Drawn

A few months ago I wanted to bring my part in the 700 hoboes project to a fitting conclusion, so I invited the citizens of the internets to submit hobo names via my blog, drawings of which I would then send to them for a borderline crazy low price (as previously blogged here and elsewhere). 200 or so hoboes later I realized something: it was a lot of work, but I was having fun. Since then, I’ve kept the gates of commerce open and invited visitors to submit monkey names (and other things) for me to draw. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, the names have been really funny, and I have to wonder why I didn’t start doing this years ago.

Not a week goes by where I don’t get an email from an artist asking if they can do a similar project, to which I always reply: of course! It’s not like I invented selling illustrations, nor am I the first to do so online. In fact, I’d encourage anyone with a little extra time, a penchant for drawing, a blog, and a paypal account (all free, btw) to give it a try. What’s stopping you?

Here’s a cross section of some similar projects currently blossoming online:

For the past couple of years, Duane Keiser (previously) has created a postcard sized painting every few days and then posted it for auction on ebay. Check out the prices his beautiful creations are fetching.

Len Peralta wanted to help defray the cost of an upcoming bundle o’ joy, so he started selling custom named monster art. Thanks to a lot of hard work, blog mentions (including here previously), and youtubing, he’s drawn nearly 500 monstrosities and has announced a new theme for the summer: Zombies. Eek!

Ben Rollman will draw you (yes, you!) as a robot!

Since January, Joe Mathlete (Marmaduke’s arch-enemy) has been supplementing his income as a musician and blogger by drawing anything you want him to for under five bucks. Okay, so his art is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum of Keisers, what with the crayons and all, but the results are pretty darn funny.

And I’m sure there are many, many more. With hard work and the help of electronic word of mouth, an artist can stave off starvation and build a fan base while doing what they love.

As a bonus, here are a few ideas for artists wanting to start similar projects: drawings of World of Warcraft (or any other MMORPG) avatars! Life drawings! Drawings of peoples childhood homes from old photos! Pictures of fluffy little kittens! Anything you like to draw, chances are someone else is into it and would love your handiwork.

Get drawing! You have my permission. ;)