8 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Illustrator: Side Hustle Ideas for Artists

Thinking about turning your artistic talents into extra cash? You’re not alone.

Many people are looking for ways to make money from their illustration skills.

As a freelancer, you can work on your own schedule and take on projects that interest you.

There are lots of options for freelance illustrators to earn money today. You can make money as a freelance illustrator by finding online gigs, selling stock illustrations, and more. With some effort and creativity, you can build a nice side hustle or even a full-time career doing work you enjoy.

Let’s look at some of the top ways to get started making money from your illustrations.

1) Create Custom Illustrations for Clients

Want to make some extra cash with your illustration skills? Creating custom illustrations for clients is a great way to start.

You can turn your artistic talents into a fun side hustle that pays.

Many people and businesses need unique artwork.

They might want illustrations for books, websites, logos, or social media posts.

You can offer your services to fill this need.

To get started, set up an online portfolio.

Show off your best work so potential clients can see what you can do.

You can use social media or make a simple website to display your art.

Next, start looking for clients. Reach out to local businesses or check online job boards.

Sites like Upwork have lots of illustration jobs you can apply for.

When you get a client, make sure you understand what they want.

Ask questions about their style preferences and deadlines.

This helps you create illustrations they’ll love.

Remember to price your work fairly.

Don’t sell yourself short, but also don’t charge too much when you’re just starting out.

As you gain experience, you can raise your rates.

Keep improving your skills and trying new styles.

This will help you attract more clients and make your side hustle even more successful.

2) Sell Artwork on Print-On-Demand Platforms

Want to make money from your art without the hassle of printing and shipping? Print-on-demand platforms are your answer.

These websites let you upload your designs and sell them on various products.

You can put your art on t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.

The platform handles production and shipping, so you just focus on creating.

Popular sites include Redbubble, Society6, and Printful.

Each has its own product range and audience.

Try a few to see which works best for you.

To start, pick a platform and make an account.

Then upload your artwork and choose which products to sell it on.

Set your prices and you’re ready to go!

Remember to promote your store on social media.

Share pictures of your designs on products to attract customers.

You can also run ads to reach more people.

This side hustle is great because it’s low-risk.

You don’t need to buy inventory upfront.

The platform only makes products when someone orders.

Keep making new designs to stay fresh.

Try different styles and see what sells best.

You might be surprised by what catches on!

With some effort, you can build a steady income stream from your art.

It’s a fun way to share your creativity and make money at the same time.

3) License Your Art to Companies

Want to make money while you sleep? Licensing your art to companies might be the perfect side hustle for you.

It’s a great way to earn passive income from your illustrations.

Companies are always on the lookout for fresh designs.

They use them on products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.

You can offer your artwork for licensing to these businesses.

Start by creating a portfolio of designs that could work well on products.

Think about what’s trendy and what people might want to buy.

You can make patterns, characters, or standalone pieces.

Next, reach out to companies that might be interested in your style.

Look for businesses that align with your art.

You can also join online marketplaces that connect artists with companies looking to license work.

When a company likes your art, you’ll sign a licensing agreement.

This lets them use your design for a set time or number of products.

You’ll get paid royalties based on how much they sell.

Remember, you keep the rights to your art.

You can license the same design to multiple companies for different products.

This way, one piece of art can earn you money from several sources.

Licensing your art can be a steady income stream.

It allows you to focus on creating while others handle the selling.

Plus, seeing your art on products in stores is pretty cool!

4) Offer Personalized Portrait Commissions

Want to turn your artistic skills into cash? Personalized portrait commissions might be your ticket.

This side hustle can be a fun way to make extra money as a freelance illustrator.

You can start by offering portraits to friends and family.

They’ll love having a unique piece of art featuring themselves or their pets.

As you build your portfolio, share your work on social media to attract more clients.

Set up a profile on sites like DeviantArt or Instagram.

These platforms are great for showcasing your style and connecting with potential customers.

Think about offering different options.

You could do digital portraits, traditional pencil sketches, or even stylized cartoon versions.

