Doesn't come across as bragging because anyone who knows you, knows you're way is to help people. Great video and will help a lot of artists wanting to do this.
It does give me hope. I gave up on being an artist after high school because I didn't think it was realistic. I'm getting back into it and hoping that eventually I can sell my stuff
Exact position I was in. When i left high school about the only job I was ever able to do art was in web dev, primarily the layout and design. which is not what i was looking for. its been a lot of years since, but now i have something to work for. I never thought about using the internet to be an artist. IDK why though.
This is invaluable for anyone who wants to turn a skill into their livelihood. Too many people feel that commerce is somehow dirty and not to be aired in public... they are wrong. Many people will benefit from this if they are willing to do the work that you have made it clear needs to be done. You have done a good thing here and, not that a stranger’s accolades mean that much, more artists and crafts people should learn from your example.
Well stated. I'm very appreciative of such info. This topic seems to be held so secret. It's a painful process learning the hard way. It's discouraging, actually.
This was really informative thanks so much for sharing. It was interesting hearing you talk about your decision to close down your Patreon. I took the same path about 2 years back, I closed it down because the amount of effort I had to put in wasn't equal to what I got out compared to other platforms.
This was very generous of you and I bet it has inspired many to try their hand at it. But it’s obvious you shared this as a service. Your a good person.
When no one in real world for kids is giving classes on digital art, your teaching on digital art is very important on you tube. The future of kids art classess is not dropping them off and picking up , for moms like me it is here on you tube to get lessons. Please keep posting videos
Thank you for being honest, and thanks for all the great work you did, I started with your playlist cartoon 101...Wish you more and more revenue because you really deserve it.
WOW! Thanks for being super transparent. No one ever wants to share their income or the pros and cons or ups and downs of said income. This was very enlightening. I think the biggest surprise was the RUclips revenue...I honestly thought it would be waaay more. But yeah....Thank you :)
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching! RUclips is the lowest out of the “big four”. But....I really like teaching and helping other artists, so that is rewarding just the same!
Thank you so much for this video BeeJay! As you know I so desperately want to live off making art, I haven’t done so and I’ve published 2 books on KDP, this is so inspirational, literal tears of joy thinking that I still may be able to do this. You’re busy, but if you have any extra time to help me get my stuff to just the next level I’d be forever in your debt!
I just want to say thank you. I watched this video 4 days ago and immediately went and setup an amazon mercy account. Got accepted this morning! So bloody happy. I also listed my first book with KDP. It’s a kindle and print edition recipe. That went live last night. I had never heard about either of these before your video, and less than a week later I’m actually doing it. So massive thank you !
Thank you so much for your video! It really give me hope as I want to become a professional artist but struggle with health problems. I already tried to sell PDF of crafts on etsy, without success (and I paid for ads!). That was 2 years ago and I think now I didn't do enough research, as you stated. I saw you linked other video for that (I don't know where to begin), that's very nice of you, thank you very much ! For me 13k is absolutely huge ! French takes 45% in taxes so with 2k I would be very happy! Thank you again, I'm definitely going to check your other videos:-)
Congrats!! Couldn’t be happier for you. $13000 December is sweet as pie. Can’t wait to see your numbers next year and I 100% appreciate the encouragement to get on other platforms... the opportunities we have are endless and there really is enough of that sweet pie for all of us who are willing to put in the work, stay positive, adapt and do that grind thang. Awesome job!
You will have subs in million on u tube because my kids ( like other ipad gen kids ) who are under 12 need procreate tutorials and keep learning from you. You are a gem and I am so happy to find your videos today.
I truly appreciate your videos. They are very helpful and help me know how to do the loose end things that I never think about to get my products looking professional and out there in the world and not just sitting in my computer. Thank you
Thank you for the video! It’s really hard to find videos with exact numbers and I really appreciate you being open about that! It really inspires to do art for myself rather than taking commissions. I would love to learn more about how you do research on your customers!
Thanks so much for watching, SR ! I appreciate it! I linked a bunch of other YT channels in the description- there are a lot of valuable research tips on those channels!
I watched the other video a few days ago. I left a bunch of new comments and I am a new subscriber to your channel. You are killing it! Such an inspiration
Not sure why RUclips placed you in my recommended feed. I kindof gave up on the dream about being an artist about a year ago and haven't really taken the time to keep researching. I'm so incredibly thankful it did though. You've renewed my hope a bit. I've learned so much and I've only watched two videos so far! You have a really calming voice and a great pace in your walk-throughs. I stay engaged and that's refreshing. Great channel. Great work. And above all, thank you. You're awesome. :-)
Thank BeeJay! This is a very sobering video. It's very helpful when you peel back the curtain. It's so easy to fantasize in your head about how much money you want to make. But making money takes so much intelligent work. I'm very impressed by how much work you're producing. I hope to get closer to that kind of production this year.
Thank you SO much! I'm transitioning from a painter to doing digital work and I really had no idea how much money I could make doing that, or if it was even worth it. You've given me hope and inspiration. I so appreciate you and all your videos!
Way to go B.J.! Great informational video! Varied streams of income. 21:14 $13,010. Strong month. 1:36 inspiring artists. You are a gifted teacher and artists will be inspired with your journey, process and great attitude. Hope you have a productive 2020. Thanks for your work on both the youtube art education and on the fb group. You have a new subscriber.
