There are many aspects to working in illustrated products. Image-making itself is not even half of the process. You need to be able to understand the ins and outs of running a business.
Some of the essential skills needed for having an illustrated product business:
- Visual problem solving
- Be adaptable when things don't go as planned
- Ensure quality of products
- Be confident with your work
- Listen to your customers
- Know how to make money





Many illustrators today produce their products which they then sell on sites such as Etsy and Not on the High Street as well as their own websites. These platforms allow illustrators to be in control of every aspect of their business from drawing the designs all the way through to posting orders out. This option allows the illustrator to be completely in control of finances (although these sites often take a fee).

Another way illustrators can make illustrated products is by working with a larger company. This can happen through being commissioned or through wholesale. By working this way it means that the illustrator is paid in a lump sum rather than having to wait for sales. It is also another way of getting your name out there as your products appear in shops. However, with this method the illustrator has less freedom over what they sell and less control on how it is made.
There are also specific illustration companies such as Ohh Deer or Hallmark who commission illustrators for greeting card designs and other illustrated products that are then sold online or sold to shops.


















Branding can be essential for running a business. An illustrators work is so unique and personal to them and the way in which they choose to brand themselves should reflect the rest of their work. Your branding should encapsulate who you are and what you do. It is important to know who you are marketing your work towards so you are able to promote yourself in the right ways and right places to meet the customers who would be interested in your work.
You don't necessarily need to have a really strict style or way of working but it can be helpful to have similarities within your work so people know what to expect from you. How you brand your work can bring together the different types of work you make. This can be done within the way you package or photograph your work or the colours and themes of your illustrations.

Social media is a really important way to get your work out there as a product illustrator. It is important to show what you are selling and make it easy for viewers to see where they can buy your products from. Social media is also a good platform to grow a community of people who like your work and build connections by showing behind the scenes. It can also be a way for future clients to find your work especially through sites such as LinkedIn or Instagram. Often companies will post about oppertunities they may have on these platforms so it is good to stay connected to them.

Illustration fairs or other artist events are a good way to connect with customers and find new clients. There are often also competitions to get your work out there such as the ones OhhDeer run with an opportunity to get greeting cards distributed to shops.

There are lots of different ways to make money as a product illustrator. Some
examples are to make and sell your own products, take commissions for designs
to go on another companies products, upload illustrations onto print-on-demand
websites and licence designs for other companies to use.

Some places will pay for products you have already made, and some will commission
you for exclusive designs so these will have to be priced accordingly. If choosing to sell
your own products through your own online shop, you will also have to consider postage and packaging costs not just your product.
When pricing your illustrated products, you should consider the cost and the market: the cost being the time it takes, and materials used and the market being how much other people are selling similar products. The price you put on your products determines how much people will value your work as – if you want to be cheap and accessible or be more exclusive.

Being self-employed means taking responsibility of taxes. It is best to seek financial advice from an accountant to know where to start with organising your business finances.