This variety can appeal to a wider range of clients and budgets.

Don’t forget to price your work fairly.

Consider the time and effort you put in.

Many illustrators charge between $700-$1,600 per illustration, but you can start lower as you build your reputation.

As you gain experience, you might want to branch out.

Offer couple portraits, family illustrations, or even pet portraits.

The more options you have, the more customers you can attract.

Remember to communicate clearly with your clients.

Ask for reference photos and discuss their vision before you start.

This helps ensure they’re happy with the final product.

5) Create Digital Products Like E-books

You can make extra cash by creating digital products as an illustrator. E-books are a great option to start with.

They’re easy to make and can sell well if you pick the right topic.

Think about what you know best.

Maybe it’s character design or landscape painting.

Use your skills to write and illustrate an e-book teaching others.

You don’t need to be a pro writer.

Just share your knowledge in a simple way.

Add lots of your own illustrations to make it unique and valuable.

Digital planners are another hot item you could create.

People love using these to stay organized on their tablets or phones.

You can also make printable art or coloring pages.

These are popular and easy to distribute online.

Create a set of themed illustrations that people can print at home.

Don’t forget about designing e-book covers for other authors.

This is a quick way to use your illustration skills and make some cash.

Sell your digital products on your own website or through platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.

These sites make it easy to reach customers and handle payments.

Remember to identify your target audience before you start.

This helps you create products people actually want to buy.

6) Sell Your Art on Stock Image Websites

Want to make some extra cash with your illustrations? Stock image websites might be your ticket.

These sites let you upload your artwork and earn money when people buy it.

You can sell vector illustrations on popular stock sites like iStock, Shutterstock, and Getty Images.

To get started, you’ll need to be good with Adobe Illustrator.

Vector art is what these sites want.

Creating stock illustrations can be a fun side gig.

You make the art once, then it can keep earning for you over time.

It’s like having a little art store that’s always open.

Think about what kinds of images people might search for.

Business icons, nature scenes, and holiday themes are always in demand.

The more useful your art is, the more likely it is to sell.

Remember, you’ll need to make a lot of illustrations to see real money.

But don’t let that scare you off.

Start small and build up your portfolio over time.

Some artists worry about losing control of their work.

But most stock sites let you keep the copyright.

You’re just giving them permission to sell it for you.

Ready to give it a shot? Pick a stock site, read their guidelines, and start uploading.

You might be surprised at how your art can turn into a nice little side income.

7) Run Online Art Workshops

Want to share your illustration skills with others? Running online art workshops can be a fun way to make extra cash.

You can teach beginners how to draw or show more advanced students your special techniques.

Pick a video platform like Zoom or Skype to host your classes.

You can do one-on-one sessions or teach groups.

Think about what you’re best at drawing and create lessons around that.

Set your prices based on how long each class is and what you’ll teach.

You might charge less for group classes and more for private lessons.

Don’t forget to factor in prep time when you’re setting your rates.

Promote your workshops on social media and art forums.

You can also list them on freelance websites to reach more people.

Make sure to show examples of your work so students know what they’ll learn.

Consider recording some of your workshops.

You can sell these as on-demand courses later.

This way, you can keep making money even when you’re not actively teaching.

Remember to keep your classes fun and engaging.

Mix in some drawing exercises with your instruction.

Happy students are more likely to come back and tell their friends about your workshops.

8) Collaborate with Brands for Sponsored Content

Want to boost your income as a freelance illustrator? Team up with brands for sponsored content! This cool side hustle can be a fun way to make extra cash.

Branded content partnerships let you showcase your artistic skills while promoting products you love.

You’ll create custom illustrations or graphics for brands to use in their marketing.

To get started, build a solid portfolio and grow your social media following.

Brands love working with artists who have an engaged audience.

Look for companies that fit your style and values.

You don’t want to promote stuff you’re not into, right?

When you find a good match, reach out with a friendly pitch.

Show them how your art can make their brand shine.

