I've been a freelance illustrator for around 10 years, but mostly i was waiting for clients to find me and kept refusing jobs because i felt i wasn't good enough to make people pay for my art. I earned basically nothing (i'm lucky i live in a place for free and just pays for food) and procrastinated all day. I felt like i had to find an "actual job" because this was going nowhere, and mostly just because of me. All day i was drawing comics and post them online (for free) and that made me the happiest but i needed to get money at some point! Last year i saw one of your videos talking about your plan for the year, and i took your notion board (i didn't know about notion, i LOVE IT now and use it for everything!) and i don't know, it's like you finally convinced me that i would be able to live properly as an artist. I was stuck in my head thinking whaterver i do it'll be useless, but you motivated me (after 10 years!) to finally actually try. I participated in a comic contest last year, i won a little price (moneyy 😊) and i got noticed by a company thanks to it! we're talking about a long term contract now. It just boosted my confidence and gave me hope for the future. Thank you so much for the efforts you put by making your videos. I binge watched you channel last year and keep watching every new video. I'm glad it gives you an income and promotes your art while giving us actual good advices! This year, wether i'm signing with this company or not, i have goals to earn more, diversify my sources of income and promote my art better ! Thank you !! 💖
@@evilspirit92 Nope :( it was Webtoon btw, so we went back and forth with scenario ideas and modifications and no news for the past few months. But I realized working with them wouldnt give me the income I need to live properly, and they basically ask you to work too much, so im happy to change strategies. I kept drawing commissions on Instagram to save money and im gonna make my own website to sell my illustrations. I contacted my city's newspaper to ask for an article about me (they often do that for local artists to help promote them). I still need to finish paperwork to legally start to sell and make a website (and actual art to sell 😅). It's funny you ask me today cause i was just here now to rewatch Kelsey's videos for motivation.
@@ahahahahhahaha192 self taught and full time artist :) but sometimes i dont earn much for a while so i have to take side jobs like retail, babysitting, cleaning, stuff like that to make money 🫤
I love how transparent you are, I love seeing analytics and income growth, I feel like it’s super taboo to talk money socially because it brings up lots of resentful behaviors or patronizing superiority but it’s inspiring to just hear other peoples goals and experiences.
I think a powerful aspect of planning is sharing your plans with your audience, like you do in this video. For one thing, it keeps you accountable to follow through. It's also a very effective marketing strategy - as someone who loves your channel and your art, seeing your goals laid out like this makes me want to spend money on your business! Good luck Kelsey, I can't wait to see what 2023 brings to your art career :D
I feel like people get a bit upset that you aren't posting more art, but man, you're doing a good thing here. For those of us not complaining, your advice really helps and it is hard to find ANYWHERE else! Thank you for making these types of videos.
It’s kind of frustrating, I’ve been sharing my art consistently in videos but people just don’t watch them as much as these ones, which is a big reason why I’m shifting focus to sharing that stuff on a second channel. I’m super grateful for your support and I’m glad you’re liking the business stuff! 🥰
@Kelsey Rodriguez I like the business stuff, but also the art stuff. It makes sense if you're putting it into a different channel though, as they're kind of two different topics, and I'm realizing that a lot of your subscribers have most likely come here for the business side of things, so it might be difficult to keep everyone happy . Is your other art channel up and running ? I'd love to watch and subscribe!
I don't have a small *art* business, but your videos are always encouraging and overall enlightening for the small business I do have! I work with a lot of artists (for comic editing and publishing) and I always like to share your videos with them just because you make success feel a lot more tangible and accessible. It always sucks to hear the constant woes of not being able to make a living off art/creative ventures/freelance but I'm glad that you're out here not only encouraging people but also showing how they can do it.
Kelsey, you're the only art channel so far that've convinced me it's possible to make a living, and a good one at that, from starting an art business and pursuing my dream. Thank you!
I'm 31 w/ a college degree, making minimum wage & it seems impossible to be able to afford a house. I can't even afford healthcare. I go through periods where I want to give up building a successful career for myself. Sorry, not trying to bum anyone out lol. I mean to say this because I often feel hopeless but Kelsey's videos have really been making me feel less alone, like it really is possible to have stability as an artist. I gave up finding work for years until I discovered art youtube and now something in me feels like it's changed. We'll see tho. I joined the discord so maybe I'll meet more ppl like me there :) Thank you for encouraging others!
The housing market is really insane, it's crazy to think that a few decades ago buying a house on a single person's income was actually feasible. I'm tentatively optimistic that things will get better in the next ten years or so once the situation becomes truly untenable and hits a breaking point that will require legislation, but it's rough out there. I'm finally in a position where I can afford healthcare after three years of going without, I can totally empathize. folks in the Discord are great and lots of them have been where you are, know that we're rooting for you
GIRL sponsored by NOTION my god I just gasped!! outloud, lol! I started using Notion after you mentioned it in a vid over a year ago, and now my whole freelance teaching business revolves around my notion databases! I'm so glad your channel is doing so well to be picked up by such a big company (& also an awesome one, why is notion so good)
a very unreal moment!! crossing my fingers and hoping they'll sponsor videos on a regular basis because I literally live and breathe in notion as we all know lol
I am SO GLAD I found your account. I'm an artist but I'm also a hardcore numbers girl, and as I seek out advice and guidance on my own "grow your business" journey, the lack of detail, ambiguity, and vagueness I see from a lot of people makes it very difficult to set any kind of concrete expectations. I love this breakdown and you made it sound so matter of fact and achievable, which is inspiring to me, someone who has a hard time imagining making even $30,000 in a year!
