How Much Money I Make As An ARTIST on Youtube (the EXACT numbers!)

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It's no secret that I love KZbin. As an artist and entrepreneur, posting on KZbin has (1) been an amazing creative outlet (2) allowed me to build an amazing community and (3) drastically changed my financial situation for the better.
Because I value pay transparency in the art community and would honestly love to see more art channels out there, I make it a habit of sharing how much I make from various income streams in my business. In this video, I go in depth into my KZbin analytics and share how much KZbin pays me as an art youtuber, and specifically how much they paid me, month by month, in 2022.
This isn't meant to flex or to brag, but to be a resource! You can come back to this video and compare where you are on your own journey to where I was at the time. Hopefully it'll encourage you!
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[@alex.proenca]

Kelsey looks like that cool teacher who's always there for you and because of that, you easily pay attention to her and learn a lot. Thanks again. I am following your advice and I've started noticing the change on my channel.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

That’s exactly the vibe I’ve been going for, thank you Alex 🥰

[@s.melonita4454]

Your personality and honesty (among many other things) made me subscribe in seconds. I love to see you grow numbers. You deserve it and as I commented before, made me start on social media. Without you, I'd still be thinking about it and wouldn't have a few viral videos. You also gave me the patience to know it still will take time to get paid for social media or my art, but that it will go there eventually. Thank you Kelsey!!!

[@habituscraeftig]

Seconded. You have a clear-headed sincerity that I really admire. I think I was part of the first big income jump of the year. It has been a joy to watch your channel develop and to grow more comfortable and confident not just that I can do this (though I am more in the CosTube bucket), but also that I can continue to control my brand even after being successful, which comes from having watched you navigate the balance between art content and art business content so gracefully.

[@madebylamodernique]

100% agree. She is very authentic and non pretentious

[@ReddM]

Hi Kelsey, I sincerely hope you are super-proud of yourself. I’m in my 50s and I’m blown away by your competence, dedication, and generous spirit. And you have SO many skills - business, artistic, research, communication etc…When I was entering my 20s I turned away from an art career because I thought I had to get a real job. It’s much harder to get started later in life, but people like you are a huge encouragement. Thank you!

[@Maggiewuvsrufus]

I hope u get your art career 🥺 and get to be who you are 100%

[@ReddM]

@@Maggiewuvsrufus That’s so kind, thank you for your message of encouragement. All the best to you too!

[@Ciara-ASMR]

For what it's worth, I urge you to strive to add meaning in the world. I struggle with the same and many other mental weight as you mentioned, and I find that if I just strive to bring meaning, and to bring to the world what I uniquely can do, it helps me turn away from the nay-saying voices in my head!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I'm always so grateful when I see KZbinrs being transparent about finances, especially artists. It helps you stay motivated and keep going when you can see the possibilities that are available, but also in a realistic way. Hoping that this year will be the one where I finally get monetized! 😊❤

[@ChantelleArts]

I've subscribed, rooting for you 😄

[@rcafilmproductions1640]

Get it girl!!!

[@1234_Flux]

The answer is - $31,666.1

[@interestsavvy6813]

Per year. That's low

[@honey.ma2]

@@interestsavvy6813 Doing what you love and not having to work 9-5 and having a bit more freedom, I’ll take it lol.

[@DrCalyn]

Artists getting paid, we love to see it!!!

[@luckally769]

Love how informative and straightforward you are, and that you are being such a strong encourager to other artists

[@biansketch]

May she never change as she grows more.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you for posting this!! As an artist just launching my business and KZbin channel, this gave me so much hope for what my future could look like! I’m excited to see what is possible and I appreciate your transparency with how much money you’ve made. I’ve been following your journey since you were at 8k, and it’s been incredible to watch. Thanks for the great content and value!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@teddybearmei8713]

i love the video, love how encouraging it is for us artists to pursue our careers using youtube ! thanks for your honesty and hard work, hope all is going well for you kelsey

[@sarahlouiselast]

Good for you!! Honestly makes me so happy watching other people’s hard work pay dividends for them! It’s so inspiring 😊

[@janedieuart]

This is so motivating Kelsey, thank you so much! I've been experimenting for a while with my art channel, making arty vlogs, art 'how to' videos and more business focussed videos. Those that work best on my channel so far are the ones where I share how I quit my job to become an artist. I love helping people and doing educational content best. I'm so motivated to keep going, we can do this folks!

[@ericb5328]

Your transparency is why you stand out. What artists earn/ can earn is so vague that it's difficult to plan around trying to make art professionally. Also. You are not lucky or privileged. None of this fell into your lap by random coincidence. You put in work to achieve this. That's important to acknowledge

[@gideongrace1977]

Wow. This was so informative! I'm so glad I found your channel. It's so comforting and reaffirming as an artist to hear someone say these things and for someone to be honest about the money and the specifics. There's really not a lot of people doing that and I really, really just enjoy your whole business facts + warm, cozy vibes thing you've got going on.

