how i made art my full time job at 18 

I'm no expert, literally just a teenager sharing what I've learned over the course of the last few years. Biggest take away is to start today. Time is your most valuable resource. I was lucky enough to start building a following in middle school and after 7 years this is where that took me. There are so many different ways to make a living as an artist, I'd love to hear what has worked and not worked for you guys if you're comfortable sharing below!

IDK if this counts but this is my odd job- When I was like 5-8 years old I would steal the garden rocks from my neighbor’s front yard and then take them home, wash them, and then paint them however I pleased. After this I would logically grab my wheel barrel - toss the rocks in - then go around my neighborhood selling them as paper weights. They were a quarter to a dollar - depending on size

... realizing I should probably get good at Art before I even think about the 16 minutes of advice he just gave me

WAIT- guyss I was NOT prepared for Matthew in a suit😩✨

WHY IS STRAWBERRY MOMMA ON THE FLOOR EXPLAINE YOURSELF

"if you use ten hours on a piece and only charge fifty dollars for it, your're making five dollars per hour" i've never felt so attacked before

“If I wanted a minimum wage job I would get one at Wendy’s” words of wisdom

I’m an aspiring artist who wants to build her own business too... I’m SO excited to hear about your journey and get inspired! ♥️

Mathew: work for 18-20 dollars a hour Me: Okay, 10 dollars a hour

hey 18 yr old steve from blues clues, I’m proud of you good job

I also heard that some artists also do commission contract agreement in case the client backs out or doesn't pay you because he or she rejects your work.

"if you're not starting today then what are you doing? come on" and THAT'S IT !! that's the reason why i am pursuing my passion in art 😭 thankyou for being such an inspiration matt ✊💓

I’d just like to add since you mentioned a lot of artists start off on Etsy and then move to their own store later. The reason why lots of artists chose to do this is because Etsy as a platform allows for people who don’t necessarily follow you to find you and purchase from you. It’s a really good option if you don’t have much of a social media following since it gives you some much needed exposure. Plus when you have a small following, an even smaller portion of that following might buy from you. Whereas your own online store won’t really be found if people don’t know you. Though having your own store does come with less costs and customization. TL;DR Etsy is better if you need exposure because you don’t have much of a following, your own store is better if you already have a following.

I get so uninspired because I feel like I take SUCH a long time on art. I am massive perfectionist that can't help obsessing over every line. If I charged even minimum wage for my art people would be paying $300+ for work that is no where near worth that price. So... I make about $1.50 a hour.

I’m graduating and I’ve realized how badly I want to pursue a career in art and just doing my own business or something of the sort... I lack the confidence to put myself out there visually but ill start small! this was an extremely helpful video, thank you so much

If you are a university student, I recommend checking in with departments, student newspapers and orgs that host events, if they need any flyer, portraits etc. I draw a lot of science related art for when my bio department is hiring or publishing scientific papers and they want to promote their content on social media. Sometimes you can get commissions that way, other times your uni could set up a specific student position.

I literally just spent 3 hours decorating a Dominos Pizza’s chalkboard. I was only paid $25 but I was my first non traditional gig. 😂

Hello Matthew! I am 32 years old and after a lot of challenges and roller coaster rides in my life, I have finally committed to the idea of doing art full time and at the same time I would like to help people recover from being closeted artists through healing and different forms of therapy. I would like to say thank you so much for this video and your insight. It’s people like you that inspire me because you are living proof that it is possible. Even if there is a lot of work to be done, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. More power to you and the best of luck on all your endeavors!

I actually had a gap year too when I was your age. I wish I could've already done this back then! But I was really lost and didn't know what to do with myself at that time and was very scared and thought I wasn't good enough. So if someone reads this who is just as scared as I was: You're not alone. Having a business takes a lot or courage and is an excellent self development tool. You can work on your mindset alongside working on your art. It might take a bit of time, but you can do this!! :)

Right now I’m struggling with pricing because I want to establish myself but no one wants to pay a bunch of money for an unestablished artist. Most of the time people say they’re going to pay me a certain amount but I want to do my absolute best work to impress them even if it’s a low price. No one really respects a teenage artist when it comes to the business aspect.

