How to go from hobbyist to full-time illustrator, with Craig Babin

August 16, 2024

Craig Babin‘s journey from hobbyist to full-time illustrator is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Craig juggled two creative pursuits for years: traditional drawing and 3D animation. While his pencil had been a constant companion since childhood, the allure of 3D modeling captured his imagination about 15 years ago.

Over the past decade, Craig immersed himself in the digital realm, creating everything from precision agriculture videos to aviation security tutorials. His expertise even led him to inspire college freshmen, introducing them to the exciting world of 3D modeling.

Craig Babin At Work On Intuos

However, 2020 marked a pivotal moment in Craig’s career. He made the bold decision to set aside his established 3D animation business and dive headfirst into the world of professional illustration. But Craig didn’t just want to make this transition quietly – he decided to bring the entire world along for the ride.

From Pixels to Paychecks: Craig Babin’s Artistic OdysseyΒ 

And how you, too, can earn money from your art

In December 2020, Craig launched a YouTube channel to document his creative metamorphosis. His goal? To inspire and educate other aspiring illustrators, showing them that it’s possible to turn a lifelong passion into a sustainable career. 

Craig’s content goes beyond mere tutorials. His Draw with Me channel and Doodle Podcast offer viewers a unique glimpse into his creative process. Time-lapse doodling videos are accompanied by Craig’s insightful narration, covering a wide range of topics from art techniques to entrepreneurship, and even life philosophy. 

By sharing his journey so openly, Craig has created a vibrant community of artists and dreamers. His story serves as a reminder that with dedication and the right mindset, it’s possible to transform a part-time hobby into a full-time income – and inspire others along the way.

Craig Babin Image

Some other videos from Craig’s channel:


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