How to make money as an illustrator ~ Frannerd 

a minute in when you say "I know you wouldn't want me to talk about money" and everyone goes "NO!!! TELL US YOUR SECRETS! WE'RE EATING CUP NOODLES!!"

Fran don't appologize about this video, it was super helpful. As I've just started my own etsy shop it's really interesting to hear you talk about it and also everything that goes into being a freelance illustrator.

Such an amazing video, Fran. Self-employment is the route so many people want to take and since it's less traditional it's so important to see examples and tips from people that are doing it! ALSO YOU MADE A ZINE OMG YES IM BUYING IT YES!!!!

De aburrido nada, es un video realmente necesario y que siempre falta en los canales de RU-vid, parece un tema tabú! Creo que el proceso más difícil es convertir a tus seguidores de redes sociales en potenciales clientes. Puedes tener mucha repercusión online pero si eso no lo conviertes en dinero, es tiempo invertido para vivir de humo. La fama no siempre va a unida al éxito económico! Quizá suena materialista, pero es que los artistas también pagamos facturas. Gran vídeo Fran! ❤️

Tanta generosidad, Fran. En el mundo de los periodistas hay mucho ego y los mayores no están dispuestos a dar consejos. Por fortuna, existen otros más jóvenes que son solidarios. Igual que tú. Besos.

The money stuff is important, we all need to get by. Thank you so much!

This is not a boring subject btw, especially for freelance illustrators like me, but you made it more interesting with your fun approach of presenting your ideas on your videos. :) Loved those small paper strips that made your thoughts more visual. Thanks for sharing Fran!

i love the mirror set up:)

Your videos like this are the reason I found and love your channel Fran... Loving your work xx

This video might not be very interesting for a lot of people but this helped me out so so much!! it really was totally what I needed at this moment, thank you so much for teaching everyone more about this ♡

If I ever do make it as an illustrator, I want you to know, that it'll be because of you, Fran! No kidding. Thank you so much for all your help! Insane amount of love from India! :)

I so so SO love that you do videos like this. It seems like not a lot of professional (and successful) artists/illustrators are willing to share their trade secrets and it really is so helpful. I really appreciate that you are willing to share your knowledge and do videos like these

I just came across your channel and I am in love with your work, your personality, and your creativity. I am going to be independent soon from my employer and I needed to watch. Thank you for showing me that I can be successful and that its possible! xoxo

Lady! This is SO not a waste at all.. I'm an illustrator like you and adore you! And even though I've been doing this a while, I still really enjoy hearing your take on this subject. Thanks so much for taking the time to film it!! -Jenipher :)

This is not a waste of a video! I found this extremely helpful, you're being so nice and patient about explaining everything! Everything is so easy to understand and makes all the sense! Don't apologize, you're amazing and it's so good to have videos like these to come back to when I (or others) have questions about this subject, since as you said it's not talked about that much! I love your videos, all of them and thank you so much for making this one! Love from Berlin 🤓

Fran, I've struggling so hard with my illustration career lately, and financially wise, I've been feeling totally lost for a while - I still have a part time job while I try to make a livng with my illustrations -, but your video has given me an incredible boost! Now I feel more inspired, and, more important, I have a better idea where to focus my energy. I think this will help me set my course on a more lucrative and happier illustration path... So THANK YOU so much for all your advices! You can rest assured that we love videos like this, and they help people like me a lot! Wish you all the best and can't wait to see your new Etsy products!! Muchos besos, de Brasil!

Hi Fran, I'm here to tell you that I've watched this video multiple times. Never stop talking about this stuff. This stuff is definitely not boring. I studied animation, but I also want to use illustration as an income source because at the moment it's faster for me to produce a drawing than it is to produce an animation. I just finished film school and they don't teach the practicalities of making money with your skills at the school that I went to. So your videos are very valuable to me and you make your videos visually interesting which helps in making the content more interesting so Thank you Fran! You have a fan in South Africa :)

loooove how you give us the ins and outs of your profession. thank you so much for sharing

I enjoy your videos not only because I love your art work but your enthusiasm to share your knowledge.

I wanted to thank you for making this video. In my entire time in college none of my teachers have ever told me what I Can do as an artist to make it. "Hard work and promoting" that's all I've ever heard. Thank you for giving examples and sharing your story of how you became successful. I am a lot less worried about graduating in a few months and you have inspired in me a passion to make it. Thank you so much!!

Thank you so much for making videos like these, Fran!! My sister and I are just starting out as freelance illustrators and we had no clue how to go about it from anyone in our personal lives, so your videos are a HUGE help, inspire us to stay organized, and just make us feel less lost! You're a wonderful illustrator and I wish you the best! :)

As an aspiring illustrator, I really appreciate this kind of video. Thanks for all the info!!

