💰 My Artist Income + Sources in 2024 w/ Numbers & DATA!

In this tell-all video, I spill the beans on how I've somehow managed to earn six figures year after year without having to wear a suit (or pants if we're being honest).
From kicking off with a daily drawing challenge back in 2007 to switching from graphic design to full-blown illustration, I've tackled a kaleidoscope of projects for dream clients like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Lego. 🌈 I'm also talking about on how my KZbin channel unexpectedly became a major player in my income mix, complete with real numbers and data.
Whether you're a budding illustrator or just nosy about how the art and content world ticks, this video's packed with raw truths, and insights that no one tells you about making it in the creative industry.
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DISCLOSURE: I sometimes review and/or link to products & services I have used (or tried). When available, I use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Often times, the links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

[@twistedillustrations]

I find your channel when I search “illustrator with ADHD”. And the content help me a lot.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh thanks for letting me know!

[@lennyterenzi831]

I just (as of yesterday!) got my ADHD diagnosis. It explains years of procrastination, unfinished ideas and projects, letting myself and others down and at 50 years old I have had enough. It's time to take control while I still have the time. Thank you for always being open, sharing yourself not only creatively but mentally with us. You have given me yet another kick in the ass this week that I needed to start crafting the life I know I can have.

[@chris-piascik]

So glad this was helpful. ADHD can be a handful, but it’s also helpful when you’re really into something.

[@MichaelDicken101]

I'm right there with you! My ADHD is a huge motivational roadblock.

[@mgardner70]

You are NOT alone!!!

[@anthonywilliamscreates]

Just letting you know, as a fellow doodler, your videos are super inspiring and I'm at work watching them back to back...probably should be doing work..I'm not. I'm watching Chris Piascik videos instead. And it's giving me a lot of great ideas about how to get my work out there. So thanks for that. You're like..becoming my hero. Not like Batman or like one of the X-men...maybe like Gambit actually. But yeah I just had to thank you for helping me out. Maybe one day you'll see my drawings. Who knows right? Anyway, keep up the awesome work. You keep making videos, I'll keep watching them. 🤘

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@BTSmitt]

@@chris-piascik same!

[@natdiazj]

Thank you! I finding ibteresting that you talk about not having one niche, especially when other illustrators talk about the importance of having one niche. It gives me hope that can make all the things I love, well, not right away, but in time 😅

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful! This is what has worked for me!

[@su-annoh]

Snarky Chris is on a roll! Not just an eye roll.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha

[@nickclrke]

Great insight, Chris! I'm an animator looking to make the freelance jump so this was very inspiring! Would you say your client base has a high yield to return for more projects, or are clients coming to you more regularly instead of you having to search them out?

[@chris-piascik]

I don’t have a ton of repeat clients, but there are a handful. I’m lucky enough that I don’t do much outreach at all anymore. Clients reach out to me. Glad you found the video helpful! I have a playlist about “illustration business” stuff that has some videos that go into more detail about that kind of stuff.

[@pixelsnplay]

It's really interesting and very inspiring to see income breakdowns from artists. Love to see creatives thriving :D Thanks for sharing!

[@DidatticaScuola]

Thx for the trasparency i like it. Another youtube idea for you I would like to know your expenses. Also do you have to find your commissions as an illustrator or there is a sort of agency, application that ask your job?

[@FL85106]

Your work on create originals is amazing. I’ve seen most design projects in the rollerblading industry since 1997 and it definitely stands out. Thank you for supporting our sport.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh thanks so much! I appreciate that.

[@krookedtease]

Thanks for the info Chris! Nice to see it all broken down :)

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful!

[@renanluna3625]

Thank you so much for sharing all this!

[@chris-piascik]

No problem!

[@markopazyniak]

Thanks for sharing! A lot of useful experience. By the way nice twin brother)

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful! He’s a jerk! Lol

[@ruthlessgriz3340]

2004... ooof

[@chris-piascik]

Whoops

[@loopdsgn]

So much great info here. Love the little animation additions. Thanks for sharing.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!

[@jerameelcabautan7917]

I always watch your videos and I am always inspired after watching it. Thank you for always sharing art stuffs!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! That’s so great to hear.

[@ello-nasty]

Super helpful man, thank you! I’m looking to get back in to illustration full time again this year and finding your channel has really inspired me to start pushing it. My daily 9-5 job has never been for me and the older I get, the more I realise I need to go back to what I love! Thanks Chris, you’re awesome!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad I could help! Thank you!

