How she made $80k selling her art on Instagram (ft.

Thank you to ​⁠‪@b.cormier‬ for chatting with me! Use code KELSEYRODRIGUEZ to get 10% off your first Squarespace website or domain: squarespace.com/kelseyrodriguez
Brooke Cormier has been a full time artist for going on seven years, and last year she made ~$78k from JUST the sales of the original artwork and prints (that's revenue, not profits, for all you business folks out there). I recently had a chance to sit down with her and ask her about her marketing strategy, future goals, and how she survives online as an artist.
Correction- everything totals out to $78k, not $60k! I misspoke in the voiceover
This is a podcast format kind of video that's super new for me, so let me know what you think down in the comments :)
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🎨 TIMESTAMPS 🎨
00:00 - Intro
01:58 Brooke's background
04:10 Doing an art mentorship
06:22 Keeping Content and Art Authentic
09:33 How Brooke Structures her business
20:20 How Brooke’s income has changed over time
26:21 Brooke's future plans
29:58 Growing an audience online as an artist
43:06 Art Shows and Galleries
49:15 Starting an art KZbin channel
59:07 The reality of instagram
1:05:07 Where do Sales come From?
1:08:46 Which Posts Work The Best
1:13:36 Digital Products that Kelsey Sells
1:17:54 Marketing your Products
1:23:06 KZbin vs. Instagram
1:27:19 When Kelsey started KZbin
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[@KelseyRodriguez]

*correction, Brooke made $78k from original art and prints, almost $80k! Sorry for that mistake in the intro! Hopefully you enjoyed this interview! Lmk who I should chat with next 🥰

[@itreallybelikethatdoe829]

Ergo josh or sam yang would be awesome

[@AbigailM231]

Drawing Wiff Waffles!! Sam Does Arts is awesome too!

[@SabrinaJadeV]

I don't know how viable it would be, but I would love to see you interview smaller art channels on the regular. I've always wanted a resource to easily find newer people--say ones who are really just starting, only have a few videos up so far, or are still under 1000 subscribers. I feel like there is such a wealth of different perspectives and styles among lesser known artists, especially if their artwork generally takes longer to make, so videos are more spaced out. It's more difficult for them to grow as a result, and thus more difficult for those searching to find them. I think it could be a great way of promoting diversity on KZbin AND making yourself the first person to really bring those people to widespread light. I originally found people like Ashleigh King and Evangelin Sherly when they each had only 1 video up and scarcely any views, and I've loved watching them grow since. But I had to stumble upon them purely out of luck.

[@cordialgreetingsart]

@@SabrinaJadeV that's the thing is to find the smaller accounts considering KZbin's algorithm will only show the popular accounts.

[@TheArtfulBrittani]

Lachri Fine Art would be a good person to interview. She gives a lot of professional artist advice on her channel.

[@b.cormier]

Such a pleasure chatting with you Kelsey!! Thanks for a great conversation and for your advice! 😚

[@KelseyRodriguez]

It was great to hang out with you, thanks so much for coming on! 💗💗

[@itsdaksha]

​@@KelseyRodriguezit was so cool to see you both collab! I love and respect you both so much

[@dejavulaverite9086]

🙏🌿

[@d.o.nmuzic3802]

@@itsdaksha 💯

[@SaltedMallows]

I think your idea about making content that touches on the humanistic part of being aware of the isolation that comes with being an artist, and combatting that is a great idea. Go for it, Adam from Lucid Pixel is a good example of someone who's doing really well with that.

[@valkiriART]

I discovered Brooke like a week ago and I'm glad to see this conversation. Thank you so much for showing us that it's achievable to make a career out of KZbin and art

[@flamegurl97]

me too im enjoying her energy so much

[@alxandercontreras]

I bet you because of her lessons in landscape and architecture, she has built a strong foundation (no pun intended) for painting beautiful landscapes and architecture. Edit: Kelsey, your one-on-one interviewing skills are top-tier! Great content.

[@Dearest_Elana]

Brooke's story is so inspiring! Just like her, I’ve been selling art on Instagram and using boost app social to manage my social media presence. It's perfect for showcasing my art and connecting with followers. Brooke's success proves that with the right tools and strategy, artists can thrive!