I dont think this is boring, this is one of my fav vids you've done so far. I've watched many similar videos but its always nice and comforting to hear it from an artist you admire.

This is so helpful for artists of all types-- not just illustrators! Thank you so much for taking the time to lay out these ideas in an organized way. The key to flourishing artists is to make an art career both valid and ~sustainable~

I got here by researching about patreon and I appreciate the time you take to explain all of this for people who are starting as freelancers. I’ll definitely check out your other videos, but thank you for being open about “boring topics”. It helps a lot.

Thank you very much for talking about this! it was perfect x)

Your advice and tips are by far the BEST I have seen on RU-vid... I would love it if you could make a video talking about how and where illustrators should register with HMRC and what we should register as: Are we Self Employed? Are we sole traders? I DONT KNOW D: HELP US FRAN! ONLY YOU CAN HELP US! :)

Thank YOU for taking the time to make this video. It is an absolute inspiration to hear someone talking about realistic ways to enter a full time income from art & illustration. I've been saying I want to do this for years, and I creep slowly and slowly and never commit. It helped me so much to watch this. Thank you!!! Also you are so lovely & funny and fun to watch. 💖

Not boring at all!! Coming into this field I am hungry for wise advice from experienced artist such as yourself. As for your vlogs, I love them! You are so sweet, easy going, and relatable! 💗 I really enjoy all that you share. Thank you! Currently I have a day job as a tutor and in my spare time am trying to grow my social media presence while I perfect my artistic abilities. This video has been extremely helpful. I would absolutely love to be able to freelance in the future.

Fran, I love you! Thank you so much for producing such lovely and useful content. I've learned SO MUCH with your videos since I started following you, and got so inspired and motivated to work on starting a career as an illustrator. It's really hard to make it as an artist in Brazil, so I've always dreamed of being a freelancer in the UK like you, too! Thank you for sharing your experience, I hope one day I can buy all your stuff :) have a lovely day!

This is hands-down THE most informative video on becoming a freelance illustration and making a living off art on RU-vid. 😍❤️

I'm not an illustrator but I find your videos super fascinating, not at all boring!

No, no, no... It wasn't a waste! Actually This video has made me subscribe in your channel. Very simple, clean and objective.

Fran, your "illustrator's advice videos" are my favorite type of your videos! Don't apologize, you've made an excellent work for us, thank you!

Hi Fran, I'm currently studying Illustration at University and I just had to say I love your video because this is all of the stuff they DON'T tell us here at Uni. When it comes to self-promotion and the actual fields of Illustration and how to actually make money we're essentially left in the dark, so thank you for clarifying a lot of things and sharing your tips. A wonderful video!

I honestly love and very much appreciate more serious videos like this. I know is enjoy more videos like this in the future. Maybe on on how publishing a book works, or how making money off of prints work. Thank you for always being so helpful and lovely Fran!

Fran sos la mejor! Y me encanta que te tomes el tiempo para ayudar a otras personas que han estado en tu situación o que quieren llegar a donde vos estás hoy. Muchos de nosotros te admiramos y valoramos tu esfuerzo y bello trabajo, incluso sin ser artistas (como yo por ejemplo). Amo tus videos!

A short while ago I started to orient myself on this matter. So this video came just at the right time for me! 😁 It's very kind of you to take the time to talk about this. Especially since this subject is best explained by someone who can talk from experience. You always talk very clearly and showing what you mean with little notes is extremely helpfull. So don't apologize for caring about us! 😤 Though I have to wait a little before I really start considering job opportunities. My niece's birthday is comming up and I want to illustrate a book for her. If this all works out I can start networking! Watching your video's while working on the book is really motivating and helping alot. So thanks a bunch and please don't drown in your mail. 😨

I don't think you're 'wasting time' when doing this kind of videos - actually, these videos are one of my favourites, because you're always a boost for my confidence and without knowing you're helping me a lot with my work so THANK YOU FRAN U THE BEST 💕💕

You shouldn't think videos like these are boring! this video has helped me so much, so grateful for you doing it. Your videos actually motivate me to do work when i dont want to haha i'll watch you're videos then start drawing!

Ah, being a freelancer is so much hard work but it's amazing to see the way we grow. Right now I'm having two jobs and oh gosh, it is so hard. But I'm trying my best updating my blog and my youtube channel. You are completely an inspiration, Fran.

Fran, me he visto ya como 20 vídeos tuyos en dos días porque no puedo expresar lo realmente agradecida que estoy de haber descubierto una ilustradora como tú, tan familiar y que comparte tantos consejos, materiales, opiniones... Además de ser una inspiración eres un gran referente para mí. Gracias por hacer todo lo que haces, es increíble.

Fran, you're amazing, thank you so much for all the information you share about your profession. A lot of people idealize illustration and sometimes we need to hear that is insanely hard, every time I watch one of your videos I feel the need (and courage) to start doing my own things. Thank you for being so incredible!

