Tell me how to make more money through art/illustration.

[Illustrated]

I'm an Illustrator that makes a small amount of money through t-shirt sales with my designs on. Every now and again I get paid for use of my images or sell a few pictures at exhibitions but I really want to make more money.

I've been working freelance since I was 18 and am self taught which means I don't have a degree. I can also do portraiture work but don't feel as confident with that side of things.

Does anyone here make a good amount of money creatively? Or have any ideas?

Network network network, see & be seen, become known on your local scene. It's the best way - but very time consuming.

Could you find an agent that sells designs to high street stores? I know of a few people that are able to support themselves this way, but I wouldn't say that they make a good amount of money.

I'm in a few local and UK groups for illustration but its not producing a steady trickle of work I was hoping for. I've also got a website, facebook page and twitter account for my work.

I don't think I'd be able to afford an agent.

Find out where all the aspiring Kindle writers hang out - they all need cover images, and plenty of kids book writers need images too. Offer your services on People Per Hour. Offer basic illustrations on sites like Fiverr, with opportunity for more expensive add ons for larger / more detailed illustrations.

Depending on your style you might be able to sell your work to royalty free stock image sellers like Dreamstime.

You make tshirts..... Not thought of shows eg country living expo or spirit of summer/Christmas? I shop at these all the time and love the quirky. Also what about notonthehighstreet.com? I realise its not main focus but could they attract more £ for u?

I'd be really wary about doing fiverr and the like. This is not a direction we should be moving in.

Just throwing ideas out there for the OP to explore in her own time, so see what would work best - not insisting on her immediate signed up and entire working life being dedicated to $5 jobs.

Maybe she'll like it, maybe she won't. Maybe, like me, the OP will be inspired by Fiverr to write a huge list of 'I cans' and then think of more profitable ways to market those skills.

DD - it's not really your call to make which 'direction we should be moving in' - pretty sure the whole point of being your own boss is that you do your own research and make your own decisions.

Backing out of thread now in case any more efforts to be helpful get the inevitable MN slapdown by someone who knows more than me.

Noooo! Not intending to deliver a "slapdown" to anyone - just want us ALL to strive for more than scrabbling around for $5 jobs.

I only know one illustrator who is insanely talented - and I'd be heartbroken on her behalf if she started selling her work for $5. :(

We shouldn't be racing each other to the bottom - and I will make that call on behalf of ALL of us!

Sorry if this is obvious, but are you on Folksy or Etsy?

Hi there,

this is my first post so I should probably say a proper hello before anything else.

Hello!

What kind of illustration work do you do? Children's, editorial, graphic etc?

I might be able to offer some advice (I'm a freelance illustrator) but it depends on your specialism really - do you have a website or some examples of your work?

Max x

Hi, I'm a freelance illustrator who's on the hunt for more work as well! I don't know if it's allowed to plug other forums (fora?) here, but the AOI has a forum that is worth a read through as there is lots of advice about self-promotion, agents and the like.

Basically, though, I have built up a contacts list and just keep sending out mail-outs to them, either postal or email. My main target is picture books, so my list is mainly children's publishers and magazines.

Also, not having a degree shouldn't be any obstacle. Lots of illustrators don't (I do, but I needed it because I needed the kick up the arse to help me change career).

As for affording an agent, if they're asking you to pay up front, I'd be a bit suspicious. Agents who belong to the Society of Artists Agents should be reputable, but not all reputable agents belong to the society, if you get me.

My thought on doing low-paid work: probably best to try not to. I know how tempting it is because I've done it. It just gets to be a resentment-fueled pain in the bum for not much money.

Hi to the other illustrators on here too!

Hi Creamola! I work completely in children's - nice to meet another illustrator on here so soon :)

Max x

Have you looked at People Per Hour? Might help to get your name out there and build up a client base. I was recently looking for an illustrator and that was my first port of call. You can bid for an existing job or list your own proposition and name your price and someone might take you up on the offer. Best of luck.

Well I'm An animator and illustrator ( and writer) all freelance (just finished the graphics for a series which should appear on cebeebies at the end of the month - plug plug)

Aside from my commissioned work I've got a fair but of work on stock image sites. Doesn't pay much but I think of it as a sort of hedge fund.

When people can't afford to commission they'll use stock instead.

Low pay- I've got a few hundred images on stock sites and earn enough to buy the kids (and my) clothes each month.

Well I'm An animator and illustrator ( and writer) all freelance (just finished the graphics for a series which should appear on cebeebies at the end of the month - plug plug)

Aside from my commissioned work I've got a fair but of work on stock image sites. Doesn't pay much but I think of it as a sort of hedge fund.

When people can't afford to commission they'll use stock instead.

Low pay- I've got a few hundred images on stock sites and earn enough to buy the kids (and my) clothes each month.