Episode 09: How Much Will I Make In Illustration?

[TessaW]

While I have loved all of the podcast episodes, I think this one is my favorite because I haven't come across many resources that will talk about this particular topic. Thanks so much for doing it!

[Bennie]

@gorillo then we are in the same bucket... i was also into drawing when i was a kid. I feel the same about past years (not drawing). Plus i am only a year older then you and hope also this will become my main income one day. Love to see i am not alone... Time for a change now.

And ofcourse thanks guys for the great episode again!

[AbbyLucero]

Hi all! @Lee-White , @Jake-Parker & @Will-Terry , thank you again so much for this invaluable advice and information. like you have said, this topic seems to be generally avoided in most art education establishments. I’ve been a little bit on a different side from the students that really want to only do 1 thing and make it big as “an animator” or “concept artist” my problem has been trying to figure out what field of Illustration I wanted to go. I love making art and the process, experimenting and learning is really a great experience. However, I’ve been really torn on what field to focus on and what kind of illustrations/ work I’d want to do.
I’ve done a Bachelors in Animation, I thought It’s what I wanted to do and I was convinced it was my calling but after finishing my degree and coming out of art school, I realise I didn’t love it. I felt lost and a bit aimless. I moved to the big City(London) to try and get my portfolio out there but living in the city was so expensive I had to take admin and corporate jobs to pay the bills. Needless to say I couldn’t get art jobs because my portfolio reflected where I was artistically which was aimless. Anyway I decided to leave the big city with my partner to pursue our creative lifestyle goals. Now much like @Gorillo at 34 i’m brushing up on fundamentals and basics, quit my office jobs and now working part time as a Barista at the local independent coffee shop (for some income and feed my coffee habit)and work on my art. After listening to all of the podcasts and YouTube vids, I’ve managed to really pintpoint what I love about making art and figured out what kind of work I want to do. I’ve participated in a local art fair and in process of self publishing a children’s book with a writer. My partner has also been getting more freelance work as a photographer. All in all I think what you’re doing is amazing and I’m truly greatful for the time, the advice and everything you giive to this community.

[leothejediartist]

Hey guys so I just ended an 18 hour road trip and the 3 point perspective helped it go by quickly. Especially the embarrassing stories lol. But this episode in particular was well done and thought provoking. I appreciate the no nonsense all fact approach to this topic in particular. It makes it easier to make informed decisions. Thanks guys for your hard work.

[Jon Anderson]

I really enjoyed this episode and the podcast in general. Thanks to everyone that has a hand in making it possible. Most of the time I have trouble coming up with relevant questions so I
sit back and let others ask questions and then I try to soak up the info. This time, though, I'm specifically curious about the chapter book market. It rarely gets mentioned and I get confused whether it's lumped into the early reader/educational market (are they the same?) or the young adult market. I understand that picture books are more lucrative and thus more people want to spend their energy pursuing that market. So is there less of a market or representation in CB making it a harder market to get into and with less return? I assumed that it could be a "foot in the door" type to build up a portfolio and repertoire while earning some income but it's not talked about much so I don't really know if it's worthwhile. Do you get jobs the same way for those as you would for PB? How does that work when you're hired? Do you get the complete manuscript or does the editor/art director narrow down specific illustrations and notes and you don't know how it all fits together until it's published? If anyone has the experience to shed some light on it or point in me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Meanwhile, great episode and I can't wait for the next one!

[Lee White]

Glad you guys are liking it! We have so much fun doing them. This episode topic was mine and one I feel very passionate about. Educating people about the life they can expect as an illustrator is super important!

[Jason Bowen]

Another great episode. I'm glad @Jake-Parker got the answer he was looking for from his wife otherwise that would have been awkward haha... Interesting insights into the life of an artist... There was something @Will-Terry said that made me think when he talked about focusing on one thing you could make more money on that one, made me realise I'm not really focused on anything haha. Odd realisation now I'm going to focus on two things. My youtube channel and my picture making other ideas are now in the bin along with all my hollywood movie ideas lol

Great episode as always guys.

[K.Flagg]

Can someone tell me or link the name of the book that was mentioned that has the inflated pay rates and common documents? I did’t see it listed in the episode notes.

[Lee White]

@K-Flagg The information we were discussing is available digitally now at: https://graphicartistsguild.org/handbook/cat/digital

You can still buy the book there too if you wanted it.

[Christine Dion]

@davidhohn As a high school art teacher, I do not find your comments to be harsh. It’s a blunt reality. I’ve seen way too many students who do not have the passion, motivation, desire, and for some, the ability to actually persevere full-time in the field of illustration. Many of my students have gone to well known art schools, only to return home with their tails between their legs and realize that unless they are willing to eat, breathe and drink art, they are not going to make it since there are 100’s lined up behind them that are willing to “show up”.

[K.Flagg]

@lee-white thank you!

[Teju Abiola]

@smceccarelli They are probably speaking about US awards because of their experience, but I've also heard of the Hans Christian Andersen Award which is the highest international Children's book award, and the Kate Greenaway Medal. I'm sure there must be other regional and international awards. I found this link which lists some: https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/international-children-s-book-awards

I'd imagine that such awards would allow a similar 'result', so to speak, as the Caldecott. Jake, Will, and Lee probably haven't mentioned those because they don't have the proper experience with those awards, but they do exist.

Brett Helquist and Lisbeth Zwerger are two well known, prolific, talented illustrators and to the best of my knowledge neither have won the Caldecott. Zwerger cannot as she is Austrian, but she has won the Hans Christian Anderson award in 1990. Helquist worked on a series that has prestige as great as the Caldecott in my opinion. And there are loads of other examples. You can't predict whether a project is gonna be a best seller or if it'll win a Caldecott, but I think there are other avenues than just the US award.

[flynnart]

First just let me say I love 3Point Perspective one of the best podcasts out there. I have a question for those of you who do there art fairs/cons. Are the prints that you sell Giclee prints ?

[Art Dud]

@teju-abiola

It’s funny how people don’t know how to answer questions. If a company started me at say $40k, you ask me how much I make, but I don’t want to say...I can still politely answer. “I don’t want to tell you how much I make but, you will can definitely start out about $35-40k .” I’ve told you my salary, but you don’t know I did. I keep my “privacy” but still give you the info you need.

[Hadas Drory Noam]

I love the Podcast! Thank you so much for making it.
Bit of feedback - Lee's voice goes up and down irregularly. It's a bit hard to follow what he's saying.

That's it, thanks again!
-Hadas

[Amanda Bancroft]

Thank you so much for making these podcasts! I love listening to all the YouTube videos and podcasts you guys make; it's incredible to be able to learn from you. Thanks!!