Just came across you January 23rd.....I appreciate you my man...I’m an artist, but making nowhere near as much as I wish with my art, because I been doing mostly clients....I definitely need the different streams of income. I definitely need to get this merch popping!!!
What an inspiration! Just found your videos about a week ago and you've inspired me to get a new iPad and Procreate to use with my t-shirt business. Keep up the great work and hopefully I can one day share a website with my t-shirt art.
Hey...Thank you! I know it’s weird to talk about this but it really does inspire. I was a best seller on KDP and have a patreon and I never thought it was possible to make a GOOD living as an artist (I maxed out at about $2000/month. It is encouraging to know that working on it pays off and can really turn into a living as an artist. What a great motivating way to start off the decade!
Thank you so much! You’re a huge inspiration! I just released my first coloring book, it went live today and l have to give a huge thanks to you from stuff I learned in another video!
Thanks so much for posting this. Really opened my eyes to other ways to make money with my art. I have also shared the link with another up and coming artist who has been asking me questions I can not answer. This will help her a lot! Does not at all come across as bragging - very informative instead. Thank you!
This is not showing off, the information you share is extremely valuable. You give me hope that I could make a living out of art, I never imagined you could earn that much out of coloring books, I was afraid I'd earn way too little to pay my bills, so I thought it is an impossible dream. Im getting so depressed because feeling stuck at job I dislike and you give me hope that I could actually do what I really love :) Thank you.
I love your show. I am learning alot as a new author. Working on revenue streams and ways to repurpose my content. I love your transparency. Thank you!
Thank you so very much for all of this information!!!!!! I will be looking into all of these places. I have spent so much time being scared to try, and this gives me so much hope.
Thanks for the video man. I've been making art full time for almost 2 years and make an average of 4k-5k per month and didn't make crap the first year. You've become my new years resolution for this year. Thanks for inspiring all of us artists and I don't think you were bragging at all, in fact you breaking down the numbers the way you did just makes it more tangible.
Thank you so much for taking the time and making a video like this(and the KDP one). I finished college with an illustrator degree. The entire career is focused on techniques and editorial work. The last year has a class about merch and developing characters for such, but it lacks on marketing and how to sell. Your videos are great help as i didn't even knew those e-spaces existed(i'm argentinean don't judge me). I bet it will help greatly other artists as well, keep up the youtube as long as you can.
I just came across your channel, Will have a better look an the weekend. Great advice and content. I used to push sales with my art but these day's I'm happy to give a mate a nice oil painting. Doesn't take long till the wardrobe is full of paintings. But good art will always sell itself 🎨👍
Thank you SO much! I was literally considering my bill-paying options. Keep trying to build it all up with art or give in and get a parttime at McDonald's. You've given me hope that if I research more and devote more time to say, one niche, that I can build up more revenue. Thank you for showing me that someone is DOING it! Since I had the feeling no one was really making much.
Thanks for the video and info, I really appreciate it . I say Good luck to you on making money , you put in the hard work and make these videos that teach us and you use up your own time. I have just purchased a ipad and 2 packs of your brushes because of your video tutorials, you make more sense and its easier with your videos . Thanks again
BeeJay! Thank you so much for sharing this! I really appreciate your selflessness and wanting to help others. I'm sure this will return back to you! Blessings to you!
Came for the topic. Stayed for the Blackcraft tshirt. I don't regret a thing 💜 this is inspirig, makes me believe I have a shot. Thank you for being so open!
This was great video, thanks for showing us a breakdown. I am of working to move full time in my art career. There were great ideas here that I had never thought of.
I wouldn't even know what to do with all that money if I made as much as him. My monthly expenses are about $1200/mo (but actually like half of that, since my boyfriend pays half the bills!)
I came across your video by chance and I think it is very good, you have a very likeable manner and I feel really inspired now. Thanks a lot for the great video
You can tell you aren't bragging or boasting, you are genuinely trying to help people make money with the same craft that you fell in love with. Much respect for teaching people what they need to know to help them make money off of something they love.
@@BeeJayDeL no problem, just calling it how I see it. You can tell when RUclipsrs are bragging about the money they make. You do not do that. You help people by teaching them assets that they need to know to succeed. That's why I watch your channel when it comes to me needing help in certain parts of my art because I know you are genuinely trying to help people. Thank you for giving us the means & opportunities to be able to do what you do & teaching us what you know. You're an amazing guy. I hope to be as good as you one day.
Thank you so much for approaching this subject! This has really helped in givng me a better lay of the land, so to speak. Honestly, thank you for giving me hope!
Very interesting you put so much into RUclips but as you say perhaps it’s the mountain spring which feeds everything else especially if it gives you energy and motivation - the value of that can’t be underestimated.
Just as a heads up, if you approach it as something just for "extra money" on the side, chances are pretty good that is exactly what it will end up being - just a couple of bucks here and there. To make any kind of significant and consistent income from it, you'd have to put in significant and consistent time and effort into it. Obviously, if you're really OK with just a handful of bucks a month, all power to you and do that. Just putting it out there for people who may be considering this but think they'll rake in hundreds or thousands monthly with 0 effort, and just doing what they're already doing (hyper-focused on the art itself, completely ignoring the business aspect of it).
