Making a living as an artist isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Successful artists realize that art does not sell itself, they build their careers through determination, diversifying their income streams, and understanding their core audience.
If you paint or draw, you can make money as an artist with the right approach. This article is more of a round-up post directing you to articles that go into more depth.
Here’s how artists make a living. Read on.
Disclaimer: When you buy something via my affiliate links I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. I am an Amazon Associate among others. I only recommend trusted sites.
1. Sell Your Art Directly
The most straightforward way to make money as an artist is to sell your work yourself. You can sell original paintings, sketches, or prints.
Many artists build an online presence on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or their own websites, allowing them to reach a wider audience. It can work if you reach enough people.
In my experience, in-person sales are far more effective. You are a bigger fish in a small pond and it’s far easier to stand out. That means participating in art fairs, craft markets, or local exhibitions.
Read these for more help:
Direct selling puts you directly in touch with your best customers, it’s possible to build a loyal fanbase who will stay with you for many years.
Listen, there is no secret, people buy from people they like, and there is no better way to sell your art than by selling yourself. If you are likable, people will appreciate you and the story behind your art. It’s that simple. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Key Tip: Pricing is crucial. Many artists undervalue their artwork out of fear of losing sales. Research what similar artists charge and price your work accordingly.
This will help: How to Price Art Prints: A Practical Guide For Beginners
2. Offer Art Commissions
Custom art is always in demand, usually in the form of portraits of loved ones or pets but not exclusively. You never know who will come along and commission a bespoke piece of artwork. Many clients are happy to pay a premium for something made just for them.
Promote your commission services from your market stall, through your website, or social media platforms. Always communicate clearly with clients about their expectations, deadlines, and pricing to avoid misunderstandings.
Read this if you want to know more: How to Get Art Commissions: A Mega Selling Guide
Pro Tip: Showcase previous commissions in your portfolio to attract more interest.
3. Teach Art Classes or Workshops
Teaching is a fantastic way to supplement your income while sharing your skills. Whether you offer in-person workshops, online courses, or private lessons, teaching can provide a steady stream of revenue.
Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, YouTube are great for reaching a wider audience. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, consider partnering with local societies, education centers, or galleries to host workshops.
If you are lucky enough to have a studio space try advertising your classes and keep all the profits for yourself. You don’t need many students to make it worthwhile.
This post digs deeper: Make Money Teaching Art Online and Offline: Pros and Cons
Private teaching can be a lucrative business, if you enjoy meeting people it’s a viable business model. There’s a lot going for it, not least of which is having people around for a chat. I know from experience how solitary making art can be.
Bonus: Teaching not only earns you money but also strengthens your reputation as an expert in your field.
4. Sell Digital Products
Creating passive income streams is the dream of many artists. Selling digital products like downloadable prints, clip art, design elements, or even instructional e-books can provide consistent revenue if you can build an audience.
It sounds easy enough, you open an Etsy store and their in-built audience comes to you, right? Not quite.
No one finds you unless you are proactive and target the right audience with the right keywords and then you must have a good body of work to present. Nothing is that easy.
This works especially well for artists with a distinct style that appeals to niche markets.
Tip: Use platforms like Gumroad or Creative Market to get started.
5. License Your Artwork
Licensing allows you to earn money by letting others use your artwork for products like calendars, apparel, home decor, or greeting cards. Licensing agreements can be incredibly lucrative, as they often involve recurring royalties.
To break into licensing, create a portfolio showcasing designs suited for commercial use. Then, pitch your work to brands, manufacturers, and licensing agents.
This article will guide you: How to License Your Art For Beginners
Reminder: Always read the terms of licensing agreements carefully to ensure your rights are protected.
6. Crowdfund Your Project
Crowdfunding has become a popular way for artists to fund creative projects while connecting with supporters. Platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter allow you to earn from people who love your work.
On Patreon, for example, you can offer exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, or small art pieces in exchange for monthly support. Kickstarter works well for larger, one-off projects like publishing an art book or producing a new collection.
Read about Patreon here: Is Patreon Worth it For Creatives?
Advice: Be clear about your goals and rewards to maintain trust with your supporters.
7. Network with Other Artists and Galleries
Building a network is essential for growing your career. Collaborate with other artists, join local art groups, or participate in exhibitions and shows. Many galleries, both physical and online, welcome submissions from emerging artists.
The more you connect with others in the art world, the more opportunities you’ll find to showcase your work and gain exposure.
