How I Built My Art Business From Nothing - My Business Strategy and Journey To Being An Illustrator
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- čas přidán 27. 05. 2024
- Let me tell you all about how I built my art business from nothing and became a full-time digital illustrator!
I started drawing everyday in 2020 and here I am less than three years later living full-time on my art income, so I wanted to share more about that journey in case it helps you with your own art business 🥰✨
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A big thank you to my partner for filming and editing this video!
00:00 Building My Art Business
00:48 Expectations
02:05 My 4 Phases
02:40 Phase 1
05:40 Phase 2
07:50 Phase 3
09:29 Phase 4
10:46 My Business Strategy
14:44 Where Are You In Your Art Business Journey?
15:03 Join Me On Patreon! - Jak na to + styl
I hope you find this video helpful if you're wanting to start your own art business! Would love to know where you are on your own art business journey if that's something you're doing 🌷
Congrats on working so hard and getting to where you are today Mimi! You do inspire me and I found this useful too. 😊
I feel like I'm in phase 2, I've had a year of building up the foundations, creating content and learning. There's still more to do but I'm starting to explore monetisation. Having just done my tax for the first time as a sole trader I was pleased to see I earned some money in the first year, but still a way off from paying the bills yet! 😅 Hopefully that will grow this year.
Thanks again for sharing your progress and insights. 🤗
This is so inspiring Mimi. Thanks for sharing all that info. I'm still at phase 1 as I haven't illustrated for more than a decade now. Still catching up with what I lost. I'm learning and will definitely follow you on making at least one drawing per day.. Good luck with your future girl..!
Thank you Mimi for your video! It is so inspiring! I’m in the first phase learning and experimenting with my digital art. But it took me a lot of time to make the decision, that I want to be a freelance illustrator someday. Actually your story encouraged me to make this decision, thank you very much!
I always love these types of videos. It's enjoyable to see each persons journey as they find their own way in their career.
I very recently decided to make my art into a career, something I put off ever since I was young... because of the 'starving artist' stereotype. Well, the internet makes that point moot, and makes art so viable now! I am 2 months in, learning so much as I flop around like a fish finding my M.O. for this.
Thanks for sharing the video ❤
I'm in the skill building phase. Trying to make time to draw more.
I'm a 58 year old who has only recently (re)decovered what she wants to be when she grows up. I found this video was very informative, helpful and inspiring! Thank you!
The same for me. I'm 42 years old. 💪
Same here! Good luck!
Me too! I’ll be 58 in a couple of months!
Never too late to start something.
This comment inspires me so much 🙏🏼 I’m in my 30’s, I’m working to “unlearn” a lot of behaviors and held views such as “If I haven’t figured out my life’s (singular) trajectory by now, I have wasted time/field.” That’s such a silly mindset, but it really does feel like that when one is in their 20’s, and even now sometimes try to sneak back in now..
This video and comments like yours help me see, it’s not to late to commit/begin again, there’s still time..!
Congratulations on finding yet another path to your life’s adventures! :) 💕
I like how you specify “every weekday” as opposed to “draw every day”. sounds like it gives you a sense of balance making art throughout your week.
This video made me realize that you have to have artist friends online as well. As an introvert, it can be tough making friends but I'm hit with the realization that in order to reach out to people you gotta learn to adapt socially.
The struggle is real. Especially since I try to simplify my life by avoiding most major social media platforms, so I don't really have any presence there at all or know how they work. Guess there's no time like the present!
@@ajetc697 yea but i feel like they have to be active on real life socials like actually networking with people face to face going to events etc
@@ajetc697 the thing is the only way to succeed without the social media is having those connections irl. But for most ppl networking in real life is even harder.
You can do it. I'm so introverted I never learnt how to socialise when I was young. Then, when I grew up, I realised I needed/wanted to make friends. My first attempts usually made more enemies than friends simply because I lacked any sort of social skill.
