Does Selling Art For a Living Make You Happy?

Selling art for a living sounds like the ultimate dream, doesn’t it? Turning your passion into a full-time job, being your own boss, and getting paid to create, what could be better?

It’s the kind of life most artists fantasize about. But is it really as fulfilling as it seems? Or does the pressure to make money from your art take away the joy you once felt?

In this post, I’ll share my experience of making a living from my art, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever wondered whether selling art will make you happier or ruin the fun, you’re in the right place.

Let’s find out.

The Dream

The idea of making a living from your art is exciting. Who wouldn’t want to escape the daily grind and get paid to do something they truly love? It’s a chance to turn your passion into your lifestyle.

For most artists, it starts with a simple thought: “What if I could sell my work and make enough to live on?” It feels like the ultimate freedom, being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and creating without limits.

There’s also something deeply rewarding about sharing your work with others. When someone buys your art, it’s more than just a sale. It’s a connection. They like your art and vision so much that they’re willing to hang it in their home.

It’s a huge confidence boost.

I remember the first time I sold my wildlife prints. It wasn’t just about the money (although that certainly helped); it was about the validation. some loved my work enough to buy it.

That moment sparked something in me. I realized that maybe, just maybe, this couold work

The dream is real. But as with all dreams, reality is waiting around the corner.

The Reality Check

Turning your art into a business sounds great until you realize it’s just that, a business. Suddenly, it’s not just about creating art for yourself anymore. You have to think about what sells, how to promote your work, and how to make enough money to pay the bills.

The creative freedom you once is restricted and you find yourself drawing or painting something just because it will sell, not because you feel inspired.

That can be tough to accept.

Then there’s the constant hustle. Selling art isn’t just about making beautiful artwork, you must become a marketer, a salesperson, an accountant, and a customer service rep all rolled into one.

It’s exhausting and can be overwhelming if you’re not ready for it.

I’ve had my fair share of moments where it felt like I was running a publishing business more than being an artist. Between managing sales, answering emails, posting orders, and promoting my work, there were times I barely had time to draw.

That’s the reality no one talks about. Selling art for a living is not just creating what you love all day. It’s hard work, with ups and downs like any job.

But it’s not all bad, and there are ways to keep the joy alive, that’s if you know how to find the balance.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Selling art for a living is a wild ride. One day, you’re on a high because you’ve just made a big sale and feel unstoppable. The next day, you’re doubting everything because nothing is selling, and you’re questioning your talent.

It can mess with your head.

The highs are wonderful. There’s nothing quite like knowing someone loves your work enough to buy it. Seeing your art in someone’s home or hearing how much it means to them is a great feeling.

It’s moments like that that keep you going.

But the lows are real too. There’s the financial stress when sales slow down, There’s creative burnout when you’re constantly producing art without a break. And then there’s the self-doubt that creeps in when something good doesn’t sell as well as you hoped.

The pressure to always create quality “sellable” work can take a toll. You start to wonder if you’re making art is worth it. It’s easy to lose sight of why you started creating in the first place.

Over time, I’ve learned that these ups and downs are part of the journey. They’re inevitable and unavoidable. It’s part of deal when you work for yourself. You must remind yourself that over time, it all evens out.

How to Keep the Joy Alive

Finding the balance between business and creativity is the key to staying happy as a working artist. It’s not always easy, but it’s possible. You have to protect your passion while handling the demands of selling your art.

One of the best ways to keep the joy alive is to set aside time for personal projects. Not everything you create has to be for sale. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and create just for fun, without worrying about whether it will sell or not.

It’s refreshing and can help you fall in love with your art all over again.

Taking regular breaks is essential too. When your art becomes your job, it’s tempting to work all the time. But constant work leads to burnout. Step away, recharge, and come back with fresh eyes and new energy. You’ll be surprised how much it helps.

Another thing that keeps me motivated is focusing on the aspects of the business that bring me the most joy.

I love meeting customers in person and hearing their stories and I enjoy seeing my regulars who come back to see my new work or just stop to say hello. And I love the fascination of young kids watching me draw. These things make me happy.

Perhaps my biggest joy is looking forward to the end of my selling season when I pack my bags and head off to the tropics in search of wildlife. It’s a huge incentive to work hard and I always have an end game in sight. It gives me purpose.

When Selling Art Does Make You Happier

Despite the challenges, selling art can bring a deep sense of fulfillment. There’s nothing quite like building a life around something you love and seeing it support your lifestyle.

And don’t underestimate the satisfaction of telling people what you do for a living. People find it fascinating. It ticks all the boxes and what’s more, being an artist crosses the class divide. You can mix with anyone on equal terms.

Being a professional artist has kudos

Selling your art for a living validates you as an artist. It’s authentic. You are what you say. You’re not a pretentious wannabe talking endlessly about yourself and your art, as if people are supposed to care. No, you’re the real deal, making and selling art for others to enjoy.

Turning creativety into a job isn’t easy, and the fact that you’re actually doing it, successfully, is something to celebrate. It gives you a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match.

It’s not about being rich and famous, it’s about earning enough money to do the things you enjoy.

For me, it has funded a lifestyle that lets me travel the world in search of nature. I combine art, travel, and wildlife. That’s my job and also my 3 joys in life. Every sale feels like another step toward another trip. That is what I work for.

When you get it right and you can have an interesting life.

Final Thoughts: Does Selling Art Make You Happy or Not?

So, does selling art for a living make you happy, or does it spoil the fun? Honestly, it’s a bit of both.

There are moments when it feels like the best decision I’ve ever made. I get to create, travel, and live on my own terms. But there are also times when it feels overwhelming, and the joy of creating gets buried under the pressure to sell.

What I’ve learned is that it’s all about balance. The key is to remind yourself why you started creating art in the first place. Focus on the good stuff and accept the flipside as part of the deal.

That’s just life.

For me, the highs far outweigh the lows. The freedom, the connections, and the lifestyle I’ve built makes everything worthwhile.

If you’re thinking about selling your art for a living, go for it, but be realistic. Think of your audience and less of yourself and you will be on the right path. Don’t lose sight of the joy that brought you here in the first place, but be flexible.

With the right mindset, you might just find the happiness you wish for.

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Are you thinking about selling your art for a living but don’t know where to start?

I’ve got something that will help.

My ebook, “Selling Art Made Simple,” is a complete guide to making a living by selling your art from a market stall. It’s packed with practical advice based on my 20+ years of experience.

It covers everything from choosing the right products, pricing your artwork, and setting up your display to dealing with customers and maximizing sales.

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Whether you’re just starting out or want to take your art sales to the next level, this guide will give you all the tools you need to succeed.

Need more information? Read these:

• How Do Wildlife Artists Make a Living?
• Traveling Artist: How to Sell Your Art and Travel the World
• Where to Find Wildlife Subjects to Draw, Paint, and Photograph
• What is it Like To Be an Artist? The Truth Revealed
• How to Sell More Art: 10 Selling Tips For Artists
• Art Display Panels: Make Your Own For Art Shows – It’s So Easy!
• 12 Wildlife Art Bestsellers (Use These Subjects to Make Money)

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