Another idea I would pay for, is art business consulting/coaching. I would LOVE just 5 minutes with you. I'm sure a boatload of other people would love that too. I'm 65 years old, just now learning about all of this stuff and I'm overwhelmed. But excited too. You're so honest and real, I just love your channel.
Thanks for making this video, Kelsey! I made my own plans for this year, and I definitely agree. Planning is super helpful, and I think it’s okay to reach for something that…maybe you aren’t sure about. I hope to be monetized this year, and while there are some days that I definitely think it’s doable, I have times where I worry about it a little. But ultimately, it gives us something to work towards. We can’t control directly how much money we make as creatives when it comes to certain things, but we can plan and do the things that make it more likely that we will achieve our goals. I think you’ll definitely achieve what you’re setting out to do here! Congrats on how far you’ve made it, and that’s a great thing to do for your sister! ❤
That is really inspiring, thank you! I'm an starting art freelancer and i made 1100$ dollars in the 2022 year. It's not that much, but it's 200% more then previous year. I hope to reach new financial goal this year. Thank you for the motivation to grow!
Hello Kelsey!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us all 🙂 I also want to thank you for suggestig the book The 30-Day Sketchbook Project! I am on day 5 and LOVING IT!! I have wanted to learn to draw for some time now but have always believed that you had to be born with that talent. I would always look at drawings of other people and would always feel that it's just out of my reach. It wasn't until a co-worker of mine and you started to make me feel as though it was possible to learn to have the EYE of a sketcher or painter or whatever. I'n now realizing that there are no boundaries. I was always so quick to criticize a piece of my own work instead of relaxing and letting whatever flows flow. So really, thank you making me aware of this book!! I really feel like I'm on another creative journey this year! I know you will reach your goal of sales Kelsey - I have no doubt about it !! You are a wonderful artist!!
As someone who had to shut their shop down bc of budget and undervaluing my products and haven't started anything new for a year you bring me lots of hope :) I feel like im all out of ideas but then I remember your vids and I came back like im watching the first time and just feel inspired again
Really hoping you get all of this! I am hoping to get monetized this year to really make art my career and your channel has motivated me and inspired me in general and I love watching your videos! They feel very comforting!
Thank you Kelsey, for everything you share in your channel! You are truly inspiring and the way you put it, everything feels more duable . I just wanted to let you know that You have convinced me to start my own Art TH-cam channel! Keep shining and all the best of luck! Kristi
I think it's wonderful that you are factoring in others but do put yourself first (especialy with getting a property as it gives stability) and take breaks when you need to. x
Hi Kelsey, I can't imagine why you can't reach your $150K goal this year! Your clear plan, not any person's vague hope (that that person calls plan), is very actionable. I'd like to do the same in making pizzas. Thank you for your inspiration!
Always appreciate your videos 💖 once I started embracing the content creation side of being an artist online, my etsy shop started doing so much better! One of my goals this year is to work towards sponsorships ( that what I dnt have to constantly put pressure on myself to make art the will sell just to pay the bills each month)
Thank you for another inspiring video Kelsey!! you really motivate me and help me to believe in my ability to pursue art as a career! I got Notion last year because of you and seeing yours again, I have new ideas to revamp it so it can be a more useful tool to me as I try to grow my TH-cam channel and find other income streams. I love your videos and your perspective so much and appreciate your hard work!
I be content in knowning the odds of anyone reading thisbare low especially ya Kelsey. Just came across your channel from a random algo push and well....watching videos like these give me some type of hope that I could be successful and happy and make money like you but then I seep back into my depression and know there won't be much to trying since I probably wont be around due to the one reason I still breathe, god bless her, my mother may not be around to even see if any effort had turned into fruition.... That was a dark turn...but point is, please dont ever stop. Also love the openness with these video
I wish you the best for your goal!, saddly I can't relate to your goal as an artist.. the last year I barely did 1K with my work(commissioned illustrations), but I hope this year will be better somehow
Super ambitious, but you have a solid plan! :D I would also like to double my sales in this year. However I have been working as a full time artist for 10 years now and growth has always been slow and steady, never really exponential. I just started my youtube channel so who knows what will happen this year! 😀😀😀
Came for the content, staying for the content, but also the sponsored ad reads. This might be the first time I’ve seen ads that feel like information and not sales 😍
I would like to make this the first year I break $50k with my art career. I've wavered between $20-30k/year the past few years because I've only done, like, 90% commissions and adoptables. I want to change that.
If you're getting consistently booked for commissions, definitely consider raising your prices! I've also seen artists have great success with stuff like pre-made emote/sub badge packs. It sounds like you should maybe take a weekend to brainstorm some passive income streams/digital products. It can really make a big difference!
@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you for the feedback! I'm thanking of doing coloring page pack downloads, as well as grimoire downloads with info on fae, spell ingredients, etc. (I'm pagan), and stopping commissions altogether this year. I'm already booked out to late March as it stands with commissions and I'm pretty burnt out. lol I'm also wanting to open a stationary shop with stickers, notebooks, etc. featuring my designs.
