Drawing as a business?

[Crafty Amanda]

Starving artists are a dime a dozen right? I couldn't imagine where to start to look for a way to make money as an artist with drawings or sketches. Any ideas?

I would love to illustrate a book, but how the heck do you go about becoming an illustrator??

I'm sure there are plenty of other options out there, but I don't know what

[writeterri]

I recently saw several writers in an online group asking for the names of artists who could illustrate their self-published books.

To become an illustrator, I'd suggest you do the same things I've been doing as a writer...

1. Find someone who wants what you do. Join online writing groups and offer your services.

2. Buy a copy of Writer's Market for Illustrators. It has good tips as well as editors who are looking for illustrators.

3. Put together a portfolio of clips to show to editors to prove what you can do.

4. Be willing to provide artwork to non-paying markets to build up your portfolio to show to a paying market.

Just a couple of suggestions. There are a lot of ways you can look for clients. Don't worry about the number of illustrators that are out there. No one will draw what you will. If what you do is good, then someone recognize when you can provide what they want.

Good luck!
Terri

[Goria]

hi, you could try selling some of your drawings on e-bay and also, there is a wonderful website called 'wetcanvas' - artists etc. chatting - all kinds of fourms similar to this one....you can go to wetcanvas.com and join thier lists - I think this would be a great place to start.

[TeresaR]

If you're thinking of illustrating children's books, I highly recommend you either join Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators or at least see if you can get free or inexpensive how-to advice from them. One of the things I'd learn from their conferences is that you never "go in" with a writer who's written something to approach a publisher/editor. Editors prefer to have total control as to who they'll choose for a project. Of course, if you're self-publishing, that's a different story.

WriteTerri's tips are great! Putting together a portfolio is a must. You should have tearsheets or postcards of your work that an art director can keep on file.

I learned a lot from a class on how to become a professional illustrator offered by our local art center; you should check to see if there are any courses like that where you are. Getting the information from a seasoned pro is priceless. I'm also lucky to have 2 professional illustrator friends who have shared much of their experiences with me. I don't illustrate professionally yet, so much of that info is not in my head, but in a big thick folder in my art room.

Oh, and making your own line of greeting cards with your art is another option. I think there are books (and organizations such as http://www.greetingcard.org/ ) that can help you get started with that area.