This will be an eye-opener: How to Sell Your Art in Galleries: Is it Worth it? The Truth Told
Hot Tip: Attend gallery openings or industry events to meet potential buyers, mentors, or collaborators.
8. Use Social Media Strategically
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are powerful tools for artists. They let you showcase your process, connect with your audience, and sell your work directly.
Be consistent with your posting and engage with your followers regularly. Behind-the-scenes videos, time-lapse recordings, and progress shots tend to perform well and draw in potential buyers.
- Social Media For Artists: The Best 13 Platforms for Creatives
- How to Promote Your Art on Instagram: Tips For Artists
Suggestion: Use social media to drive traffic to your website or online store, where buyers can learn more about you and your work.
9. Manage Your Finances Wisely
No matter how talented you are, financial mismanagement can derail your career. As a freelance artist, your income will likely fluctuate, so budgeting and saving are essential.
Set aside money for taxes, invest in quality materials, and prioritize spending on tools or platforms that directly support your art business.
In many ways art sales are hand-to-mouth and when sales happen it’s tempting to pocket the cash. Many artists confuse turnover with profit. Don’t be one of them.
Always put your potential tax liability to one side, just in case.
Pro Tip: When you find some success, consider using accounting software or hiring an accountant to help you stay on top of your finances.
10. Make a Website and Start a Blog
You must have a website. It’s the anchor point of your business. It’s not just a gallery, it’s proof of your professionalism and trustworthiness. The public wants to know who you are, what you are about, and how to contact you.
A website is a flyer on steroids:
- It’s where you send potential customers,
- Sell your artwork and services,
- Blog about art-related subjects,
- Link to affiliate products,
- Run ads if you have enough traffic,
- Direct traffic from Social Media,
- Sell digital downloads
- Collect emails and build an email list
Your website is your hub, where everything happens.
Until Google destroyed most niche website rankings in the ‘Helpful’ Content Update of 2023, blogging was a terrific way to earn money. Now an art blog is unlikely to rank organically.
- Do Artists Need a Website? Yes – 11 Best Reasons Why
- Should Artists Have a Blog? Art Blogging Pros and Cons
- 45 Affiliate Programs for Artists: Mega Guide
That’s not to say blogs are dead, it means you must find traffic elsewhere. At this moment in time, your best bet is to direct traffic from YouTube or Pinterest and build an email list.
Top Tip: Use WordPress.org and pay for an affordable and reliable host. I use Greengeeks.com, they have a competitive starter plan, excellent support (very important), and they are carbon-neutral. That’s good for me.
11. Print Your Artwork
This is the best tip I can give you. I didn’t get anywhere until I printed my artwork. It was the pivotal moment when things changed.
Think about it. The only way to succeed is to scale your business.
Your time is precious and making art takes up most of your time. Unless you are churning out gimmicky originals, there is no way to make enough art. That’s why you must make print editions.
The idea is to put all your efforts into making the best art you can and sell the results over and over again. It’s the only sensible use of your time. Put in the hard work once and reap the rewards for years to come. It’s a no-brainer.
READ THIS BEFORE PRINTING: How to Make Prints of Your Art: A Complete Printing Guide
Top Tip: Concentrate on ‘open’ edition prints. They are your bread and butter. A successful print run is without limit, and what’s more, you can sell the rights too.
How Artists Make Money: Final Thoughts
Making a living as an artist takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. There will be setbacks along the way, but that’s life. There are ups and downs in every business. Keep refining your skills, promoting your work, and learning from every experience.
Success often comes from consistency and determination, not overnight breakthroughs.
In Short
Turning your art into a career is challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding. By diversifying your income streams, building strong connections, and promoting your work effectively, you can make a living doing what you love.
Start small, stay on track, and take every opportunity that comes along. Who knows where your art might take you?
Now you know what is possible but there are many pitfalls along the way. If you want my advice, all based on first-hand experience, with nothing held back, read this guide.
Here are a few more resources for you:
- Can You Copy Art and Sell a Painting of a Painting? I Found Out
- 15 Ways to Protect Your Artwork From Being Copied
- 18 Ways to Get Paid For Drawing and Make Money
- 12 Wildlife Art Bestsellers (Use These Subjects to Make Money)
- What Kind of Art Sells Best? The Popular Subjects Revealed
- What Size Art Sells Best? Prints and Frame Sizes
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Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy