A New Direction This Week
As you may recall Figurative Friday is not only about drawing figures, but also about earning them! I've done a little light research to conjure up a basic marketing strategy and the framework for establishing a business as a storyteller.
Have you ever wondered if your knack for telling stories through lines and shapes could actually be a business?
Not someday. Not maybe. But now?
Well, here’s a brushstroke of truth: storytellers who draw are in demand—big time. From animators needing storyboards to brands craving cartoons that speak louder than words, the world is hunting for artists who can visualize a vibe.
And guess what? That could be you.
✏️ A Sketchbook Can Be a Business Plan
Your pencil is more powerful than you think. With just a few digital tools (a tablet, an online portfolio, and maybe a cup of very strong coffee), you can start offering services like:
- Storyboards for filmmakers, YouTubers, and game devs,
- Comics that make ideas come alive,
- Caricatures with a wink and personality,
- Cartoons that explain, entertain, or just... make people feel good.
Whether you’re going solo or joining forces with someone like me (yep—more on that in a sec 👀), the first step is simply starting.
🚀 So... How Do You Launch?
You don’t need a fancy office or a thousand Instagram followers. You need three things:
- A style that tells a story.
- A way for people to see your work (hello, blog, portfolio, or social media).
- The guts to say, “Hey world, I do this—and I’m open for business.”
If you’re thinking, “Sounds cool, but I’m not a marketer,” here’s the secret: you don’t have to be. You just need to show up with consistency and curiosity. The right people will find you if you keep sharing what makes your work special.
🖌️ Why Not Join a Crew?
Not everyone wants to go full solo from the jump. That’s where Figurative Friday’s Sketch Collective comes in.
I’m building a team of visual storytellers—artists who want to:
- Learn the ropes while working on real projects,
- Grow their own brand within a supportive ecosystem,
- Get paid to play (and sketch, and learn, and laugh).
If you’ve got a unique style and a love for bringing stories to life, I want to hear from you. Whether you're into exaggerated faces, bold sequential art, or cinematic scene-setting—there’s room in this creative campfire for your voice.
💡 Inspiration Over Intimidation
Starting a business doesn’t mean selling your soul to spreadsheets. It can be as simple as:
- Taking on one paid project this month.
- Posting one sketch story a week.
- Building your brand one doodle at a time.
This isn’t about overnight fame. It’s about creative independence. About telling your story your way—and helping others do the same.
🖋️ The Takeaway?
Your drawings aren’t “just for fun.” They’re how people connect. They’re how ideas move. They’re how businesses explain, entertain, and inspire.
Whether you’re building your own storytelling empire or hopping aboard mine, remember this:
👉 Your sketchbook is a launchpad. Your stories are currency. And your journey can start today.
So sharpen those pencils, fire up the stylus, and let's make some story magic.
Want in on the Sketch Collective? Or just want to follow the journey for now?
📩 Drop a note, sketch a hello, or stay tuned for more Figurative Fridays.
The future is drawn by those who dare to pick up the pen.
Let me know if you want this formatted as a downloadable PDF or newsletter template!
