40 Ways To Make Money As An Artist
Making money from art has been somewhat of a journey for me, but if you are looking to make money from your art then I have a few ideas for you. Now, more than ever before, there are new opportunities for artists, so I wanted to share with you 40 different ways that you can use to create income from your artwork.
Ok, ready for the list? Here are some ideas below:
Teach
You might not feel you have much to teach, but we all know something that someone else doesn’t.
Teaching on community platforms - e.g. Skillshare
Mentoring 1-on-1 coaching Portfolio Reviews
In-Person Workshops
Live Online Class
Pre-Recorded
Workshops
Online Courses
Writing your own book
Art Retreats Art Memberships - You can host your own membership or use a platform like (Patreon)
Youtube tutorials - Eventually you can make money from ad revenue
Selling Digitally
You may be surprised by some ideas on this list but never underestimate your skills and your processes. Other people want to learn and are willing to pay for your knowledge.
13. Downloadable Workbooks
14. Downloadable Colouring Pages
15. Downloadable Painting Guide
16. An Art Project E-book
17. Your Supplies & Materials List
18. Colour Swatches of your favourite colour combinations
19. Digital Art Prints
20. Digital Clip Art
21. Digital Patterns
22. Procreate Brushes of your artwork
23. Digital templates with your artwork - cards, invitations etc.
Selling Products
Why not reuse your art across multiple products? Have a niche as an artist and create products you wish you could see in the world.
24. Licence your designs or artwork
25. Sell your artwork on greeting cards
26. Create stickers with your artwork
27. Art Prints of your original paintings
28. Turn your artwork into repeat patterns and create wallpaper or wrapping paper
29. Put your artwork on t-shirts or clothing
30. Put your artwork onto home decor or home goods
31. Paint directly onto blank products - gift boxes, trinkets, jewellery ornaments etc.
Other Ways
Don’t forget to think out of the box and find ways that can work for you and your business.
32. In-House designing - working for other design agencies, in the fabric or craft industries.
33. Selling Original Artwork
34. Art Commissions
35. Client Work - many businesses want unique custom artwork
36. Mural Paintings
37. Children’s Illustrations
38. Affiliate Marketing - Make a small commission on affiliate links to your art supplies or tools
39. Art Competitions - Companies like Minted give prize money for top designs in various categories
40. Selling Gift Cards - for your products
Now, not all of these ideas are going to be practical for you and your art, but maybe these suggestions will spark an idea that could work for you. I actually use or have used a few of these methods within this list and I definitely think it's a good idea to implement at least a few of the suggestions so that you aren't putting all your eggs into one basket.
You may feel a little overwhelmed with these suggestions, especially fearing that so many others are doing these things already and that the market is over-saturated. Quite often that fear puts you off from ever getting started, but let me tell you that you have something unique to offer others and the world is waiting for what you have to give them.
Download your free E-book below -