@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you!! I'm starting a TH-cam channel, too. I've just been struggling with getting my first video up. I wanna make sure it's done well.
I disagree? everything hinges on the experiences and the lessons I learn from being an artist. Without me making art there's nothing to talk about in videos. I share my art all the time. You don't have to follow in my footsteps if making content isn't something appealing to you
@@KelseyRodriguez he is right in that it's just a small percentage of income that is derived from traditional / physical art products. However Kelsey is professional artist and mentor and a huge resource for creative people or anyone building a business. I see this as service to community of the highest degree. What is more important than that as an artist?
i appreciate you being transparent and sharing your goals and planning. as an aspiring artist, i would say that i have approached this video moreso as an individual than just an aspiring artist. these were important things that you laid out and i appreciate your honesty and dedication to share that with us.
Hi Kelsey, I've been subscribed to your channel through another account of mine for a while and I have to give you the biggest thanks because you have inspired me to create my own art channel by showing me that is it completely possible to thrive financially as an artist through social media and hard work!! I've wanted to be an artist since I was a child but I ended up going to school and got a traditional job. Your channel has given me the courage and the roadmap to pursue my true passion - art. Thank you so much and please keep up the great content!!
Definitely found this motivating! This year my goal is to successfully relaunch my art business. Your videos have been such a huge help. Question, which website or what recommendation for starting up with prints?
I'd definitely buy a notion course from you, you seem to have quite experience in that! I don’t understand how database work! Just an Idea, thank you for sharing valuable content in all your videos
Your right on point with your business and I’m just starting but haven’t sell items from my Art business because I’m setting up my shops online and I’m about to start in person too 🙏🏾
00:05 Goal to make over $150,000 in revenue by doubling last year's earnings 01:25 Planning and budgeting are crucial for success as an artist. 02:32 Diversifying Income Sources 03:41 Taking on sponsorships can significantly boost income for artists. 04:55 Notion makes life easier by helping organize and manage social media content. 06:05 Planning to increase revenue through memberships and online courses 07:15 Setting income goals based on course sales 08:24 Strategic planning can empower artists to achieve financial goals
This might sound weird but those tomatoes are looking amazing 😅 really good job! love the colours and specially the light! 💖😻 cant wait to finally start to see more of your art 😻💖
your motivation and passion is SO inspiring! i'm hoping to create my own store and continue profiting from artist alleys this year, my goal as a part-time student is 10k€ in 2023
I appreciate your advice and approach so much. Your videos inspired me to (re)jump start my TH-cam channel and put your advice into practice. I feel like I had this big gap in knowledge about how this whole “running a TH-cam channel” thing works, but you fill in the gaps with every new video. Thanks so much for sharing your plan! I’m wanting to drop everything and work on my planning for the year now too ❤
9:16 Yep! Another great video, Kelsey. I appreciate your encouragement to honor the planning process, and you’re right - plans do change - but having that record, as you say, of what we’re thinking and hoping for as we develop our plans can really be valuable to us over the long haul, as a reference point from where we started (or started again, as the case may be for some of us). Just yesterday, I was reflecting on the time, in 2021, when I wrote out some business plans on a napkin (truly - it was the closest piece of paper that I had in the moment), which I still have. That plan has been transformed in multiple ways since then, for a variety of reasons, both positive and otherwise, but that ‘napkin plan’ is still an important record of my thought processes back then, and some of those ideas remain intact and have become vital to me now. These days, I’m in the process of learning to use NOTION to help me, not just with my business, but my life as a whole. My brain often experiences difficulties processing information, and the NOTION app almost feels like Therapy, in terms of how much it helps me sort and prioritize my thoughts and actions. Thank you again for being so descriptive in how you’re using the app in your business. This is such valuable info! 😊
do you have a notion template for the diy art school? not with your courses and stuff but like the base template so i can put my online courses in etc love your channel, hope you reach/surpass your goals this year ❤
You'll have to delete all the pre-entered info but yeah! here it is: seed-parmesan-0a6.notion.site/DIY-Art-School-Template-769d3ad2073e452c844ce7057ab85286
im wondering would notion be up to make a how to use notion series etc with you,,, ive heard such good things about notion but even with the apps great instructions i just dont understand how people get so much out of it
I think it's very brave of you to make several videos honestly explaining what your plans have been to achieve your goals all this time. - That is to be a standing ovation. 👏👏 I imagine it is extremely difficult to please your audience completely when you have reached a high level of popularity in the community. And it must be even more difficult to create content when you have such a large, diverse community with different interests - obviously they are all related in some way to the art on your channel. Generalizing I think that for some people art is and will always be a hobby, for others it will be just for appreciation, and for others, like me, it will be our job too. I want to thank you VERY much for doing all the kinds of videos you have been doing on your channel - Business&Art and your podcast. It has helped and inspired me a lot to plan better and do what makes me really happy. It motivates me to pursue my dreams and make them come true. I will make them come true. Thanks again for making this video and all the other playlists.
