Art by Kim Rosenlof
What does it take to be a financially successful illustrator? Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry explore the concept of 1,000 true fans, earning potential as a freelancer, and how to make a comfortable income as a full-time illustrator in this deep-dive episode.
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SHOW LINKS
1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
Brandon Sanderson’s Kickstarter
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Create consistently, even when no one is watching; “overnight successes” come from years of putting in the work.
Be business-savvy, but don’t create solely for the money. True art comes from the heart, not from your desire to make a buck.
To succeed as a freelancer, you’ll need more than one source of income. Repurpose your illustrations as many times as you can to create multiple revenue streams.
QUESTIONS
Eric asks, “Can you do a deep dive on the concept of 1,000 true fans?”
The idea of 1,000 true fans first gained popularity from a 2008 essay by Kevin Kelly. Kelly claims that to make a living as a creator, you only need to make $100 annual profit from 1,000 people, whom he calls “true fans.” 1,000 x $100 = $100,000 yearly, a solid six-figure income. Simple enough, right? But is that realistic, and how do you get there? Let’s dive in and find out!
1,000 Followers ≠ 1,000 True Fans
When you post an illustration on Instagram or present your work in a show, thousands of people may see it, but only a small percentage of them will purchase what you’re offering. For every 1,000 true fans, you’ll have several thousand lukewarm fans, and even more passive fans. Don’t assume that because you have 1,000 followers on social media, you’ll make 1,000 sales; not every follower is that committed.
Shift Your Perspective
In today’s landscape, successful illustrators must find creative ways to maximize their work. Instead of worrying about hitting 1,000 individual sales, it’s more productive to focus on generating multiple streams of income. Repurposing your illustrations through prints, products, or licensing can extend their lifespans and drastically increase your earning potential.
When it comes down to it, the most successful illustrators aren’t concentrated on the money; they’re focused on the work. Rather than trying to satisfy the masses by doing a little of everything, hone in on the kind of art you want to make, and then share it with the crowd who would appreciate it. In the long run, your dedication to creating authentic art for the people who love it will help your sales more than churning out illustrations made to please everyone (which is impossible, by the way!).
What to Do If You’re Not Getting Traction
Once you have a niche and know your buyer, the next step is building a community around your work. Whether you start a Patreon, interact with fans online, or teach in your community, building relationships bridges the gap between a fan and a sale. When people feel they’re a part of what you’re creating, they want to show support with their dollars.
Final Thoughts
1,000 true fans may or may not be the best marker of success, but one thing is certain: with ingenuity and hard work, you can support yourself and your family as a freelance illustrator. You’ll have to be creative and resourceful, but it is possible. Along the way, don’t forget to support other illustrators and artists too. Whether you back a Kickstarter or make a small purchase, help out your fellow creatives as often as possible. It’s good karma!
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Howell: lilycamille.com
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