An engineer can profit from using Illustrator skills by creating illustrations that help communicate and illustrate complex technical concepts. By creating illustrations that are both understandable and visually appealing, engineers can improve their reputation, attract new clients and even earn extra money as a side hustle.
If you’re an engineer, you can profit from using Illustrator skills as a side hustle. Illustrator is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating marketing materials, designing logos, and creating technical drawings. By becoming proficient in Illustrator, you can offer your services to businesses and individuals who need design work done.
How to profit from your Illustrator skills
As an Illustrator, you have a wealth of skills that can be put to use as a side hustle. Whether you’re creating graphics for your own business or helping others do the same, there are plenty of ways to make a profit from your Illustrator skills.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Create vector illustrations for clients
Creating vector illustrations as a side hustle can be a great way to make some extra money. You can use your skills to create illustrations for clients, and you can also market your services to individuals and businesses.
When creating vector illustrations for clients, it is important to be creative and to make sure that your illustrations are on-brand. You should also be prepared to make changes to your illustrations as needed.
It is also important to be professional and to maintain good communication with your clients. By doing so, you can ensure that you deliver high-quality illustrations that meet your clients’ expectations.
2. Sell digital artwork online
Selling digital artwork online can be a great way to make some extra money on the side. There are a number of platforms and marketplaces you can use to sell your work, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
One of the most popular platforms for selling digital artwork is Etsy. Etsy is a marketplace for handmade and vintage items, and it has a large community of artists and buyers. The downside of Etsy is that it can be difficult to stand out among all the other sellers.
Another popular platform is Creative Market. Creative Market is a marketplace for creative goods, including digital artwork. It has a larger selection of artwork than Etsy, and it’s easier to find buyers. The downside is that Creative Market charges a commission on each sale.
Finally, there are a number of marketplaces specifically for digital artwork. These marketplaces typically have lower commissions than Etsy or Creative Market, and they can be a great way to find buyers for your work.
No matter which platform you choose, make sure you create eye-catching artwork that showcases your unique style. Take the time to create a strong portfolio, and be prepared to market your work to potential buyers. With a bit of effort, you can sell your digital artwork and make a little extra money on the side.
3. Create illustrations for marketing materials
Do you have a creative flair and love to draw? Why not consider offering your services as an illustrator for marketing materials?
As a freelance illustrator, you could provide businesses with creative visuals to help promote their products or services. This could include illustrations for flyers, posters, website graphics, and even social media posts.
To get started, you’ll need to create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients. You can do this by creating a website or blog, or by uploading your illustrations to online galleries or social media platforms.
You’ll also need to market yourself effectively and build up a network of clients. Start by contacting local businesses and explaining what you can offer them. You could also attend networking events and join online groups or forums related to illustration.
If you have a talent for illustration and are willing to put in the hard work, then starting your own freelance business as an illustrator can be a very rewarding experience.
4. Develop a personal style and niche
Developing a personal style and niche for yourself as an illustrator can be very important in terms of marketing yourself and your work. It can help you to develop a recognizable look and feel that clients and the public can come to associate with your work. This can make it much easier for people to find and appreciate your art, and can help you to stand out from the competition.
One way to develop your personal style is to experiment with different mediums and techniques. Try out different drawing and painting styles, and find what works best for you. You can also experiment with different color schemes and textures.
It can also be helpful to find a specific niche or theme to focus on. This could be a certain type of subject matter, such as nature or animals, or a specific style or genre, such as realism or abstract. Focusing on a specific niche can help you to develop a unique look and feel for your work, and can make it easier for people to find and appreciate your art.
By experimenting with different mediums, techniques, and subject matter, and by focusing on a personal style and niche, you can develop a unique and recognizable look for your illustrations. This can help you to stand out from the competition and to attract new clients and fans.
5. Create illustrations for books
If you’re an illustrator, you may want to consider creating illustrations for books as a side hustle. There are a few things you can do to get started.
First, familiarize yourself with the types of illustrations that are commonly used in books. You may want to study the work of some of your favorite illustrators and try to emulate their style.
Next, start reaching out to publishers and authors to see if they need illustrations for their books. You can find contact information for publishers on the internet or in the publishing section of your local bookstore.
Finally, create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and talent. Make sure to include a wide range of illustrations, from simple black-and-white sketches to more complex full-color pieces.