If I’m able to start my own business and sell one piece of art this year I’m happy😅 What I’m most insecure about is the business side of things so I’m currently looking for some sort of business course to see what applies to my country. But good for you that you have some bigger goals😊
Your videos are always very inspirational! While I don't have as big hopes as you, I do have some, and watching your videos helps me keep track of them and stay focused on the right things. I really like your videos, and you've helped me be more proactive toward my goals. keep going, you're amazing :)
How are you doing now a year later? :) I hope to see success that's at least half of yours at the moment of you publishing this video. It's really inspiring!
i haven’t fully run the numbers yet but i think i make just about six figures, but not more than that! this goal was a bitttt ambitious but definitely helped me go in the right direction!
Hi kelsey, love your vids they are all so inspiring! Do you mind sharing how’d you get sponsorships from brands? Do they approach you or do you approach them? 💜
Just watched this out of curiosity and like how you have a pragmatic approach to your income and goals. I did chuckle though when an automated shouty advert played afterwards with “HERE’S HOW ME AND MA BRO MADE $50 MILLION!” 😂😂 I think it’s clear who is more honest! Thank you for the insight! Will check out Notion. 👍
I just finished my art school and now im out in the cold world trying to find my way on making a life with my work. I mainly do digital illustration and trying to build an audience or even look for work freelance wise. Are their sites fro me to try and find jobs fro a freelance artist like myself? Where would you go on setting prints or take in commissions? They didnt really teach all the aftermath of being an artist in college so it's really hard on what to do at this point.
I had to upgrade my SSDs to accommodate the larger files but other than that? everything is great, the footage is better and the low light performance is awesome
Hey Kelsey. Thanks for your great video's. I have checked out quite a few. I am a digital artist myself now for a year now and I created hundreds of works, having sold nothing at all . I am really curious to know what I am doing wrong. Maybe it's the works on my site or my sales-market (currently only Canada) ore something else.I am desperate to know as my website is clearly not generating any sales..Looking at your story, it even makes me happy that it should be possible, but my question is :how? So I have become very disillusioned and started doubting my works.I know I am learning every day and improve (hopefully) on my work...any other comments are welcome as I like to learn for sure. Cheers.
I understand everything you said and I agree that I think you can do it. But I am unsure how I can translate this into my art career. Like I currently have only one art income stream which is commissions and with commissions you can force extra people to buy. I dunno 🤷🏻♀️
🎉 Start planning for your new year with Notion, get started for free: ntn.so/kelsey
I started using notion a few months ago because of your videos! Glad they're sponsoring you!
Love that you're planning for this and I hope you exceed all of your dreams this year.
Omg I can't believe you're here! Love the both of you ;))
Thank you Scott! That Thranduil painting was great work btw
@@KelseyRodriguez Oh. You're too kind. Thank you! ♥
Omg
I've been a freelance illustrator for around 10 years, but mostly i was waiting for clients to find me and kept refusing jobs because i felt i wasn't good enough to make people pay for my art. I earned basically nothing (i'm lucky i live in a place for free and just pays for food) and procrastinated all day. I felt like i had to find an "actual job" because this was going nowhere, and mostly just because of me. All day i was drawing comics and post them online (for free) and that made me the happiest but i needed to get money at some point! Last year i saw one of your videos talking about your plan for the year, and i took your notion board (i didn't know about notion, i LOVE IT now and use it for everything!) and i don't know, it's like you finally convinced me that i would be able to live properly as an artist. I was stuck in my head thinking whaterver i do it'll be useless, but you motivated me (after 10 years!) to finally actually try. I participated in a comic contest last year, i won a little price (moneyy 😊) and i got noticed by a company thanks to it! we're talking about a long term contract now. It just boosted my confidence and gave me hope for the future.
Thank you so much for the efforts you put by making your videos. I binge watched you channel last year and keep watching every new video. I'm glad it gives you an income and promotes your art while giving us actual good advices!
This year, wether i'm signing with this company or not, i have goals to earn more, diversify my sources of income and promote my art better !
Thank you !! 💖
Hi! Did you end up getting hired by that company?
@@evilspirit92 Nope :( it was Webtoon btw, so we went back and forth with scenario ideas and modifications and no news for the past few months. But I realized working with them wouldnt give me the income I need to live properly, and they basically ask you to work too much, so im happy to change strategies. I kept drawing commissions on Instagram to save money and im gonna make my own website to sell my illustrations. I contacted my city's newspaper to ask for an article about me (they often do that for local artists to help promote them). I still need to finish paperwork to legally start to sell and make a website (and actual art to sell 😅).
It's funny you ask me today cause i was just here now to rewatch Kelsey's videos for motivation.
@cold1992 woww! Are u a self taught artist or did u pick any art related course for college?
And r u a full time artist? Sorry so many questions haha
@@ahahahahhahaha192 self taught and full time artist :) but sometimes i dont earn much for a while so i have to take side jobs like retail, babysitting, cleaning, stuff like that to make money 🫤
I love how transparent you are, I love seeing analytics and income growth, I feel like it’s super taboo to talk money socially because it brings up lots of resentful behaviors or patronizing superiority but it’s inspiring to just hear other peoples goals and experiences.
I think a powerful aspect of planning is sharing your plans with your audience, like you do in this video. For one thing, it keeps you accountable to follow through. It's also a very effective marketing strategy - as someone who loves your channel and your art, seeing your goals laid out like this makes me want to spend money on your business! Good luck Kelsey, I can't wait to see what 2023 brings to your art career :D
I feel like people get a bit upset that you aren't posting more art, but man, you're doing a good thing here.
