Can I make a living as a freelance illustrator?

The average income of the best illustrators in New York is around $100,000 per year. But, there are also many who make lower than $1K per year. Indeed Salaries show that average freelance illustrator in the US charges a rate of around $25 per hour.

Is it hard to find a job as an illustrator?

It’s very rare to get paid jobs the first year you started with illustration. It takes time, money and effort to get jobs. So hang in there! If you are patient enough, and willing to work hard, it will pay off.

Do you need to go to school to be an illustrator?

Most illustrators have at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, though it is possible to qualify for some entry level positions with only a high school diploma and exceptional drawing skills.

Can an adult learn drawing?

Yes, learning how to draw takes time, but so does every other activity you want to be good at. And if you know what you’re doing, you can actually progress quite quickly as an adult.

How much money can you make as an illustrator?

Illustrators earned an average annual salary of $63,030 in May 2019, according to the BLS. Their salaries are highly contingent upon the size of their employers, experience and where they reside. Fifty percent of these fine artists’ salaries fell in the $32,400 to $74,110 per year range.

Do you have what it takes to be an illustrator?

“Many working illustrators aren’t the most technically skilled draftsmen, but they have solid and recognizable points of view — they have instantly identifiable work. If you want to pursue illustration as a career, the first thing that you need is a consistent body of work.”

How do I start a career in book illustration?

Whether you want to pursue a career in book illustration, fine art, editorial illustration, or even drawing greeting cards, understanding your goals and honing your style to work toward them will help you give you focus. “It’s 100 percent intent,” illustrator and comic book artist Jen Bartel says.

What are the best online learning resources for illustrators?

SVSLearn is another online learning resource for illustrators. Since 2012, SVS co-founders Will Terry and Jake Parker have been making instructional videos that highlight their work process. Since then, Lee White has joined the team, along with other top illustrators and industry professionals, such as Guy Francis and Mel Milton.

What do you need to know when hiring an artist?

Understand that people looking to hire artists have a need. They may love your style, which leads to a conversation, but they might be looking for something very specific. This makes clear communication and asking a lot of questions even more essential. “You are being called in to solve a specific problem,” Chris Kindred explains.