🖍️ 30-Day Beginner-Friendly Plan for Earning $800 as a Cartoonist
👋 Welcome! This day-by-day guide is designed especially for cartoonists ready to turn their talent into income — starting with $0, no following, and no paid tools.
Each day’s task is clear, practical, and friendly for anyone — even total beginners!
Week 1: Setting Up and Showcasing Your Cartoon Skills
🌟 Day 1 – Get Inspired & Outline Your Income Plan
- Look up “cartoon commissions” and “cartoonist gig ideas” using Google or Pinterest for inspiration.
- Make a list of 3 things you can create for people (e.g., cartoon portraits, logos, pet cartoons).
- Write down why you love cartooning — this helps when you promote yourself!
📱 Day 2 – Set Up a Free Online Portfolio
- Sign up at ArtStation (free), Behance (free), or Carrd (free plan).
- Choose a simple, clean theme. Site names can include your name or “cartoons by [your name]”.
- Don’t worry if you have little to show yet — start with old sketches or create 3-4 new drawings just for your portfolio.
- Upload your best pieces. Add brief descriptions (e.g., “Cartoon portrait of a friend”).
🖍️ Day 3 – Draw Samples for Your Offerings
- Decide on 2-3 simple product types (e.g., headshot portraits, pet cartoons).
- Spend the day drawing one sample of each.
- Scan or take clear photos if you work on paper, or export your files if digital.
💡 Day 4 – Set Up Free Payment Methods
✨ Day 5 – Open a Free Social Account for Your Art
- Pick one: Instagram (recommended), Facebook Page, or Twitter/X.
- Sign up (or convert an existing personal account) — name examples: “[Your Name] Cartoons”.
- Add a clear profile photo (your cartoon or logo), and link to your art portfolio from Day 2.
📝 Day 6 – Write Your Cartoon Commission Offer
- Draft a simple, friendly description, like:
- “I create custom cartoon portraits, pets, and characters. Fast delivery, affordable rates! Message me to order.”
- List your prices: e.g., “$25 for a cartoon profile pic”, “$35 for a couple portrait”, etc.
- List payment methods from Day 4.
- Post your offer on your new social account, pin it to your profile, and add your sample images.
✅ Day 7 – Share Your Work in Art & Community Groups
- Search for 3-5 free Facebook Groups like “Cartoon Artists”, “Portrait Commissions”, or local selling groups.
- Join the groups, read each group’s rules first.
- Introduce yourself & post your offer and samples (from Day 6) in each group. Be friendly, not spammy.
- Reply to any comments or messages you get!
Estimated Earnings by Week 1: $0–$50+ (First interest and possible first commission)
Week 2: Attracting Clients & Building Quick Sales
🎉 Day 8 – Offer a “First 3 Customers” Discount
- Post on your social and in groups: “First 3 custom cartoon orders are just $15! Message to claim.”
- This builds urgency and helps you get reviews/testimonials.
🤝 Day 9 – Ask Friends & Family to Share Your Offer
- Privately message 5-10 friends or relatives: “Hi! I’m offering custom cartoons. Mind sharing my post or telling someone who might love this?”
- Send them the direct link to your social post/portfolio. Don’t be shy — people often love to support!
🔗 Day 10 – List a Free Gig on Fiverr
- Sign up at Fiverr (free).
- Click “Become a Seller”. Complete your profile and add your samples as “Gig Gallery”.
- Set up your first Gig: Title (e.g., “I will draw your cartoon portrait”), starting price $10–$20, brief description, delivery time 2–3 days.
🔍 Day 11 – Post Samples on Reddit Art Communities
- Register an account at Reddit (free).
- Join subreddits like r/DrawForMe, r/HungryArtists, and r/commissions.
- Read rules for posting commissions. Submit a post with your samples, commission offer, and payment options.
🕒 Day 12 – Create a Simple Order Process & Set Delivery Times
- Decide how you’ll handle orders:
- Step 1: Client messages you with a photo or idea
- Step 2: Client pays upfront via PayPal (or other)
- Step 3: You deliver within 3 days
- Post these steps to your social profile and Fiverr gig for clarity.
🖼️ Day 13 – Draw 2 New Trending Sample Pieces
- Search for trending topics or memes. Draw a cartoon version of a current event, popular meme, or famous person.
- Post these to your social and art profiles, tagging relevant hashtags (e.g., #cartoonportrait #artcommission).
📢 Day 14 – Share Your Offer in Local Buy/Sell Groups
- Find Facebook or WhatsApp groups for your city/town/community.
- Post your discounted offer with samples, and offer a special “local price” if possible.