If you’re an illustrator looking to make some extra money, creating illustrations for books can be a great way to do it. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to landing some paying jobs in no time.
6. Create illustrations for magazines
If you’re an illustrator, you may be able to use your skills to create illustrations for magazines as a side hustle. This can be a great way to make some extra money, and it can also help you to build your portfolio.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to pursue this side hustle. First, you’ll need to find magazines that are looking for freelance illustrations. You can do this by doing a Google search for “looking for illustrators” + the name of the magazine.
Once you’ve found a magazine that’s a good fit for your skills, you’ll need to send them a portfolio of your work. This should include a variety of illustrations that showcase your range of abilities.
If the magazine likes your work, they may ask you to create a few test illustrations. Be prepared to do this, as it can be a great way to show off your skills.
If all goes well, you may be able to land some freelance work with the magazine. Keep in mind that competition can be fierce, so you’ll need to make sure your illustrations are top-notch.
Use your illustrator skills to create illustrations for magazines as a side hustle! It can be a great way to make some extra money, and it can also help you to build your portfolio.
7. Create illustrations for product packaging
If you’re skilled in Adobe Illustrator and are looking for a creative side hustle, consider creating product packaging illustrations. This can be a great way to get your work out there and potentially land some paid commissions.
When creating product illustrations, it’s important to keep the tone of voice in mind. You want to make sure your illustrations capture the essence of the product and its target audience. Be sure to inject your own unique style into your work, and make sure the illustrations are visually appealing.
It’s also important to make sure your illustrations are accurate and on-brand. Be sure to research the product and its target audience before starting your project.
If you’re looking for extra work, creating product illustrations can be a great way to get started. Be sure to showcase the best work on your portfolio, and reach out to potential clients online or through networking events. With a little bit of hard work and creativity, you can create some stunning product illustrations that will help you stand out from the competition.
8. Create illustrations for websites
If you’re a skilled illustrator, you can use your skills to create illustrations for websites as a side hustle. This can be a great way to make some extra money, and it can also help you to build your portfolio. There are a number of different ways to get started in this business, and it’s important to find the right approach for you.
One option is to create your own website and offer your services as a freelance illustrator. This can be a great way to get exposure and to build a portfolio of work. You can also offer your services to other websites and businesses.
Another option is to join an online marketplace for illustrators. These marketplaces can be a great way to find work, and they can also help you to build a portfolio of work. Some of the most popular marketplaces include Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs.
Finally, you can also look for jobs on job boards and in newspapers. This can be a great way to find work, and it can also help you to build a network of contacts.
No matter which approach you choose, it’s important to be professional and to provide high-quality work. By putting in the effort, you can build a successful business as an illustrator.
9. Create illustrations for advertising campaigns
If you’re looking for a creative way to make some extra money, consider using your Illustrator skills to create illustrations for advertising campaigns. Many businesses are always on the lookout for talented illustrators to help them create eye-catching ads.
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating advertising illustrations. First, be sure to capture the tone of the campaign and match the style of the ad. You also want to make sure your illustrations are clear and easy to understand.
It can be a lot of fun to work on advertising illustrations, and it’s a great way to put your skills to use and make some extra money. So if you’re looking for a side hustle, consider giving advertising illustration a try.
10. Illustrate Children’s Books
Creating illustrations for children’s books can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. Illustrators need strong skills in Adobe Illustrator to create detailed and colorful illustrations.
There are many ways to find work as an illustrator. Some illustrators work with publishing companies, while others create their own children’s books and sell them online.
No matter what route you choose, it’s important to have a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Be sure to include a variety of illustrations, including character designs, landscapes, and props.
Creating illustrations for children’s books can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. Illustrators need strong skills in Adobe Illustrator to create detailed and colorful illustrations.
There are many ways to find work as an illustrator. Some illustrators work with publishing companies, while others create their own children’s books and sell them online.
No matter what route you choose, it’s important to have a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Be sure to include a variety of illustrations, including character designs, landscapes, and props.
Have you considered getting a side hustle? Check out our latest blog Engineer Side Hustle with topics on how to earn extra cash, investment, business ideas and more!
Key Takeaways
If you are an engineer with creative skills, there are many opportunities to turn your Illustrator skills into a profitable side hustle. Whether you are creating illustrations for your own business or selling them to others, there are many ways to make money from your Illustrator skills.