[@BTSmitt]

Every time! You help so many of us and always make me laugh! Im so happy to find like minded folks! Your videos have helped me tremendously with Fresco + ADHD insights! Thank you!

[@chris-piascik]

Oh so glad to hear, thank you!

[@MrAHayes]

Enjoyed this vid Chris. It's interesting to hear how other artists break down their income, it's not something you see much of. Reassuring to hear other artist's incomes are also ridiculously diverse!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you liked it! I think it’s definitely good for others to share about financial stuff because I believe it helps everyone.

[@Relaxartdxb]

Love your channel! Thanks for all the tips

[@chris-piascik]

You are so welcome!

[@mariacruse6195]

Thanks ❤

[@chris-piascik]

😉

[@CaptainCreate]

Great intel. Thank you!

[@chris-piascik]

Happy to help!

[@joshswain8532]

Thank you Chris!

[@chris-piascik]

Sure thing!

[@joshswain8532]

Was wondering, do you have an agent? Or do you manage clients/work schedule all on your own?

[@NNNedlog]

I love your chabnel, thank you for these tips

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much!

[@NickGioiaJoya]

This was really cool of you share. You are super Awesome and I appreciate you!

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! Glad you think so!

[@ArseniKatsela]

Hi Chris! I'm an artist with a new channel too! It was very helpful video! And I was blown away by the numbers of income from YT ads, it's great! I have only 1$ RPM (I'm from Poland, but the majority of audience are US). And to be able to make those numbers I need to make 1,6 million views per month :D Can you please share your rough number of RPM? It would be very helpful!

[@YassDesignStudio]

your acting is hilarious 😂

[@chris-piascik]

Haha thanks

[@masgarch]

I like the way your illustrations and smooth strorytelling always fit together. Learnt a lot from you. Thanks Chris ✨

[@chris-piascik]

I appreciate that!

[@Tom-lh8ey]

Great video once again. I really appreciate you taking us along on your journey as it provides inspiration for me as I start my retirement chapter. Thanks Chris!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! Good luck with the next journey!

[@Mimi_Sim]

Thanks for being transparent about the hustle. This is seldom done. Also more alter-ego! Love him because it’s the voice all artists have

[@chris-piascik]

My pleasure! And the alter ego… definitely voicing what I’m thinking, lol

[@joe2grand]

great stuff chris

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you!

[@the-good-chad]

You have no idea how much I needed this video. I'm always putting my KZbin videos at the bottom of my priority list because "making it" seems like such a pipe dream. But if all those videos I wanna make had been out for a few months I'd probably already be making a decent chunk of change. Thanks so much for your transparency here. I also want to be an example of how you can be an artist without struggling. Not quite there yet, but this video is the kick I needed to revisit my priorities. You da best, Chris.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Chad! So glad this was helpful!

[@loopdsgn]

Thanks

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! ❤️

[@pizzagirllex]

I've been a quiet viewer for a while but I wanted to let you know that I absolutely love your videos, Chris! I learn so much and they're so easily bingeable! Thanks so much and keep them coming!

[@chris-piascik]

Oh wow thank you so much! 😊

[@oldoakdesign8273]

Thanks for the insights! Do you mind sharing how you actually got those clientwork- clients? I'm generally doing good but sometimes struggle to find new clients

[@chris-piascik]

No problem! I talk about that in the videos in this playlist: Illustration Career kzbin.info/aero/PLAufnRAvMJPARED8Bo9DEYtvvjQ7C7DIe

[@oldoakdesign8273]

@@chris-piascik Thanks Chris!

[@Relaxartdxb]

Thanks!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffreywright5265]

Appreciate the peak behind the curtain Chris!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Jeff!

[@vortexvisionzdesigns]

Great video man! Always interesting to see how others progress within their careers. As a striving artist working my way up, I appreciate all the great content creators such as yourself who aid in the process of learning and developing skillsets 😎👍

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! 😊

[@julia.mcconnell]

Thank you for this video! I really would like to see if you have or plan to record any videos to talk about newbies who are self-taught and trying to be creative but doubt their worth and talent but also feel like imposters?

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for the idea! I have to say, the imposter syndrome doesn’t go away, at least it hasn’t for me.

[@mrty2069]

Nice break down. For well earned success.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks!

[@VincentAudy]

Salty Chris is hilarious!

[@chris-piascik]

Haha he’s a jerk!