Another good place to put yourself out there is conventions or art markets! They're not really a thing right now due to the pandemic but they're a great place to connect with people (customers as well as other artists) who share interests as you, build your social media, and make sales.

Art is my LIFE and I’d love to do it as my job. I’m 17 and I have social anxiety, so the thought of getting a job in costumer service is so terrifying for me. I want to start earning some money so I feel like doing commissions would be a great start for me!!

I've been told from my friends, family and art teacher how talented I am but very had the courage to actually put myself out there (btw I'm still in high school) , but this video really inspired me a lot !! I actually started crying like hafe way through it especially when you said we can all do this I'm so thankful I've subscribed to you lol

It’s my absolute dream to become a full time artist your soooo lucky and inspiring. Your art work is sooooo amazing.

I LOVED this video so much, you explained everything so easily! as a gen-z individual with such a short attention span- i am so impressed by how you still kept my attention throughout this 16 minute video HAHAHAHA THANK YOU MATTHEW SORGIE

It’s never to late to start! I started my art career at 23 (turning 24 this year🙃)

I've been making art for more than 6 years now and i regret not trying to get my art seriously noticed years ago and just constantly switching platforms/accounts, thus never really finding any audience and having to start only now, at 18 yo

I want this to be my life, I'll have to work hard but I'll be happy

BIG QUESTION: You mentioned making connections but I always feel one step behind on that. Any advice on going from like a constant "fan" status to actually befriending other artists?

The most uncomfortable job was making an ebook and I thought I was just illustrating the book not making the whole thang 👀 haha lesson learned! I’m glad you touch on RU-vid bc it’s an AMAZING platform I’m excited to grow my own channel to help me ease into making art full time 🤩 thank you Matthew for another awesome video! BRB gotta hit up those Facebook moms for some commissions LOL

Honestly I want an art career. But this looks so difficult! I say i love art but sometimes i just cant push myself to make good original artworks! Then i doubt myself and my art pieces ugh its so frustrating! And im a sophmore in highschool! I feel so behind in the art game any tips from anyone?

"If we wanted a minimum wage job, we work at wendys" I work at Wendy's sadly...so tired of working at fast food industries. The hardest part about selling art is that no one wants to buy it at the correct price. But this was great information so thank you.

I've procrastinated for years and sometimes I'm afraid it's too late for me.

I was literally thinking about this for MONTHS and I think this video is a sign! I just made my art Instagram account! Suuuupppeeerrrr excited :D

What if you’re still building your drawing skills and are not sure you can give results worth paying for?

“when this person is a friend or a family member it is very difficult to drop a high rate” FACTS SOMETIMES IT FEELS BETTER TO JUST DECLINE THE COMMISSION LOL SKSKSJSJ

Me at 19 watching this: I think I’m a year late👁👄👁

This is literally the MOST helpful video. I’ve been trying to grow an art business for the last 4 months. Mostly just doing commissions right now but trying to branch out to make other art products.

I’ve wanted to be a precessional artist for years, but I’ve been too scared I haven’t got what it takes. I’m about to start college, but I think it’s time that I actually try to put myself out there. This was great advise and I kinda think I have an idea of what to do now.

Idea for a new video: What things you can do to make your Instagram feed look cool. Love your art Matthew!!💜

IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS VIDEO. and i need to make this happen for myself 😊 so thank you for sharing your insight!!

I did this myself at 18 too 💖 in retrospect I’m so grateful to listening to that inner voice to “do it” just like you’re doing now! Keep thriving ✨

right now, im trying to build a following and experimenting with different platforms to see which one fits me most, however inconsistency, comparison, and doubt are really big obstacles to get through to get where i want to be. hopefully one day i achieve the success i long to have! thank you for the encouraging and very informative video, you deserve all the success matthew!