For those of us not complaining, your advice really helps and it is hard to find ANYWHERE else! Thank you for making these types of videos.
It’s kind of frustrating, I’ve been sharing my art consistently in videos but people just don’t watch them as much as these ones, which is a big reason why I’m shifting focus to sharing that stuff on a second channel. I’m super grateful for your support and I’m glad you’re liking the business stuff! 🥰
@Kelsey Rodriguez I like the business stuff, but also the art stuff. It makes sense if you're putting it into a different channel though, as they're kind of two different topics, and I'm realizing that a lot of your subscribers have most likely come here for the business side of things, so it might be difficult to keep everyone happy . Is your other art channel up and running ? I'd love to watch and subscribe!
No new videos there quite yet but you can subscribe to it! www.youtube.com/@kelseysstudio
@@KelseyRodriguez thank you!
I don't have a small *art* business, but your videos are always encouraging and overall enlightening for the small business I do have! I work with a lot of artists (for comic editing and publishing) and I always like to share your videos with them just because you make success feel a lot more tangible and accessible. It always sucks to hear the constant woes of not being able to make a living off art/creative ventures/freelance but I'm glad that you're out here not only encouraging people but also showing how they can do it.
I love how transparent you're being with everything, its super helpful and its not something many people do. I hope you reach and surpass your goal!
Kelsey, you're the only art channel so far that've convinced me it's possible to make a living, and a good one at that, from starting an art business and pursuing my dream. Thank you!
Tim Packer is also very encouraging.
I'm in the same boat! Only started my channel because of her, she's such an inspiration ✨️
ahh I'm so glad to hear that! Comments like this really make my day, so thank you!
@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you for answering, that was a lovely surprise!
That’s great, but just keep in mind that this business model is more about content creation and not about making art.
I am literally going to pick up my ipad and PLAN my unborn art business RIGHT NOW. You are incredible girl.
I'm 31 w/ a college degree, making minimum wage & it seems impossible to be able to afford a house.
I can't even afford healthcare. I go through periods where I want to give up building a successful career for myself. Sorry, not trying to bum anyone out lol. I mean to say this because I often feel hopeless but Kelsey's videos have really been making me feel less alone, like it really is possible to have stability as an artist. I gave up finding work for years until I discovered art youtube and now something in me feels like it's changed. We'll see tho. I joined the discord so maybe I'll meet more ppl like me there :)
Thank you for encouraging others!
The housing market is really insane, it's crazy to think that a few decades ago buying a house on a single person's income was actually feasible. I'm tentatively optimistic that things will get better in the next ten years or so once the situation becomes truly untenable and hits a breaking point that will require legislation, but it's rough out there. I'm finally in a position where I can afford healthcare after three years of going without, I can totally empathize. folks in the Discord are great and lots of them have been where you are, know that we're rooting for you
GIRL sponsored by NOTION my god I just gasped!! outloud, lol! I started using Notion after you mentioned it in a vid over a year ago, and now my whole freelance teaching business revolves around my notion databases! I'm so glad your channel is doing so well to be picked up by such a big company (& also an awesome one, why is notion so good)
a very unreal moment!! crossing my fingers and hoping they'll sponsor videos on a regular basis because I literally live and breathe in notion as we all know lol
Thanks Kelsey, keep going from strength to strength! I know you can reach your goals!
I am SO GLAD I found your account. I'm an artist but I'm also a hardcore numbers girl, and as I seek out advice and guidance on my own "grow your business" journey, the lack of detail, ambiguity, and vagueness I see from a lot of people makes it very difficult to set any kind of concrete expectations. I love this breakdown and you made it sound so matter of fact and achievable, which is inspiring to me, someone who has a hard time imagining making even $30,000 in a year!
Another idea I would pay for, is art business consulting/coaching. I would LOVE just 5 minutes with you. I'm sure a boatload of other people would love that too. I'm 65 years old, just now learning about all of this stuff and I'm overwhelmed. But excited too. You're so honest and real, I just love your channel.
Try to find an email and reach out to her. Offer a price. She may respond and be able to help you.
Hell yeah, you go girl! 👏🏾 You can do it! Just stay focused and silence the external and internal haters ✨️
Thanks for making this video, Kelsey! I made my own plans for this year, and I definitely agree. Planning is super helpful, and I think it’s okay to reach for something that…maybe you aren’t sure about. I hope to be monetized this year, and while there are some days that I definitely think it’s doable, I have times where I worry about it a little. But ultimately, it gives us something to work towards. We can’t control directly how much money we make as creatives when it comes to certain things, but we can plan and do the things that make it more likely that we will achieve our goals.
I think you’ll definitely achieve what you’re setting out to do here! Congrats on how far you’ve made it, and that’s a great thing to do for your sister! ❤
That is really inspiring, thank you! I'm an starting art freelancer and i made 1100$ dollars in the 2022 year. It's not that much, but it's 200% more then previous year. I hope to reach new financial goal this year. Thank you for the motivation to grow!
