Making a living through illustration! My 5-step action plan for becoming a freelancer

good morning!

Since declaring, "I'm going to become an illustrator!", I've been slowly putting pen to paper.

But simply saying "I want to become an illustrator" isn't enough. If you don't have a clear idea of what kind of illustrations you want to draw, what kind of work style you want, and what kind of future you're aiming for, then the path you should take will be vague.

Therefore, this time,I've tried to articulate clearly the kind of illustrator I aspire to be and the specific actions I plan to take going forward!

I hope this will be helpful to others who, like me, want to make a living through illustration!

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Making a living through illustration! My 5-step action plan for becoming a freelancer

What is an illustrator? An explanation of the difference between a hobby and a job.

When you hear the word "illustrator," you might imagine it as a professional job, but actually...This also includes people who are doing it as a hobby or side job.。

Hobbyist illustrators can freely draw in their preferred style and on their favorite themes, and often do not aim to make a profit.

On the other hand, when drawing illustrations as a job,The ability to meet client demands and manage deadlines, along with a business-oriented perspective, are also necessary.It will become like this.

What's the difference between a professional illustrator and a professional illustrator? We'll also introduce the necessary skills.

Even though we use the term "illustrator,"There are significant differences in approach and required skills between those who draw as a hobby and those who work professionally.

Professional illustratorsPeople who earn a living as an illustratorThat.

In response to a client's request,We create works that meet your requirements while adhering to deadlines.That's my job.Sometimes, I adapt by flexibly changing my artistic style.You will also be required to do so.

Furthermore, to work professionally, not only drawing skills but also the following skills are important:

In other words, professional illustrators are,They are both "professionals at drawing" and "professionals at making it a viable career."

My goal is to become a freelance professional illustrator!

What I am aiming for is,A professional illustrator working as a freelancerIs.

I dream of the moment when I receive an illustration request from a client, and someone sees it, and I can't help but grin when I come across my work somewhere ( *´艸｀)

Of course, my drawing skills are still a work in progress.

I want to hone my skills to the point where I'm called a "divine artist"!I have a strong feeling about that.

Furthermore, once you become accustomed to depicting the human body,I also want to try my hand at creating animated videos.I think so!

I'm so happy to receive your support now, because I have so much room to grow!

Top 5 Things to Do First to Become an Illustrator with No Prior Experience

The actions I am considering are as follows:

By repeating these five steps, we will gradually move forward.
Even without experience, if you clearly define what you want to do, your dreams will surely take shape!

[Practice ①] Aim to monetize by posting stock illustrations

Stock illustrationsThis refers to a system where users can upload their own illustrations to a dedicated website, allowing companies and individuals to purchase them as needed.

Every time an illustration sells,Revenue is generated as compensation (royalties).I will.

The idea that you can earn money just by posting is appealing,The key is to create eye-catching illustrations among a vast number of works.

for example…

• Seasonal events (Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc.)
• Business scenes (meetings, presentations, illustrations of people working)
• Daily life (shopping, eating, housework, etc.)

I plan to focus on these kinds of high-demand themes when creating my artwork!

Furthermore, the illustrations that were posted wereIt can be used as a portfolio as is.That's another great point.

The more you draw, the more it builds up as your own achievements, which seems to be the most rewarding aspect of the job.

[Practice ②] Start sales activities on skill marketplaces such as Coconala

If you want to make a living as an illustrator,Using a skills marketplace is a very effective method.is!

Among them, the most famous is "Coconala".

This platform allows you to buy and sell a variety of skills, such as social media icons and headers, portraits, and business card designs.

In other words,A place where you can sell your illustrations as products and deliver them to people who need them.is!

First, I said,Creating icons and headers for social media.We plan to start from here. We've only just registered, but once the product page is complete, we'd like to introduce it here as well♪

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could use your own style to create illustrations that meet someone's needs, like, "I want an illustration like this!"?

[Practice ③] Increase recognition by sharing illustrations on social media

As I continue to work as an illustrator,Social media is an excellent place to let people know about your work.is!

Apparently, getting people to recognize that "this person draws pictures!" can lead to an increase in fans and even job opportunities.

First, I said,Feel free to draw and post fan art and original works.I plan to continue doing so. By drawing what I like, however I like,Establish your own art styleI would like to do that.

Also, when I post, I'm thinking of sharing "progress" and "roughs" to show the production process as well!

I want people to see not only the finished artwork, but also the accumulation of my work day by day.

I'll do my best to gradually make people think, "I like this person's art," through social media!

[Practice ④] Improve your drawing skills through practice! Tips for feeling your progress

If you aspire to be an illustrator,Daily drawing practice is an essential and important habit.Is.

I, too, am now consciously trying to "challenge myself with something new" every time I paint.

for example…

• Pay attention to how the light hits the object to create a sense of depth.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of the colors to change the atmosphere.
• By carefully considering how to add shadows, you can create a sense of depth.

By accumulating these small improvements,My drawing skills are improving little by little, but surely.I'm really feeling that.

Those moments when you think, "I think I drew it a little better than last time!" are the greatest source of motivation, aren't they?

I will continue to practice diligently while enjoying the process, and get closer to my ideal painting!

[Practice 5] Expand your field of activity by exhibiting at events such as Comitia.

If you want to expand your activities as an illustrator,Exhibiting at doujin events is a huge opportunity.Is.

I used to participate in events too, but I've been away from creative work for the past few years, and my merchandise and illustration collections are completely unchanged from before...

But recently,My passion for creating has returned, and the feeling of "I really want to participate in an event!" is bubbling up inside me.

What particularly appeals to me is,"Comitia" is an event focused on creative works.Even though I'm a bit shy, I love being in a space where I can talk with other people who share a love for creative work.

From now on,My goal is to create a new illustration collection and merchandise, and exhibit at events again.That's what I'm aiming for. Even with a break, I'll take it one step at a time. I want to cherish the opportunity to directly share my work with others!

Summary: Let's take one step at a time as an illustrator!

This time, I've put together a summary of what I'm doing to become a freelance illustrator.

I hope this will be helpful to anyone who is wondering, "I want to become an illustrator, but where do I even begin?"

My drawing skills and speed are still a work in progress, but I believe that if I keep moving forward one step at a time, I will surely get closer to my dream.

And... I actually uploaded a YouTube short as well!

...But I only realized it after I uploaded it.

I forgot my glasses!!!(lol)

It fits perfectly.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Okay then!

If you enjoyed this article or illustration even a little, your support would be greatly appreciated and very encouraging.

Pochi

Illustrator

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Illustrator.
This blog is my growth diary as an illustrator.
Opened since June 2023.
Starting YouTube in January 2025.