1. Finding Time for Illustration: Why It Doesn’t Matter If You Can’t Make a Living From It
In an ideal world, every illustrator would make a living creating full-time, letting their imaginations flow freely and earning income through their artistic talents. However, many illustrators find it difficult to generate a steady income from their work.
The idea that you need to make a living from your illustration to be considered a “real” artist is a myth. It’s not money that defines your passion or creativity—what truly matters is finding time for your passion, even if it’s outside your regular job.
2. Illustration Doesn’t Have to Be Your Full-Time Job
Many people think that to be successful, illustrators need to turn their passion into a career. The truth is, you can balance illustration with other aspects of life, even if your job isn’t related to art. If your current role doesn’t involve illustration or graphic design, it doesn’t make your creative pursuits any less valid. Many famous creators had “day jobs” to cover their expenses while honing their craft during their free time.
Working in a field outside of illustration doesn’t mean you have to give up your artistic dreams. In fact, it can provide a balance that helps you stay grounded while giving you the freedom to explore your artistic ideas at your own pace.
3. Find a Job That Inspires Some Creativity
Even if your job doesn’t directly relate to illustration, you can find positions that allow some creative expression. For instance, you might work in marketing where you design visual ads, or in web design where your illustration skills can shine. Copywriting, branding, or any visual role can also involve creative thinking. The key is to find ways to blend illustration with whatever you’re doing, even if it’s not your dream job.
Even if your current role doesn’t provide much space for illustration, you can always carve out time for it outside of work. Your artistic value doesn’t diminish just because it isn’t your main source of income.
4. Make Space for Illustration in Your Free Time
If illustration is your passion, you will find time for it. Life gets busy, but creativity thrives in the small moments between other responsibilities. Whether it’s during weekends, evenings, or quick creative breaks, dedicate some time to your illustrative practice. Even 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Use that time to explore ideas, sketch, or work on personal projects that bring you joy.
When you create illustrations, it doesn’t always have to be for a client or a gallery. Illustration can be for personal satisfaction and growth. In fact, removing the pressure of monetizing your work can help rekindle the passion and creativity that got you into illustration in the first place.
5. Art for Love, Not for Money
The notion that art only has value if it brings in money is not true. Art holds intrinsic value—it can connect us with our emotions, give us an outlet for storytelling, and allow us to explore parts of ourselves we might not express in any other way.
Loving art doesn’t mean you only do it if it pays the bills. Loving art means doing it even when there’s no financial reward. It’s about the process, the exploration, the learning, and the joy it brings. When you create, you bring something new into the world, something only you can make—and that, in itself, is valuable.
6. Don’t Be Discouraged
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see other illustrators turning their art into a career, but everyone’s journey is different. Some illustrators find financial success, while others keep illustration as a beloved side project. Both paths are equally valid.
So, if you can’t make a living from your art right now, don’t be discouraged. Embrace the opportunities you have and make time for your creativity. After all, loving art is about the act of creating, not the paycheck. Keep going, and keep making space in your life for what you love.