[@teocrawford]

Wow congrats on this success Kelsey! This is the second video of this kind of ~business 2022 recap~ video that I’ve watched today and these are such an inspiration for this year! Thank you for sharing this information, this should definitely not be taken for granted🙏🏼☺️

[@IvyRoseLuna]

I am so happy for your success and I cannot wait to see you reach your goals!! Your video about making "bad art" has really pushed me to just keep at it and not stress about it being perfect!! And the finding your style was life changing for me!! I hope to have the same youtube success as you someday and I extremly appreciate you showing us month by month how you were able to grow!!

[@maraeamills2082]

How to launch your art career, YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THAT VIDEO. I have watched it so many times! It us very informative, and I find it soo helpful.

[@melaniereeder2349]

I feel like I’ve heard many channels that popped off after 2 years! So interesting.

[@OsbaldoSegura]

Been checking out your videos for months now and you are one of the motivators I needed to make the leap and start my KZbin journey. Your approach to helping others is honorable! Thank you x

[@Cole_McCormick]

really appreciate this. just started the journey on my art, interested to see how shorts will effect creators.

[@tarasdiary]

Thanks for being so open and honest with us about your journey, I'm looking to finally take my youtube career more seriously and have been a bit discouraged with how adsense has been paying me but seeing this video gives me some light. Wishing you the best for your journey this year as a content creator!

[@whcyeh]

2023 will be your year! You're gonna blow up even bigger! You have the "IT" factor. Keep the videos coming! Love your content!

[@lonilocoesque]

I've been enjoying your content, and I appreciate your authenticity. I think this growth is well deserved. I hope you can continue making more content and sharing your experience with us.

[@kimchi8022]

Thanks for being so transparent with us. A lot of people are really hush hush about this stuff. I even know an artist that doesn’t want anyone to know which brushes they use. which is fine and it’s their choice. But when people are transparent about things like this, I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@MintyMido]

Your channel has been so immensely helpful and inspiring for me. You have motivated me to start uploading on my channel more often and look into diversifying my income streams as an artist and have helped me become more excited about my future rather than scared; thank you for your transparency as always!!

[@CK-solutions]

I'm really excited you've had success, in your creative business. It's well earned, as you're putting in the time and paying attention to what's working - building upon those areas. I knew I was going to subscribe early in this video, because I wanted to reward all that effort. Seeing you come such a long way, is inspirational.

[@ChantelleArts]

you've grown so much, it's incredible!

[@gio_vescovi]

you are so helpful and inspiring!! i started taking my content creation more seriously after watching your videos, dont stop, this really hepls a lot!!!

[@culinarycode]

I love seeing how much your confidence on camera has grown since those early videos. Way to go doing art your way!!! 🙌

[@inklyart]

This is amazing. Congratulations on your channel’s growth and success! This gives me hope since I just started my channel in October.

[@debbiecrask]

Just amazing, I have learned so much from you in this one video…..inspired me to go watch and see what else you have to share. And maybe I will get brave enough to give it a try. Thank you so much for being so open with your business experiences……hug and you are going places and will achieve everything you desire in life …..don’t ever let anyone make you feel any less. You rock!

[@MarleneVega]

Love you videos so much Kelsey, thank you for always sharing what you can with us and showing us that it is possible 💗 hope the new year brings you even more growth 🙌🏽✨

[@safegourd]

I’m surprised that the Adam Duff interview and the studio tour didn’t perform as well, I really enjoyed those videos!

[@SabrinaJadeV]

I always love how comprehensive your videos are, Kelsey! Looking at your view and subscriber trajectory in tandem with your income is really helpful. As someone who is just starting to work towards KZbin AdSense, it can feel like not enough headway is being made, but your videos are a wonderful reminder to be patient and keep at it. Every video is an investment in your future on this platform, and success comes from a lot of trial and error along the way. As an aside, I LOVED your video with Adam! I would be plenty excited to watch you speak with more artists on this platform, even if it isn't in an interview sense. Wishing you all the best in 2023!

[@witchylaurie]

I feel like a proud mama, followed you when you were at 2k, you get the success you deserve and worked for ! You are so inspiring ✨💜🙏🏻

[@crystaltanart]

Thank you so much Kelsey for this video. I JUST started my channel and I'm very inspired by your channel and your content. Appreciate your honesty and transparency in all your topics. Very enjoyable and bingeable content!

[@noname-nu6oo]

Thank you for encouraging content. Very smart.