[@jetetarro]

I’m started painting during the pandemic and sold a few pairings and now I want to develop an actual business. A comment below disregarded her success because she had a connection and was able to get a mentor. I can understand those commenter’s frustration- getting a mentor is not that easy. However,the greatest artists were art apprentices - they had mentors who taught the art, the business, the marketing everything. This is a call for established artist to recognize they have a responsibility to the art community- find an apprentice. Teach them and continue your legacy through building artists for the future. Artists that can proudly say you were the mentor and influence in your art.

[@annuvenky]

This interview is what I needed to hear, I like all things creative and being stuck at just one kind of art is not my thing. There is so much stress on finding your niche. But I am not that person. Thank you for this video.

[@itsthequeenfatima]

I really like this format. Great execution! Also, thanks for introducing me to Brooke's work!

[@MrErick1160]

I totally agree with you, I've been obsessed at growing an instagram, and I've reached 130k followers, and I feel this social media is so depressing it's insane. It doesn't reward creators, it doesn't specially give you much business either. And you are totally a slave of the algorithm. It doesn't give you a good feeling, a feeling of building something, or a feeling of freedom. It is just loss time and energy. It's just a horrible feeling and I even got depressed and dopamine depleeted from it.

[@lynellingram]

This is a really wonderful interview! You are both so wonderful to listen to. I love hearing how other artists have gotten to where they are and what did or didn't work for them. It makes success seem possible when so often the journey feels frustrating and alone.

[@paulaarganaraz6917]

Thank you so much for this video! I didn't know Brooke or her art and now I'm glad I get the chance to see her stuff, it really inspires me. I've been thinking about giving art a chance to support me financially, but I'm very scared of failure and many people around me think it won't work out, especially being from latin america (where it's almost impossible to live as an artist) but I have some faith in myself and watching your content and other people's has made me realize there is a place for us to take it to the next level and do it professionally, as a living. Again, thank you so much for all the efforts you put in your channel, you've helped a lot of us so much, and I hope to get to see more stuff like this! Love u ❤

[@avonleaallemann7360]

I found both of you separately the last few weeks and it's so cool to see you guys talking together! I'm hoping to start up my art channel soon and this is inspiring!

[@beckypenalimon2132]

I think this was your most relatable interview yet!! this was lovely, I hope you keep doing these, I love how you interview people

[@melonsandcurves]

I wish you both continued success in your art endeavours. I’m so happy that there are people out there who are making it as full time artists.

[@southwooddesign]

Love this format, Kelsey! I’d love to see more of these in the future❤ As someone who is just starting an art KZbin Channel it is refreshing to hear you both talk about success over multiple platforms. See you in the next video!

[@whatsaroxy]

Super interesting to listen to this podcast-like episode! Actually listened to it while painting. I find it incredible that Brooke makes that much selling originals and prints as I actually find that the hardest sales. Super inspired to hear how she handles her newsletter marketing and filter out the collectors from the artists (and now has a channel catering to those artists!).

[@clayformations1638]

I just subscribed to Brooke last month! Both of you keep me inspired and on task! Great video!

[@Karliarte]

Brooke is awesome! I have followed her for a while and she is so professional, fun, and kind. Very inspiring.

[@lemaartist]

I found her channel a few months ago and I'm loving her content!! Kelsey loving your content =D

[@crystaltanart]

Lovely interview Kelsey! I have watched a few of Brooke's videos and I do love her moody, authentic, cool vibe. I'm also just starting my art channel and figuring out my way. But I do like this direction you're taking in your videos. It's still business related (which is what most of your audience wants and like), but humanises everything with interviewing other youtuber/artists. :) Nothing uplifts me more than seeing artists supporting other artists.

[@YAMZWorld]

This was a wonderful video! I love seeing succesful artsist share how they got to where they are!

[@TrudioStudio]

That was so nice! I’d love more if that! It was such a chill and insightful chat to listen/watch.

