is it possible to make a living as a freelance digital illustrator?

Yes, of course it is!

Have you heard of Manga and Anime Conventions? Well freelance digital illustrators (such as myself and DestinyBlue) tend to go to these as traders. You can just buy a table/stall for £30 ($45) and sell as much as you like.

Personally, at small conventions I usually earn anywhere from £200-£400 each day, but at big conventions and expos I can earn anywhere from £500-£900!

AND THAT'S JUST SELL MY ART!!

It's worth a try, and it's tons of fun. Or you could try selling art online at DevientArt or somewhere.

Hope this helps x

Certainly. But like any freelance gig, it's highly dependent on you. As a freelancer, you have to be able to find work AND be able to convince people why it's worth hiring YOU. Being active with other artists will also help you to improve and find work. It's definitely not the kind of thing that you can just jump into either. If you've got a job already, keep it and start trying to build your career as a freelancer at the same time.

It takes a lot of hard work and self-discipline, but it's totally possible.

honestly? i can't see how its possible.

with the economy the way it is, and things being so expensive, i've hardly experienced people willing to pay hundreds of dollars for digital art. and from the few that will, you probably won't be able to make a months rent from it.

i know theres another answerer who says they manage hundreds of pounds for pictures from their digital art, but working in both the digital and traditional field i have yet to meet someone whos into anime and can afford an expensive original. trying not to burst your bubble, but honestly don't want you to think this is possible when it barely is. i would be safe and look into a fall back job/a safety net. i work in a bank. despite having several requests for my work, i would never be able to make ends meet without my day job - which is also a guaranteed paycheck at the end of the month. thats security that i enjoy.

hope i helped and wasn't too much of a raincloud.