Hiya, so I've been watching your tutorials back to back and in this mess of artistic pursuit, I ended up on your webpage. After browsing your subpages, I am motivated to thank you and tell you I REALLY appreciate how open you are with everything BTS (behind the scenes) related and stuff like this video. Most artists just don't do that for whatever reason, but I'm so about knowing what's actually happening on the creator's end. I've been doing art for, ...my whole life, but I'm not tuned to my iPad yet. The videos about the gesture details and stuff is REALLY helpful! Like, alpha lock? I legit would manually go in and make a selection to only edit that layer, but it's all for naught as soon as you move the layer AT ALL. SUCH a helpful hack!! I had no idea, lol. Anyway, just popping in to extend my gratitude for your blatant honesty and genuine wish to assist others on their artistic journeys :)
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I have my own freelance consulting business that is doing really well, but I've been looking for ways to "put my eggs in another basket" just for financial security long term. Really appreciate your transparency in showing how to make this possible!
Thank man I really appreciate your videos, by watching your videos u have helped me out a lot on my adventure to be a cartoonist and enjoy my art skills more than ever. I almost lost my skill by not knowing what to do with it thank you and Godbless u
It is difficult to start when you are''small''and lack time because you have to work random job..I kinda gave up on my channel and art in general because i couldn't believe that is possible to make money with it(one day)..But that video is hell of push!If one day i ll be able to make extra 500 to 800euro per month i will tell my boss that i am no longer working on the weekends and i will do only part time!!Thank you for being transparent and helping me set up new goal for this year!!
Really inspirational! I've worked as a freelance artist for years and over the last 3+ years I stepped away from drawing because of how much work goes into each commission and little profit. This makes me want to get aggressively into it!
Thank you for posting this! It's inspiring and positive and I wish you the best on your creative journey. It's giving me the courage to put my work out on the digital platform. Over the years in the past, I've done things for my art face to face at physical venues. Time for a change in 2020.
Bra thats 156K a yr at that avg, HOLY TOLEDO BATMAN!!!!!!, THATS AWESOME, Congrats, I have like a million questions, BUT ill start by Subbing, and watching more of your videos, INCREDIBLE BRA!
Another excellent video and THANK YOU for sharing. It shows not only what one artist has done, but the reality of art as a career. Perhaps your efforts will help some to acknowledge the reality of doing your own business.
Well. that was eye openning for sure... I've been wasting my time with client work... Thanks a lot for the video! I will start putting my artwork to actual good use. All the best for your 2020!
People should understand that this guy is a MASSIVE outlier. I made slightly more than this working full time in the arts in all of 2019. This was the year I took a part-time job out of sheer necessity at age 40 in order to make ends meet, simply because working 60 hours a week as an artist was no longer feasible. I love everybody's optimism in the comments, but please stay realistic. Not everybody is a social media star, and quality work alone is not a guarantee that you'll get there. Ever.
I agree with you...quality work alone is not a guarantee that you’ll get there, but at the same time...you are the reason I did this video. I do not use my “social media star” status to drive sales (I urge you to watch the live video that I did today to help you understand that point.) It makes me sad when artists are locked into a certain way of thinking about art. Based on your comment-there are so many avenues and possibilities that you are not taking advantage of. Look outside of the box that you have been put in (whether by society or by your own idea of what an artist is/should be) and search for opportunities. The possibilities in this day and age are endless...having a negative outlook is only going to guarantee that you remain in your current situation. Stop making excuses, take a self-inventory of what you could be doing better, and implement some changes. I wish you the best of luck and really want you to succeed!
You're saying he's an outlier (and he is), but you're not thinking about _why_ he's an outlier. You say it's because he's a "social media star", and for the sake of argument let's say that it is. Do you think he became one randomly? Through luck, genetics, God's gift, or some other unspecified advantage or privilege he has over you? No, he's here because he put in the time, effort and steps required to get here. "Social media stars" and brands aren't born, they're made gradually over time. You didn't specify what you're doing in terms of how you try to actually monetize your art, but just judging by your attitude towards it I can make an educated guess. You're either: A) treating it as a job and actively trading time for money by doing things like commissions, or churning out new works and selling the originals, probably locally (in your town or area) B) creating new work and uploading it to some website/marketplace where people can buy it as prints or on products, but not treating it as an actual business with a brand, aesthetic, target audience to cater to, marketing needs, etc. Just creating, uploading, and hoping it eventually sells. If you're doing A, it's an exercise in futility and you're better off just getting a job. If you're doing B, shift your focus on the business aspect of it for a while instead of being 100% focused on the art itself. Because like you very correctly stated, "quality work alone is not a guarantee that you'll get there". It doesn't matter how good your art is if no one ever sees it. And no one will ever see it if you just upload and hope people find it; you have to actively put it in front of them. And it doesn't matter how many people you put it in front of if they're the wrong people, ie. not the target audience you're catering to. Basically, don't try to turn art into a business, run a business that happens to sell art. Can't give you more specific advice without actually knowing what you're doing at the moment and what you tried so far, but suffice it to say it can definitely be improved if you just take the time to think about and research how, instead of deciding it's not doable just because you didn't manage to do it yet. Which is ironically the actual main reason that he's an outlier when 95% of people fail - he simply didn't give up before he had a chance to succeeded. Success is built on repeated failure - you only lose once you give up.