[@fathomdj]

Great chat. What is blaring is that we are all now throwing things at the wall of social media and have found that KZbin continues to be the most genuine. If you can believe that in association with all of googles manipulation. Social Media is tiring.

[@ScottHebertArt]

oh dope! I love her work/vids. stoked to watch

[@carolinaalvarezpal]

Two artist women that I admire together ❤ thank you for this video!

[@ohiovalski]

Great job, Kelsie. I love your conversational format. The questions you asked elicited a lot of useful information. Thanks!

[@nicholeannmarin7556]

Lovely video! This was soooo helpful, thanks for keeping it real!

[@NinfaFluidaGallery]

Such a great and informative video - thank you so much to the both of you for all the insights and the transparency with witch you treated a subject! Being on the path to painting full-time as well this gave me great hope :)

[@twontario]

FABULOUS interview ladies!! Thank you for the info packed content, much appreciated!

[@shmickcreations]

Great chat. loved this!

[@ValhallaForArtists]

Love the new format!!!!

[@gingerhansen1902]

This was a really fun interview!! Now, I've subbed to you both!! 👯

[@joanl3115]

Brooke is a chuckle! Wonderfully talented! I’ve been following her KZbin channel for a while and fin her work inspiring.

[@drawrobot]

I’m 100% comfortable selling my own work so I only see going through a gallery as muddying up my pricing to get the cut I want but jacking it up 30 to 60% for the commission. Nothing has hit yet on Instagram for me but I do have key lurkers starting to follow me. Potential collectors and art advisors which could lead to sales down the road. There is a difference in gallery representation before and after the internet became a thing. Before, yeah absolutely they were critical in selling art. Now, they half expect you to do the leg work, sharing your colllector base you’ve built up. I like galleries but they are risking becoming less viable for artists with each progressing year. Last year, some galleries account 40% of their sales as online and growing. Shit, I can do that.

[@lauralarosa.]

I LOVED this. Such a generous discussion. I have been following you both for a while now and it was great to hear you both in convo.

[@redheadededjedi9519]

Great interview Kelsey! I am loving this content!

[@annette1884]

This is so helpful and motivating! Would love to see more of this kind of content❤

[@CarlottaART]

Awesome interview!! Great job both of you! 🎉

[@flanzella]

I found Brooke's channel a while ago and love your channel, Kelsey! It's always so nice to see other artist KZbinrs collaborate. We're such a small group, we gotta stick together 😉 you both are so inspirational. I hope one day my channel will grow big enough to join these conversations. ❤

[@sandytaylor1569]

It will just keep pushing through

[@iloveperros]

Both of you are so awesome! The whole video made me feel like i was in the middle of an art chat with friends. Thank you Kelsey for delivering once more! ❤️

[@RoyalWorkz]

I'm a new fan of you page. I searched how to become a full time artist and came across you videos. I'm 3 videos in and I love the education you bring with realistic views and breakdowns of the full scale of things

[@MindBodyArtMastery]

Thank you for the talk this was really valuable! I loved hearing what worked for brooke 😊❤

[@littletinyegg]

recently started following Brooke and loving her stuff on youtube- this advice was so so helpful as a little baby youtuber and growing artist!

[@happyhoppib]

Thank you so much for this video!! In response to what Brooke said about youtube and monetizing her content directed more towards other artists, I personally feel (as somenone who follows creators for entertainment and in order to learn from them) that following them on different platforms and interacting with their content is the easiest way for me to give back to that creator and support them in a way, since I can't really afford to buy their art. So I think it's great that I can do this through youtube and other social media platforms.

[@alexandriahicks2611]

Love this content Kelsey! I’m a stay at home mom who just dreams and dreams of someday being a professional artist. It’s so close

[@monkeyfrogsprinkles]

I've been following Brooke for a while now and seeing my two favorite creators make a video together is amazing!!!! Great advice! I'm currently working on my channel too and I love all the information!!

[@danag812]

This was a very interesting and useful discussion. Thank you so much for making this happen!!

[@mashae.1066]

Ladies, this is amazing! Thank you so much for this!

