Can Illustration pay the bills?
Illoguild question #16
This month, we're tackling a taboo topic in the illustration world - how we earn money from our craft.
We believe in breaking barriers and sharing our experiences to help each other grow. We all answer the question, “ Can Illustration Pay the Billls?” Together we aim to uncover the secrets to financial success as illustrators. Our thoughts as discussed in our individual newsletters are below.
We are thrilled to congratulate Carla Hoffenberg for having her illustration selected for publication in the ‘Our Heart Australia Anthology’, to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Also, we are incredibly excited to shine a spotlight on the immensely talented illustrator, Jen Gubicza. Her exceptional skills and unique style using 3-D plush, make her a true standout in the industry.
Lastly, our first Illoguild Live Session was a huge success!
Please join us for our next one Join Authors, Illustrators, and Creative Entrepreneurs in the ILLOGUILD as we discuss the elephant in the room. MONEY. It’s on Monday 6 November - click on the register link below to see the time in your location. See you there!
The illoguild shares their perspectives on money in the illustration industry:
Jennifer shares her first experiences making money from her art and how that propelled “creating a career and a life as a creative”.
Noreen shares her personal journey - “Balancing your passion for art with financial realities is an ongoing process.”
Jen talks about how illustration has been an investment so far, but art has paid ALL of her bills.
Katie shares practical 7 tips for making money as an illustrator, based on her personal experience.
Adam shares his thoughts to a person who wants to make a living making:“What are we selling? In a job, even a creative job, you are trading time for money.”
Carla talks about increasing sales of your picture books - she provides insights and tips on how to make your book more discoverable and easily accessible for potential readers.
Each month we answer a question relating to illustration. We would love you to be part of the discussion and join our community.
And if you are already a subscriber - thanks for continuing to read our newsletter and come on this journey with us. We love having you here!
Announcements
Carla Hoffenberg was selected to have an illustration published in “Our Australian HeART” by Just Write For Kids Australia and Friends. It’s a special edition hard cover anthology celebrating the diversity, life and colours of Australia. A percentage of book sale proceeds will be donated to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Its out in November, but you can pre-purchase a copy here.
Illoguild Illustrator Spotlight
Jen Gubicza graduated with a BFA in graphic design from MICA in 2001. From 1997-2008, she worked as a Graphic Designer & then Creative Director at the design studio Big Blue Dot (clients there included Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, NFPA, National Geographic, VIZ media, and MoMA).
In 2004, Jen started making handmade toys as a hobby. With the evolution of online selling tools like Etsy & the growth of the Maker movement, Jen made the decision to go full time with her handmade toy & decor business Zooguu in 2008. Together with her husband Brian, who is also an illustrator, Jen sells her work at fine art + craft shows, conventions, online, and in small shops throughout the United States. The Zooguu Studio is a 1200 sq. ft. space located on the island of Nahant, MA. Zooguu was awarded the 2021 Artist in Residence position for Beverly, MA.
Jen has also designed and fabricated the Lockheed the dragon puppets for the X-Men New Mutants film, contributed soft sculpture to gallery shows, and created custom toys and soft sculptures for corporate clients (Etsy.com, Facebook, Hasbro and Burr! Productions).
Her design and work experience in the kid’s entertainment industry and running her own handmade toy business has led to her next adventure in the picture book industry. She has taken illustration courses with Lilla Rogers Studio and the Make Art That Sells team, writing courses at Storyteller Academy and The Writer’s Loft, and is a member of IlloGuild, an international children’s writing & illustrating critique group.
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