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What do I need to do to become a successful digital artist?
I am currently in a position where I can not go to college, because of an undiagnosed learning disability. I also have some physical disabilities that limit my mobility, and keep me bedridden most of the day. I on the other hand am very confident in my ability to develop my artistic skills. I am teaching myself blender, from modeling to animation. I have done some graphic design projects, and I am good at digital art in general. I need to learn how to market my skills when I don't have a piece of paper that says I am good at something, nor official job experience.
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8 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Oh hey Emalyn,
First off — you're a badass for pushing through everything you're dealing with and still chasing your art dreams. That takes guts, and not everyone has that fire. I already know you're gonna kill it in the digital art world.
Alright, here's the truth — nobody gives a flying paintbrush about a degree in the art world if your work speaks for itself. Your portfolio is your mic drop. The better your art, the louder it'll speak — simple as that.
You're already learning Blender and doing graphic design? That's HUGE. Now just keep stacking those skills, one project at a time. Don't rush to make money just yet — build your little digital empire first.
Here's what I'd do if I were in your shoes:
1. Start posting your art everywhere — Instagram, TikTok, ArtStation, even Pinterest (artists blow up there too). Share your progress, not just the perfect finished pieces. People LOVE watching the journey.
2. Talk to your art — Like literally write little captions about what inspired each piece or how you felt while making it. People connect to the story behind the art just as much as the art itself.
3. Offer to make art for small YouTubers, indie game devs, or musicians — They'll probably pay peanuts at first, but you're not doing it for the cash yet. You're doing it to build your name and learn how to deal with clients.
4. Join Discord art communities — There are so many servers where people are always looking for artists for small gigs or collabs.
5. Start a little side hustle doing commission art for people's pets, DnD characters, or even logos. Those random commissions add up and get your name out there.
You're already halfway there, Emalyn. The secret sauce? Just show up every day and don't stop putting your art out into the world — no matter how small or imperfect it feels.
You don't need a degree. You don't need permission. You just need to keep creating and telling your story, one piece at a time.
You've got this — the art world is yours for the taking. Keep those pixels dancing, queen. All the best! 😎✨
First off — you're a badass for pushing through everything you're dealing with and still chasing your art dreams. That takes guts, and not everyone has that fire. I already know you're gonna kill it in the digital art world.
Alright, here's the truth — nobody gives a flying paintbrush about a degree in the art world if your work speaks for itself. Your portfolio is your mic drop. The better your art, the louder it'll speak — simple as that.
You're already learning Blender and doing graphic design? That's HUGE. Now just keep stacking those skills, one project at a time. Don't rush to make money just yet — build your little digital empire first.
Here's what I'd do if I were in your shoes:
1. Start posting your art everywhere — Instagram, TikTok, ArtStation, even Pinterest (artists blow up there too). Share your progress, not just the perfect finished pieces. People LOVE watching the journey.
2. Talk to your art — Like literally write little captions about what inspired each piece or how you felt while making it. People connect to the story behind the art just as much as the art itself.
3. Offer to make art for small YouTubers, indie game devs, or musicians — They'll probably pay peanuts at first, but you're not doing it for the cash yet. You're doing it to build your name and learn how to deal with clients.
4. Join Discord art communities — There are so many servers where people are always looking for artists for small gigs or collabs.
5. Start a little side hustle doing commission art for people's pets, DnD characters, or even logos. Those random commissions add up and get your name out there.
You're already halfway there, Emalyn. The secret sauce? Just show up every day and don't stop putting your art out into the world — no matter how small or imperfect it feels.
You don't need a degree. You don't need permission. You just need to keep creating and telling your story, one piece at a time.
You've got this — the art world is yours for the taking. Keep those pixels dancing, queen. All the best! 😎✨
Updated
Saad (Neonvein)’s Answer
Hi Emalyn,
I am very sorry to hear what you are going through, and I understand how challenging it can get, as I have struggled with health too. I love your confidence, and I'm sure you will make a great artist.
Coming to the point, the art industry is all about portfolio, which means a degree plays little to no role in getting hired—your portfolio speaks for you. I’ve seen students with master’s degrees and awful portfolios, unlike self-taught artists. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get a degree; if you have the resources, go for it.
There are two ways to earn money: self-employment and working for others. Both require one thing—a strong portfolio. The next thing you need to focus on is marketing: putting yourself out there so recruiters and clients can find you. There are numerous ways to do this, but I’ll mention the major ones for now.
