How to get started in illustration [FULL MASTERCLASS!] How to become a professional illustrator

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Which runner are you: 1, 2 or 3? Let me know!

[@richardbaker112]

Number 3

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@richardbaker112 Fair!

[@richardbaker112]

I’m a mess Ness.😢

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@richardbaker112 Not entering the race is a valid choice! You can learn and improve at your own pace, and decide to enter whenever YOU are ready :)

[@richardbaker112]

Thank you ness. You are smart and vary beautiful.

[@limmykinh]

Thank you for this masterclass. It's so generous of you. As an artist from an Asian family, not everyone was happy that I'm an artist. They'd rather me get a job in medicine or something. Good thing my parents were different.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Heidi! It can be tough indeed to tell family that we're going into the arts.. But there are so many possibilities and opportunities! I think we have to show them what is possible. My mom finally calmed down more once she saw my research and especially, the fact that I had made though-out plans :)

[@akaMonkeyBusiness]

Can you give some advice about work/life balance please. How to avoid burnout.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Never work at your 110%, and certainly not for long periods of time. Create a work schedule and process that allows for wiggle room, plenty of rest, and is sustainable in the long run. I have a course that explains in more detail how to deal with issues like burnout, art block and lack of motivation: www.artbusinesswithness.com/thehealthyartist

[@akaMonkeyBusiness]

Thank you soo much - You have really helped me a lot. Thank you for replying.

[@nadyartillustration]

So wonderful, Ness :) That picture of the man on the couch saying there are no jobs in art made me laugh!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Haha I'm glad you liked it hun!

[@bwarwick1]

i'm definately winging it!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

We all do at some point haha!

[@DUBAVIBES]

I'm number 5 creative but still stuck àppreciate u

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed the class!

[@frootatoes5648]

Your channel is gold! Thankss so much for putting this up for free!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@drownedinnostalgia3433]

;A; WaAH pls don’t delete this, I wanna watch this at Christmas break…college has been taking my soul

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Don't worry, it's staying up on my channel :)

[@jacquieriley7101]

So glad I'm in the course!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

We're lucky to have you, Jacquie!

[@wilbercoello7333]

best video ever!!! So glad I stumbled upon ur channel!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Yay! Thank you!

[@desdemonaviola9821]

Hi Ness, firstly I'd like to thank you for your generosity for sharing this, you really must have great empathy for encouraging people like this. Anyway, to answer your question, unfortunately I happen to be the third person, the one who didn't enter. I studied art and attended a couple of children's books illustration course with great illustrators but I never got to do it seriously as I needed to make a living and chose working in a boring office rather than doing what I really love. However, over the years I have kept on painting/illustrating and about 1.5 years ago, I decided to make a book from scratch as a gift for my nephew's 1st bday. So I did it; wrote the shortest story and illustrated the cover (front and back) of this book. I think about a career shift on daily basis but I guess what I missing here is the right tools and motivation. What I feel is holding me back is tha fact that I still love painting with brushes and paper and would never have the slightest idea od how to switch to digital. I'd love to have your advice on how to get started and mostly how to transition from old school painting style to digital and if it's really worthy. Btw I really love your art! Looking forward to hearing from you❤

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Question: why do you think you have to switch to digital to work as an illustrator? :o As a pro illustrator you only need to be able to scan and clean your work - it is NOT necessary to make digital art. If anything, traditional artists are often very successful because they stand out more and their work can commend higher prices! I recommend looking up traditional media illustrators such as Isabelle Arseneault, Rebecca Green, Genevieve Godbout, or Victo Ngai just to name a few :)

[@desdemonaviola9821]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Hello dear, thanks so much for replying back! The reason why I feel like switching to digital is merely practical as being busy working 9 to 6pm takes up most of my time and and energy, also having a tiny apartment, setting my painting station up takes forever simply feels exhausting and time consuming. So, I figured that probably giving digital art a shot things would be faster and easier. Of course it would be a new challenge and simply something I have been meaning to try for years. I also have ADHD and at time it gets really hard for me to just wait to set my brushes and stuff in order to paint as I quickly lose inspiration (I know it sounds weird but that is what happens to people like me) 😅 So yeah, that is about it! 😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@desdemonaviola9821 Ahhh ok ok I understand! I get many artists who think that traditional painting isn't in demand in the illustration market, and that's not true! But your concerns are about the practicality which is understandable! I actually do realistic digital watercolor (made to look real, but 100% digital) because I hate setting up a painting station and getting my hands dirty (a sensory thing). I use Procreate on an iPad, and I found it to be very user-friendly and easy to learn. I was thinking of making some KZbin tutorials about Procreate and my personal technique, would you enjoy that?