But it got better. I kept making attempts and learned to appreciate all kinds of personalities. Being a Christian made it easier for me because not only is it part of my belief that I should be sharing what I know to anyone I meet, but it also provided me the goodwill I needed to even attempt that, when interacting with other people is like running a gauntlet for me.
The more you socialise, the better you'll get at it, and the more you'll enjoy it.
It's a skill just like art and people like us who are not naturally outgoing need to practise more than others.
How about meeting other artists who are also introverts and be friends with them.
Finally! Someone online who tells us directly what their strategy is and how it worked for them without the fog of vague nonsense. I see so many videos on 'how to become seccessful' (I know that's not what this is) and it's just babbling nonsense with no clear steps or valuable information.
You’re art journey is such an inspiration, watching your videos truly motivates me to not give up on my dream to become a full time illustrator. I just graduated from uni, and I have been stuck in a huge art slump, mostly because I don’t know where to begin and it’s quite terrifying!
I've definitely been there before, it's so hard to know where to go! Just know that it's ok if it takes you a little while to find your path and it's normal to take a few wrong turns - nothing is a waste of time! Also, I used to think that everyone else knew what they were doing but I've learned as I've gotten older that we're all in the same boat and just figuring it out as we go along 😊
Don't give up! Keep making art and share online, do your best ☺️👍
You are very talented sweetheart ❤
@MimimooIllustration are you able to cover all of your expenses with the money you make?
Currently in stage 1 attempting to learn, plan and establish a routine, not to give up. It's lovely videos like these that keep me going, Thank you
Me too!
I know you said your journey is slow but you progressed in your career so quickly! Congratulations!
I’m a writer, but writing is also an art and watching this was inspiring for me. I think I’m on phase 1 still but that’s mostly due to procrastinating and distracting myself so much; when not doing so, I take in the effort on my writing skills and share them on accounts I have to get people to not only notice me but also the skill I wish to share on. It’s a career I can see myself take off in but, of course, the development in doing so is difficult. Watching this was both a motivation and reminder - that I got the skills for the bulls, the mindset to choose what can work for me, the capability as long as I stay focus, and will see the success in the end through it all. Thank you for this. Really amazing work and effort here 😊
Hey, I'd love to dabble in both drawing and creative writing myself. How did you become a writer?
In my journey as an illustrator, I find myself between the first and the second: I'm developing my own drawing style and trying to build a community
I love telling stories that's why I'm currently working on my own webcomic ☺. I still haven't made any money and sometimes because of my emotional state I falter a bit in keeping up 😓, but I'm confident I'll be able to get by with this.💜
That's a great start, and a webcomic sounds like a great project! Keep it up and the money will come if that's something you want to focus on 😊✨
@@MimimooIllustration thank you 🤗
As a 30+-year entrepreneur and marketer, I thoroughly enjoy your journey and videos. Personally, because I'd like to learn how to draw for fun, but also because it's wonderful to see your strategy come to fruition. It is so well thought-out, patiently and consistently executed with passion and sharing your lessons along the way. I can just imagine that phase 2 might have been the toughest as you had to have energy, patience and faith in yourself that all would prove out. And, you have! Congratulations, Mimi!
I just started my Etsy shop and made my first sale, but I'm realizing I'm terrible at social media and posting regularly--but I like how you broke down your purpose for using each platform in a way beyond numbers and subscribers/followers. So I might spend some time after watching this thinking of ways to make it easier, goals, etc. Thanks for the video!!!
I've been a freelance artist for 30 years and recently I realised that while I have been working in my business I've done very little work ON it. I'm now soaking up information to turn my career into a scaleable endeavour that'll keep going when I inevitably slow down. Thank you for being so clear and savvy so early in your journey. It's a great help. Onwards and upwards!
Such a nice comment to read! I'm in the same boat: 25 years as an editorial illustrator, but have never been business minded. I guess it's never too late to start! Onwards and upwards indeed! Good luck to you on the journey too;).