Hello Kelsey!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us all 🙂 I also want to thank you for suggestig the book The 30-Day Sketchbook Project! I am on day 5 and LOVING IT!! I have wanted to learn to draw for some time now but have always believed that you had to be born with that talent. I would always look at drawings of other people and would always feel that it's just out of my reach. It wasn't until a co-worker of mine and you started to make me feel as though it was possible to learn to have the EYE of a sketcher or painter or whatever. I'n now realizing that there are no boundaries. I was always so quick to criticize a piece of my own work instead of relaxing and letting whatever flows flow. So really, thank you making me aware of this book!! I really feel like I'm on another creative journey this year! I know you will reach your goal of sales Kelsey - I have no doubt about it !! You are a wonderful artist!!
You're doing awesome, Kelsey! I've learned so much from you. Looking forward to your success!
I am so glad your are still making videos on your channel
As someone who had to shut their shop down bc of budget and undervaluing my products and haven't started anything new for a year you bring me lots of hope :) I feel like im all out of ideas but then I remember your vids and I came back like im watching the first time and just feel inspired again
Really hoping you get all of this! I am hoping to get monetized this year to really make art my career and your channel has motivated me and inspired me in general and I love watching your videos! They feel very comforting!
Thank you Kelsey, for everything you share in your channel! You are truly inspiring and the way you put it, everything feels more duable . I just wanted to let you know that You have convinced me to start my own Art TH-cam channel! Keep shining and all the best of luck! Kristi
Kelsey, thank you for all the help you give us. I'm so proud of you and how far you've come so quickly. You were determined and did it. It's amazing!
I've been using notion since you suggested it and I tell everyone about it now. I describe it as an online bullet journal. It's amazing.
I think it's wonderful that you are factoring in others but do put yourself first (especialy with getting a property as it gives stability) and take breaks when you need to. x
You go girl. I don't know you but I am so proud to see you so successful and working so hard.
By far my favorite and most inspirational art channel, I love what you’re doing and I’m always excited to see you posting
Hi Kelsey, I can't imagine why you can't reach your $150K goal this year! Your clear plan, not any person's vague hope (that that person calls plan), is very actionable. I'd like to do the same in making pizzas. Thank you for your inspiration!
Totally doable and maintainable. You have originals, and you keep making digitalis. Scaling but simple. Love it
Always appreciate your videos 💖 once I started embracing the content creation side of being an artist online, my etsy shop started doing so much better! One of my goals this year is to work towards sponsorships ( that what I dnt have to constantly put pressure on myself to make art the will sell just to pay the bills each month)
I would buy a "Notions for Artists" course from you without a second thought and I'm probably not alone. Just sayin.
Thank you for another inspiring video Kelsey!! you really motivate me and help me to believe in my ability to pursue art as a career! I got Notion last year because of you and seeing yours again, I have new ideas to revamp it so it can be a more useful tool to me as I try to grow my TH-cam channel and find other income streams. I love your videos and your perspective so much and appreciate your hard work!
I be content in knowning the odds of anyone reading thisbare low especially ya Kelsey. Just came across your channel from a random algo push and well....watching videos like these give me some type of hope that I could be successful and happy and make money like you but then I seep back into my depression and know there won't be much to trying since I probably wont be around due to the one reason I still breathe, god bless her, my mother may not be around to even see if any effort had turned into fruition....
That was a dark turn...but point is, please dont ever stop. Also love the openness with these video
I love how you used the word zesty for one of your goals. Very inspiring video. Thank you.😊
I wish you the best for your goal!, saddly I can't relate to your goal as an artist.. the last year I barely did 1K with my work(commissioned illustrations), but I hope this year will be better somehow
did you do better this year?
@@patricioaravena6015 hoping you never gave up and prospered this year!!!!
Join Kelsey's Discord!! It's amazing and sooooo worth it! You can count on me for the year!
aaaaa I so so appreciate it! see you in the next live session!
Super ambitious, but you have a solid plan! :D I would also like to double my sales in this year. However I have been working as a full time artist for 10 years now and growth has always been slow and steady, never really exponential. I just started my youtube channel so who knows what will happen this year! 😀😀😀
Came for the content, staying for the content, but also the sponsored ad reads. This might be the first time I’ve seen ads that feel like information and not sales 😍
that made me so ridiculously happy omg thank you, I do my best to ensure the ad reads are actually worth watching!
I would like to make this the first year I break $50k with my art career. I've wavered between $20-30k/year the past few years because I've only done, like, 90% commissions and adoptables. I want to change that.
If you're getting consistently booked for commissions, definitely consider raising your prices! I've also seen artists have great success with stuff like pre-made emote/sub badge packs. It sounds like you should maybe take a weekend to brainstorm some passive income streams/digital products. It can really make a big difference!
@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you for the feedback! I'm thanking of doing coloring page pack downloads, as well as grimoire downloads with info on fae, spell ingredients, etc. (I'm pagan), and stopping commissions altogether this year. I'm already booked out to late March as it stands with commissions and I'm pretty burnt out. lol I'm also wanting to open a stationary shop with stickers, notebooks, etc. featuring my designs.
those sound like great ideas!
@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you!! I'm starting a TH-cam channel, too. I've just been struggling with getting my first video up. I wanna make sure it's done well.