Paul Little I just learnt what the word outlier means! 👍🏻 So the thing for me is the example of all the different platforms. I can only imagine the amount of hard work that was involved in some of this. Also he did state that December is a boom for sales as expected. People like to treat themselves and others in the holiday season. For me this is just a nice little insight/example of what IS possible. Maybe not probable but totally possible by all who put the effort in! 🐒💋
@@BeeJayDeL I'm sorry but I just don't believe any of this. You're giving people false hope; please stop this. This economy is the worst there's ever been and it's extremely rude of you to suggest that people are simply not trying hard enough. You're an outlier.
Damn dude! That is insane! If I could just make a fraction of that per month I would be set for life! watching your coloring book video ASAP! wow, just wow.
very informative. I really appreciate your candid honesty. Really inspires me to possibly do this on the side. I work full time, but may be a great option for extra income. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for opening up that info to us. I know there's a big stigma for it, and I appreciate you letting us know. I would love to see some follow ups on this, such as how you developed the draw for it and built it up, like you mention near the end, and I'd LOVE to see a break down of doing taxes. That's one of my biggest concerns when it comes to going on my own, which I am hoping to do this year. SO, I'll be paying attention to a lot of your content over the next few months. 😁
I been drawing a long time and still do. But i never really pushed my self on any platform. Quess its time to grind something out. Thanks for that vid, inspired now.
You've not only informed me. You've inspired me.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!!!
Doesn't come across as bragging because anyone who knows you, knows you're way is to help people. Great video and will help a lot of artists wanting to do this.
Thanks Steve...I appreciate it!
Steve Clarke It’s also important for people to see how much work it takes to actually make it as an artist.
@@CoconutJustice very true
Not enough ferraris for bragging
It does give me hope. I gave up on being an artist after high school because I didn't think it was realistic. I'm getting back into it and hoping that eventually I can sell my stuff
Best of luck! Glad I could inspire you a bit!
Exact position I was in. When i left high school about the only job I was ever able to do art was in web dev, primarily the layout and design. which is not what i was looking for. its been a lot of years since, but now i have something to work for. I never thought about using the internet to be an artist. IDK why though.
Awesome to hear-that’s why I decided to do this video. There are a ton of opportunities out there that people overlook. Thanks for watching!
This is invaluable for anyone who wants to turn a skill into their livelihood. Too many people feel that commerce is somehow dirty and not to be aired in public... they are wrong. Many people will benefit from this if they are willing to do the work that you have made it clear needs to be done. You have done a good thing here and, not that a stranger’s accolades mean that much, more artists and crafts people should learn from your example.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Clint ! I appreciate it and thanks for watching!
Well stated. I'm very appreciative of such info. This topic seems to be held so secret. It's a painful process learning the hard way. It's discouraging, actually.
This was really informative thanks so much for sharing. It was interesting hearing you talk about your decision to close down your Patreon. I took the same path about 2 years back, I closed it down because the amount of effort I had to put in wasn't equal to what I got out compared to other platforms.
Glad to know I’m not alone in that decision! I found the same thing was true with mine.
Ah Brad!! Two of my go to arteests in one place. Collab please!
This was very generous of you and I bet it has inspired many to try their hand at it. But it’s obvious you shared this as a service.
Your a good person.
Thanks Bill...that means a lot! I appreciate it!
This man likes and replies to every comment thats mad dedication lol
Thanks for noticing Olinda! It takes time, but if people are willing to watch and comment themselves, I feel like it is the least I can do!
When no one in real world for kids is giving classes on digital art, your teaching on digital art is very important on you tube. The future of kids art classess is not dropping them off and picking up , for moms like me it is here on you tube to get lessons. Please keep posting videos
Thank you for being honest, and thanks for all the great work you did, I started with your playlist cartoon 101...Wish you more and more revenue because you really deserve it.
Thanks! Much appreciated!
WOW! Thanks for being super transparent. No one ever wants to share their income or the pros and cons or ups and downs of said income. This was very enlightening. I think the biggest surprise was the RUclips revenue...I honestly thought it would be waaay more. But yeah....Thank you :)
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching! RUclips is the lowest out of the “big four”. But....I really like teaching and helping other artists, so that is rewarding just the same!
It’s been a year since you posted this. I just found your channel and LOVE it. I hope you have doubled your income 🙏
Thank you so much for this video BeeJay! As you know I so desperately want to live off making art, I haven’t done so and I’ve published 2 books on KDP, this is so inspirational, literal tears of joy thinking that I still may be able to do this. You’re busy, but if you have any extra time to help me get my stuff to just the next level I’d be forever in your debt!
You can do it man! Feel free to shoot me a DM.
I just want to say thank you. I watched this video 4 days ago and immediately went and setup an amazon mercy account. Got accepted this morning! So bloody happy. I also listed my first book with KDP. It’s a kindle and print edition recipe. That went live last night.
I had never heard about either of these before your video, and less than a week later I’m actually doing it. So massive thank you !
This is great information. Thank you. The business of being an artist is often overlooked.
Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
Thank you so much for your video! It really give me hope as I want to become a professional artist but struggle with health problems. I already tried to sell PDF of crafts on etsy, without success (and I paid for ads!).
That was 2 years ago and I think now I didn't do enough research, as you stated.
I saw you linked other video for that (I don't know where to begin), that's very nice of you, thank you very much !
For me 13k is absolutely huge ! French takes 45% in taxes so with 2k I would be very happy!
