How to Become an Illustrator

Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Going to Be Easy

I am literally in the business of helping people become illustrators. Most of what I earn comes from teaching illustration on Skillshare. I also support my teaching efforts with a YouTube channel, a Patreon and a Discord server.

Over the past few years, I have found myself speaking to many creative people hoping to build a career around illustration. I think a lot of my audience appreciates my willingness to share insights, both on my personal approach to illustration and, more broadly, working in this industry.

A distinguishing feature of my content, whether on Skillshare, YouTube or elsewhere, is how I try to make the world of commercial illustration as accessible as possible. I want to help people feel welcomed into this industry. I want people to feel less insecure about their current inadequacies, real or perceived, and to enter into the journey with a sense of welcome and adventure.

My classes, for instance, aim to be both highly challenging and personally meaningful for anyone…