@@rivenharlow I’m so excited to see how it goes yay to new artists
Hey Kelsey! Happy New Year! (A bit late, yes) Love hearing your advices and experiences, as always, you really inspires me 💞
I wish you the best of luck! I hope by the end of the year you get everything you want and more!
You are what the world was waiting for ! ❣️❣️❣️ pure love authenticity humility and truth. Thank you Kelsey !!
🥰 this video was SO motivating!! Thank you.
Problem is that most of the income is not being generated from making actual art.
I disagree? everything hinges on the experiences and the lessons I learn from being an artist. Without me making art there's nothing to talk about in videos. I share my art all the time. You don't have to follow in my footsteps if making content isn't something appealing to you
@@KelseyRodriguez he is right in that it's just a small percentage of income that is derived from traditional / physical art products. However Kelsey is professional artist and mentor and a huge resource for creative people or anyone building a business. I see this as service to community of the highest degree. What is more important than that as an artist?
kelsey thank you for your videos! i love watching them and always learn a bunch!!
You got this! 👍 Keep up the amazing work!
Your goals are lofty, generous., and so admirable.. I am broke but I want to support you. You are my hero. Best of luck.
OMG you finally got sponsored by Notion! I"m so freaking happy for you! That's amazingggg.
When I heard you say that I was picturing a mic drop.
i appreciate you being transparent and sharing your goals and planning. as an aspiring artist, i would say that i have approached this video moreso as an individual than just an aspiring artist. these were important things that you laid out and i appreciate your honesty and dedication to share that with us.
I haven't even finished watching yet but i know it's gonna be a great video(I'm waiting for your videos on kelsey's studio very badly..)
Hi Kelsey, I've been subscribed to your channel through another account of mine for a while and I have to give you the biggest thanks because you have inspired me to create my own art channel by showing me that is it completely possible to thrive financially as an artist through social media and hard work!! I've wanted to be an artist since I was a child but I ended up going to school and got a traditional job. Your channel has given me the courage and the roadmap to pursue my true passion - art. Thank you so much and please keep up the great content!!
best of luck, we're rooting for you!
This is inspiring. Love your ambition and transparency sharing your goals.
Definitely found this motivating! This year my goal is to successfully relaunch my art business. Your videos have been such a huge help. Question, which website or what recommendation for starting up with prints?
I'd definitely buy a notion course from you, you seem to have quite experience in that! I don’t understand how database work!
Just an Idea, thank you for sharing valuable content in all your videos
What is your business model? Custom artwork? Do you advertise and have high enough prices to offset ad costs? etc.?
Your right on point with your business and I’m just starting but haven’t sell items from my Art business because I’m setting up my shops online and I’m about to start in person too 🙏🏾
00:05 Goal to make over $150,000 in revenue by doubling last year's earnings
01:25 Planning and budgeting are crucial for success as an artist.
02:32 Diversifying Income Sources
03:41 Taking on sponsorships can significantly boost income for artists.
04:55 Notion makes life easier by helping organize and manage social media content.
06:05 Planning to increase revenue through memberships and online courses
07:15 Setting income goals based on course sales
08:24 Strategic planning can empower artists to achieve financial goals
You are amazing Kels! I love You!
This might sound weird but those tomatoes are looking amazing 😅 really good job! love the colours and specially the light! 💖😻 cant wait to finally start to see more of your art 😻💖
your motivation and passion is SO inspiring! i'm hoping to create my own store and continue profiting from artist alleys this year, my goal as a part-time student is 10k€ in 2023
Thank you for this video! Love watching your work! I’ve just downloaded Notion and getting to know it! It’s been pretty interesting 😊
lets start this video by saying, i love the aesthetic that you created with the titles and transitions :D
Your channel is just fantastic. Love your videos.
I appreciate your advice and approach so much. Your videos inspired me to (re)jump start my TH-cam channel and put your advice into practice. I feel like I had this big gap in knowledge about how this whole “running a TH-cam channel” thing works, but you fill in the gaps with every new video. Thanks so much for sharing your plan! I’m wanting to drop everything and work on my planning for the year now too ❤
9:16 Yep! Another great video, Kelsey. I appreciate your encouragement to honor the planning process, and you’re right - plans do change - but having that record, as you say, of what we’re thinking and hoping for as we develop our plans can really be valuable to us over the long haul, as a reference point from where we started (or started again, as the case may be for some of us). Just yesterday, I was reflecting on the time, in 2021, when I wrote out some business plans on a napkin (truly - it was the closest piece of paper that I had in the moment), which I still have. That plan has been transformed in multiple ways since then, for a variety of reasons, both positive and otherwise, but that ‘napkin plan’ is still an important record of my thought processes back then, and some of those ideas remain intact and have become vital to me now. These days, I’m in the process of learning to use NOTION to help me, not just with my business, but my life as a whole. My brain often experiences difficulties processing information, and the NOTION app almost feels like Therapy, in terms of how much it helps me sort and prioritize my thoughts and actions. Thank you again for being so descriptive in how you’re using the app in your business. This is such valuable info! 😊
I am loving your transparency in this video and found your advice very inspiring and helpful ❤ thank you for sharing!
Hi from iowa! I'm so greatful for your videos! Not all heros wear capes 👏
Thank you so much for doing this!