Thank you again, I'm definitely going to check your other videos:-)
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching...best of luck!!!
Congrats!! Couldn’t be happier for you. $13000 December is sweet as pie. Can’t wait to see your numbers next year and I 100% appreciate the encouragement to get on other platforms... the opportunities we have are endless and there really is enough of that sweet pie for all of us who are willing to put in the work, stay positive, adapt and do that grind thang. Awesome job!
Thanks Amy!!!
You will have subs in million on u tube because my kids ( like other ipad gen kids ) who are under 12 need procreate tutorials and keep learning from you. You are a gem and I am so happy to find your videos today.
I truly appreciate your videos. They are very helpful and help me know how to do the loose end things that I never think about to get my products looking professional and out there in the world and not just sitting in my computer. Thank you
Thank you for the video! It’s really hard to find videos with exact numbers and I really appreciate you being open about that! It really inspires to do art for myself rather than taking commissions. I would love to learn more about how you do research on your customers!
Thanks so much for watching, SR ! I appreciate it! I linked a bunch of other YT channels in the description- there are a lot of valuable research tips on those channels!
I watched the other video a few days ago. I left a bunch of new comments and I am a new subscriber to your channel. You are killing it! Such an inspiration
Thanks so much! I appreciate it and glad I could help!!!
Not sure why RUclips placed you in my recommended feed. I kindof gave up on the dream about being an artist about a year ago and haven't really taken the time to keep researching. I'm so incredibly thankful it did though. You've renewed my hope a bit. I've learned so much and I've only watched two videos so far! You have a really calming voice and a great pace in your walk-throughs. I stay engaged and that's refreshing. Great channel. Great work. And above all, thank you. You're awesome. :-)
Thanks so much for watching, Stephanie ! I appreciate the feedback and glad you found the channel!
Just gonna leave a comment here to show support. We need more transparency in this industry and among this community. Good shit.
Agreed-thanks!!!
Thank BeeJay! This is a very sobering video. It's very helpful when you peel back the curtain. It's so easy to fantasize in your head about how much money you want to make. But making money takes so much intelligent work. I'm very impressed by how much work you're producing. I hope to get closer to that kind of production this year.
Thanks so much, Jamie! Appreciate you watching and glad I could help!
Thank you SO much! I'm transitioning from a painter to doing digital work and I really had no idea how much money I could make doing that, or if it was even worth it. You've given me hope and inspiration. I so appreciate you and all your videos!
Way to go B.J.! Great informational video! Varied streams of income. 21:14 $13,010. Strong month. 1:36 inspiring artists. You are a gifted teacher and artists will be inspired with your journey, process and great attitude. Hope you have a productive 2020. Thanks for your work on both the youtube art education and on the fb group. You have a new subscriber.
Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback, Travis ! I appreciate it!
Just came across you January 23rd.....I appreciate you my man...I’m an artist, but making nowhere near as much as I wish with my art, because I been doing mostly clients....I definitely need the different streams of income. I definitely need to get this merch popping!!!
So many avenues out there....glad to help!!!
Thank-you for sharing this. SO many people have needed this kind of information!! I, for one, will be a follower from here on out!
Thanks so much for watching, Corey! I appreciate it!
What an inspiration! Just found your videos about a week ago and you've inspired me to get a new iPad and Procreate to use with my t-shirt business. Keep up the great work and hopefully I can one day share a website with my t-shirt art.
Hey...Thank you! I know it’s weird to talk about this but it really does inspire. I was a best seller on KDP and have a patreon and I never thought it was possible to make a GOOD living as an artist (I maxed out at about $2000/month. It is encouraging to know that working on it pays off and can really turn into a living as an artist. What a great motivating way to start off the decade!
Keep at it! Appreciate you watching!! 👍
💪
Thank you so much! You’re a huge inspiration! I just released my first coloring book, it went live today and l have to give a huge thanks to you from stuff I learned in another video!
You're way too genuine man! I IMMEDIATELY Subscribed!
Thanks man...much appreciated!
Thank you for the informative video! Appreciate you opening up like this
Thanks so much, Rori! Appreciate you watching!
This has given me hope that I can have the dream of being a full time artist and actually put my degree to some use. Thank you.
So good to hear! Glad I could help!
Thanks so much for posting this. Really opened my eyes to other ways to make money with my art. I have also shared the link with another up and coming artist who has been asking me questions I can not answer. This will help her a lot! Does not at all come across as bragging - very informative instead. Thank you!
This is not showing off, the information you share is extremely valuable. You give me hope that I could make a living out of art, I never imagined you could earn that much out of coloring books, I was afraid I'd earn way too little to pay my bills, so I thought it is an impossible dream. Im getting so depressed because feeling stuck at job I dislike and you give me hope that I could actually do what I really love :) Thank you.
Glad you found the video helpful! Best of luck!
Thanks for sharing this information! It's amzing how you manage to make your passion in to a way of living!
Thanks so much for watching, Pepe! I appreciate it!
Thanks. So much. This gives me hope, inspiration and direction. It puts a light at the end of the tunnel while working.
Much appreciated.
I love your show. I am learning alot as a new author. Working on revenue streams and ways to repurpose my content. I love your transparency. Thank you!
That multiple revenue stream is key! Glad you are enjoying the channel and I appreciate you watching!!!!