[@archaen2321]

I think the comments Brooke receives about her art being received so well because she's in the photo have less to do with her not deserving the sales and adulation she receives - because her work is indeed skillful - and more to do with that the majority of artists are not attractive, young females. That's simply factually true if you consider the sex and attractiveness percentages in the population. So every post most people make on social media - assuming the same number of followers and skill level - receive responses more like her "startling" posts without her included in the photo. The life of the average artist online with the same following is startlingly poor, whether they share photos of themselves or not, because the photo doesn't help if you're old, male, or unattractive. I think that makes some people bitter.

[@pinkangel2393]

What a great interview! ❤

[@skyartpaintings]

i love this!! you’re so amazing abd a great inspiration for so many creative people ❤ girls! go for it!!!

[@ArtwithAshlyn]

omg you are getting my favorite artists love you both :)

[@toddclancy4442]

So funny how I went from your YT vids to Valerie Lins (who is a bad ass too) to Brookes….love it all!

[@alexblaisart]

Brooke is so inspiring! She has good vibes!!

[@gc6497]

I quickly check out Brooke ‘s art. 😳You forgot to tell us how GOOD she is !!

[@kriskelly6548]

I know! I need more walls!

[@janinafisher101]

Oh man, I hate my computer. I just wrote you guys a long comment with what I hoped was valuable feedback, and my computer went off to another video! ARGH. Not up to re-writing it all right now. Suffice it to say, Kelsey, you have established credibility and you clearly are committed to providing valuable in-depth (vs superficial( content that people want. This was an interesting conversation. You are both real and open. This is what I appreciate in videos, not slick presentations. I am more suspicious and far less trusting of "slick" and "canned." I don't ever watch television. I only watch KZbin... and I'm in my 60s, and an emerging artist (we may get old, but a lot of us are very active and full of life yet!). Why do IG posts or thumbnails with your photos improve engagement? Kelsey - it's because I say "Oh there's Kelsey - what does she have to teach me today? In an IG post I do feel the connection to the creator - especially if it's someone I recognize. So it builds recognition, but also builds response when you ARE recognized. Brooke, nice to see a young Canadian succeeding as an artist! You GO, girl! This interview made me go and check out your website. You are amazing! Definitely time to get more bang for your buck for your time. I think once your KZbin channel starts to get a real following you can begin to add courses - Kelsey mentioned some - and I'm sure that'll increase sales of your work. It's so great that like prints, you can do your art or video once, but get multiple returns not quite so dependent upon your time. Wishing you both lots of success from the wilds of Ontario, Canada!

[@jainafel2300]

This is such a great video ❤

[@agnetastrindinger]

Thank you dear souls for being who you are and for doing what you do. 🙏❤

[@KathBeredoart]

Such a great and inspiring video! ❤

[@rachelcqart]

Great interview. Love Brooke❤

[@katgreer6113]

Glad she's talking about the importance of mentors and connections.

[@Dardasha_Studios]

Insightful conversation. Brilliantly done. Meticulous well said.

[@inezkuijtnaiveart7873]

She is so honest and modest, like you are. Both lovely women❤️🤗

[@MarboKim]

Love her!! She’s an inspiration 💕💕

[@longstrideillustration]

Great interview, watched the whole thing. Hey - what is this Creator Camp you two referred to and met at? Sounds very cool.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Creator Camp is run by a lot of creators that are a part of #KZbinNewWave. A few of the founders are Ryan Ng Films and Wholesome Simon! It's a pretty small annual invite-only event and unfortunately not open to the public

[@WaqasDaniyal6190]

And how to decide our anykind of painting price please give me any explanation.thank u very much

[@Mafeko]

Here from LATAM starting with art it's weird for community, people just laugh and never understand

[@mik20241]

A mentor is invaluable, but you have to have talent, vision and drive to begin with.

[@evermoreenchanted]

So I have a question, what is this “creator camp” you speak of? And how do I get there?

[@Magsupyourmind]

I loved listening to this conversation while drawing! I am at the beginnen of my youtube journey also. Just making sure I earn some money while investing time in youtube is a battle. But I hope it's gonna be alright. Thanks for all the advice!

