I'm a freelance illustrator. Illustration is not just a hobby for me, it's a job. I'm used to have clients who want this, that, and that one. Clients that have ideas, but not clear ideas, and your due is to find something in their mind and put it on paper. And after each project, you have to find another client with another idea... Very tiring...
This was my job before DT. Today I'm thinking about saving all the money I use to promote my freelance work and finding clients. I'm considering the idea of working full-time for DT. Working for DT is PURE FREEDOM. I love it.
So I'm trying to be an active part of the community.
And I think I can give some suggestion for all the illustrators that want to make money with DT.
1 - Make it with dedication and enthusiasm.
DT doesn't give you tomorrow-deadlines. He is NOT a boring client who tells you what to do and what not to do. So you really have time and freedom to do your best. You can choose your subject and your deadine. This can be a expected suggestion but if you give a look to some illustrators portfolios you can find a lot of cheap-looking illustrations. You have to say something with your images, not just making a quick drawing... You have to comunicate a concept ora a feeling, to make something useful and artistic at the same time.
And if you think "for nearly 1 US$ per download this is the best I can do..." you will NEVER make money with DT.
Don't do it just to have one more picture in your portfolio. I know, with your computer you can manage an image, making different illustrations with just one first drawing very quickly. Well, you can do it, but only if each variant is your best.
Not just changing randomly colors or shapes.
Even an empty book can help you making money if you take your time to make interesting different versions of it. One magic old retro book, one pink butterfly girly book, one recipes book, one greyscale empty book for people who prints in BW...
And with 8 different versions of this book in my portfolio, last month a buyer contacted me for having another one, which is selling well as the others...
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Crafteepics
Some great ideas. Thank you for sharing with us.
Rebeccaosborn
nice blog, i'm sure with your attitude, your illustrations will do great on here.
D2hd2x
thank you for your adivises!!
although am a photographer but a illustrator!!
And if you think "for nearly 1 US$ per download this is the best I can do..." you will NEVER make money with DT that is beatiful!!
Nicemonkey
Some good ideas
Hot99
I have just reached 300 sales in around 10 months.
MilsiArt
Very interesting approach. Nice illustrations in your portfolio. Cheers!
Irisangel
Great Illustrations! Really nice portfolio. The best thing I have found with stock Photography and illustrations, aside from making your own schedule, is that you can work in your pajamas if you want. Have a great day!
Papepi
I was wondering if each of us, over time, since each has a style, has one or more customers who follow him as his creator image ..
Asaliro
This is a great motivator. Thanks Korat! [imgr]https://www.dreamstime.com/days-name-image5742631[/imgr]
Koratcn
My best sellers are in color.
Papepi
Cara Korat, but you have sold more designs in color or black and white?
Koratcn
Yes Sallylux, I'm considering the idea. Today my earnings are not really a salary-something like a half of it- but in some months of full-time work... I think I can do it. Who knows, I like challenges. And I'm a freelance, so I can change idea when I want ;)
Sallylux
thanks Korat, this is really a useful blog for illustrators at last!
Are you REALLY considering the idea of working full time for Dreamstime? I know your porfolio is great, but would you sell enough to earn your living?
Koratcn
Papepi: no never, if you mean the full ownership.
Papepi
Korat: but that is seen for years that you work with DT, you never happened that a customer has bought the rights to an illustration?
Koratcn
Litifeta: yes there's really a lot of great illustrators on DT. I'm only trying to give some suggestions for the beginners because often DT blogs are more about photos than about illustrations. So I thought to give an illustrator perspective.
Sil63
Interesting post, thanks for sharing. Really like your portfolio :) I've just started playing around with illustrations myself and I enjoy looking at talented illustrators' works like you to learn and get inspiration. Ciao!
Sam391
omg,I think you said very good
Littlemacproductions
I think you are a real talent! Love your portfolio and wish you the best.
Litifeta
There is a lot of amazing talent among the illustrators on DT.