This video was not only insightful but so pleasant to watch. I love the way you break down business and marketing in a way that’s super simple and easy to understand. I know as creatives we can be so intimidated by these concepts, but you show that we can be creative and run a sustainable business, they don’t have to be mutually exclusive! Thank you so much for all that you do and please keep up the great work! ❤
Thank you so much! Absolutely, it doesn't have to be one or the other, it's just hard as a creative to know where to start with the business side of things!
Your videos are always so motivating, engaging, and help me kick away the imposter syndrome I have when trying to follow my own art dreams. 💕 I recently just left my toxic job to pursue my art biz goals full-time and I have never felt so excited yet scared in my life!! I’m currently in the early stages of just building up an audience and starting to setup other platforms so watching videos like this keeps me motivated when the voice in my head says it’s impossible. Thank you for your inspiring and amazing content!
Yesss so excited for you! It's definitely scary but hold on to that excitement and passion so that you can build the future that you want for yourself 🌷✨
I'm halfway through the video and I had to say that I love how you've mentioned the timeline of things. It's so easy to feel rushed in the journey to success especially when you're struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes you need to be told that progress just takes time!
Congratulations on your hard work and success, Mimi. Truly inspiring. And as an Aussie, I’m extra proud of you in a world dominated by artists from other countries. I’ve been learning digital art for a couple of years and feel like I’ve hardly progressed at all 😂. Have had a Redbubble store that’s done nothing and now setting up an Etsy store. I’m the example of your worse case scenario where at least I have a record of my work on Instagram and some beautiful new art friends ☺️. I was especially encouraged to hear how it took you a while to find your own style because I struggle with that but when I look at your work I see a clear style that is gorgeous and uniquely you. Thank you for sharing this and it’s also beautifully presented
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Alison! It's always lovely to hear from a fellow Aussie 😊 So nice to hear that you have some positives to take from your journey and I'm sure that you've progressed more than you give yourself credit for (us artists tend to do that a lot 😅).
@@MimimooIllustration thank you for your kind reply
Would you mind dropping your instagram name? Id love to check out your work!
As a visual learner, this video was so so helpful. I'm currently in Phase 1 of my art journey. It's been a while since I've taken my art seriously but there's no better time to start than now. Thank you for making such a concise and beautiful video!!
It's so incredibly comforting to see somebody else who likes to draw and sketch small and is still a successful professional artist (traditional artist here!)! I've watched countless art tip videos that push the notion that drawing small is inherently a bad thing, that bigger is better - especially in finished pieces - and I'm often insecure about the size of finished products of what I create. Of course I draw larger when I need to but I've never liked drawing super size. Thank you for that!
I have just started my small business about a month ago. I'm from India and as a Indian kid it's hard. In just one month I have been judged by my friends for keeping the prices high and not receiving much customers. Although I know it will take some time to grow I still feel bad. But watching your video was really comforting. thank you for sharing how you grew your business 😊
*I sell clay jewelry currently*
Not an art channel, but my sister and I are trying to set up a cooking channel. She's the charismatic chef and I'm the obsessive techie who just discovered a love for video editing, so. . . here's hoping! It was really helpful to hear about how you put together the different pieces to make a robust model - so many similar videos focus on a single (often brittle) platform. I wish you all the best and look forward to more insight into your process!
apart from digital art, you also have an incredible knack for video editing!! This video WAS art, I’m curious if it was something you also had to discover/learn when you decided CZcams or was it something you had previous experience in? 🤩
I have realized my plan to become a full time artist has been living mostly above my head, floating around. Watching your video helped enormously by providing concrete guidelines and real life inspiration. I am an older artist with little abilities for digital medium. However I realize that just means learning new skills. And I can do that. Thank you, I’ll be returning to watch more videos to help keep me going!
Your videos are so fun to watch! They don´t just give an idea of how to make money as an artist but are also so lovely to just look at with all these cute little animations and their aesthetics. Thanks for putting so much work and effort into them ❤ I always get so excited and happy just by watching them 🤗
Aw so sweet of you, thanks so much!
helpful ideas , thanks for sharing
Can I just say how much you and Dan upgrade on the editing and beautiful effects?!? Love it! I think I'm in phase 3!