Estimated Earnings by Week 2: $100–$200+ (3–7 small commissions from friends, groups, and Fiverr)
Week 3: Leveraging Online Platforms & Upselling
🎯 Day 15 – Set Up a Free Ko-fi or BuyMeACoffee Page
- Go to Ko-fi or BuyMeACoffee (free to start).
- Create your profile. Add a catchy banner (“Buy a cartoon from me!”).
- Link this in all your profiles for easy spontaneous tips/orders.
🌈 Day 16 – Offer a Couple or Family Cartoon Package
- Add a new offer for couples, families, or groups. (E.g., 2 people = $40, 3–4 people = $60)
- Draw a sample family/group cartoon and upload to all your platforms.
💌 Day 17 – Email 5 Small Businesses with a Cartoon Logo Pitch
- Find 5 local businesses or creators (search Instagram, Google Maps, local shops).
- Send a short, personal email: “Hi! I’m a cartoonist and I design fun cartoon logos for small businesses. Would you like a unique cartoon version of your logo or mascot?”
- Attach 2–3 relevant samples. Offer a special rate like “$40 for a cartoon logo this week.”
🎁 Day 18 – Launch a “Birthday Cartoon” Special
- Create a sample of a birthday party cartoon (with the person’s name, cake, etc.).
- Post: “Looking for a unique surprise? I make custom birthday cartoon portraits! DM to order.”
- Share in birthday/celebration Facebook groups.
🕹️ Day 19 – Offer a Custom Cartoon Twitch/YouTube Avatar
- Draw a sample streamer avatar or profile pic.
- Post in subreddits like r/Twitch, r/YoutubeCreators.
- Offer a special price ($20–$25) for streamer/youtuber avatars.
💬 Day 20 – Request Testimonials from Satisfied Clients
- Message your first customers: “Would you mind writing a quick review for my page? It helps a lot!”
- Post their reviews (with their permission) on your profile and add to your art portfolio.
🖨️ Day 21 – Offer a Printable Cartoon Gift
- Design a cartoon suitable for printing (card, poster, sticker).
- Offer a deal: “Get a printable cartoon, perfect for a gift! Delivered as a high-res file you can print anywhere.”
- Post on socials, in groups, and on Fiverr.
Estimated Earnings by Week 3: $350–$500+ (from new package deals, platforms, and upsells)
Week 4: Scaling Up, Repeat Buyers & Final Stretch
🔄 Day 22 – Follow Up with Past Clients for Referrals
- Message past buyers: “Enjoying your cartoon? If you know anyone else who’d love one, I’d appreciate a referral — $5 off for both of you!”
📣 Day 23 – Run a 3-Day “Flash Sale” on Your Top Offer
- Post: “3-day sale! Cartoon portraits just $20. Tag a friend or DM to order. Ends Friday!”
- Share actively in all your groups/platforms.
📊 Day 24 – Track Your Orders & Earnings
- Make a list (Excel, Google Sheets, or notebook): Each order, price, date, delivery status, and client contact.
- Count total earnings so far and how many more orders you need to reach $800.
- Adjust your pricing or flash sale if needed to hit your goal.
💻 Day 25 – Respond to All Comments, Messages & Inquiries
- Spend extra time replying to every question quickly and kindly — fast replies build more trust and higher order rates!
🧑💼 Day 26 – Offer a “2-for-1” Bundle
- Post: “Get 2 cartoon portraits for you & a friend for just $30!” People love bundles for gifts.
- Share on social media and art platforms.
🚀 Day 27 – Post Before/After Transformations
- With client permission, share “before (photo) vs after (cartoon)” examples.
- Show how you turn real people into fun cartoons — this inspires new orders!
🙌 Day 28 – Ask Every Existing Client for a Repeat Order
- Message all past clients: “I’d love to draw someone else for you — family, pet, or friend! Want to order another cartoon at a special rate?”
🌟 Day 29 – Announce a “Last Chance” Weekend Offer
- Post everywhere: “Only 2 days left for $20 cartoon portraits! Order today to guarantee a spot. DM or email to book.”
- Reply to every comment/DM quickly to maximize last-minute sales.
🥳 Day 30 – Celebrate & Share Your Journey
- Post a thank-you to all clients/supporters: “1 month, [X] cartoons, $[XXX] earned! Thank you for supporting my art!”
- Ask for feedback and suggestions for what cartoon offers people want next month.
- Look at your order list and plan your next month’s income goal and strategies!
Estimated Final Earnings: $800+ (15–40 cartoon commissions, including higher-ticket family, logo, or repeat orders)
You did it! 🎉 You’ve turned your cartoon skills into real cash — all from scratch.
Keep building your audience, experimenting with new offers, and raising your prices as your reputation grows. Your art has value!