For portfolios, ArtStation and DeviantArt are good options. I personally recommend sticking with ArtStation—it's much better. For reaching a broader audience, social media is essential. It’s 2025, and if you’re not putting your art out there for people to see, you're doing it all wrong.
What kind of content should you post on social media? Should you post your portfolio pieces?
The simple answer is no. Feed people what they want. You need to connect with them, change their feelings, and make them love your art.
Marketing and skills work like this: 80% marketing, 20% skills. I’ve been freelancing for three years. There are good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, what matters is that people are paying for your art. Your art is important and worth purchasing.
To get paid for your art, you simply need to put yourself out there. The loudest in the crowd will stand out, while the quiet ones won’t be noticed.
As a beginner, I recommend focusing only on honing your skills for at least a year before taking any clients. There’s a lot to learn, but I believe in you. You also need to learn how to deal with clients, so doing free jobs in the beginning can help a lot.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Saad (Neonvein)
I am very sorry to hear what you are going through, and I understand how challenging it can get, as I have struggled with health too. I love your confidence, and I'm sure you will make a great artist.
Coming to the point, the art industry is all about portfolio, which means a degree plays little to no role in getting hired—your portfolio speaks for you. I’ve seen students with master’s degrees and awful portfolios, unlike self-taught artists. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get a degree; if you have the resources, go for it.
There are two ways to earn money: self-employment and working for others. Both require one thing—a strong portfolio. The next thing you need to focus on is marketing: putting yourself out there so recruiters and clients can find you. There are numerous ways to do this, but I’ll mention the major ones for now.
For portfolios, ArtStation and DeviantArt are good options. I personally recommend sticking with ArtStation—it's much better. For reaching a broader audience, social media is essential. It’s 2025, and if you’re not putting your art out there for people to see, you're doing it all wrong.
What kind of content should you post on social media? Should you post your portfolio pieces?
The simple answer is no. Feed people what they want. You need to connect with them, change their feelings, and make them love your art.
Marketing and skills work like this: 80% marketing, 20% skills. I’ve been freelancing for three years. There are good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, what matters is that people are paying for your art. Your art is important and worth purchasing.
To get paid for your art, you simply need to put yourself out there. The loudest in the crowd will stand out, while the quiet ones won’t be noticed.
As a beginner, I recommend focusing only on honing your skills for at least a year before taking any clients. There’s a lot to learn, but I believe in you. You also need to learn how to deal with clients, so doing free jobs in the beginning can help a lot.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Saad (Neonvein)
Thank you so much! I appreciate the specific points you gave, and how you detailed your perspective. Again Thank you.
Emalyn
Nissa Burkhalter
I specialize in bookkeeping, graphic design, and technical writing, leveraging my expertise to adapt across industries like construction and death care
9
Answers
Updated
Nissa’s Answer
Hey there,
Your determination and confidence are truly inspiring! Here are some tips to help you on your journey to becoming a digital artist:
1. Build a Portfolio: Keep creating and refining your work. Showcase your best pieces online.
2. Use Online Platforms: Share your art on sites like ArtStation, DeviantArt, and Behance to gain visibility.
3. Engage on social media: Post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Share your progress and the story behind your art.
4. Network and Collaborate: Join online art communities and forums to connect with other artists and find opportunities.
5. Offer Commissions: Start with small projects to build a client base. Use sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
6. Learn Marketing Skills: Take online courses on marketing and branding for artists.
7. Share Your Journey: Document your learning process and share it with your audience.
Remember, your talent and passion are what truly matter. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find success!
Cheers
Your determination and confidence are truly inspiring! Here are some tips to help you on your journey to becoming a digital artist:
1. Build a Portfolio: Keep creating and refining your work. Showcase your best pieces online.
2. Use Online Platforms: Share your art on sites like ArtStation, DeviantArt, and Behance to gain visibility.
3. Engage on social media: Post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Share your progress and the story behind your art.
4. Network and Collaborate: Join online art communities and forums to connect with other artists and find opportunities.
5. Offer Commissions: Start with small projects to build a client base. Use sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
6. Learn Marketing Skills: Take online courses on marketing and branding for artists.
7. Share Your Journey: Document your learning process and share it with your audience.
Remember, your talent and passion are what truly matter. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find success!
Cheers
Thank you so much!
Emalyn
Updated
Diana V.’s Answer
Let me speak directly to your comment about possible learning disability and physical limitations.
First good for you for working so hard and reaching out to get advice.