Aw thank you Daksha! Phase 3 is a great place to be, it's great to get to see you growing as an artist 🥰
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really needed this. I've been trying to grow my art business with no success. I was getting so discouraged that I was about to shut it all down and just keep on going with my full time job but this video really inspired me to keep going.
Thank you! You have no idea how much I needed this, you made my day ♥
Being a baker this video was so inspiring for me and I hope someday I'll be able to build a community and business of my own. Btw your artwork is awesome ❤
Your persistence is admirable. your journey is not easy at all. The fact that you never gave up and pushed yourself is so inspirational. Keep up your good work :)
I love that you say that you gave yourself time to learn the skills to master your art in 2-3 years. Im in that stage now and honestly, it has been so so many years since I drawn anything, and I want to pick it up again. With new things to learns and platforms to familiaize. It's so motivating to see your videos.
I'm at the first stage. I was so nervous to even start or if I was good enough. But I'm glad there's so many other artists willing to share their journey because it gives me the confidence to start mine. Thank you so much for sharing!
I started my business as an artist with Redbubble and Patreon in 2019, Ko-fi in 2020 and DeviantArt Subscriptions in 2022. Although I have yet to receive income from these online platforms, I am still determined to make them a financial success. I have been improving my art skills and learning to run my business with online learning platforms like SkillShare, Paintable, Udemy and CZcams. Over a few years, my art has improved to the extent that I have to do Art Commissioning and Freelance work to help my family with living expenses and create financial freedom for myself. Thank you for your video, Mini. I am encouraged to take my career as an Artist and Animator more seriously.
Love from Malaysia! Your video always motivated me when I was depressed! Thank you so much for creating these meaningful videos!
So glad to hear that! 🥰
Congratulations on reaching some of your goals. I hope we can walk with you on more of your journeys to reach even more goals. 😊😊😊Thank you for inspiring me and so many!!
Hi, Mimi! just wanted to drop by and let you know that you are serving your purpose of giving positive vibes so well. Believe me or Not, but I've been hooked by your videos and I'm binge watching them since morning (its evening now as i'm writing this). Idk what but there is something so unique and beautiful in your videos, in your voice that is keeping me hooked. love the way your videos are edited, its an absolute delight to watch them, the way you combine it with illustrations and cute texts makes it more special. Thanks for being honest and showing the BTS so precisely. You are an inspiration. Very well deserved growth, wishing you the best of everything and I would love to meet and work with you one day. Feels like I've met an elder sister in you. Thanks for being here. Keep Growing and Glowing 😘
Your art is cute and comforting! I’m still in phase 1 or 2 of my art business journey, learning skills and slowly building an audience. It’s hard not to get distracted with my day job but we persevere!
Really love the style of your videos. They are very inspiring to watch.
Thank you for such a clear, easy to envision and realistic look at a business path. I feel my own path was hampered by unrealistic expectations of myself and my business to succeed overnight. Love your channel and what you share! 😊🥰
Inspiring! Beautiful journey Mimi
Thank you Mimi ❤
You’ve come such a long way. Thank you for the value and inspiration, also congratulations on your book and success 🙌
This is so genuine, so real and actually inspirational.
This is by far the best video I’ve found on this topic… thank you so much !
Thank you for this! I love your art style so much!
I have started from scratch too , and I guess I'm on the first phase , though I'm not gradual but your story inspired me a lot , I gonna go share my ideas even if I don't like it and gonna make myself feel comfortable with my art , Thank you 💕
Your videos are so well done, thought out, and informative!! Thank you so much for all your hard work!
Congrats to you and thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Your story is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing it!
I would say I'm at the beginning of phase 2. Took 3 years but that's because I had no idea what niche I wanted to follow alongside my ever changing art style in the early days. I'm just starting to get my footing now.
Video was so inspiring! In my mind that's some FAST growth! Congratulations!