[@desdemonaviola9821]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess yes, I would love that. I literally have no Idea on how to even get started with the simplest drawing on an ipad. Thank you so much for being so helpful, I appreciate it. Xox

[@luzprat1026]

Thank you so much Ness! You are amazing :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You're so welcome!

[@rubyandsolon]

Queen of metaphors 🙌 really speaking to our visual minds 😍 love your videos, they're so clear and practical!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's so kind Ruby, thank you!! I'm glad you are enjoying my videos and metaphors! 😂

[@yami7519]

thank you so much for this, Ness!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you for stopping by Taccia, I'm glad you enjoyed the masterclass!

[@WarriorSmurf]

I saw the commercials for Fiverrr a while back and created a profile with fair pricing packages. I then realized that I am a US resident and would possibly succeed if I undercharged like like those in other countries. That was the end of that.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Exactly! Fiverr is a lot of hard work for peanuts..

[@NinadGawde]

Thank you so much for explaining this so beautifully & systematically.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found the class helpful!

[@paulgray387]

thank you for this resource. So nice of you to share your wisdom. I wonder if state and federal agencies like fish and game departments need artists?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

They might occasionally!

[@peterkuznicki8768]

Ness you are incredible! So impressed

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You are so kind, Peter! I'm really glad to hear that you found the masterclass helpful! ❤

[@non-itoh]

Thank you for these brilliant tips 😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You are so welcome!

[@amz8555]

THANK YOU!😭😍🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

My pleasure, Amna!

[@199nightingale]

I feel like I should be paying you for this video 😭 Thank you for all the information It was really helpful

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Awww I'm so glad it was helpful! ❤ Thanks for stopping by!

[@AnnkurKumar]

I am just starting with this playlist. I want to know how to create clip art & children's books?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

In that case I also have a children's book playlist that may be helpful! It has tips on the art process like thumbnailing, formatting, etc as well as business tips! kzbin.info/aero/PLcDSaDyKmuWl7MyJqe4MZObENZIk81gPX

[@cinder3]

Number 3. I created an illustration idea today and created thumbnails. And I began today because of your videos Ness. I've drawn before but I never made more than sketches. Still haven't but I want to pursue this idea. I would love to get your input if I can email you the thumbnail

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'd love to see it! You can send it to me at [e-mail] :)

[@cinder3]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thank you for your future feedback, I'm sending it now.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@cinder3 I just saw it!! Lovely 🥰

[@cinder3]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess what can I do to improve it and make it flow?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@cinder3 I'm not sure because just from these concept sketches I couldn't understand the story. The turtle threw me!

[@sofiamateos8770]

Hey Ness, thank you for all your knowledge! I hope I could afford your course! It's not expensive or anything but I live in Argentina and even 2 usd is too expensive for us. I'm gonna keep watching all your yt content tho! great work

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Hi Sofia dear!

[@evka8D]

Hello. Is the portfolio course suitable also if I want to focus more on big kid books (chapter books, MG, non-fiction)?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Hi dear! Yes, this portfolio course is not market specific. It helps you pick a market, then helps you put together a solid portfolio for whichever market you picked - whether that's editorial, picture books, scientific illustration, middle-grade publishing, or something else :) I give different examples from different markets to help everyone apply it to their own situation, and I've had several students in the past who have chosen to specialize in middle-grade publishing. It's a neat market, with deeper / more grown up themes.