Please continue to make videos like this along side the 'fun stuff' it is always amazing to hear from other artist's how they tackle the art industry.

this video is super helpful! i love how you explained everything with your little cut out words and stuff, its a really nice touch

Ok I've been watching your videos on my work computer during my lunch break everyday for the past 2 weeks and I love your videos and your art style sooo much ! The entire aesthetics and everything is so cosy. I'm having a crappy time abroad and your videos make it better ❤

This is actually the type of content I subscribed for first. But after a week marathon of your videos I fell in love with your videos. Keep doing what is good for you. You are amazing, your videos are amazing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help us! I strive to have a studio job, but I still found everything you've said super helpful! ♥

Are you kidding? The very reason I watch this channel is because of your commentary on the business side of being an artist! There's so little out there to help and explain things to new freelancers, and your videos are quality stuff

Thanks for this talk Fran. It's not a "waste" of a video, it is so interesting to see how other artists deal with this kind of things. I try to improve my social media presence but as you said, it's really hard to be consistent when you're working full time for clients.

It is ALWAYS a pleasure to see a new video from you. Thanks for the important information.

Ahoy Fran! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know that this was a difficult subject for you to cover because you felt it was less entertaining than your beautiful art but seriously thank you. I am trying to balance my understanding of improving my art, building my brand (including starting a RU-vid channel) and educating myself on ways to reach my business and family goals and your information and delivery are so important to many of us. Thank you for being amazing and for sharing your art and personality with the world! Take care!

Thank you so much for making this video!! I have been considering a career in illustration for years, but this is the first time I’ve heard how many different ways you can support yourself as an illustrator. I’m excited to learn more now! 😍

that was really helpful, thank you for doing it :)

FANTASTIC video, Fran! Not boring at all to hear this stuff, and so helpful - I'm sure I'll revisit it many times. Also - love the black outfit and pencil pin combo! xx

thank you so much for talking about this no matter how awkward it seems. as an emerging illustrator i can't get ENOUGH of this kinda info. very informative and insightful thank you so much!!

As an illustration student, I found the information you talked about very helpful and informing. Thanks for the advice and tips!

Love the pieces of paper, as a visual person it really helps to see it laid out like this!

Fran! I have been bingeing on your videos to catch up on your journey these weeks and I feel like I know you already! LOL Just a note to say that you inspire me to try to go out of my comfort zone, and although I have relatively less experience in the world of social media, I am going to keep trying! Thank you for sharing your life and always honest opinions! Sending you ❤️

You are seriously amazing! Not just your artwork but every part of this video is so creative and interesting, even without the useful content. Amazing!!!! 💗

Thank you, Fran! I am more inspired. Cant wait to get the zine I ordered. ❤️

Thank you from talking about this subject. I'm hoping you can share more video like this to keep us motivated to promote and sell our product out there. Wish you the best!!

Me encanta que hayas hablado de este tema! Ser freelance no es nada fácil más cuando tenes que animarte a dejar tu trabajo full time. Besos, Flor.

Hi Fran! I super appreciate you bringing up this subject. Of course videos of drawing are cool as well, but i found your channel some months ago just because i was looking for this kind of content. I am in process of quitting my day job to become a full time illustrator and your explanation was helpful in many many ways. Is a time that i am feeling tense and overwhelmed by this change in my life. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Your video's are always so great, whether it's a vlog or a more "business-y" video like this! Thank you so much for creating this!! It was so incredibly helpful!

Extremely thank you, i was searching for this kind of help for a VERY long time. Everything that i have learned about how i can have more than one income and to be a freelance illustrator, i have learned it by myself. This is a topic that people rarely talk about but it's truly important. Thank you so much!! This really helped me in many ways ❤️

Thank you so much for making this video. Of course, all the info on how the finances work is really practical and helpful, but even more so the parts on balance. When you explained about having to put in a lot more time on your social media for a while to build a base, it really encouraged me, because I feel like a lot (alotalotalot) of imbalance is happening for me and I'm trying to get my head around it and make some sense of it. Thank you.

Thank You Fran for making this video!! It was really helpful!! I know not many people talk about this topic so I think that it's awesome hearing about it from you

I'm so happy you posted a video about earning a living from Illustration. I've been waiting for such a video for so long 😁 Thank you for talking so openly about it. I find this aspect of Illustrating very important and it's so difficult to find anything about this topic. The tips really helped me out!! 😊

Thank you for your videos, Fran. They (and you) are positive and encouraging. That's fantastic! And your style is too. Feel encouraged!!!

