How can I make a living as an artist?

Can a freelance storyboard artist make a good living?

• How much money does the average storyboard artist make annually? I know most storyboard artists work on a contract basis with film directors and/or DP's on a per film basis, but is the work steady or should one not quit their daytime job?

• Answer:

  You posted this question 3 times! You're absolutely right! Don't quite your day job! Median annual wages of salaried multimedia artists and animators were $56,330. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,710 and $77,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,390. Median annual wages were $65,600 in motion picture and video industries, and $52,530 in advertising and related services. Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work. Others, such as well-established freelance fine artists and illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Many, however, find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling paintings or other works of art. Like other self-employed workers, freelance artists must provide their own benefits. Demand for multimedia artists and animators will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Employment of Multi-media artists and animators is expected to grow 14 percent through 2018, about as fast as the average for all occupations.