The 5 traits of successful illustrators

Have we met? I’m Lilla Rogers, an art agent of 30 years, a former full-time illustrator, a writer, a speaker, and more. Over the next five newsletters I’m going to share some of my insights from my decades in the creative industry. I hope you’ll join me!

Hi, Lilla here! I’ve been immersed in the creative industry for more than 40 years. As well as co-founding and teaching at Make Art That Sells, and more recently taught at live retreats in Europe, I’ve also founded a top art agency, worked as a busy full-time illustrator, an author, and a columnist, and I licensed my jewelry for my own craft line. I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge, insight, and wisdom from my time in the business, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Over the next five newsletters, I’ll be sharing some of my most valuable insights and observations from decades in the business. Plus I’m going to give you a Mini assignment at the end of each newsletter. I hope you’ll join me!

Here’s some of my work from when I was a full-time illustrator. Back then, success to me meant making a living through my art. Later, it meant thriving as an art agent. Now, success for me is about mentoring and teaching amazing creative people like you. So, what does success mean to you?

Who makes it in the art business? What I’ve learned as an art agent

I’m thrilled to talk to you today about one of my favorite topics: who makes it in the art business? It’s something that I’ve given plenty of thought to, as an art agent and as a teacher. Artists often ask me, “Am I good enough? Will I make it? With so much great art out there, sometimes it feels like everyone else is better than me.”

I want to share my thoughts and offer guidance on how you can make your art even better, so you can create the best work possible.

What does success look like to you?

It might be licensing your art on a line of products, getting an agent, setting up a thriving Etsy shop, or landing your first children’s picture book deal. Maybe it’s holding your own beautiful arty book in your hands or shining at craft fairs because your work is simply amazing.

The first step is to define what success means for you. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and jot down a few thoughts. You might even want to explore this further in your journal later.

The 5 traits of successful illustrators

1. It’s not about talent

Let’s talk about who really makes it in the art business. You might be surprised, but it’s not always initially the artists with the most extraordinary talent. In my experience, the ones who succeed are the people who stick with it. As I always say in my classes, talent is like a muscle. Your talent can evolve and improve over time. The more art you do, the better you get. Fact.

Here’s something to think about: I wasn’t the best artist as a kid. My drawings were quirky and weird, which actually turned out to be an asset in my illustration career. So, it’s not always about how great you are from the start—whatever “great” even means.

2. Be open to learning

The second key to success is being open to learning, to evolve. Stay open: it’s an opportunity to learn.

Art by Make Art That Sells student Angela Caldwell for class.

3. Make time for your art

Artists who succeed know how to prioritize their art. They make time for it. They don’t wait for someone else to give them permission. They own it. They take their art seriously. What you spend time on is what you value.

4. Follow your passion

Another trait of successful artists is their passion. They follow their passions and nurture them. They respect their own brains.

Stay tuned for some exciting color news coming soon! If you’re a color addict like me, you won’t want to miss it!

5. Stay optimistic

Lastly, stay optimistic. Complaining is the language of the victim. Negativity sucks energy; optimism fuels you. Your passion for art is what will guide you and lead you to achieve your goals.

When I first starting out as an illustrator in New York, I called my mother and saying, “I’ll never make it as an illustrator. It’s so hard!” Here’s what she told me: “Hang in there, honey. Some people give up right before their success.” Wow. It’s true—many artists give up just when they’re on the verge of something great.

Your Mini assignment #1

To wrap up, let’s play the Opposites Game. For me, and I know for many of you as well, affirmations are so helpful. They help flip the negativity we’ve internalized—whether from our culture, upbringing, or elsewhere—into something positive.

I want you to take a negative thought that you have, like “I can’t make a living at art” or “My art’s not that great” or “Everybody’s better than me” and write that down.

Then you’re going to flip it on its head to make the opposite. For example, you might say “I can make a living at art,” and then you might tweak it a little to say something like, “I have what it takes to be really successful making gorgeous art.”

Art for Make Art That Sells student Lydia Graves for class.

Grab your sketchbook or journal now, and spend five minutes writing down your negative thought and then your positive affirmation. If you feel like sharing, post your affirmation on social media, tag @makeartthatsells, and use the hashtag #MATSAffirmation. I always love to see what you do.

I hope you found that helpful. Speak soon.