Fran, I can't tell you how much I needed this today. Not only are you an amazing illustrator but you're an amazing person. Not many people would take the time to help others the way you do. Thank you for your generosity and your kindness. I wish you all the success in the world because you truly deserve it

The videos you put together on these subjects are inspiring and helpful. Even though I'm not an illustrator but a writer, I find them so useful and just as enjoyable to watch as your art supplies and drawing vids. Thank you :)

This is definitely not a waste of a video! I'm so glad that you made a video about this subject because I want to be an illustrator and this information is very helpful, especially considering that it's not a very talked about subject.

Fran, no te das una idea lo mucho que me sirvió este video . Hace once años estoy trabajando de freelance del comic y con alguna changa de publicidad y me siento super estancado. Si pudiese le daría mil pulgares arriba a este video. Gracias una vez mas de corazón por todo esto que compartiste.

Thank you so much for this video. It's really usefull and eye opening for those of us who are interested in taking the step to freelance work one day. Also making it more transparent what your work looks like helps us value the hard behind the scenes work. Again, thank you!

Thank you Fran...really need this now. I've been doing it all for a while, but am in a slump. It helps to see another illustrator out there with the same type of week (just watched your week in the life of an illustrator). xo

Thanks Fran! Really needed this as I was going to give up for trying already. And I'm not even kidding, I just wanted to give up and just go back to corporate (my previous background was in the bank industry). So thank you again, thank you for being so real and so brave to sharing this.

I am truly enjoying your channel, Fran. Thank you very much for the awesome content! :)

I actually really like this kind of video, it's so comforting and inspiring to hear advice of this nature from an artist I really respect

El tema me viene al dedo! no tiene nada de aburrido, al contrario, es genial ver que alguien es tan generoso para compartir su experiencia. Besos desde México!

I want to work as an illustrator but it terrifies not me to have a permanent income

I love these videos you do Fran! As someone who is trying to make a career out of illustration in this way it really helps to hear your advice and encouragement xx

Thank you so much Fran! I find these 'behind the scenes' videos so fascinating! I'm taking notes! Getting into illustration and art is so confusing with taxes and invoices and all the business stuff, I wish they taught this stuff in school! Thankfully we have your RU-vid school though. :) THANK YOU! X

Fran, I'm only 16, and I want to become an illustrator and your channel motivates me so much! Your videos are really, really helpful, you have no idea! Thank you for all the help.

So much practical information packed into one video! Thank you Fran.

Thank you for making this video and sharing your view and experience. Working as an illustrator is a profession I strive to achieve, but the income part is something that makes me hesitate. So thank you again for sharing courage trough this video! ♡

Da gusto escucharte hablar y que expliques todo tan bien. Muy fan de tu trabajo.

Wow! You are so lovely, Fran! A friend just introduced your channel to me today and this was the first video I watched from you. Wonderful tips, very sensible and talking about important stuff. ♡ Thank you for the tips by the way! And congratulations for all your work and beautiful illustrations! :-)

an old subscriber here! i noticed how your english improve so much, especially the accent :D great video as always. short and sweet and informative

This was so helpful, thank you! I would love to hear more on where / how to find good places to order professional looking zines like that! I've been ordering from a couple places over the years but they never looked THAT amazing! Anyway, congrats on everything and looking forward to seeing what you do next!

I appreciate this information so much! I'm trying to do illustration work myself and this is the kinda info I was looking for. Thank you so much!!

This video was amazing, thank you so much for all yhis advice Fran, it's so helpful!

Thank you for making this video! I dropped out of school and just started my own art channel. Really hope I can make a living out of it! You inspire a lot 😃

Super helpful video! I have two part time "day jobs" Dreaming of going full-time artist, videos like this are very encouraging. Thanks!

I've just found out about you like a couple of weeks ago, and while I love all your other videos and illustrations this must be one of my favourite video. I want to start my freelance career - in graphic design but kind of the same thing really- but what's holding me back is my full time job. I mean I know I have to be more present on social media, make more post, more illustrations and whatnot, but I'm finding it really hard while working 40 hours a week on a job I hate. Anyway, this video helped me getting my motivation back, so thank you !!

muchas gracias por tomar el tiempo de hacer este video, es mi tercera semana como freelance 100% y cada Vez que hablas sobre cómo llevar este tipo de "LifeStyle" tengo nuevas ideas y cosas que considerar así que de verdad has sido de mucha ayuda en este mundito

Fran, you've done it again. I know you're super busy but I truly appreciate that you take the time to make these EXCELLENT RU-vid videos! I was wondering if you could speak on how to grow your social media presence? It's a challenge to stay genuine while trying to grow an audience. You're the best thank you again!!!!

Desde que te encontré valoré más alla de todo, tu generosidad para explicar todo como haces tus ilustraciones qué lapices comprar, como haces los sketchs y eso. Tenes un gran corazon! y me alegro muchiiisimo! gracias de corazón!

This was a really useful video, thank you for making it! It wasn't boring at all :)

Thank you, Fran! This is the type of content I love seeing from you the most. Also seeing you always cheers me up! ^^