Let’s be honest.
The art world isn’t some magical place where talent automatically brings success.
In fact, I don’t know a single honest, step-by-step story where an artist became a millionaire just from their art.

So, how do people actually “make it”?
They show up at networking parties with wine glasses in hand, charm their way into paid gallery slots, burn thousands on advertising, or blindly follow whatever trend is hot this week.
Some end up in a studio. Some don’t.
Most rely heavily on luck — not just skill.

The Internet is Full of Art Bloggers... So I Tried to Become One.

You’ve seen them:
✨ Young, glowing, talented.
✨ 18 to 22 years old.
✨ Drawing like pros, with 20,000–100,000 followers and commissions out the door.
✨ Posting only 200 times and somehow getting 200–6,000 likes per post.

They say: “Oh, I just spent $15 on ads!”
But industry insiders know — getting that visibility probably cost $5,000+ in ad spend, depending on the niche.

So what did I do?

In December, I opened commissions for anime-style illustrations.
I posted regularly for 1.5 months. I had a blog. A clear slogan. A defined style. A real portfolio. I even had real videos on TikTok that got 500 to 1,900 views.
I spent $15 on ads.
And what did I get?

✅ 100 views
✅ 2 likes
❌ 2 unsubscribes
❌ 0 sales
❌ A cooling audience on Facebook (people hated seeing me sell something)

No one ran to subscribe.
No one lined up for commissions.
Even with content, visibility, and professional presentation — I got nothing.

But Isn’t 50 Views Enough for a Sale?

That’s what one marketer told me.
Others say, “It depends on your product, niche, engagement level…”
But statistically? Only 1 in 10 people will even remember your slogan or what you’re selling.

It reminds me of those marketing emails I get:

“Hi Julie, today is an AMAZING opportunity! Click now and win your prize!”

...And then, somewhere in small print: CPFTV.
What even is that?

The only brands I remember from my inbox are PUMA and MODIVO — because they remind me who they are.
Everyone else? Completely forgettable.
And yet… they somehow keep paying their marketers. 😅

So What’s the Truth About Art Blogging?

My take?
It’s mostly vanity.
Yes, some bloggers get orders. But does it pay the rent in Canada, Europe, or the U.S.? Probably not.
Unless you're a pop star-level influencer, the monetization from art alone likely won’t sustain you.

So What Does Work?

• 📘 Book illustration
  
  

• 🎮 Game art
  
  

• 🎞️ Animation
  
  

• 🧢 Designer merchandise
  
  

• 🎨 Teaching drawing courses
  
  

Let’s test those next.
Because at least there — you’re building something with long-term value.
Not just hoping for the algorithm gods to smile on you for a day.