Also you helped me out a little here, so I will be running to another video of yours for some more advice 😆🙏
This has to be the best video ive seen explaining the thought process and realistic timeline of how things came along. Ive been mulling and holding back on really starting a business. Your video has inspired me and im confident i can make it, its just nice to see an organic growth and your art is beautiful.
I am in phase 2 of growing my art an my art business 🎉
I love your clarity!
I love your videos. Besides being so informative, I feel like being mentored well by you through your videos. For me who has just officially started my full-time journey as an artist, your videos have been guiding me a lot. Thank you!
You do a really nice job of making things easy to understand breaking things down and making them visual for us. Love your style to share both your work and ideas and progress. Thank you for taking the time to help people, your illustrations are beautiful as well. x
This was so well-made, insightful and inspiring!
Needed to see this, thank you 🙏🏼
Mimi! I just wanted to say thank you so much for making these videos :) They are incredibly helpful and inspirational
I love your inspiration :) it's extremely helpful
Loved watching this, such an amazing journey! Wish you all the best for the future 😊💛
Thank you for posting this! :)
Mimimoo! Congratulations to you and your ongoing achievements. Love your honesty and your keeping it simple. You have inspired me to ‘go again’. Thank you. 😊
yees Mimi, always so inspiring to watch your videos! I just love being part of your journey it keeps me motivated and excited. I am slooooowly starting to make some extra money from my art, and I have been focusing on getting super clear on my plans for my business. So I am really at the beginning, but excited and determined. 🧡✨
That was a wonderful video mini ❤.
Am impressed and inspired by your journey ♥️
love the way you are telling the whole process!!
i love how you edited this 4:00, the art community is so nice !!
Thank you so much for this video! It gives me a lot of motivation! I am just starting out, and am on the phase 1.
Thank you for making people like myself feel less alone!
Loved this video! Thanks for sharing!
This definitely helps. I'm at the beginning stage of my new online store and a part of me wants to quit because of how difficult it is but I still want to do it. Appreciate you for sharing this. 🙏
I came across your channel recently. And I'm glad i did. You've given the push i needed to start working on becoming an artist. And be motivated through out the journey. Thankyou so much 🦋💟💖
I started watching your channel in late 2020 that's when I started working on improving my art as well. Unfortunately I couldn't keep up with the schedule and stopped painting daily. But I'm super happy for you - you've come a long way! Congratulations and good luck with your art journey! ⭐✨
It‘s so helpful for me, you‘re shared a lot of tipps - thank you so much ❤
You’re so talented!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey ❤
I think I’m on phase 2 of my art journey. Such a lovely video, thanks 😊
This is so inspiring and helpful to not anyone just starting an art business but any business. Thank you so much and much luck on the rest of your journey!
this was such an inspiring video. such great insights. wishing you more success Mimi 😀🥰
So happy for you! Thanks for sharing the journey.
Still figuring out my own art path
This was incredibly helpful! I opened my shop earlier this year and my channel got monetised as well, so I’m slowly starting to earn a bit from my art - nowhere near minimum wage, but it’s definitely encouraging and incredibly satisfying! Thank you for always being so open and transparent with these topics and for these beautiful videos🌷
This is truly inspiring 🥺 and motivating to me because I've recently wanted to start a business of my own. Thank you for your honesty ☺️
Thank you so much sharing this video this what i neede ❤
You’re doing such a good job with what you set out to do. You’re videos are always so informative, positive, and just enjoyable to watch. Also inspirational! I hope to be where you are one day as a full time artist as well. Thank you for giving us all of your little nuggets of wisdom !! 😊
OKAY!! this was my first video ive seen of yours and can i say this was sooooo informative. i literally took so many notes. ive been in and out with my art because im also an actress. its felt like im all over the place after i had opened my online store and then it got shut down because i wasnt practicing my art and being more proactive with the shop once it opened. Ive been rebranding and planning how multiple platforms & feed everything and this was so helpful!! thank youuuuuu
This video came in time thank you for this ❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey! 🧡
THANK YOU for this video!!!! I've been struggling to get my art business going for a long time now! I really really appreciate all the time you took to clearly lay out goals and explain steps so people (like myself) who struggle with the starting steps have clear directions to use as a guide!!