So refreshing to hear a straightforward example! ♥️
Thank you so very much for all of this information!!!!!! I will be looking into all of these places. I have spent so much time being scared to try, and this gives me so much hope.
Thanks so much for the comment! Best of luck and thanks for watching!
Massive thanks! So important to have realistic numbers (and expectations) when evaluating your strategy. Incredibly helpful.
Thanks so much, John! Appreciate you watching!
I truly appreciate you sharing this in such detail. Many thanks!
Thanks so much, Joseph! Appreciate you watching!
I just wanna get back into drawing...great video 😎👍
Get back in! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video man. I've been making art full time for almost 2 years and make an average of 4k-5k per month and didn't make crap the first year. You've become my new years resolution for this year. Thanks for inspiring all of us artists and I don't think you were bragging at all, in fact you breaking down the numbers the way you did just makes it more tangible.
Thanks so much, Periko! Glad to help and I appreciate you watching!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time and making a video like this(and the KDP one). I finished college with an illustrator degree. The entire career is focused on techniques and editorial work. The last year has a class about merch and developing characters for such, but it lacks on marketing and how to sell. Your videos are great help as i didn't even knew those e-spaces existed(i'm argentinean don't judge me). I bet it will help greatly other artists as well, keep up the youtube as long as you can.
Thanks so much for for the feedback, Inu ! I appreciate it!
Thank you for being transparent and honest about your finances as an artist. You work smart and your hard work is definitely paying off.
Thanks so much for watching, Michael! I appreciate it!
I just came across your channel, Will have a better look an the weekend. Great advice and content. I used to push sales with my art but these day's I'm happy to give a mate a nice oil painting. Doesn't take long till the wardrobe is full of paintings. But good art will always sell itself 🎨👍
Welcome to the channel! Appreciate you watching!
@@BeeJayDeL Thx Mate, Greetings from Sydney Australia. Will sub n check out ur channel more soon. Thx 😊🎨
Thank you SO much! I was literally considering my bill-paying options. Keep trying to build it all up with art or give in and get a parttime at McDonald's. You've given me hope that if I research more and devote more time to say, one niche, that I can build up more revenue. Thank you for showing me that someone is DOING it! Since I had the feeling no one was really making much.
Best of luck! I think you are on the right track. Research, get laser focused, know your target audience, and make it work!
Thanks for the video and info, I really appreciate it . I say Good luck to you on making money , you put in the hard work and make these videos that teach us and you use up your own time. I have just purchased a ipad and 2 packs of your brushes because of your video tutorials, you make more sense and its easier with your videos . Thanks again
BeeJay! Thank you so much for sharing this! I really appreciate your selflessness and wanting to help others. I'm sure this will return back to you! Blessings to you!
Came for the topic. Stayed for the Blackcraft tshirt. I don't regret a thing 💜 this is inspirig, makes me believe I have a shot. Thank you for being so open!
Glad you liked the shirt, lol! (And the video!) Thanks for watching!!!
This was great video, thanks for showing us a breakdown. I am of working to move full time in my art career. There were great ideas here that I had never thought of.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching and that’s why I made this video....glad it could help!
Really nice video. But the IT geek in me was screaming “spreadsheet!”. 🤓
Yeah....just wanted to make it super easy to read, lol!
definetely :D
I'm sitting here surviving on $500 a month, if I can get any where near your level i'll be happy. Just gotta keep grinding, get my skill level up.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching...you can do it!!!!
You're talking I'm barely surviving I made $0 from june last year til now.
@@stryderd4083 I mean from other stuff. lol I make 0$ from my art as well.
@@stryderd4083 try making 0$ a lifetime as a ghost artist that makes trash no one sees
I wouldn't even know what to do with all that money if I made as much as him. My monthly expenses are about $1200/mo (but actually like half of that, since my boyfriend pays half the bills!)
I have been involved in the arts four decades. Sometimes serious , sometimes not. You are making me want to take it serious again. Thanks !
I came across your video by chance and I think it is very good, you have a very likeable manner and I feel really inspired now. Thanks a lot for the great video
Thanks for that! Appreciate you watching!!!
You can tell you aren't bragging or boasting, you are genuinely trying to help people make money with the same craft that you fell in love with. Much respect for teaching people what they need to know to help them make money off of something they love.
Thanks for that...much appreciated!
@@BeeJayDeL no problem, just calling it how I see it. You can tell when RUclipsrs are bragging about the money they make. You do not do that. You help people by teaching them assets that they need to know to succeed. That's why I watch your channel when it comes to me needing help in certain parts of my art because I know you are genuinely trying to help people. Thank you for giving us the means & opportunities to be able to do what you do & teaching us what you know. You're an amazing guy. I hope to be as good as you one day.
BeeJay thank you so much. I will keep plugging along. Much encouraged. Thanks for being so generous.
Thanks so much!!! Appreciate you watching!!!!!
Thank you so much for approaching this subject! This has really helped in givng me a better lay of the land, so to speak. Honestly, thank you for giving me hope!
Thanks so much, Sean! Appreciate you watching!
Thank you for sharing with us. I can't wait to hear more about KDP and making coloring books
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!
Thank you so much for this. It's so difficult to talk about money this way and it's so helpful!
Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
Very interesting you put so much into RUclips but as you say perhaps it’s the mountain spring which feeds everything else especially if it gives you energy and motivation - the value of that can’t be underestimated.
