In this video I talk about having a side hustle and why I think it is important for comic book artists. I want to disclose that I don't make my living as a professional comic book artist but I do draw comic art every single day. I can do this because I have created income streams online with my art and my teaching.

As a creative visual artist we have so many opportunities in front of us to make a successful living doing what we love. Here are some of my favorite sites that have helped me to do just that -

http://www.youtube.com ( Youtube's ad revenue isn't anything to write home about BUT it helps and my channel has lead to all sorts of other opportunities that are listed below. ). Including my book "Learn to Draw Action Heroes." Available on Amazon + Barnes and Nobel. :)

http://www.gumroad.com. ( Great for selling digital content. Everything from custom brushes, video lessons, patterns, artwork, t-shirts, comic books, music, fonts, designs, and pretty much any variation of these ideas. )

http://www.skillshare.com ( Just like the name sounds. Teach skills to your students. I teach comic art and figure drawing but there are tons of other skills that are popular on this platform. )

http://www.udemy.com ( Online courses on anything and everything. Tech is king here but art and design do pretty well too! Let's face it, online courses are the BEST way to learn and they are here to stay! )

Here are a few that I haven't tried but I have read some success stories about them. ( I have tried Patreon but it never really took off. You win some you lose some. )

www.indiegogo.com. ( Great for launching books and even video content. The nice thing about this one is that you keep generating sales after the campaign is over. )

www.kickstarter.com ( Much like indiegogo but you have to meet your funding goal and it doesn't generate sales after the initial campaign. )

www.patreon.com ( Get your fans to support whatever crazy ideas you have. I have seen some pretty wild concepts on there. Just be creative and be consistent. )

Here are some Print on Demand Examples. I made any money on these but again I have heard about some success stories.

http://www.etsy.com
http://www.society6.com
http://www.printful.com
http://www.redbubble.com
http://www.deviantart.com
http://www.bigcartel.com

I am sure there are many more. I would recommend trying a few and then learning what works for you and what does not. Do not expect any overnight successes but if you keep pushing and continue to grow your audience you will see an increase in sales.

First you have to believe in yourself and create a game plan. Write everything down and create short term goals and long term goals. Learn from your failures and never stop trying! You got this! ;)

Thank you for supporting this channel and good luck with your art!

Robert A. Marzullo
Ram Studios Comics
http://www.ramstudioscomics.com
http://www.gumroad.com/robertmarzullo