I don’t know in what state you live or if you are in the US- if you are-
There is an agency called the department of rehabilitation- in some states it’s called department of vocational rehabilitation. It is free employment services for any person with a disability. Funds are from the state and federal government- they may be able to pay for you to be tested to see if you have a learning disability ( if you are in high school the high school is required to provide that testing)
The services are free and include vocational counseling, employment assistance and may other service. The application is online california department of rehabilitation
Worth a try!
In Arizona it’s called vocational rehabilitation under the department of economic security-the link is https://des.az.gov/services/employment/arizona-rehabilitation-services
**Note: Corrected the link - Admin
First good for you for working so hard and reaching out to get advice.
I don’t know in what state you live or if you are in the US- if you are-
There is an agency called the department of rehabilitation- in some states it’s called department of vocational rehabilitation. It is free employment services for any person with a disability. Funds are from the state and federal government- they may be able to pay for you to be tested to see if you have a learning disability ( if you are in high school the high school is required to provide that testing)
The services are free and include vocational counseling, employment assistance and may other service. The application is online california department of rehabilitation
Worth a try!
In Arizona it’s called vocational rehabilitation under the department of economic security-the link is https://des.az.gov/services/employment/arizona-rehabilitation-services
**Note: Corrected the link - Admin
Thank you I will look into that. I really appreciate it.
Emalyn
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
No matter what your situation is, keep going. Create something new (or further develop a current idea) every day.
1. Add new work to your portfolio consistently (choose an online hosting solution) and stay committed! Offer to work on design for small businesses and local companies to expand your portfolio, even if it's for very little pay. (Stay humble!)
2. Apply to opportunities. They will ask for a resume so use your design skills to make yourself look good (but be honest!)
3. Find ways to earn money related to art that may not be directly in design (e.g. part-time work in an art gallery or as a teaching aid to keep yourself afloat financially and mentally.)
I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD (and an old bone injury that causes chronic pain) until I was over 30 years old. Don't let the idea of disability hold you back. There are many days when we don't feel well, but remember that life is short — so do your best to wear a smile, have the best attitude you can muster for the current moment, and work toward your personal dreams. (We almost always have to work toward the dreams of others before we can earn the privilege, humility, and wisdom to achieve our own!)
I hope that was helpful. :)
Good luck!
1. Add new work to your portfolio consistently (choose an online hosting solution) and stay committed! Offer to work on design for small businesses and local companies to expand your portfolio, even if it's for very little pay. (Stay humble!)
2. Apply to opportunities. They will ask for a resume so use your design skills to make yourself look good (but be honest!)
3. Find ways to earn money related to art that may not be directly in design (e.g. part-time work in an art gallery or as a teaching aid to keep yourself afloat financially and mentally.)
I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD (and an old bone injury that causes chronic pain) until I was over 30 years old. Don't let the idea of disability hold you back. There are many days when we don't feel well, but remember that life is short — so do your best to wear a smile, have the best attitude you can muster for the current moment, and work toward your personal dreams. (We almost always have to work toward the dreams of others before we can earn the privilege, humility, and wisdom to achieve our own!)
I hope that was helpful. :)
Good luck!
Thank you, I appreciate the candor about your disabilities, the direction, and the encouragement.
Emalyn
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To build a successful digital art career, focus on building a powerful portfolio, networking, marketing your skills, and overcoming challenges. Focus on quality, not quantity, and showcase your best work. Specialize in a niche or show versatility across different digital art forms. Include behind-the-scenes glimpses of your workflow, sketches, and progress shots. Use online platforms like ArtStation, Enhance, and your own website to showcase your work. Network on social media, join online communities, and use freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Create a professional online presence and tailor your portfolio and marketing efforts to your audience.
Overcoming challenges in accessibility, learning disability, and self-discipline include exploring accessibility tools, developing strategies for working around challenges, and setting realistic goals. Stay up-to-date with the latest software and techniques, and believe in yourself as your talent and dedication are your greatest assets.
Overcoming challenges in accessibility, learning disability, and self-discipline include exploring accessibility tools, developing strategies for working around challenges, and setting realistic goals. Stay up-to-date with the latest software and techniques, and believe in yourself as your talent and dedication are your greatest assets.
Thank you, This helps alot.
Emalyn
Updated
Kari’s Answer
There are a lot of options out there besides college.
If you really want to take good classes but are unable to attend college, you might want to check out a website called SkillShare.com. It covers not just art, but all sorts of topics across the spectrum and if you view a lot of videos on Youtube there's a chance you've come across someone there who will offer a month's trial for free.
