Are you someone who loves to draw and considers it your passion?
As an artist, you must know that pursuing your passion requires hard work and perseverance. You need to put in the effort to build a name for yourself and create a portfolio of your work.
But did you know that you can also make money while doing what you love? Yes, it’s possible! Here are the different ways to get paid to draw.
MORE: 7 Businesses You Can Start With $5,000 or Less
Contents
- How To Make Money Drawing
- Commissioned Work
- Make event posters
- Sell your Artwork
- Create Comics and Graphic Novels
- Sell Prints and Merchandise
- Make doodle art
- Create logos and branding elements
- Become a Freelance Illustrator
- Create Educational Content
- Become a Tattoo Artist
- Participate in Art Competitions
- Getting Paid to Draw Anime
- Freelancing
- Online Galleries
- Join a Studio
- Sell Online
- Subscription Service
- How much money can you make from drawing?
- How can you promote yourself as an artist?
- Final Thoughts
How To Make Money Drawing
Here are some of the most popular ways to make money from drawing:
Commissioned Work
The most common way to make money from drawing is by accepting client-commissioned work. This could be anything from creating illustrations for a book or a magazine, designing logos, or even creating caricatures and portraits.
The key here is to build a strong portfolio of your work. You can create a website or a profile on social media platforms such as Instagram to share your work and attract potential clients.
People love having custom artwork that is unique to them or describes them as a person. Custom portraits can help fill this demand. By creating commissions, you can set your prices and make a name for yourself.
Make event posters
From concerts to conferences, event planners are always looking for eye-catching graphics that will help them promote their events, so designing event posters can be a lucrative avenue.
Start by sharpening your skills with design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even free platforms like Canva. Online tutorials and practice can be invaluable in mastering these tools.
Show off your unique style and abilities by creating a portfolio of sample posters. These could be based on imaginary events or a fresh take on posters for well-known events. This portfolio will demonstrate your talent to potential clients.
Finding clients is the next key step. Potential clients could be local businesses, schools, event organizers, or even individuals hosting personal events like parties or concerts. Networking, both online and offline, can help in reaching out to a broader client base.
SEE: 6 Ways To Get Paid to Read Books
Sell your Artwork
Another way to get paid to draw is by selling your artwork online or through galleries.
You can create original paintings, drawings, or prints and sell them online, like Etsy or eBay. You can also approach local galleries and art fairs to display your work and sell it to interested buyers.
With the rise of e-commerce platforms, selling your artwork to a global audience has always been challenging.
Create Comics and Graphic Novels
Creating comics and graphic novels can be an enjoyable way to make money if you love drawing. Begin by refining your ability to draw sequential art, a unique skill set that involves storytelling through a series of images.
You can develop these skills by studying popular comics and graphic novels and practicing your own sequences.
Building a portfolio of your work is an important step. This could include individual comic strips, full-page comic book layouts, or character designs. Your portfolio will demonstrate your style and ability to tell stories through images, attracting potential clients or publishers.
Finding a platform to sell your work is the next step. You could choose to self-publish online through platforms like Webtoon or Tapas, or you could sell physical copies at local comic book stores or conventions. You could also pitch your work to established comic book publishers.
Sell Prints and Merchandise
In addition to selling original artwork, you can also make money by selling prints, posters, and merchandise featuring your artwork.
This can include anything from t-shirts and tote bags to phone cases and stickers. You can use print-on-demand services such as Society6 or Redbubble to create and sell your merchandise without any upfront costs.
You can turn your artwork into various forms of merchandise, such as prints, t-shirts, mugs, and more. Sites like Redbubble or Society6 make it easy for artists to create and sell custom merchandise with their designs.
Creating a range of products helps to attract different types of customers, each with their own preferences for artwork and merchandise. Try to be unique as possible.
Many artists sell their stuff on Etsy, eBay, or even their own websites to reach a wide audience of potential customers from around the world.
Make doodle art
Doodle art has been trending for a while, with the simplicity of the art form appealing to many. It also means artists can create whatever they want, making it expressive and fun.
While posters and illustrations are more intentional in their message, doodles reflect the artist’s persona. Creating doodle art can help open up new doors for artists, including brand endorsements!
Create logos and branding elements
Designing logos and branding elements is all about creating unique visuals that businesses and entrepreneurs can use to represent their brand identity.
This involves understanding how to use colors, shapes, and fonts effectively to communicate a brand’s personality and values.
There are many online platforms like Fiverr or Upwork where businesses look for designers, and networking with local businesses or using social media to advertise your services can also be effective ways to find clients.
Become a Freelance Illustrator
Freelance illustration is a great way to earn a steady income while flexibly working on different projects.
You can work with clients worldwide and create illustrations for books, magazines, and advertisements. To be successful as a freelance illustrator, you need to have good communication skills and be able to meet deadlines.
Create Educational Content
If you can simplify complex concepts into easy-to-understand graphics, there is a huge demand for you in the educational sector.
You can create illustrations, diagrams, and infographics for textbooks, e-learning platforms, and educational materials. This is a great way to use your drawing skills to make a meaningful impact while earning a steady income.
Become a Tattoo Artist
If you want to combine art with body modification, becoming a tattoo artist can be a lucrative career choice.
Being a tattoo artist requires a lot of technical skill, patience, and creativity. You can either work at a tattoo studio or start your own business.
Participate in Art Competitions
If you want to gain recognition for your work and earn money simultaneously, participating in art competitions can be a great option.
Many art competitions offer cash prizes and recognition, which can help you establish yourself as an artist and earn money.
Getting Paid to Draw Anime
Anime, an art form from Japan, has found a cozy home in the hearts of many around the world. If you find joy in drawing anime, why not take a step further and earn from it? Here’s how you can transition from sketching for fun to drawing for funds:
Freelancing
Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are your gateway to people who are on the lookout for anime artists. Set up a profile, display your best works, and start connecting with potential clients.
Online Galleries
Create your own little gallery on platforms like Instagram or DeviantArt. As more people stumble upon your work and follow you, some might ask for personalized drawings.
Join a Studio
If routine is your friend, a job at an animation studio could be the way to go. It’s a place to not only earn but also learn from seasoned artists.
Sell Online
Platforms like Etsy can be your storefront to sell anime prints, stickers or even personalized commissions.
Subscription Service
Set up a Patreon page where fans can chip in a monthly sum to support your work. In return, offer them a peek behind the scenes, or exclusive artwork.
How much money can you make from drawing?
The amount of money you can make from drawing varies widely depending on your chosen method, skill level, and experience level.
Some artists are well-established in their careers and can charge upwards of $1,000 for a single commission. Other artists may only charge a few dollars on Etsy for a print of their work. So, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
How can you promote yourself as an artist?
Promoting yourself as an artist is something you must make time for if you want to be successful. Here are some tips that can boost your visibility and land you more gigs:
- Create a portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card. It should include your best work.
- Market yourself on social media: Leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to promote your work. Share your portfolio, behind-the-scenes photos, and any new pieces you’ve created.
- Network with other artists: Join online groups or meet-ups in your community to meet and network with other artists.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to get paid to draw, from creating commissioned work to selling merchandise featuring your artwork.
The key is to develop your skills, build a strong portfolio, and consistently reach out to clients and potential buyers.
Combining your passion for drawing with entrepreneurship can create a fulfilling career while doing what you love.
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