Help! Trying to create revenue stream

[ArtistErin]

It's been a few minutes since I posted, I had surgery and am planted on my butt here, trying to forge a path to create short term pieces for editorial work as I continue to develop skills in children's book illustration through classes on SVS and Critique Arena. Therefore, I feel my art continues to take directions in the digital illustration format however I need to make money like NOW (disability pay really sucks**) so I had the thought why not approach local businesses that might need my services for their promotions/websites etc? Anyway, I am thinking veterinarians, schools, local magazines in the editorial sphere.

Anyone have any experience in this genre as far as how to reach out to these businesses? How do I structure pricing and what references would be helpful to use? I've watched countless videos, demos, etc regarding this and obviously with the glut of information out there I am so overwhelmed. Anyway I just wondered if anyone has a simple broken down spreadsheet they've already worked out?

       Basic start :   $200 spot illustrations  (transparent or white background) These are fairly easy and quick for me, sketch to final art 30-45 min tops... 

       Larger Files :  I am really struggling here as I tend to take quite a bit of time on a single spread and will continue to get faster as I sharpen my skills in Photoshop.  I have no idea where to begin ... any thoughts?  **Attached is a piece I am thinking about**approaching local vet clinics here in Colorado Denver area... which has taken me roughly 30 hours from sketch to final color.  What would be a fair asking price?  I have freelanced before (20 years ago) yet I feel with my current skillset I should be more competitive within my niche.       

          Side note:  I love Steven Silver's approach to illustration and artists respecting themselves and not undercharging, to keep the market relevant!  So no Fiverr posts here.  Anyway, he said $65/ hr (this is the animation world).  Is it better to charge per piece if it's a longer term project or by the hour?                  

My strengths are to draw from life and create illustrated work rather than concept character designs, which I can do, however I am better suited for the kind of work I just posted here... This to me is separate from the children's book portfolio and I have much more experience with these techniques so I feel more confident in this style. Any feedback? Thank you guys!!!!

[Maureen*Henry*Artist]

@ArtistErin Hi Erin, I love your pets here! I’m not sure about editorial illustration but what made me extra money for the past 8 years is painting pet portraits, specifically on rocks. People love giving them as gifts, so you can make good money from now through the end of the year. Feel free to check out my work so you can see what I mean. I was charging $100 per portrait (just raised to $150) on a stone and that is about the size 5 inches by 7 inches typically, and it’s traditional painting with acrylics. However, you could market digital pet portraits and then you or the customer could print on canvas or any other type prints. I just did my dog’s portrait digitally for the first time as a trial and got it printed on canvas from Easy Canvas Prints. It turned out great! It’s something you can do to market to regular people while waiting for gigs from businesses. Hope this helps! Here is a photo of my digital painting on the canvas…

[Melissa_Bailey]

@ArtistErin this is an adorable illustration!

Going to agree with @Maureen-Henry-Artist -- when I saw the illustration, my first thought was that this would fit perfectly with pet portraits. Have you tried posting any pet portraits on social media and saying that you're open for commissions? Or selling on Etsy?

On a side note, THIS style could work very well with children's book illustration, especially if you are interested in nonfiction work. Check out Kayla Harren -- she has a drawing style similar to this one and she is getting consistent work as a children's book illustrator.

[ArtistErin]

@Maureen-Henry-Artist Maureen... thank you soooo much... I really appreciate this idea. I too was wondering about pet portraits, and thought how to get that going... the pet rock idea is spectacular and I actually have stuff for this so I'll get started!!! Brilliant and thanks again.

Your work is phenomenal. Pugs and Frenchies are probably my most favorite dogs at the moment LOL!!!!! And I love the look of the printed piece! I did check into starting an Etsy store after my first surgery (left foot then, this time it's my right foot) and was at that time in the initial overwhelmed stages of trying to sort out my thoughts in which direction I could take my art, which is when I found SVS. Definitely an idea that I won't close forever so for sure, and will consider it down the road. I love the idea of automating reprintables along with commissioned works so maybe???

Anyhow thank you for taking the time to write me, I am trying to keep my chin up during this space I'm in and reminding myself daily to steer my ship (so to speak) in the direction of what I want.

Blessings,

Erin

[ArtistErin]

@Melissa_Bailey Melissa- wow thank you.. I really appreciate your reply... And I love your work, omg... you helped me bridge a strange gap I couldn't close which is weird. I go through phases sometimes of feeling confident and then not, which I'm sure many experience yet it helps to have your hand in guiding me back to myself. So THANK YOU...

Kayla Harren's work is the closest I've seen to the vision I've had for the direction I'm aiming for in the children's book illustration sphere. I really cannot express enough how much this means to me as I said, I have been in a fog!!! Your work is similar and I admire your sense of play, silliness and innocence in childhood expressions, along with animals!

Have a great day and know your helpfulness came at the perfect time...