Every single video you create is pure gold, Kelsey! So inspiring and eye-opening! 🤩
you gooooo Kalsey 🎉🎉🎉
You're such an inspiration
Great video! Super helpful for making my own plans and goals for this year!🎉
do you have a notion template for the diy art school? not with your courses and stuff but like the base template so i can put my online courses in etc
love your channel, hope you reach/surpass your goals this year ❤
You'll have to delete all the pre-entered info but yeah! here it is: seed-parmesan-0a6.notion.site/DIY-Art-School-Template-769d3ad2073e452c844ce7057ab85286
@@KelseyRodriguez ahh thank you!!
im wondering would notion be up to make a how to use notion series etc with you,,, ive heard such good things about notion but even with the apps great instructions i just dont understand how people get so much out of it
Will you be creating a how to monetization course?
How is your notion so organized?
I think it's very brave of you to make several videos honestly explaining what your plans have been to achieve your goals all this time. - That is to be a standing ovation. 👏👏
I imagine it is extremely difficult to please your audience completely when you have reached a high level of popularity in the community. And it must be even more difficult to create content when you have such a large, diverse community with different interests - obviously they are all related in some way to the art on your channel.
Generalizing I think that for some people art is and will always be a hobby, for others it will be just for appreciation, and for others, like me, it will be our job too.
I want to thank you VERY much for doing all the kinds of videos you have been doing on your channel - Business&Art and your podcast. It has helped and inspired me a lot to plan better and do what makes me really happy. It motivates me to pursue my dreams and make them come true. I will make them come true.
Thanks again for making this video and all the other playlists.
If I’m able to start my own business and sell one piece of art this year I’m happy😅 What I’m most insecure about is the business side of things so I’m currently looking for some sort of business course to see what applies to my country.
But good for you that you have some bigger goals😊
How do you go about getting sponsorships or how did you in the beginning? Do you reach out to them or wait for them to reach out to you?
Should you wait until you have a certain amount of followers before trying to get sponsorships?
Your videos are always very inspirational! While I don't have as big hopes as you, I do have some, and watching your videos helps me keep track of them and stay focused on the right things. I really like your videos, and you've helped me be more proactive toward my goals. keep going, you're amazing :)
Any tips for a artist like me I often feel my art isn’t good enough when I know my skill level isn’t bad
How are you doing now a year later? :)
I hope to see success that's at least half of yours at the moment of you publishing this video. It's really inspiring!
I changed my plans a little bit over the course of the year but I made close to $120k in revenue (haven't run the exact numbers yet), so pretty close!
@@KelseyRodriguez that is amazing! Sounds like a dream to me. :)
Out of curiosity, did you achieve most of those goals this year? I really wish that you did! I find your videos inspirational!
i haven’t fully run the numbers yet but i think i make just about six figures, but not more than that! this goal was a bitttt ambitious but definitely helped me go in the right direction!
Quick question: are these numbers gross or net revenue?
"I wanna buy a house, maybe, ever." I absolutely feel you on this front haha
feels like a pipe dream with house prices and interest rates this high, RIP
Hi kelsey, love your vids they are all so inspiring! Do you mind sharing how’d you get sponsorships from brands? Do they approach you or do you approach them? 💜
Just watched this out of curiosity and like how you have a pragmatic approach to your income and goals. I did chuckle though when an automated shouty advert played afterwards with “HERE’S HOW ME AND MA BRO MADE $50 MILLION!” 😂😂 I think it’s clear who is more honest! Thank you for the insight! Will check out Notion. 👍
It’s almost time for an update! I’d love to hear you talk more about this and if you’ve learned any new tips and tricks along the way :)
I'm here for Zesty goals ✨
👏👏Notion tour! 👏Notion tour! 👏Notion tour at lunch!!👏👏
if you haven't seen it already: th-cam.com/video/tYcepqtnZkE/w-d-xo.html
I just finished my art school and now im out in the cold world trying to find my way on making a life with my work. I mainly do digital illustration and trying to build an audience or even look for work freelance wise.
Are their sites fro me to try and find jobs fro a freelance artist like myself? Where would you go on setting prints or take in commissions? They didnt really teach all the aftermath of being an artist in college so it's really hard on what to do at this point.
How's your workflow after transitioning from Canon M50 to Sony FX30?
I had to upgrade my SSDs to accommodate the larger files but other than that? everything is great, the footage is better and the low light performance is awesome
Hey Kelsey. Thanks for your great video's. I have checked out quite a few. I am a digital artist myself now for a year now and I created hundreds of works, having sold nothing at all . I am really curious to know what I am doing wrong. Maybe it's the works on my site or my sales-market (currently only Canada) ore something else.I am desperate to know as my website is clearly not generating any sales..Looking at your story, it even makes me happy that it should be possible, but my question is :how? So I have become very disillusioned and started doubting my works.I know I am learning every day and improve (hopefully) on my work...any other comments are welcome as I like to learn for sure. Cheers.
Online social media presence.. Seems like she’s getting most of her income from that and people who see her videos, go to her store.
Great vid
Have you considered creating any art business books?
I seriously think we should start a hunnyk club for those of us who have the same goal because I sure do!
I understand everything you said and I agree that I think you can do it. But I am unsure how I can translate this into my art career. Like I currently have only one art income stream which is commissions and with commissions you can force extra people to buy. I dunno 🤷🏻♀️