[@italovitorino]

Your content has helped to me a lot to decide and plan to restart my Channel. You deserve everything you have been creating for so long. Thank you so much for all things you are doing for Artists! 😍🤩

[@Suko-Kitsuu]

Thank you for being so transparent about your growth! 😊

[@AURAxSTAR]

love how transparent and helpful this video was! the monthly breakdown was nice to see & definitely gives me more hope of one day making a living just making art content :)

[@amandaharris3769]

Superduper helpful! I'm an art student drop out and I'm determined to teach myself and make my own way. I feel incredibly lucky that I found your channel. Thank you for being real with us, and being encouraging to other self taught artists. You're the best!

[@jordanc7103]

Great video, appreciate your transparency when it comes to turning your art into a successful business

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you for sharing Kelsey. I've enjoyed waching many of your videos and taking inspiration from your journey. I'm still aways behind you but a tiny trickle of income keeps it possible. Happy 2023

[@bethn2836]

Your transparency is so greatly appreciated and loved. Thank you!

[@jewelofhawaii]

Thank you for inspiring the content creator and artist in me. I'm trying to better myself in content creating while running my small art business. I do daily vlogs so that's a lot for me already, then I run my small business creating art and doing about 100 pop ups a year while trying to main my webshop. I hope to see better numbers this year.Aloha and Happy 2023!

[@popark9107]

Thank you so much for giving advice for artists to thrive! we all love that and want all of us to succeed to life

[@lunaraynwolf7036]

I've loved watching you and your channel grow❤️ I can't wait to see you continue. Thank you for the inspiration, motivation, teaching us, and the support you give this community!

[@SylvesterLazarus]

Thank you for being such an inspiration! I've been making videos for over a year now with little success, but I feel that I'm always getting a bit better and maybe one day I'll be able to produce the quality I aspire to make.

[@ralphjohnson891]

thanks for the transparency, it really helps a lot of people. Kudos!

[@ameliaroseillustrations]

✨All your hard work is paying off, you’ve grown so much! Well done! ✨👏👏

[@aohamer]

Hell yeah!! 👏🏾 I'm so proud of you Kelsey ✨️ Definitely inspiring, keep going!! 💖

[@artbyjennifers]

Thank you for sharing these numbers! 🥰It's actually really nice to see that you can still be successful on KZbin even if you don't stick to a schedule that requires you to post every single Tuesday at exactly 6 pm or so 😁

[@SixFigureBusinessCoaching]

Kelsey, congrats on the 158K subs and sharing your insights on how the year played out for you. I hope you 2023 is even better!

[@user-yv6xw7ns3o]

This is getting me so much closer to starting to put my art out there, figure out how to make videos, and stop dwelling on what it would be like to dedicate myself to something so far outside the box I've tried to live in financially. Thanks for this, I really appreciate the transparency! ✍️〰️〰️🪁

[@VioletArt]

I want this year to be my year on KZbin! I've had this channel for 3 years now but I haven't been constant uploading videos, I guess I haven't been able to monetize my channel because of that but this Is the last year I Will try to succeed on this platform...wish me luck!! And thank you for the video Kelsey! Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴

[@mollyssketchbook]

So great! Thanks for the transparency, it’s so interesting to see the bts 🥰

[@fuzzydragons]

it is great to be transparent for the people that want to try to make money off of youtube, gives them a realistic view of the ups and downs that go on🙂

[@ArtByHazel]

Congratulations! 🎉 It is possible to thrive when you figure out what works for you. Work in progress for 2023. Thank you for sharing your journey and paying it forward. ✨😊🇨🇦✨

[@longstrideillustration]

Wow James Gurney mentioned you, I would be so starstruck giddy! Congrats!! Also - Thanks again for sharing this valuable info Kelsey, your insights and lessons-learned have been a huge help. You inspired me to launch on KZbin (as of three days ago, as I write this) and I'm super excited at the possibilities for sharing content on this platform. Keep on forging ahead with your art & business endeavours, I watch it all 🙂

[@tiaraanderson]

Very informative and inspiring! !❤ ✨ love the transparency😊

[@Gleamiarts]

Your videos are really helpful and I love how transparent you are about growth and pay transparency.

[@myTaintedHearts]

Thank you for your transparency and honesty, I'm really inspired by your content in general and it motivates me to pursue art as a career (I've wanted to do that for years but I'm really insecure about my skills / what I have to offer) I should just take my leap of faith and try to make money with my art :)

[@arkanimation9833]

Nooo those interviews were so good! I’m glad you are continuing to move up the success ladder!

[@laurachapman6633]

Congratulations!!🎉😊😊

[@kmmk292929]

I’m so inspired. I was also on the fence about starting my own art business for so long because I love creating things but wasn’t sure if I could do it for a living. So I’m trapped at a soulless job in order to survive, which kills me inside every day. But I’m gonna go for it now, thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!

[@poemme]

Such an awesome peek behind the curtain of the youtube world, thanks for taking us along!