[@maximearchambault]

🤓🖖Nice channel Chris, just found it. I like your approach! I'm interested to know more about negotiation and contractual agreements on a projects, like big brand (Nike) or a smaller brand. Do you sell or listen to your art ? Also, I'd like to know your thinking on how you adapt your pricing for different categories? Peace

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I’ll have to do a more detailed video on that stuff, but I do talk about some of those topics in this playlist: Illustration Career kzbin.info/aero/PLAufnRAvMJPARED8Bo9DEYtvvjQ7C7DIe

[@WilliamSmith-vg7kc]

Thank you for reminding me I can make money as an illustrator on my last day as an undergrad at UHart😎

[@chris-piascik]

Ah congrats! You can do it.

[@davidanieland]

Great info! I’d love to get your take on how you’ve handled pricing or proposals. I always want to give work away for free because I can’t figure out how to value it.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! It’s definitely still a struggle sometimes. I’ll put some thought into making a more focused video on that.

[@twistedillustrations]

I find interesting this approach thought diversity in approaches. I like branding and editorial design.

[@chris-piascik]

It just sort of happened organically for me, but it’s been working for a long time now.

[@SweetModineDesigns]

This was a very informative video, Chris, thank you for sharing. I really appreciate the transparency you've shown here. You're still just as inspirational as ever! keep fighting the good fight, man!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much-glad to hear!

[@LGeeThomas]

Since you brought up budgets and what you earned per category… I would love to see a video from you helping us all out with what to charge.. Many have those type of videos, and I find it may be easier when doing graphic design, or video creation or editing work… but for an illustration, or a short animated video like you did for money lion (shown in this video) what would be ball park figures for charging for that? Is $200-500 too little, too much., is $1500 too much?? Any help and opinions on this based on what you do would be AMAZING…thanks in advance

[@chris-piascik]

I do talk about some of that in this playlist but I’ll consider doing another more specific one: Illustration Career kzbin.info/aero/PLAufnRAvMJPARED8Bo9DEYtvvjQ7C7DIe

[@gerfacio498]

Thank you for the info. How did you “break” into the industry though ? How did you land your first big client ?

[@chris-piascik]

I talk about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoatoaqeipZ4d8ksi=jcQ4ltSPsj21yPrJ

[@gerfacio498]

@@chris-piascik awesome , thank you for sharing with us ! 🙏

[@davedavinci1349]

I've been following you since you started the channel and I still dont feel like i made much progress... granted I have only caught a few here and there, How much would a virtual 1 on 1 be? I think like 1 or 2 good hours with you would change my creative thought process.

[@chris-piascik]

Hey sorry I missed this. You could always do the BFF tier KZbin membership for a couple months.

[@ToddDolce]

Based on the grammatical error in your episode title, it's clear that it is not by writing and grammar that you earn your money. 😊 We love your artistic skills though and that's what matters most!

[@chris-piascik]

lol damnit. Thank you. Just fixed it. I rewrote it several times before posting it and must have mixed it up.

[@Leroyink]

Hey Chris, fantastic and very helpful. For context, are you able to reveal the percentage of your total income for 2023 that was connected to your use of the Fresco app? I’m kind of fascinated at how the iPad and mastering a free app like Fresco can generate a comfortable income. I’m certainly not overlooking the other vital ingredient, your talent.

[@chris-piascik]

Well I do nearly all of my illustration work in Fresco. Also, thank you!

[@digi3363]

You remind me of Jamie Kennedy. I like him! So I like you too :)

[@chris-piascik]

Hmm I only vaguely know who that is. But thanks!

[@lawsdraws]

Do you have an illustration agent, Chris?

[@chris-piascik]

I do not. Well not really, once in a while I do some work through an agency in France. But the vast majority of work is without outside representation.

[@foxcatcherformerlyfoxblue5759]

An alter ego to talk to, good choice 😂 I emailed you my art but I’m sure you’re busy

[@chris-piascik]

Oh I’m sorry I missed it! I will look!

[@lyudmildachev9109]

Like No 200

[@chris-piascik]

💪

[@fitnessglory642]

Took me forever to get to watching this video. Brilliant share. I love that your life inspires so many of us. So many people have great drawing styles that go unnoticed, then feel they are just rubbish and that they are doodling their life away lol. I don't know, but it's so wonderful how people are seeing you succeed and it's giving them the self-belief they need! - Me Included of course! YOU ROCK BRO!

[@chris-piascik]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️