Negotiate fair deals for your work.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth! Remember, you’re bringing value to the table.

Be clear about what you’ll deliver and when.

Good communication keeps everyone happy.

Mix up your feed with a blend of sponsored and personal work.

Your followers will appreciate the variety.

With some hustle and creativity, brand collabs can become a sweet source of extra income.

So grab your tablet and start drawing up those brand partnerships!

Building Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to landing illustration gigs.

It shows off your skills and helps clients picture working with you.

Let’s look at how to create a portfolio that gets you noticed.

Showcasing Diverse Styles

Your portfolio should highlight your range as an artist.

Include different types of work to catch more clients’ eyes.

Try mixing up:

• Character designs
• Book covers
• Product packaging
• Editorial illustrations
• Logo designs

Don’t stick to just one style. Show variety in your techniques and subjects.

This lets potential clients see how flexible you are.

But make sure everything still feels like it’s coming from you.

Keep your best work front and center.

Quality beats quantity every time.

Pick 10-15 pieces that really shine.

Update your portfolio regularly with new projects to keep it fresh.

Creating an Online Presence

These days, your online portfolio is often a client’s first impression.

Make it count! Here are some ways to get your work out there:

1. Build a website: Use platforms like Squarespace or Wix to create a pro-looking site.

2. Use social media: Instagram and Pinterest are great for visual artists. Post your work and engage with other artists.

3. Join art communities: Sites like Behance or DeviantArt can help you connect with clients and fellow illustrators.

Remember to keep your online presence up-to-date.

Add new work often and make sure your contact info is easy to find.

A strong online portfolio can help you land freelance gigs and grow your side hustle.

Finding Clients

Getting clients is key to making money as a freelance illustrator.

You’ll need to put yourself out there and build connections.

Let’s look at some effective ways to find work.

Utilizing Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms are great places to start your hunt for clients.

You can find illustration jobs on sites like Dribbble, which has a job board for Pro members.

Other options include 99Designs, Indeed, and Simply Hired.

These sites let you browse job listings and submit proposals.

Create a strong profile on these platforms.

Show off your best work and highlight your unique style.

Be sure to fill out all the details about your skills and experience.

Don’t forget about social media too.

Instagram and Twitter can be gold mines for finding clients who need illustrations.

Post your work regularly and use relevant hashtags to get noticed.

Networking and Referrals

Building a network is super important for freelance illustrators.

You never know where your next job might come from.

Attend industry events to meet potential clients.

Art shows, design conferences, and local meetups are all great options.

Don’t be shy about telling friends and family what you do.

They might know someone who needs an illustrator.

Happy clients can be your best advertisers.

After finishing a project, ask if they know anyone else who might need your services.

Join online communities for illustrators.

These can be great for getting advice and sometimes even job leads.

Facebook groups and forums like Reddit can be helpful spots to connect with others in your field.

Setting Your Rates

Figuring out what to charge as a freelance illustrator can be tricky.

You want to price your work fairly but also make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth.

Let’s look at how to set rates that work for you and your clients.

Researching Market Rates

Start by checking out what other illustrators are charging.

Look at job boards, freelance websites, and illustrator communities online.

You’ll see a wide range of prices.

Beginner illustrators often charge $16-$24 per hour.

More experienced pros may ask for $50-$250 hourly.

Remember, these are just guidelines.

Your exact rate will depend on factors like:

• Your skill level
• The type of illustrations you do
• Your location
• The client’s budget

Don’t be afraid to ask other illustrators what they charge.

Many are happy to share advice with newcomers.

Adjusting Based on Experience

As you grow your skills and portfolio, bump up your rates.

It’s normal for prices to increase over time.

Add 5% to your rates each year to account for inflation.

Then add extra for your improved abilities.

You might start charging per project instead of hourly as you gain experience.

This can be more profitable if you work efficiently.

Upping your rates shows clients you’re growing as an artist.

Don’t sell yourself short – your time and talent are valuable!

Consider offering package deals for repeat clients.

This can lead to steady work and income.