Unlocking Your Creative Potential: How to Earn Money as a Freelance Illustrator

If you are looking for more information about how to earn money as a freelance illustrator, this blogpost will help you out! The world of freelancing has seen an incredible boom in recent years, offering opportunities for creative artists like you, to showcase their talents. Nowadays you have so many opportunities to earn money as a freelance illustrator and to earn a living doing what you love.

Freelance illustrators, in particular, have found a lucrative niche in the digital age, where visual storytelling and design are in high demand. If you have a passion for art and want to learn how to monetize your skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to earn money as a freelance illustrator.

First of all: Develop Your Skills

Before you can even start with the topic of how to earn money as a freelance illustrator, you need to understand your craft. Of course this is an ongoing process which involves constant learning and improvement, but before you want to start making money with it, you need to know what you are doing. Here are some essential steps to help you develop your skills:

Start by mastering a specific field that you are interested in. Learn all the basics of this drawing style, composition and color theory. Books, online courses, and art classes or YouTube Videos can help you a lot with it.
Practice every day. This is the only way to really get better. Before I started with illustrations I did mostly portraits with pencils. I was soooo bad at this, but I kept drawing really almost everyday and I made a good improvement in such a short time.
You should experiment with different styles. Especially at the beginning it is important to test a lot of different art styles and techniques to find out which one you like the best.
Post your art on a platform that you like. Try to get feedback from other artists about what you can improve. It is also a good way to stay motivated and to find inspiration.

At the beginning it was really difficult for me to develop an art style. There are sooo many ways to create art and it can be overwhelming. But always remember that you will improve with the time and that now only the basics, the fundamental part is important. Concentrate on one specific art style that you like and try to develop it. After a while and when you already know how to earn money as a freelance illustrator, you can continue to try new things.

Build a Strong Portfolio | How to earn money as a freelance illustrator

It is essential to showcase your best work. Here is how to build a compelling portfolio:

Select your best art works. I would suggest 10 to 15 art works that you like the most and that show a big variety of your skills.
You can organize and categorize your portfolio in different art styles or categories, if you already have a big variety of art styles. Otherwise you can put your best work on one page and change these from time to time, which I prefer.
I recommend building a website for your portfolio. There are a lot of ways to create a portfolio, soon I will upload a blog post about this too. I use Hostinger, for example.
Describe your projects. Write a brief description for each project, including the client’s name and a link to their website (if applicable). Explain how you worked on this project and describe the process.
Keep your portfolio updated. I would update the portfolio from time to time. Make sure that you always have your latest and best work uploaded.

I actually created two portfolios because I have two very different art styles. And because with one of the art styles I generate a lot of client projects and with the other one I just want to showcase my personal work. So I wanted to separate this, but you can do it how you like and what suits your business best! Here is a blogpost about how to create a portfolio with Hostinger.

Market Yourself to Earn Money as an Illustrator

To get a better understanding of how to earn money as a freelance illustrator we will now dive deeper in the financial and marketing part. To really earn money as a freelance illustrator, you must market yourself effectively. Here are some tips how you can get your name out there:

Social Media

Nowadays social media can be a curse and blessing at the same time regarding the topic of how to earn money as a freelance illustrator. Social media can steal a lot of time from us and lead us to compare us with other artists which can lead to frustration. But it can motivate you and give you the opportunity to make your dream come true. With many platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and more, you first need to find the best options for you. For artists, Instagram and Pinterest are always a good choice. Post new art works regularly and connect with other artists or art fans.

Build a network

You can use social media for this or you can attend events, conferences and workshops to find people like you. This can lead to new clients but also to new friends.

Content potential clients

Find potential clients through social media, websites, events and just write them an email. Introduce yourself, send a link to your portfolio and let them know what you can offer them and how you could help them.

Collaborate with others

Create a creative project with other artists and post it in your portfolio. Use Instagram to collaborate with other artists and profit from their network and learn from each other how to earn money as a freelance illustrator.

Share your insights

Share your insights and knowledge about illustration through a blog or YouTube channel. This can position you as an authority in your niche and attract potential clients seeking your expertise.

Just get yourself out there as much as possible. Every post or video can lead to another client and another project, never forget that. And never forget that this is a process. A process that can take a long time and you need to be patient, but you also need to be happy about every step you take. You will win new friends and learn new skills. It is definitely worth it to keep following your dream, believe me.

Use Freelance Platforms to earn money as a freelance illustrator

The most important step in the topic of how to earn money as a freelance illustrator is to use freelance platforms. This is exactly where I started. From earning 20 euros a month to up to 6.000 euros in some months.