[@GemmaSampsonArt]

Congratulations Kelsey! ❤

[@AlchemyNova]

I love your content, and I am actually really looking forward to your vlogs

[@artsyesme]

thank you for being so inspiring and transparent! you’re awesome 😊

[@brickfairie]

Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing!

[@ktsempai1106]

This is so comforting! Thank you very very much!

[@Histoiresience]

I think ur channel is brilliant finance is the biggest paying niche on KZbin and u managed to tie it in with ur passion (art ) it's just brilliant

[@mochi1149]

Really insightful and helpful! Thank you ☺️👍🏽

[@pleasingpets]

Awesome one! Love to see your channel progress

[@jaysondronaarts]

Congratulations Kelsey, I'm so inspired to make my KZbin Channel also

[@amorphess]

outside of the practical info just showing people there is a way they can survive financially off their dreams (particularly art), the self belief and showing people a possible path on a hard road is why you have grown so much. it's not the money it's the empathy, the journey and people who want to support you on your way the same way you're supporting them. i found you through a video about your income from being an artist before you were even 20k i think. i'm so happy for your growth and thank you for the little peace of hope i hold onto as a little poor girl who could only afford second hand books instead of toys to doodle in, cheap paper and pencils for school that drew everything because it was her souls calling and left it behind because money squashed every dream she had. i have hope and i am so very happy for your prosperity and grateful for your transparency. keep going !

[@heloizabonilla]

I honestly watch every video on the channel and >it's because of them< that my career as an artist started :) thank you Kelsey

[@lotoex]

That is so wild. Congrats!! I am trying to get my channel up off the ground. It is slow going, but I hope to be well over 100 subscribers by the end of the year.

[@mummykandsons]

Thanks for your transparency. You deserve this . Your voice is so soothing and you are a great presenter. I love doing KZbin but abit discouraged by subscribtions and views. I need to get a niche

[@Wendigosh]

You're a Boss!! Thanks for being so honest, your journey is refresh and inspiring 💪

[@doallthethings3982]

Thanks for the tips. KZbin seems so finicky sometimes… Need all the help I can get. Lol.

[@madebylamodernique]

Thank you so much Kelsey for your authenticity, non pretensioning. Every time I watch your videos I feel like I hang out with a really good friend. You deserve all of this success and more❤. Love from LA. ( sorry if you don’t mind I wanted to ask what mic are you using? )

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I use the Elgato wave 1 but there's a good bit of post production that I do on my end to ensure you get the best sound possible

[@pavitura]

Thank you for sharing and being super transparent

[@SchmidtP89]

This is awesome! Thank you 😀

[@rickardbengtsson]

Inspiring! Keep it up kelsey

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thank you for the transparency and inspiration to keep trying and beat the starving artist myth :) I am continue to work on my artwork and writing, publishing new videos on KZbin every week and creating a new coloring book now as well :)

[@Ciara-ASMR]

Great video, very nice editing, and super helpful info, thank you! Subscribed! I am a poet and musician, and now also an ASMR artist. I love ASMR and am making videos partly for the joy of it, and partly to promote my music and poetry. So, I so appreciate getting this helpful KZbin advice from a fellow artist. Yes, we can be both creative AND business minded! xx

[@Dr.JubairsFinance]

This is so inspirational, thank you

[@aliciaarroyo6]

Congratulations! You definitely earned it and deserve everything you have worked hard for. I must admit I am slightly jealous. I have been working on my channels for several years and the most I have ever seen in one month is $50. I also use to post a minimum of 4-5 videos a month. I more or less quit from burn out. Maybe one day I will pick it up again

[@danielaravenous]

Thanks for sharing Kelsey. I loved the Adam Duff interview btw

[@kat.ex3909]

It brings me so much relief to hear someone making it as an artist and getting that fullfillment

[@mariemoncada6980]

Huge fan Kelsey loving your vids ❤️

[@stalingrad4928]

Congratulations to you!

[@royschreuder]

Hee Kelsey, I have been watching your video’s for ages and finally decided to start a youtube channel :D I have been working as a full time artist for 10 years now, but this seems like a fun new world to explore! Keep up your video’s! Cheers, Roy

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Excellent video. And Bravo, what an achievement. 😊

[@mimisart]

That’s inspirational. Almost seems unattainable at the current state of affairs with my channel, but…BUT…all things are possible as I try to navigate how I want my business to unfold and who I want to reach. I keep learning from you so thank you!!

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

This is a great video, so informative but even if I don’t resonate with the topic the quality is always so consistent

[@biansketch]

Thank you. You are one of my inspiration.

[@jennymhulla]

Thanks for sharing 🤠 very inspiring

[@sophiyastudios]

This is so inspiring! I subscribed so long ago and it’s crazy to see how much your channel has grown. I finally hit over 1000 subscribers last year 😊 my next dream is to hit that 4K in Watch hours. Thank you for your videos- super motivating