041 - How I Made $125k/year as a Freelance Illustrator

In the latest episode of the Design Break podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful journey through Rocky's career as a full-time illustrator and freelancer, during which he consistently achieved six-figure incomes. Rocky debunks the myth of the "starving artist" and shares three key strategies that propelled his success.Firstly, Rocky highlights the importance of targeting the right clients, emphasizing his focus on tech startups with existing funding. By doing so, he secured larger projects and substantially higher earnings compared to traditional editorial work.Secondly, Rocky advocates diversifying services beyond simple illustrations. He recounts his success in offering additional services such as character and mascot designs, illustrated storyboards, and a unique "illustration style discovery" package, which brought in substantial revenue, exceeding six figures.Lastly, Rocky underscores the value of versatility, as he adeptly adapted his style to suit various clients' needs. Being an "illustration chameleon" allowed him to attract a broader clientele and more projects.Listeners are encouraged to adopt these strategies and adapt them to their creative careers. Rocky also shares a list of his favorite illustrators, offering inspiration to aspiring artists and creatives.This episode serves as a motivating testament to the potential for financial success in the world of illustration, dispelling the notion of the struggling artist and providing actionable insights for those looking to thrive in the industry.