💰 My Artist Income + Sources in 2024 w/ Numbers & DATA!

In this tell-all video, I spill the beans on how I've somehow managed to earn six figures year after year without having to wear a suit (or pants if we're being honest).

From kicking off with a daily drawing challenge back in 2007 to switching from graphic design to full-blown illustration, I've tackled a kaleidoscope of projects for dream clients like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Lego. 🌈 I'm also talking about on how my YouTube channel unexpectedly became a major player in my income mix, complete with real numbers and data.

Whether you're a budding illustrator or just nosy about how the art and content world ticks, this video's packed with raw truths, and insights that no one tells you about making it in the creative industry.

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DISCLOSURE: I sometimes review and/or link to products & services I have used (or tried). When available, I use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.

[lennyterenzi]

I just (as of yesterday!) got my ADHD diagnosis. It explains years of procrastination, unfinished ideas and projects, letting myself and others down and at 50 years old I have had enough. It's time to take control while I still have the time. Thank you for always being open, sharing yourself not only creatively but mentally with us. You have given me yet another kick in the ass this week that I needed to start crafting the life I know I can have.

[twistedillustrations]

I find your channel when I search “illustrator with ADHD”. And the content help me a lot.

[weaktearecords]

Thank you! I love creating and run a sign company because it's the closest to using my 'art' skills that I have been able to do in a 'normal' line of work. I admit that I fear diving into my 'art' side because I have always had pounded into my head how unrealistic it is and I compare my work with other really talented and detailed artists. I really appreciate when creators give an honest assessment of the real numbers they make because it helps me to realize that it IS possible to be 'successful' at doing what I actually feel good about doing instead of just trying to glean from another oversaturated line of soul crushing work. This video really helps, thank you!

I do have a request, could you give some idea of how you figure out pricing? That is my hardest part of the business end, not giving things away and figuring out what is a reasonable price for my creations. Thanks again!

[interruptingPreempt]

Thanks! It's encouraging to be shown that diversifying can be a good thing. I have a lot of different creative outputs and it worries me that it might do more harm than good. Hearing that it's working for you helps! 😄

[natdiazj]

Thank you! I finding ibteresting that you talk about not having one niche, especially when other illustrators talk about the importance of having one niche. It gives me hope that can make all the things I love, well, not right away, but in time 😅

[HeyItsEighty]

Super helpful man, thank you! I’m looking to get back in to illustration full time again this year and finding your channel has really inspired me to start pushing it. My daily 9-5 job has never been for me and the older I get, the more I realise I need to go back to what I love! Thanks Chris, you’re awesome!

[FL]

Your work on create originals is amazing. I’ve seen most design projects in the rollerblading industry since 1997 and it definitely stands out. Thank you for supporting our sport.

[nickclrke]

Great insight, Chris! I'm an animator looking to make the freelance jump so this was very inspiring! Would you say your client base has a high yield to return for more projects, or are clients coming to you more regularly instead of you having to search them out?

[anthonywilliamscreates]

Just letting you know, as a fellow doodler, your videos are super inspiring and I'm at work watching them back to back...probably should be doing work..I'm not. I'm watching Chris Piascik videos instead. And it's giving me a lot of great ideas about how to get my work out there. So thanks for that. You're like..becoming my hero. Not like Batman or like one of the X-men...maybe like Gambit actually. But yeah I just had to thank you for helping me out. Maybe one day you'll see my drawings. Who knows right? Anyway, keep up the awesome work. You keep making videos, I'll keep watching them. 🤘

[su-annoh]

Snarky Chris is on a roll! Not just an eye roll.

[astonishingwork]

Super insightful and a great breakdown. Thanks for sharing that.

[MA_SK_ID]

Thanks for being transparent about the hustle. This is seldom done. Also more alter-ego! Love him because it’s the voice all artists have

[Adammingstudio]

Hi Chris, Thanks for this. In the past 3 years, I've been doing okay filling my time with picturebook work, and my style has been tailor made for that. I hear you on diversifying, but I wonder what a good first step might be outside publishing, I feel a lot of it IS style dependent.

Makes me think of grabbing some of my pieces and walking into a mall to see if my style could fit any other contexts, finding out what that contexts pays, and focusing on that for a bit... hmm maybe i'll try that.

Thanks Chris, Good Talk!

[BTSmitt]

Every time! You help so many of us and always make me laugh! Im so happy to find like minded folks! Your videos have helped me tremendously with Fresco + ADHD insights! Thank you!

[oldoakdesign]

Thanks for the insights! Do you mind sharing how you actually got those clientwork- clients? I'm generally doing good but sometimes struggle to find new clients

[pixelsnplay]

It's really interesting and very inspiring to see income breakdowns from artists. Love to see creatives thriving :D Thanks for sharing!

[fitnessglory]

Took me forever to get to watching this video. Brilliant share. I love that your life inspires so many of us. So many people have great drawing styles that go unnoticed, then feel they are just rubbish and that they are doodling their life away lol. I don't know, but it's so wonderful how people are seeing you succeed and it's giving them the self-belief they need! - Me Included of course! YOU ROCK BRO!

[LGeeThomas]

Since you brought up budgets and what you earned per category… I would love to see a video from you helping us all out with what to charge.. Many have those type of videos, and I find it may be easier when doing graphic design, or video creation or editing work… but for an illustration, or a short animated video like you did for money lion (shown in this video) what would be ball park figures for charging for that? Is $200-500 too little, too much., is $1500 too much?? Any help and opinions on this based on what you do would be AMAZING…thanks in advance

[DidatticaScuola]

Thx for the trasparency i like it. Another youtube idea for you I would like to know your expenses. Also do you have to find your commissions as an illustrator or there is a sort of agency, application that ask your job?

[MrAHayes]

Enjoyed this vid Chris. It's interesting to hear how other artists break down their income, it's not something you see much of. Reassuring to hear other artist's incomes are also ridiculously diverse!