To be honest, at the beginning I didn’t know what I was doing and how I could start, so I disregarded all the steps above and immediately started with freelancer platforms. It worked, but it would have been way better to start building skills and a portfolio first.

Freelance platforms are a great way to find paying gigs and build a client base. Here are some of the most popular freelancer platforms:

Upwork

Upwork: This is a known platform where you can bid on relevant projects to get new clients. Especially here it is important to already have a good portfolio that you can upload in your profile. Because you can only bid on projects and the client will choose between you and a lot of other talented artists.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com: This platform is really similar to Upwork. You can also apply for the projects and you need to wait until you will be picked.

Fiverr

Fiverr: You will hear a lot of bad and good things about this platform regarding how to earn money as a freelance illustrator. I can tell you more good things, because I started with this platform and through fiverr I was able to build a big network of amazing clients. But at the beginning it can be exhausting because you will work a lot for almost no money, and fiverr will keep 20% of it. But this is for almost every freelance platform the same.

99designs

99designs: This platform specializes in design and illustration contests, where clients choose the best submission. I haven’t really tested it yet, because on this platform you need to work first and you don’t know if you will be paid for this, in most cases you will not. But if yes, the payment is quite good for the beginning so maybe this is something you want to try out.

Toptal

Toptal: Also a known professional platform. Toptal focuses on connecting freelancers with high-end clients who require top-tier talent. I think this platform is really good when you already have a lot of experience and a professional portfolio.

Keep in mind that even when you know how to earn money as a freelance illustrator you cannot expect a lot of money at the beginning. You are just starting and when your skills are improving you will get paid more. My first client work was a Christmas card design for a dentist. I was so happy about this and it took me so many hours to do this for only 15 euros. But with time I got better and faster and I was able to work more, so I earned a lot more. Make sure that you always give your best and to be professional and communicative. The reviews are crucial on platforms like this. With a good rating you will get more clients.

Freelance Rates and Contracts

At the beginning the rates and contracts are not so important because you just want to know how to earn money as a freelance illustrator and just start to work. But when you will be more professional you need to adapt your rates. This is sometimes really difficult. Here are some tips:

Your experience and skill level: More experienced illustrators can charge higher rates.
The complexity of the project: Complicated projects may command higher fees.
Industry standards: Research what other freelancers in your niche charge to get a sense of market rates.
Your location: Rates may vary based on the cost of living in your region.
Your expenses: Consider your overhead costs, such as software subscriptions and art supplies.

When you agree to a freelance project, it’s essential to have a clear contract in place. A contract should outline:

The scope of work, including deadlines and milestones.
Payment terms, including rates, invoicing details, and payment schedule.
Ownership rights and usage of the artwork.
Revisions and client feedback processes.
Any additional terms or conditions, such as non-disclosure agreements.

Diversify Your Income Streams | How to earn money as a freelance illustrator

To maintain financial stability as a freelance illustrator, it’s wise to diversify your income streams. Here are some ways to do that:

Client work: Continue taking on freelance projects from clients in various industries.
Merchandise and prints: Sell prints of your artwork, stickers, T-shirts, or other merchandise through online marketplaces like Etsy or your Online Shop. Learn more about this topic.
Licensing: License your illustrations to be used in products like books, greeting cards, puzzles or more.
Online courses and tutorials: Share your expertise by creating and selling online courses or tutorials on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Patreon or crowdfunding: Set up a Patreon page or launch a crowdfunding campaign to receive ongoing support from your fans and followers.

Manage Your Finances

As a freelancer, you’re responsible for managing your finances, including taxes, invoicing, and budgeting. Here are some tips to help you stay financially organized:

Open a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. I have a business account with N26 for example. I am super happy with all the features they provide.
Keep detailed records of your income and expenses.
Set aside a portion of your income for taxes, as freelancers are typically responsible for their own taxes.
Use accounting software like SevDesk or hire an accountant to help you with financial management.
Create and send professional invoices promptly to ensure you receive timely payments.

Conclusion

Becoming a freelance illustrator is an exciting and rewarding journey that allows you to turn your passion for art into a lucrative career. By developing your skills, building a strong portfolio, marketing yourself effectively, and diversifying your income streams, you can not only earn money but also thrive in the competitive world of freelance illustration. Remember that success in freelancing takes time and persistence, so stay dedicated to your craft and keep pushing your creative boundaries. With determination and the right strategies, you can turn your artistic talent into a flourishing freelance business. Now that you know how to earn money as a freelance illustrator, I wish you all the best on your journey! Let me know in the comments if you are interested in specific topics!