[@Smile-pv1mg]

Kelsey, I loved the video. I wonder if you should consider providing tailored coaching/advice to content creators? i feel like you gave great advice in this video (well you both did!)...

[@kimsleger7296]

Brooke, you’re amazing! You make the videos and I will watch them alllllll! Don’t be ashamed to take the money from youtube!!! 😂 love from a true starving artist! 😅

[@crochetedcritterz]

Omg she is so cute, i have to go watch her channel now

[@philmckay9973]

liked ur interview. 🙂 has a vibe like savannah hayes' old podcast Gamechangers: A Mastermind for Creative Entrepreneurs

[@ArtrichStudio]

I think the types of content you produce depends on your audience and purpose of your content (education or entertainment). And then it comes down to what level of art education are you providing? I fell into the basic to intermediate comic/manga art level. The focus for that audience and niche subject isn't organizing my studio, most of my audience probably draws on there bed or in a corner of there room with no formal art desk. My audience wants to see what I'm drawing clearly so I am limited to straight down shots of the art so they can see ste by step work.

[@alexandrah535]

PLEASE a guide for how to ship your artwork!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@alexandrucraiu2420]

That Squarespace segue was smooth af

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I try my best 🥰

[@vitoriagomes34556]

this is really cool, I love seen outher girls in arts market

[@teddybearmei8713]

really loved listening to this is so interesting hearing all this from you both x really helpful video i cant wait for more of this styled videos from you kelsey

[@DraggingBallZ]

Glad you made it out of Alaska, I hope I can move away from this cesspool soon Good video

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I really liked living in Alaska! The people are high variable and not always great but the nature is fantastic

[@imaminidonut2792]

Isolated working environment?.. that sounds like what i would love to have as my working space..

[@carlosteelworks]

🙌

[@m.ehtizan]

Hey Kelsey, I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative, very useful and well-made. I loved your videos. I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and also make highly engaging shorts for you?

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

I have a friend who made 60,000 in one month!!!! I can’t even grasp that but I want toooo hehe!!

[@kriskelly6548]

As a gen x lay person, I loath Instagram... useless for searching. KZbin can be added to my huge tv and I love surfing KZbin. ❤️.

[@WholeheartedEntertainmentMedia]

Awesome

[@alfreascazuri6335]

do shameless plugs! we all consume this content anyways so try not thinking too much about it haha good talk, thanks for sharing

[@astridarroyave]

❤

[@Blackbrabx]

💗✨

[@iDesignTuts]

She so hella pretty :')

[@rusticagenerica]

A shame the sound quality is so bad... matters for a 1:30h video. Otherwise, extremely cool to attend such a discussion.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

sorry about that! We did what we could in post-production but these remote interviews don't lend themselves to the highest quality all the time.

[@rusticagenerica]

@@KelseyRodriguez Probably just a microphone problem on your guest's side :)

[@fje042]

Great interview:) Whats the name of the mentor? Would be cool to check out hos art:)

[@kawaii_princess_castle]

I think that this is a tinny minority of artists. l would like to know the percentage of artists that live from their art pursuits!! Do you know some social studies about this?

[@Thebeautylife1]

78k CAD or USD?

[@lisalynch629]

Watch out for scams,I spent a week doing a portrait,then the client tried to manipulate a cash app scheme

[@samscorgie3484]

The section you both are talking about how photos that have you included in the main photo get the most engagement, I find the same with my account. I get a couple hundred eyes on my art, and tens of thousands when Im in the picture, it's a wild difference. But My question is... is that because you're young pretty girls? What if you were a middle aged man instead? Just curious if it works the same with men. Personally when Im looking at people's art, I like seeing their face here and there so I know 'who' the artist is, but it definitely isn't the draw to look at the art. Its weird.

[@davidharrison507]

BayAreaaaaa

[@WaqasDaniyal6190]

I want to sell my art so give me any idea to sell my art. Thank you very much 👍😅

[@justthoughts8872]

47 and a half thousand?? So she made $47,500 in prints from her prints 12:11

[@marcduchamp5512]

What if you’re not on social media, old, bald headed, ugly and not magnanimous, what’re the chance of making it?