Thanks Chris...it is motivating!
i would be happy with any amount of money of extra money made. this is great info. thank you
Glad you found it helpful! Really appreciate you watching!!!
Just as a heads up, if you approach it as something just for "extra money" on the side, chances are pretty good that is exactly what it will end up being - just a couple of bucks here and there. To make any kind of significant and consistent income from it, you'd have to put in significant and consistent time and effort into it.
Obviously, if you're really OK with just a handful of bucks a month, all power to you and do that. Just putting it out there for people who may be considering this but think they'll rake in hundreds or thousands monthly with 0 effort, and just doing what they're already doing (hyper-focused on the art itself, completely ignoring the business aspect of it).
@@mediahighlights-r1w I appreciate your reply. Thank you.
It's inspiring me..! Please keep sharing😁❤️
THANK YOUUUU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS!!! I was just about to make this for myself since I'm adding more streams of income.
Hiya, so I've been watching your tutorials back to back and in this mess of artistic pursuit, I ended up on your webpage. After browsing your subpages, I am motivated to thank you and tell you I REALLY appreciate how open you are with everything BTS (behind the scenes) related and stuff like this video. Most artists just don't do that for whatever reason, but I'm so about knowing what's actually happening on the creator's end. I've been doing art for, ...my whole life, but I'm not tuned to my iPad yet. The videos about the gesture details and stuff is REALLY helpful! Like, alpha lock? I legit would manually go in and make a selection to only edit that layer, but it's all for naught as soon as you move the layer AT ALL. SUCH a helpful hack!! I had no idea, lol.
Anyway, just popping in to extend my gratitude for your blatant honesty and genuine wish to assist others on their artistic journeys :)
Highly appreciate the transparency!! 🙏
It’s so interesting how you’re an artist not taking client work. Thank you for the deep dives
Thank you for this. This video is an absolute blessing!
Thanks so much, Mark! Appreciate you watching!
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I have my own freelance consulting business that is doing really well, but I've been looking for ways to "put my eggs in another basket" just for financial security long term. Really appreciate your transparency in showing how to make this possible!
Glad to provide another perspective! 👍
I'm just starting out and trying to figure out my niche. The niche is the biggest challenge for me. Thank you for this video!
That really is the key! Research, research, research!!!
This really helped me out! I’ve been wanting to get into art, which is my passion, but I haven’t had the courage to go all out yet!
Thanks for posting this ! I really appreciate all of the information you’ve been sharing on your channel. The KDP one has been super helpful ! 😊
Thanks so much for watching, Janna! I appreciate it!
I. will. try. harder. this year.
Thanks for the inspiration!
You can do it! Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
Thank man I really appreciate your videos, by watching your videos u have helped me out a lot on my adventure to be a cartoonist and enjoy my art skills more than ever. I almost lost my skill by not knowing what to do with it thank you and Godbless u
Glad I could help in that regard! That’s my goal!!!! Keep with it...appreciate you watching!
Just started my art channel. Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
It is difficult to start when you are''small''and lack time because you have to work random job..I kinda gave up on my channel and art in general because i couldn't believe that is possible to make money with it(one day)..But that video is hell of push!If one day i ll be able to make extra 500 to 800euro per month i will tell my boss that i am no longer working on the weekends and i will do only part time!!Thank you for being transparent and helping me set up new goal for this year!!
Thanks so much for watching! My advice is to make time- look at the hours when you aren't at work and see how you can be more productive. Good luck!
I never heard of the first three on the list. Thanks for the video man!
Thanks so much for watching and glad I could shed some light on other platforms! I appreciate it!
This is super inspiring for all us artists. These numbers are very impressive but not unreachable.
Really Inspiring numbers! Congrats
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching! 👍
Thank you! I really appreciate you doing this!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Appreciate you watching!
Just came across you on here. Haven't checked out your art yet, but this was great info!! Thanks for sharing!! Surely helps me and following...
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!
I'm so glad to come across your channel. Really inspiring for someone like me trying to make a living off of artworks.
Glad to inspire! Thanks for watching !!!!
Really inspirational! I've worked as a freelance artist for years and over the last 3+ years I stepped away from drawing because of how much work goes into each commission and little profit. This makes me want to get aggressively into it!
Indeed-making something for yourself that you can resell over and over again is a great way to work smarter, not harder!
Inspiring and down to earth. A great combination, new fan !
Thanks so much, Daniel! Appreciate you watching!
Thank you for posting this! It's inspiring and positive and I wish you the best on your creative journey. It's giving me the courage to put my work out on the digital platform. Over the years in the past, I've done things for my art face to face at physical venues. Time for a change in 2020.
Best of luck, Michael! Appreciate you watching!!!
Bra thats 156K a yr at that avg, HOLY TOLEDO BATMAN!!!!!!, THATS AWESOME, Congrats, I have like a million questions, BUT ill start by Subbing, and watching more of your videos, INCREDIBLE BRA!
Thanks for watching man! Definitely check out the live Q&A I posted...might have answered a lot of your questions there, lol!
Another excellent video and THANK YOU for sharing. It shows not only what one artist has done, but the reality of art as a career. Perhaps your efforts will help some to acknowledge the reality of doing your own business.
If I even only made 5% of this I’d be ecstatic! I’m really gonna try hard this year. Thanks for the super helpful video!