Can we also appreciate the time and effort not just into his videos but his description boxes! Anyways have a good day :))

I took a whole ass animation job this summer which took 3 months and I only charged $500 for the entire project. I didn't even know how to animate before taking on the job so it ended up teaching me a lot of new skills but also the amount I charged didn't even cover my rent for a month :0000

Thankkkkkks mattt for advice I’ve started my online business this year on etsy

Bruhh... can I just say? I started my art instagram when I was 18. I wanted to open a business account at 19, I'm 22 now and never did that because I just thought that I wasn't good enough, no one would buy my art, etc. Etc. Now I'm sitting here watching this video thinking of the four years I wasted and how different things would be if i would have kept going and is it worth it to even try at this point??? Lol, ANYWAYS, thank you for uploading this! You are a huge inspiration! I started watching your videos a little over a year ago and seeing your work and howbpationate you are about art has truly inspired me! Maybe one day we'll meet and can art together, haha 😁 have a good one!

Thank you so much Matthew! I’m constantly second guessing myself and thinking that being an artist is impossible for me but it’s videos like this that make me realize that it may be hard but it is possible!! You are so inspiring at such a young age, I’m really looking forward to seeing what you achieve in the future 💗

The word 'EARTH' itself is made of 'ART'❤️❤️

So if there is something I can tell you as a 10 years older artist is that making a life as an illustrator is not easy but it isn't as hard as people think! In this years I made money as a freelancer through commissions and online stores, comic-cons and illustration fairs with originals/prints/crafts... as well as teaching (individually and in groups), self publishing books via kickstarter, and all shorts of jobs for different clients: illustration for books and other projects, mural art, advertising agencies... as well as my very personal work as an author, and getting art residencies and other funds is a great way to expand your inspiration and getting paid while you make your art. I also had work with a fixed salary in art schools, and in my last 3 years I have been full time concept artist and bg artist for animation movies -and by the way, animation industry is full of fantastic jobs opportunities :) My point is that it requires lots of creativity to find ways to monetize your work, it could be risky, and you can get tired sometimes, but every time I had a minimum wage job, I realized pretty quickly that I was able to make a lot more money as an artist, remember your time is valuable and yours skills too! So just keep going even if it looks hard, will be worth it, and be always open to learn from other people's experiences like in this video, I did personally learn some valuable things from Matthew's video!

i started an instagram account in sixth grade, but i stopped in seventh and i totally regret it, i’m a senior now looking at a path filled with college debt and who knows what could’ve happened had i not stopped:/ epically lame of me moral: just start now, and don’t stop

You always amazed us, Matthew, even in little things you do as a teenager truly inspires us to change our life for the better. Can't wait to see you become the most successful person in the future. Keep up the good work!!

hes so pretty

Organisation is the KEY, does wonders, look how well organised your studio is so Well done that's a start.

TYSM!!! This video was so helpful! i’m very excited to start my own art store one day after high school! (+ maybe graphic design)

I’ve never been called out in my life by someone in my age group. The commission thing is def relatable. 😩

BRO IM LITERALLY GOING TO USE THIS VIDEO TO TRY TO CONVINCE MY MOM TO LET MY GET INSTAGRAM

Couldn’t agree more! Started my 5 year art business when I was 19 and Facebook mums were my biggest and most loyal clients!! 😂😂

Thank you for this video it helped me realize that im in love with art and it helped me to make this dream of mine a reality!!!

can i just say the transition to the sponsor was so smOOTH

This is so amazing!! Great tips and this was exactly what I needed, I’ve always looked to amazing artist like Matthew sorgie to be able to live off of doing what I love seems like a dream and but helps me not to give up💕

THANK YOU MATTHEW 🙏🙏🙏 I wanna say as a 17 year old arts and design student going to college You perpetually inspire me

Honestly one of the things that helped me the most in growing my Instagram followers and my clients, is drawing RU-vidrs and influencers I really like that shares fans drawings in their stories. It’s super easy and it works!🌟

Ok this thumbnail is just everything🤩

Matthew: promote your art on social media Me who just deleted my art instagram: 😐

i just bought one of your prints and now i see my name in your video :0 what a day man!! cool epic useful artist tips!