You are an inspiration to many! ❤ All the best for everything that you wish to do! Love your videos! 😊
such a fresh view❤ love your healthy and realistic approach!
Inspirational!! I am in phase 1- working as graphic designer and building up my skills with watercolor and oils! The social media aspect stresses me out
I love how you explain the difference purpose of each platform. Most people will just repurpose posts and all social media account has the same posts. Thank you for sharing your art business journey :D I am on Phase 1 for years because I can't move on from choosing target audience and what type of business should I start doing. Nothing seems to stick. I feel so distracted and have so many ideas.
I’m so impressed with how much work you put into this one video alone - on top of everything else you’re achieving and teaching yourself!! Very inspiring!! I’m probably between Phase 1 and 2 tbh 😅 but I love how organized this video is - I’m definitely taking notes! 📝 ❤ and I’m a new subscriber! 🥹
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I just subscribed and have only seen a couple of your videos so far. Imperative info.
Your art journey is incredible! 😍 Thank you for sharing - your videos really keep me motivated 🥰
Dear Mimi, your art journey is incredible! I really admire your determination, your hard work and how you kept true to yourself and helped others along the way. It is truly a beautiful journey which I believe you should be very proud of. Thank you so much for sharing it with everyone else. I think that through your journey you can really show others that it is possible for someone to become an illustrator, which for me, and I believe for many others as well, is priceless...to know that maybe our creative dreams can become a reality.
I am at the very beginning stage and I have to say that sometimes it is hard to keep the motivation :( ...it may be easier if I manage my expectations and have more patience with the process...I am currently following some tutorials on CZcams, but then it seems like I am just "copying" others' images and not doing something mine...so I'm struggling with what my style is, what I like to draw, as well as, with improving my techniques... another thing is that I don't envision myself as an CZcamsr, so I wonder if being on Instagram only would be sufficient to become an illustrator...
Thank you Mimi, this is very helpful, concise and inspiring. I have a degree in art and design and have done nothing with it for the 20 years. I was always scared of the business side because I felt I wasn’t savvy enough. However this year I have finally taken the plunge to commit learning how to get my art out into the world. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Very informative, thank you a lot! I made a lot of notes during this video. Wish you the best in your journey!
What a great video/journey! Your art is gorgeous.
You described this all so wonderfully. I’m still in stage one looking to see where to go. I’m not sure I want to become a full time artist but it would be rewarding to earn something from what I create. I am certain I’m on a good path by learning the fundamentals and strengthening my skills. I want to learn more from you!
Thank you so much for sharing your own process with building a career in art - I'm at the starting line right now after finally completing my Uni degree and having the context you've provided for building everything up over time is incredibly helpful! Illustration is just one of the things I want to do, and after listening to this video I've thought of a few ideas about building my own ideal career, so thank you again. Maybe one day I'll be at a point where I can encourage people, too, just like you have done for me and many others :)
If you see this comment and have the time, I'd love to know a bit more about how you decided on your goals in the first place. I work across a number of fields including 3D art, illustration, graphic design and more, and deciding on how to deploy them in a sustainable way has been hard, but perhaps using your weekday model could help with a day each week spent on something new!
Thank you again, and I hope you have an awesome day!
Thank you for inspiring all of us!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and experience ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this! ❤
I recently just started to develop my art skills seriously (I've been doodling here and there, but no formal education background or professional experience in arts or anything like that). I'm looking forward to eventually earning a stable income from my art but was clueless about how to pave my way realistically. After watching your video, I have a much clearer expectation of how much work I should be doing and for how long. Again, thank you!
You've just gained a subscriber/follower/fan. 😊
I’ve followed you for a while and I’m so proud of you Mimi you’ve worked so hard you really deserve it.
If you make a course for skillshare please let us know x