Expert Strategies for Building Visibility, Credibility, and Commissions
Breaking into the illustration industry is no easy task. Beyond honing artistic skills, new illustrators must also learn how to effectively market themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. To answer the question, “What’s the best way to market your work as a beginner illustrator?” We consulted PR and growth experts who shared actionable strategies and alternatives that can help emerging illustrators secure commissions—even without years of experience.
Here’s their advice:
1. Join Online Creative Marketplaces
Jasmine Charbonier, Content Marketing Strategist
“Independent publishers and niche marketplaces are hungry for fresh talent. I connected a beginner illustrator with a small children’s book publisher earlier this year—her style was a perfect match, and she’s now booked six months in advance.
Illustrators should also consider art licensing. While the upfront fee is modest (typically $300–$500 per design), licensing builds passive income streams over time. Platforms like Society6 and Redbubble, beyond the typical Upwork and Fiverr, can generate consistent sales.
Don’t underestimate local business connections either—coffee shops, boutique stores, and community spaces often welcome artwork and prints for display. When you’re starting out, you need to test multiple channels, track performance, and double down on what works. With consistent execution, even beginners can transition from zero to fully booked in under six months.”
2. White-Label Your Services
Emily Reynolds-Bergh, Owner, R Public Relations
“Consider white-labeling your services for agencies or established illustrators who need reliable contractors. This approach helps you gain experience, build financial stability, and gradually develop your own client base. Meanwhile, use social media—particularly short-form video—to showcase your process and attract direct commissions.”
3. Leverage Illustrator Job Boards
Gregory Shein, CEO, Corcava
“Marketing is more than sharing finished pieces—it’s about telling the story behind your art. Show your process, inspiration, and personal narrative on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Behance to create deeper audience connections.
Job boards such as The Dots, Working Not Working, and ArtStation connect illustrators with agencies and NGOs, many of which actively commission emerging artists. For beginners, art collectives, nonprofits, and literacy-focused organizations can be valuable partners in securing commissioned work.”
4. Pitch to Niche Publishers
Tabish Ali, Celebrity Content & Outreach Executive, Champions Speakers
“Think of yourself as a creative brand. Build a clean, professional portfolio with commission details, then target niche publishers and organizations where your style aligns with their mission. Personalized outreach and tailored pitches will stand out far more than generic submissions.”
5. Collect Strong Testimonials
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
“Testimonials build trust as much as the artwork itself. Request specific, detailed feedback from past clients—whether from paid projects or early collaborations—and showcase those testimonials directly alongside the related work. Seeing proof of client satisfaction right next to the art builds immediate credibility.”
6. Start With Email Marketing
Kate Ross, PR Specialist, Irresistible Me
“Your portfolio is your digital calling card, but don’t rely solely on social media. Build an email list from early supporters and send consistent updates about your projects. Email marketing fosters a direct relationship with potential clients and keeps your work top of mind for commissions.”
7. Illustrate for Local Businesses
Peter Murphy Lewis, Fractional CMO & Founder, Strategic Pete
“Visibility doesn’t always require massive online reach. Partner with local businesses—cafés, zines, or community organizations—where your illustrations can add value and credibility.
Create behind-the-scenes content funnels on Instagram or Substack to show your process, and consider co-marketing collaborations with authors, podcasters, or nonprofits. Strategic partnerships often open more doors than chasing virality.”
8. Explore Micro-Licensing Opportunities
Benjamin Tom, Editor & Marketer, Electricity Monster
“Package small sets of illustrations and license them to niche businesses, SaaS newsletters, or local organizations. Even at $50 per set, these deals create residual income and lead to referrals. Sometimes smaller, community-based projects provide the fastest path to steady commissions.”
9. Use Offline Guerrilla Marketing
Barbara Robinson, Marketing Manager, WeatherSolve Structures
“Don’t rely solely on Instagram algorithms. Create physical postcard prints of your work and place them in shops or send them to local venues. Or get creative with projections and public displays. Offline strategies often spark curiosity and word-of-mouth far more effectively than hashtags.”
10. Capitalize on Culture & Usability
- Nathan Mathews (Founder, Roofer): Use memes and internet subcultures to spread your work quickly.
- Ronak Kadhi (Founder, Bundled.design): Make your art practical—logos, packaging, or assets clients can use in real projects.
- Mark Sanchez (Founder, Tropic Residential): Display prints in coworking spaces or music venues for organic exposure.
- Kyle Sobko (CEO, SonderCare): Teach a class on platforms like Skillshare to attract commissions passively.
- Steven Hahn (Digital Marketing Specialist, Online Optimism): Illustrate for niche communities and monetize through Patreon, Ko-Fi, or Gumroad.
- Robbin Schuchmann (Co-Founder, EOR Overview): Use mockups to show how your work applies in real-world contexts like packaging or ads.
- Reilly James Renwick (CMO, Pragmatic Mortgage): Offer bundled services for startups who need pitch decks, presentations, and websites.
- Jayant Surana (Marketing Manager, Everyday Delta): Focus on functional illustrations that explain complex ideas, especially for wellness and lifestyle brands.
Final Takeaway
Beginner illustrators don’t need to wait for a gallery, agent, or viral moment. The path to commissions lies in positioning your art where it solves problems, tells stories, or adds value—whether that’s through online marketplaces, local businesses, niche publishers, or creative partnerships. With consistent visibility, strong testimonials, and a focus on usability, even new illustrators can quickly move from hobbyists to professionals.
