Being an artist has always been a frowned upon job. Which is silly, Because it can be incredibly fulfilling. I feel like the term "Starving Artist" is now somewhat outdated. We can use the internet as leverage to make good money now; We can also apply our art to a variety of projects. Here are some tips as an illustrator to help you be successful.

Stay Curious

Humans are creatures of habit, And it can be super easy to get caught in bad habits that we don't think about. I think it's important that we keep our mind open and stay curious about everything. Whenever I find myself falling into the same schedule, I purposely break it by staying up later, Going for a bike ride, or getting on some random bus. You don't have to do anything too crazy, But try something that you normally wouldn't do to spark some more ideas.

Never copy

Sometimes as an artist our stresses to create content as quickly as possible can wear down on us. Videos, Images, Social Media, Marketing, and our products take over, and it can be stressful.
If you have to, hire a freelancer to help you get your stuff done. But never outright copy others work. Not only will you be caught fairly easily, but people will completely lose respect for you as an artist, and you won't be able to gain the traction you need to grow your business.

Draw, Draw, Draw

Sometimes it's easy to get so caught up in marketing that you forget what your job is about, And that were drawing. Draw everyday, At least doodle. It doesn't have to be a serious project, But when you don't practice, you don't improve. My favorite Illustrator Molly Hahn dedicates almost 8 hours a day to her drawing, I admire that so much, And hope I can be more like her.

What you currently do, Is what you'll be commissioned to do

If you are a free lance artist, You need to be careful what you are showing people. What you have in your portfolio, People will tend to request. I've had commissions from everything like tattoos, to portrait drawings. There are thousands of artists out there. Unless you are desperate for a few extra dollars once in a while, You should do what is related your "niche" of art. So pick what you enjoy most and go with it.

Have A Style

This is something I'm still working on. But you need to develop your unique style. That sets you apart in this big world. Try and create your characters, Your font. Whatever it is. Make it yours. Get people to fall in love with that style.

Relax sometimes

I have issues with this one too. We have so many ideas and so much to offer in this world. But unfortunately, we can't do everything. We only have 24 hours a day.

Last night I came up with a great idea "Mandala curtains." All the sudden I wanted to jump into the shower curtain industry up with my idea. But sadly, I had to stop myself. I have so much on my shoulders I don't have time to do another business.
Sometimes having less to do is so much more beneficial. Because you can be a true expert at that. Later down the road if I still have my heart on Mandala shower curtains, Then I can maybe start that project, But for the most part, I need to focus on other things I already started.

Relaxing allows you to step back from what you started and look at it in another light. You can't generate more ideas when you're consistently consumed in work.

Dont' get comfortable

One of the biggest things that scared me away from my job...
I saw my co-workers; I truly adore them. But at the same time. They looked so dead inside. Day after day was working the same exact job. Knowing that the end of the week would yield the same paycheck.
They were always comfortable knowing that their job was there for them, That it would ALWAYS be there. If I so much as mentioned as possibly quitting, They would immediately shut it down. "You won't have as good benefits" "You'll never get paid at any job as good as this" "you'll lose your seniority. "

Guess what? For the most part, they were correct. But comfort is only temporary eventually something will come shut you down, and you won't be prepared to fight back. You'll be blinded.

I left my job for something more enjoyable. I am almost never fully "comfortable." But money wise, I make more. I grow every day working for myself. They don't grow. Doing the same thing everyday, you eventually stop growing!

Everytime you get comfortable, Take the next step, Do something your not used to. LEARN LEARN LEARN! You will grow as an artist! You will become more successful as a result!

You never have to starve!

Being self-employed teaches you to resourceful! To create something when nothing is left!
That is why you need to fight. And keep working. Anyone can be successful if they use the correct tools and opportunities. Use these tips to help you be the artist you've always wanted to be.