You can do it! Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
Well. that was eye openning for sure... I've been wasting my time with client work... Thanks a lot for the video! I will start putting my artwork to actual good use. All the best for your 2020!
Thanks so much, Daniel! Appreciate you watching!
People should understand that this guy is a MASSIVE outlier. I made slightly more than this working full time in the arts in all of 2019. This was the year I took a part-time job out of sheer necessity at age 40 in order to make ends meet, simply because working 60 hours a week as an artist was no longer feasible. I love everybody's optimism in the comments, but please stay realistic. Not everybody is a social media star, and quality work alone is not a guarantee that you'll get there. Ever.
I agree with you...quality work alone is not a guarantee that you’ll get there, but at the same time...you are the reason I did this video. I do not use my “social media star” status to drive sales (I urge you to watch the live video that I did today to help you understand that point.) It makes me sad when artists are locked into a certain way of thinking about art. Based on your comment-there are so many avenues and possibilities that you are not taking advantage of. Look outside of the box that you have been put in (whether by society or by your own idea of what an artist is/should be) and search for opportunities. The possibilities in this day and age are endless...having a negative outlook is only going to guarantee that you remain in your current situation. Stop making excuses, take a self-inventory of what you could be doing better, and implement some changes. I wish you the best of luck and really want you to succeed!
You're saying he's an outlier (and he is), but you're not thinking about _why_ he's an outlier. You say it's because he's a "social media star", and for the sake of argument let's say that it is. Do you think he became one randomly? Through luck, genetics, God's gift, or some other unspecified advantage or privilege he has over you? No, he's here because he put in the time, effort and steps required to get here. "Social media stars" and brands aren't born, they're made gradually over time.
You didn't specify what you're doing in terms of how you try to actually monetize your art, but just judging by your attitude towards it I can make an educated guess. You're either:
A) treating it as a job and actively trading time for money by doing things like commissions, or churning out new works and selling the originals, probably locally (in your town or area)
B) creating new work and uploading it to some website/marketplace where people can buy it as prints or on products, but not treating it as an actual business with a brand, aesthetic, target audience to cater to, marketing needs, etc. Just creating, uploading, and hoping it eventually sells.
If you're doing A, it's an exercise in futility and you're better off just getting a job.
If you're doing B, shift your focus on the business aspect of it for a while instead of being 100% focused on the art itself. Because like you very correctly stated, "quality work alone is not a guarantee that you'll get there". It doesn't matter how good your art is if no one ever sees it. And no one will ever see it if you just upload and hope people find it; you have to actively put it in front of them. And it doesn't matter how many people you put it in front of if they're the wrong people, ie. not the target audience you're catering to. Basically, don't try to turn art into a business, run a business that happens to sell art.
Can't give you more specific advice without actually knowing what you're doing at the moment and what you tried so far, but suffice it to say it can definitely be improved if you just take the time to think about and research how, instead of deciding it's not doable just because you didn't manage to do it yet. Which is ironically the actual main reason that he's an outlier when 95% of people fail - he simply didn't give up before he had a chance to succeeded. Success is built on repeated failure - you only lose once you give up.
Paul Little I just learnt what the word outlier means! 👍🏻
So the thing for me is the example of all the different platforms.
I can only imagine the amount of hard work that was involved in some of this.
Also he did state that December is a boom for sales as expected. People like to treat themselves and others in the holiday season.
For me this is just a nice little insight/example of what IS possible. Maybe not probable but totally possible by all who put the effort in!
🐒💋
social media star? this is the first time i've ever seen the guy
@@BeeJayDeL I'm sorry but I just don't believe any of this. You're giving people false hope; please stop this. This economy is the worst there's ever been and it's extremely rude of you to suggest that people are simply not trying hard enough. You're an outlier.
Damn dude! That is insane! If I could just make a fraction of that per month I would be set for life! watching your coloring book video ASAP! wow, just wow.
Thanks so much, Maxx! Appreciate you watching!
Thanks allot, really Eye Opening. Going to work on it.
Glad to inspire! Now get to work! 😜
I didn't even know about Merch on Amazon! Amazing! Love your work, thanks for all you do! Subbed!
I appreciate the video and advice; thank you. I was pretty dependant on commissions when COVID hit, and it was an eye-opening/wallet-murdering time.
I'm here for the art lessons but this was interesting as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!
I know my Art has improved since finding this channel and he’s been doing those classes for free!
very informative. I really appreciate your candid honesty. Really inspires me to possibly do this on the side. I work full time, but may be a great option for extra income.
Thanks again.
Definitely a great side hustle to start! Glad you found it helpful Mario!!!
Thanks so much for opening up that info to us. I know there's a big stigma for it, and I appreciate you letting us know. I would love to see some follow ups on this, such as how you developed the draw for it and built it up, like you mention near the end, and I'd LOVE to see a break down of doing taxes. That's one of my biggest concerns when it comes to going on my own, which I am hoping to do this year. SO, I'll be paying attention to a lot of your content over the next few months. 😁
Definitely check out the live I did yesterday! Appreciate you watching!
I been drawing a long time and still do. But i never really pushed my self on any platform. Quess its time to grind something out. Thanks for that vid, inspired now.
Glad to inspire!!! Appreciate you watching!
I genuinely cannot thank you enough for this
Thanks so much, Conor! Appreciate you watching!