I didn't really know anyone who illustrated as a job growing up.
Pre-internet, illustrators were repped by agencies who'd shop their work. If you got hot, you were fine. Most weren't.
Contemporary illustrators simply found ways to incorporate their drawings into brand assets. I've been lucky to do that for 18 years.
Some found out — like me — that illustration has even broader utility: apparel garments, icons, ads, infographics, editorial, motion graphics, consumer products, and more.
If illustrators struggle, it's because they don't know the broad utility of their own service — and how to sell that.
Don't settle for one domain, industry or product. Choose all of them.