Becoming a Self-Taught Professional Illustrator #4 – Getting Paid for My Work and Creating My Brand

In my previous post, I shared about my exploration journey in the world of illustration and how I was led back to faith-based art. In this post, I’ll be talking about my journey since then and where I am headed now.

If you missed the first post of this series about my creative journey as a self-taught professional illustrator, it’s right here!

Don’t rush to monetize your work.

I should mention that I didn’t make a livable income from the artwork that I created and shared online even though many of my works have gone viral (and have been stolen countless times). I didn’t think much about it then – I barely even entertained the idea of monetizing from it yet. I knew I wanted the creative freedom and I needed the time to explore my craft, try new ideas without worrying about how they would turn out, and hone in on my voice. I wanted to create a faith-based brand that lasts. Rushing to monetize my work would take the focus away from developing my creative skills too, and this was a priority for me.

So I waited as long as I could. I focused on delivering the best work I could create, and kept engaging with my community. I built my email community, gave out free wallpapers, and coloring pages of my work. I kept reminding myself that the main reason I was creating faith-based art was because it was a way for me to keep God’s Word front and center in my life, as well as a way to encourage myself and others with reminders of His love and grace.

But the truth is, if you want to live as a creative, you have to find a way to be paid for your work.

That thought was looming in my mind for several months in the second half of 2025. It was partly due to pressure from my family, and partly because I felt the need to prove my worth…

And yet, I didn’t want to be stressed over it. I recalled that some have asked me whether I sold art prints or stickers. So I decided to start an Etsy store selling digital and physical art prints, calendars, and coloring pages. It was an exciting new experience learning how to build my shop online, use print-on-demand platforms, communicate with buyers etc.

Spending hours working on my online shop was taking away time and energy from my creative work.

However, I soon realized it wasn’t sustainable in the long run. I was spending so much time on the business side of things – testing products, writing SEO-friendly captions, creating listing images, finding good mockups. As the sole owner, I was doing everything. I didn’t have the bandwidth to regularly update my shop with new products since I wanted to focus on making more art. And Etsy was flooded with a ton of AI-generated art. I wasn’t keen on competing with those shops to appear higher on the search listings.

That said, Etsy was good testing ground for me. It made me realize what buyers were interested in. I decided that Etsy wasn’t going to be a focus for me, at least for now. So what was I going to do instead?

Shift your focus away from the outcome of monetizing to creative growth and understanding the market.

For the past year or so, I’ve been exposed to art licensing. But it wasn’t a focus for me initially since I was creating mostly faith-based art. I didn’t think there was a significant market for such artworks. But I’ve had a few rounds of collaboration with a local faith-based gift shop. And more research made me realize that there were illustrators who were licensing faith-based art.

I knew I didn’t want to simply copy what they were doing. I had my own creative voice and I wanted to be known for my distinctive style – modern faith-based art that blends hand-lettering of Scripture and faith-inspired, uplifting messages with playful illustrations, warm and vibrant colors, as well as textured details. I also loved the idea of illustrating based on themes and seasons and so I started doing more of that. I’m thankful for a supportive online community who are receptive to my artworks and continue to send me encouraging messages all the time.

Create the work you want to see out there while trusting (God in) the process.

I’m still in the process of building a body of artwork that I’m proud of. Illustrations focusing on God’s love, and uplifting pieces that bring peace, joy, and comfort. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve received and for the ones who believe and support the work I create.

Yet, there’s still so much that I want to work, to learn, and to explore in this field. I have characters I want to develop further, I have ideas that I wish to see out there in the world. I’m excited to create more artwork that grows alongside my walk with God.

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6

I don’t know where this will lead. And honestly it still surprises me that I’m an illustrator. It’s a path I would have never chosen, and would have never imagined myself taking. I never felt I was good enough to make it work either. Yet, when it’s something you can’t go a day without thinking of, I think it’ll always find its way back into your life… somehow. Regardless of what happens, I’m going to keep showing up… with open hands and a heart that wants to honor God through creativity. Because I believe He’s faithful. And even when I don’t have the full picture… I know He’s still writing my story.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Join Me on This Journey

If this spoke to you in any way… I’d love to keep sharing the journey with you through art, encouragement, and reflections.

You can sign up for my studio letter to receive early access to new work, behind-the-scenes notes, and a free set of faith-based digital wallpapers and coloring pages that I made for you below.

I’m so grateful that you’re here!

— Nicole