[@evka8D]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you so much for your reply and encouragement Ness :) I am just wondering is the portfolio feedback also part of this course because I couldn't find it anywhere if it's currently included

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@evka8D I should clarify that on the course page! I do free portfolio reviews for all my Bootcamp students, whether they're in level 1, 2 or 3. A portfolio is the foundation of an art business after all, it's so important! Some students just like to send me their website link for a double-check; others like me to be more involved and want me to review their portfolio plan, critique all their sketches, etc. I'm happy as little or as much involved depending on what each student is comfortable with :)

[@evka8D]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you for clarification :) I saw it mentioned on your picture book prompts course page but I didn't find anything on the actual course page so I was a bit confused 😅And to be honest that sounds like a lot of work from your side,, it's admirable. I'm not in my portfolio stage yet as I'd like to dedicate a couple of months just to polishing my art skills and finding inspiration but I can't wait to work with you hopefully pretty soon 😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@evka8D That sounds fun, I wish you the best in your art journey!

[@naiierawageeh_]

Very informative! thank you so much. So if you have an agent, you still can get other projects yourself? I thought you can't

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Depends on the agent, and this is a red flag to look out for! Imagine if they don't find you any work, and you're not allowed to look for yourself. You're stuck not pursuing your career until your contract lapses. Nightmare scenario!

[@ArtwithNetts]

finally had time to watch this!! i was already sold on the course but now I am even more excited ;) can't wait for August!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

So excited to have you!!!

[@eshnarahaman2029]

I want to become a professional fashion illustrator.i am a runner 2 😅.what I am confuse about is how can I find fashion illustration companies or agencies?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Research research research! Google is a great place to start. I go over many more ways to find companies in my level 2 course: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level2

[@whansen101]

What a great lesson… I’m #3

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's great, way to go Warren!

[@paulgray387]

just noticed a misspelled word "covers" in your step 4 12 portfolio plan in your sign up pages. not trying to be critical but I thought you might want to know and correct that mistake.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Oh thanks!

[@bealynor]

Thank you for this very generous masterclass. You're so awesome and I hope your business will continue to grow!!! ❤💕😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you so much Bea, you're so kind!! I'm really glad you liked this class 💕

[@FutileGrief]

Wow. WOW. The plethora of good advice here, thank you!! I can only imagine what's in the course. Are you opening new spots soon?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

The course is re-opening November 5th! :) If you'd like to be notified and get a $20 off coupon, you can join the waiting list here: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level1

[@FutileGrief]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Great, thank you! :)

[@TwilightAngel_89]

I just need to learn how to sketch/draw good first 😄

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Keep at it, you can do it!

[@aaronworkgrierson1470]

Love your channel. Do you contact the publishers or the authors?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Publishers!

[@mithamithun]

I can draw but copy someone else painting or drawing, I have no courage yet to start my own drawing. I want to start it, but how to figure it out my own style of illustration?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Don't worry about style right now, just practice and refine your skills. Get comfortable drawing your own artwork and expressing yourself. Skills and experimentation first, then you can pick a style :) Experimenting is important because you can't decide how you like to draw best if you haven't tried several ways first.

[@mithamithun]

Thank youuuu for the advice ❤️

[@journeyofadigitalartist5021]

do you ever draw on paper before you illustrate?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I do exploratory sketches in my sketchbook, as part of my brainstorming process :) However when I'm ready to do a sketch of the final illustration, I draw it in Photoshop with my sketchbook open as a reference.

[@blueclift5582]

I checked out all the list here jdjsjs

[@akaMonkeyBusiness]

Do you know if an animator can get an agent?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

If you do freelance animation, yes. Agents do not find studio jobs for their artists though.

[@akaMonkeyBusiness]

Freelance definitely - short adverts and so forth - Could you maybe do a video about this?@@ArtBusinesswithNess

[@gabriellasainz3458]

Thank you soooo much for all the useful information. I would say that I am feeling like cat number 6.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this class, hun!

[@KimJImagery]

I'm 4 and 5

[@MelisJoy]

I've been binge watching your channel & appreciate you taking time to do this. It's inspiring & all..just wondering if illustrators are required to draw DIRECTLY from imagination. I guess that's where I hit a wall. I can draw a lot from imagination, but characters, animals, people, finger placement just out of my imagination is hard. However I can see multiple characters & combine my own character..so as not to "copy". I have shied away from my dream as a full time artist out of assumption I can't do this 😔 another thing I'm doing wrong is posting random art styles. I can draw or paint just about anything, self taught..but as I said usually need reference.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Using reference is normal and part of a regular professional art practice :) Can't draw something if you don't know what it looks like! That's nothing to be ashamed of. I regularly find myself googling things like screwdriver, nose or bird while working on client work. The key is to reference real life (such as photos) and stylize it in your style. We should not however reference other artists' work, as this is already stylized and copyrighted. We must also make sure any reference photos are copyright free or (or taken ourselves) if we plan to copy the exact angle. I often reference photos from Google without really checking the copyright because I take multiple photos to understand the object/animal and draw it in a new angle and position.