Youtube is also a good place to pick up tricks and tips on how to utilize whatever art program that you are using.
Programs like Blender or Unity tend to be difficult for starters, so if you're new to the art world and want a program that can help you make art, comic books and even gifs, then I would recommend starting with Krita. Krita is a free to download art program and there are a good amount of tutorials out there for those who are inexperienced in using digital art programs.
As others have already stated here, creating a portfolio to show off what skills you have is an excellent way to market yourself to potential clients. I would recommend anyone who is a serious artist to stay away from Deviantart. While Deviantart seems like a good place it's become ripe with AI ripping off art of those who are there within the last year or so and any didn't opt out of allowing Wix to do whatever they wanted with the art posted on their site. It's a company that has proven to not care about it's users, only about the money said users can make them. I used Deviantart when it was in its prime, prior to Wix getting ahold of it and messing it up so badly.
If you really want to take good classes but are unable to attend college, you might want to check out a website called SkillShare.com. It covers not just art, but all sorts of topics across the spectrum and if you view a lot of videos on Youtube there's a chance you've come across someone there who will offer a month's trial for free.
Youtube is also a good place to pick up tricks and tips on how to utilize whatever art program that you are using.
Programs like Blender or Unity tend to be difficult for starters, so if you're new to the art world and want a program that can help you make art, comic books and even gifs, then I would recommend starting with Krita. Krita is a free to download art program and there are a good amount of tutorials out there for those who are inexperienced in using digital art programs.
As others have already stated here, creating a portfolio to show off what skills you have is an excellent way to market yourself to potential clients. I would recommend anyone who is a serious artist to stay away from Deviantart. While Deviantart seems like a good place it's become ripe with AI ripping off art of those who are there within the last year or so and any didn't opt out of allowing Wix to do whatever they wanted with the art posted on their site. It's a company that has proven to not care about it's users, only about the money said users can make them. I used Deviantart when it was in its prime, prior to Wix getting ahold of it and messing it up so badly.
Thank you, I really appreciate the direction on platforms, and the guidance.
Emalyn
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
I'm so glad you're here! The fact that you're seeking growth and learning shows your passion and determination. I’ve been a digital artist for years, but my journey to success started with the same question you're asking: **How do I turn my dream into reality?**
Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. **You can do this.** It won’t be easy, but with persistence, dedication, and a willingness to push through challenges, you *will* make it.
2. **Master your craft.** Learn everything you can about design, layout, and best practices. Study the work of designers you admire—analyzing their techniques will help you grow.
3. **Seek inspiration.** I find creative sparks in Pinterest, magazines, and the work of other designers. Seeing what’s possible fuels my creativity—find what inspires *you*.
4. **No degree? No problem.** While formal education isn’t a must, you *do* need to be proficient in design software, work well with people, and handle both constructive and unconstructive criticism with grace.
5. **Hustle hard.** This industry is competitive, but your work ethic will set you apart. Are you willing to put in late nights to meet deadlines? Handle endless revisions? Start over if a client isn't happy? Success comes to those who are prepared for the grind.
6. **Design is more than making things look good.** It’s about strategy, problem-solving, and resilience. Most of the time, your work won’t be about *you*—it will be about bringing a vision to life for someone else.
Your journey won’t be perfect, but if you commit to learning, adapting, and putting in the effort, you’ll get there. Keep going! 💡✨
Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. **You can do this.** It won’t be easy, but with persistence, dedication, and a willingness to push through challenges, you *will* make it.
2. **Master your craft.** Learn everything you can about design, layout, and best practices. Study the work of designers you admire—analyzing their techniques will help you grow.
3. **Seek inspiration.** I find creative sparks in Pinterest, magazines, and the work of other designers. Seeing what’s possible fuels my creativity—find what inspires *you*.
4. **No degree? No problem.** While formal education isn’t a must, you *do* need to be proficient in design software, work well with people, and handle both constructive and unconstructive criticism with grace.
5. **Hustle hard.** This industry is competitive, but your work ethic will set you apart. Are you willing to put in late nights to meet deadlines? Handle endless revisions? Start over if a client isn't happy? Success comes to those who are prepared for the grind.
6. **Design is more than making things look good.** It’s about strategy, problem-solving, and resilience. Most of the time, your work won’t be about *you*—it will be about bringing a vision to life for someone else.
Your journey won’t be perfect, but if you commit to learning, adapting, and putting in the effort, you’ll get there. Keep going! 💡✨