If you love drawing, then you’ll be happy to hear that there are tons of folks out there who get paid to do just that!
Believe it or not, drawing is a versatile skill that can be used in all sorts of industries.
So if you happen to be a gifted artist, then you’re in luck – there are loads of chances to turn your talent into a moneymaking career.
And lucky for you, there are a bunch of ways to get paid for your drawing skills. Check out some of the options below:
- Sell your artwork: You can create your own art then sell it through various online platforms such as Etsy orRedbubble.
If you’re thinking about selling your designs but don’t want to deal with the hassle of printing and shipping, then you should check out platforms like Etsy and Redbubble.
These e-commerce sites will take care of all that for you! It’s perfect for newbies who don’t want to worry about all the website stuff like marketing and attracting customers.
And the best part? You can take a break whenever you want without worrying about work piling up. Even if you’re on vacation or taking a creative break, your business will still be up and running like a boss.
Here’s how to get started:
- First things first – you have to create an account! Pick your favourite platform and make sure you’re following all the rules and regulations. If you’re using Redbubble, all they need is your email, name, physical address, and payment deets. Etsy, on the other hand, wants you to make your first listing when you sign up.
- Next up, it’s time to create your shop! This means making a profile, banner, and shop announcement. Make sure it’s lookin’ spiffy and showcases your artistic awesomeness.
- Now, it’s time to upload your drawings. Follow the platform’s rules for formatting and make sure your images are crystal clear and show off all the details of your work.
- Pricing can be a bit tricky, but use the platform’s guidelines and consider how much time and effort you put into each piece to figure out a fair price.
- Once your shop is set up, it’s time to start promoting it! Share on social media, send emails to your fans, or even consider paid advertising.
- When you get an order, make sure you fulfill it quickly and professionally. Pack it up really good so it doesn’t get damaged during shipping.
- And finally, get paid! The platform will process the payments and take out their fees. Just make sure you understand their payment policies so you know what to expect.
If you are creating high-quality drawings, providing excellent customer service, and are following the platform’s rules, you will be able to build a loyal customer base, and eventually increase your sales.
- Commissions:
Another method you can use is being paid commissions from people who want a specific drawing from you. You can advertise your drawing services in various ways such as social media, or even your own website.
Commissions are a popular strategy that many beginning artists and illustrators can use to make money online.
With any luck, your first customers will spread the word, and your next clients will approach you themselves.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Build a killer portfolio: Gather up all your best drawings and create a portfolio that shows off your unique artistic style and skills. Make sure to include a variety of styles and mediums to really showcase what you’re capable of.
- Spread the word: Get the word out there by posting on social media, creating a website, or even hitting up local art shows. You can also try reaching out to your community to let them know what you’re offering.
- Set your rates: Figure out how much you want to charge for your work based on how much time and effort goes into each project. You can choose to charge an hourly rate or a flat fee, whatever works best for you.
- Get the details: When a potential client reaches out to you, make sure you understand exactly what they want, when they want it, and what their budget is. Be clear about what you can deliver so there are no surprises.
- Put it in writing: Before you start working on a project, draw up a contract that outlines all the details, payment terms, and timeline. This will help protect both you and the client.
- Deliver the goods: Once you’ve completed the drawing, send it over to the client for review. Make any necessary tweaks until they’re satisfied.
- Get paid: When the client is happy with the final product, collect payment as agreed. Cha-ching!
It is important you remain professional, very reliable, and can deliver high-quality drawings so you can build a positive reputation that will get you more commissions.
- Illustration: With drawing skills you can also make a career as an illustrator. This may involve creating artwork for books, magazines or newspapers. You can find illustration work through job boards, or by reaching out to companies directly.
Here are some ways you could potentially make money online as an illustrator:
- By freelancing: You could offer your services as an illustrator through freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. By doing this you can set your own rates and work with clients worldwide.
- Online marketplaces: Again you can sell your illustrations on online marketplaces like Etsy, or Redbubble. These websites open up a worldwide audience to you.
- Illustrate children’s books: You can illustrate children’s books and sell them on platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Or, you could find clients through job boards or by contacting publishers directly.
- Sell prints and originals: You could sell prints and originals of your illustrations either through your own website, social media, or online marketplaces.
- Create and sell digital products: You could create and sell digital products. These could be stickers, patterns, or templates on platforms like Creative Market.
- Teach online: You can create and sell online courses to teach others illustration skills. Again platforms like like Udemy or Teachable could help you sell your courses.
- Teaching Art
If you’ve honed your drawing skills over the years, there are a few ways to make money by teaching art. Here are some ideas:
- Teach classes in person: Rent a studio or team up with a community center, school, or art supply store. All ages can be your students: kids, teens, adults, seniors. In a physical class, you can read their reactions, play some tunes, and set the mood.
- Teach classes online: Use Zoom or Skype and promote your classes on social media. No need to leave your house! Students can feel more at ease in a virtual setting and might experiment more with their art. Plus, you can reach more people who couldn’t attend in-person classes.
- Create and sell courses: You can make online courses too!
- Write and sell eBooks: Share your skills by writing eBooks on art styles or techniques. Sell them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms.
Some Final Thoughts
If drawing is your jam and you’re always doodling away, then getting paid for it can be super satisfying.
But let’s be real, making a living as an artist ain’t no cakewalk. The competition is fierce and making steady cash flow is no easy feat.
However, if you’re willing to hustle hard and put in the effort to promote yourself and network, you can totally make it happen and build a successful career doing what you love.