[@MelisJoy]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thanks so much for this 💙 definitely gave me hope & inspiration to go for this & stop being so self sabotaging. All of your content is gold btw. If you dnt have patreon, highly suggest you do that & maybe but some of the masterclass on YT & other tips on paid stuff. You deserve it. I know I personally would definitely try to contribute to your hard work

[@VickyMatt]

Hi Ness! First of all, thanks for this massterclass. Got a question, does the agent you montly or only when the jobs done (the 30% you talk about)?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

The percentage gets taken off of the pay you receive for the job, so if they don't find you work they don't get paid :) The money should always flow from the agent to the artist, never the other way around.

[@VickyMatt]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you!

[@fabiha_octagon_studio]

Winging

[@NC-ij9rb]

I’m the one winging it 😂😂😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

We ALL start out that way haha.. I think you're doing REALLY well hun!

[@jugglingfair]

🌟🌟👍

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@jennifervoigt2631]

2

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

High five!

[@199nightingale]

I'm no. 2 😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Most of us are :) You're giving it your all and with a bit more information, you have so much potential to succeed!

[@tazberryred1999]

3,000 dollars a month is not that much for freelance when you are also factoring being payed for the licensing of clients using your work.... 3,000 a month is not even at middle class in the US.

[@tazberryred1999]

was that just an example

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@tazberryred1999 Yes hun that number will change immensely depending on where you live (even from state to state it will change drastically) and if you have a car, if you have children, etc. You replace that with however much you want to make. In my course, I actually make people do 2 budgets: the first to find out their surviving income, and the second to find out their thriving income :)

[@limmykinh]

I'm cat #5 lol

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

He's such a cutie!!

[@sayanihazra8059]

5 😂😂😂😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I love that little kitten so so much!!

[@davidtourangeau]

Is this still relevant in 2024? Let me know please...

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Absolutely! I still use these techniques in my own career to this day.

[@سارهالفيصل-د4ت]

Your channel is a treasure Thank you 🤍

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That is so very kind, thank you!!

[@turquoisedragon416]

Okay here is my case: I have been an internationally successful illustrator from 2011-2020. I have been living on it well and I thought i will never lose it as my income. I was wrong. Upon Pandemic I lost my biggest client I was working with for 7 years. I thought "this is temporary, I will rebuild myself again; I will work double as hard" This always worked, yet not this time. It`s July 2022 and i have not managed to draw in a new client yet. Meanwhile I have developed my skills, I`m a better artist than before, I can do animation, Video, repeat pattern and book editing now additionally. I have created and self published books on Amazon. Yet NOTHING works. On social Media I am invisible. I started thinking "I am just not good enough" , "people don`t like my style" etc...I doubted myself and it depressed me and made me hopeless, because seriously, this is what I know to do best and I love my work. And objectively my concerns are wrong, because I have been successful before. I have published 2 books, I won a design prize for my Calendar, I had 12 magazine covers; I made stamps for the national post....So it cannot be that suddenly I am worthless trash (I feel like it sometimes) and everyone is so much better than me. I have no explanation for how I can be where I am now. I m making a bit of money on platforms like Patternbank, Society6, Iamfy!, etc but its not even half ways to making a living. And clients I have not attracted yet. But to be honest I´m not trying properly, because I am easily discouraged and afraid of let downs. P.S. Upwork and Fivrr SUCK big time.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles! The world of illustration is constantly changing and we have to adapt our strategies regularly. You ARE good enough! You just gotta revise your strategies :) You haven't mentioned what kind of marketing efforts you do, but nowadays too have a sustainable illustration career it's very important to be able to find clients yourself instead of having to rely on people finding you through various social media and sites. Do you reach out to art directors with emails regularly? Do you have a network of potential clients that you regularly update through a newsletter to remind them you exist? If not, those are great places to start! Take your career into your own hands :) If you'd like some help with those kinds of strategies, my Level 2 bootcamp may help you: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level2