10 Ways to Make Money as an Artist

by | Jul 22, 2023 | Marketing Tips

You have a distinct talent and vision as an artist that deserves to be recognized and appreciated. However, turning a love of the arts into a viable source of money can be a difficult task. In this article, we will provide you ten suggestions on how to earn diverse streams of revenue as an artist, which will help you produce cash and realize your ambition of making money as an artist.

1. Use an online platform – Etsy

Artwork displayed on Esty

Etsy is one of the most popular and effective e-commerce platforms for artists to sell their work. This online store caters to all types of artists, crafters, and creators. By opening an Etsy shop, you may access a global market by displaying and selling your artwork to a broad audience. Selling on Etsy allows you to build a customer base without necessarily needing a large following. You can get creative by selling downloadable artwork, patterns, templates, and more on Etsy.

2. License your artworks

Design licenses are ideal for artists who do not have a lot of time to commit to earning a living. This sort of revenue, known as “passive income.” By licensing your artwork, you grant another person or company permission to use it for a specific purpose, such as retailing, advertising, or publication. This agreement allows you to receive royalties while keeping ownership of your artwork, increasing your influence.

If your artwork is adequate to attract buyers who seek out unique personalities, it is not a problem to pay a little more. Most print-on-demand or custom shop owners nowadays have no background in painting, thus they must go to the market to license artwork or hire painters.

3. Sell your artworks

Besides Etsy, there are many online platforms that allow artists to sell their art directly to consumers. Websites like Society6, Redbubble, and Saatchi Art offer a variety of products featuring the artist’s work, from prints and posters to phone cases and home decor.

Some art events where you may sell your art in person are a terrific method to meet clients and create a personal relationship with them, since attending an art event allows potential buyers and collectors to meet in person for people who like to view and touch art in person. At an arts festival, for example, you could offer homemade goods or paintings.

If you have a physical store, you can sell your products there. If your marketing ability is strong, approach shops with rich art decorations to sell your artwork. Embrace rejection and persevere!

4. Art teaching

A man is teaching a lesson to his students

Consider educating others through workshops and classes if you’ve developed your artistic skills over the years. Many prospective painters are eager to learn from established artists.

Online education

Online art instruction is becoming increasingly popular as a result of advances in technology. You can produce and sell digital art lessons, organize live workshops using platforms like Zoom and even provide one-on-one art lessons via video chats, but I recommend livestreaming to deliver instruction, where you can set up a group and post a link to the livestream in the group. Alternatively, you may upload some short lessons on YouTube to entice consumers to purchase more in-depth courses.

Face-to-face instruction

A live art class or workshop can be a rewarding way to engage with your community. You can host or publicize your lessons at community centers, schools, or local art studios. You can even publish some information about hunting for courses on the local site so that those in need can discover you quickly.

5. Create an art blog

A woman is drawing on her tablet

Begin an art blog and consistently update it with intriguing information, such as the tales behind your pieces, art techniques, and insights into your artistic experience. Your blog can gain a loyal following over time, potentially leading to commissions and purchases.

You can join the Google Affiliate Program if you present to your audience through a website. When others submit adverts connected to art, your website will be embedded with advertisements and you will receive a commission from Google. Alternatively, you may join an affiliate program for an art-related website and receive a commission for including affiliate links in your blog.

6. Become a freelancer

A female artist is designing a picture.

Being a freelance artist is an excellent way to generate money while maintaining a flexible schedule. Creating illustrations for books, periodicals, or websites, designing logos, or producing bespoke artwork for a client’s project are all examples of freelance opportunities.

Freelancing allows graphic artists to effortlessly make a profit. You can create an account and update your information in fivver. You can charge a fee if someone wants you to design a web page or a poster.

7. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be game changers for artists working on ambitious projects or seeking continuing support. Crowdfunding platforms enable artists to receive direct money from their fans and followers.

In addition, Patreon allows your followers and supporters to make recurring contributions to your creative work in exchange for exclusive benefits.

These platforms enable artists to build a dedicated and engaged community around their art by sponsoring specific projects or providing unique content.

8. Start a print-on-demand store

Setting up a print on demand store allows you to offer a variety of products featuring your artwork without worrying about inventory or shipping. JetPrint, for example, takes care of production and shipping, allowing you to earn a profit on every sale.

Using JetPrint‘s free mockup generator, you can print your designs on canvas, clothes, or tote bags. You can monetize your artwork in unique and exciting ways, reaching buyers who may not have been traditional art buyers.

Independent artists can sell nearly anything globally using this strategy.

9. For sale at art fairs

some people are attending an art fair

An art fair allows you to not only exhibit your work, but also sell it directly to potential purchasers. Investigate and attend art fairs that correspond to your aesthetic and target audience. These events can be a terrific way to generate sales, get feedback, and develop long-lasting connections with art enthusiasts.

This gets them closer to the artwork while also allowing you to tell them the story behind it. The story behind the artwork is frequently a strong selling element.

Of course, traveling to art fairs isn’t just about meeting buyers; you may also meet other artists, forming bonds and becoming friends through mutual interests, which can be a source of inspiration.

10. Applying for grants and competitions

A model of a house sticks out of a male hand.

Many organizations provide arts scholarships and residence programs to help artists with their creative projects. These programs not only provide cash aid, but also valuable exposure and networking in the art world.

Don’t neglect the financial assistance that arts grants and contests can provide. Winning a grant or competition can give you with the finances you need to pursue a larger project or fund your artistic career.

If you’re not sure what funding is available or what competitions are currently open. Searching for “artist grants” or “art competitions” will yield results from local arts councils or corporations.

Conclusion

To summarize, making money as an artist is a multidimensional path that takes creativity, resilience, and a willingness to experiment with different income streams. You can construct a sustainable and happy career as an artist while cultivating your enthusiasm for the arts by utilizing online channels, participating with communities, and seizing opportunities in the offline world.Remember that artists can earn passive income through strategic planning, dedication, and a firm belief in the value of art. Accept the challenge, stay true to your artistic vision, and success will follow.

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