It’s cool to see a guy with these style. Really inspirational

You know its a good day whe you post

I swear 2020/2021 makes me feel dumb for goin to college even tho I do want to be a vet but during quarantine I’ve seen so many fun and less debt costly careers 🥴😭

spent months so far looking for videos that could give me clear pointers and explain the pros and cons in a way that was understandable and to the point and honestly, I'm really glad to have found this video because you're not spinning a story that takes 45 minutes to get through, you're telling it like it is and you're still being clear. thanks for doing this, definitely gonna get somewhere with this (that's if I actually do something about it and stop putting it off lol)

I just recently started a RU-vid channel for my art and it’s HARD! I have a whole new respect for what you and other small business owners do. One thing that helped me get some extra money as an artist is selling in small local shops like coffee shops or even breweries etc.

This just makes me sigh. As soon as I think I've grasped everything - eternal dread and doubt swallows over and it's back to flopping aimlessly in my own puddle of incompetence 🤷🏻‍♀️

I am still curious what's behind that black cloth in the wall😂

Up until now youre still the one pushing me to launch my channel and become more consistent in posting on instagram. I love it!

The YT algorithm works... Your video popped up and like a week ago I decided to make some changes in my career path. I'm a stay at home mom (who's NOT in any FB mom-groups 😂), in my late 30's, graphic designer who never went to art school, but decided to start drawing every day so I can get better and eventually make a living from it! Because you're never too old to start doing what you love 😃 Your video has some major helpful info! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Matthew! This helped a lot, like a lot a lot!!! Sending love from Ireland!!!

My mom is complaining that i'm pricing my work too high when I try to bump my hourly rate to minimum wage lol.

gonna commemorate the day I first saw this video and subscribed. I'm so thankful for influencers and artists like you who really do well in showing your process and your real self through your works and practice! Inspiring till this day!! Keep going and keep growing!

I'm also 18 and I want art to be my full time job but art is not really big and appreciated here in our country. I really look up to you Matthew for being able to do this at our age! ˃ᴗ˂ ♡

Extremely helpful thank you! 🙏 ✍️

Love you so much matt your art is so inspiering thank you 😀😊

I’m 23 and your video was very smooth and informative ❤️ thank you and keep going ✨

18 yo full time artist team here hehe :p it's so inspiring to see how "young" creatives nowadays are tacking things next level, keep rocking! 😎

Me: wants to become a full time artist Matt: go start an account it’s free! My stupid self almost goes and does it before remembering my mom won’t let me have a public social media😃👍

It’s sad seeing someone living out your dreams. Literally all the way from the hair to the aesthetic and all.

YOU GAVE ME SO MUCH HOPE AND INSPIRATION! THANK YOU SO MUCH!🤗LOVE ALL YOUR FEEDBACK!!🤗

I've been into drawing and art practically my whole life... I'm 22, and I'm only doing commissions right now bc I'm not that confident in my art, but also I'm at a point in my life where I dont want to work for a company anymore...I want to have a go-getter attitude like yours, I admire it!! :,)

wow this really came at the right time for me cause' i was just thinking about this!!!

Actually, 1st step: PERFECT YOUR CRAFT. You gotta have some level of skill before thinking of making money out of it. When I say "perfect your craft", it doesn't mean literal "perfection", just try to work on your skill tho

Matthew Sorgie: squarespace brand ambassador lesssgoooo

your editing skills r growing exponentiallyyy

BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW GOOD HE LOOKS-

i’m not even an artist but since you started talking, i just had to stay

In middle school, I'd take bookmark requests! I'd draw on normal printer paper, but then get multiples covered in laminate at a time and cut them out myself. $2 a pop, lol.

i feel like it's super hard to put myself out there. I'm even too shy to upload a pic of myself for a self-introduction which sounds ridiculous...but it's true. anyway, thanks for the great vid, it was more helpful than I thought!!

Just his voice is inspiring🥺

Oh my god, I was wondering how much do your prints take to ship? i reallyy want to order the strawberry momma one but I'm moving soon :)))

Okay hi I’m an 18 year old full time artist and I’m just like YES everything you said is SO ACCURATE

I love this! 2021 is the year where I've been starting to try to make myself known on social media so this is really helpful! Perfect timing!!

Matthew... your cute, artistic, kind and talented? Not fair 😕 😢