them that you have spent the last however many years learning to be at your level. Good Luck.

[@diaryofdaksha]

Why does all of your video have negative stuff? As a beginner that's not a nice impression.

[@sreerupmandal3075]

You are so beautiful. You are my crush on KZbin

[@aloktandon2045]

To be honest, illustrators in freelance earn nothing, trust me. nobody pays or hires you if you are not experienced and if your work is not famous. Contacts matter a lot. But good suggestions and explanation though. Also i am here because i think she is really pretty. I love her hair and voice. so calm, i can listen to her all day instead of listening to music. :) If you are reading this, i want to say, you're beautiful. :)

[@kitmaclean3778]

If you only want to work with ethical companies then I'm afraid you need to ditch Patreon at high speed.

[@ohinghosh7814]

Thank you a lot for this video! I'm trying to switch from 9-5 to the freelance and the fear keeps holding me back. Each video like that gives me more and more courage to make yet another step towards my dream :)