10 ways to earn money as an artist

Mar 16, 2022

Making money from your passion is possible. As with all great things in life, earning money as an artist requires an organized approach as well as numerous hours of dedication.

Based on our own experience and conversations with a lot of artists, we put together a list of the most successful ways to earn money as an artist.

 10 of the most successful ways to make money as an artist

  1.   Teach Online Courses
  2.   offer tutorials and mini-courses
  3.   Video Consulting and Teaching
  4.   Create videos of the process of making art
  5.   Create a Youtube channel
  6.   Offer Original Pieces of Art for sale
  7.   Sell NFTs
  8.   Sale Art Prints
  9.   Sell Digital Artwork
  10.   Work on commissions

Bonus: Where to promote your art


There are a variety options to earn money as an artist, and you could make more than one source of revenue. If you're a part-time artist or self-employed permanent artist there are many ways to earn money with your work.

 Teach online courses

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Source: Jennifer Gast online courses

It's not easy to start an online course the first day however, it's possible to start by signing up for a few of them to see how the courses are planned, or you can use an established platform that has classes online to help you get started. We at CreativeMindClass is a big believer on teaching online courses on an unrelated platform, where you can be at the at the wheel.

 Provide tutorials as well as mini-courses

If you've established an audience who trusts you through your blog or social media sites, you may start with offering short tutorials or courses that show you how to create the art that comes in different forms including videos or PDFs as well as webinars.

 Video consultation and instruction

If you've already had the experience, you could help others who are aspiring artists pursue their ambitions. It is possible to offer paid video consults, and even teach using Zoom or Facetime. A lot of people today opt to take an online course or webinar in their own homes especially those who do not find many opportunities within the local area for going to a class.

 Video-clips of the art-making process

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Source: Riccardo Russomanno art-making process

If you are an illustrator creating fun and unique project, next time you're drawing, simply start the camera, and take a picture of the creation process. Are you looking for an online course idea? It is possible to combine illustrations with someone's photography or make a fun illustration of their family. Clients will not just receive a stunning artwork, but also observe how it was made.

 Start a Youtube channel

If selling online courses doesn't bring you joy, even though you love engaging, sharing your knowledge, or taking part in a live camera show, establishing an YouTube channel could be the best option. Be aware that you won't make a lot at first but the content of high quality, that solves a problem or entertains, is likely to attract more people, and also earn you more money in the long run.

 Sell your Original Pieces

You may sell your own original pieces. Your artwork can be sold or sculptures as well as ornamental items and jewelry in your online store or site.

It's best to start with, an established online art marketplace with thousands of customers and millions of people instead of waiting for potential buyers to discover your web portfolio which does not have any visitors at all.

Certain platforms offer the opportunity to have your work featured as an advertising opportunity.

 Sell NFTs

Do you have a talent for digital artwork? Perhaps you'd like to master how to sell art created using NFT. Many artists and collectors are taking advantage of this kind of 'digital art group' and making cool cash. The trend is hot right in the moment and while the potential of NFTs' future isn't certain, any new way of making money based on a blockchain it's definitely something that you should not ignore.

There are a lot of websites that give artists the possibility of selling their work through printing-on-demand. Furthermore, some support artists by featuring the artists' work on their social media channels.

 Buy Digital Stock Artwork

If you are a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, as well as a videographer may utilize your work for websites which stock photos to earn income from your art of making.

 Work on Commissions

Get directly commissioned by individuals or businesses to develop and design original works at the beginning.

Client work doesn't need to be boring. As an illustrator or painter or illustrator, you may be paid for street art or indoor or outdoor murals and designs. Also, you can pair with other artists like musicians to create, for instance illustrations to be used on an Spotify track cover.

 Where can you promote your art?

Ok. So we've discussed selling what we have, now the question is where to market it.

 Create your own Creative Blog

The establishment of your blog of your preference is one of the best methods of marketing to attract customers at present.

It was the most effective choice I've ever made in my professional career. You earn trust and authority when you promote your work. One way to achieve this is to address your intended audience and give the information they're seeking. If you're interested in graphic design photography as well as social media, or perhaps arts then you'll find a niche for your blog that is suitable for you.

A website that gets a lot of visitors could become a lucrative business (this requires effort and dedication) through advertisements or affiliate links, as well as sponsors and advertisers.

 Create and design an eBook

If you're blogging and writing this is the next step to follow once you've gained a reputation. It's much easier to promote and sell your ebook to people with an interest in the subject. You'll be able to be confident and trust your expertise.

 Education and Mentoring

Numerous artists and creators have shared their stories of coaching, teaching, and coaching via video conferences or on online teaching platforms. You are unlikely to will begin your career coaching, but when you're engaged in blogging or teaching it's an option for the next stage.

 Work for online Marketplaces or Galleries

It is important to gain experience from the behind-the-scenes work that provides services, such as curating, selling or marketing artwork.

Apart from earning money, you also explore possibilities that you might not have been in a position to.

This is a decision that you should take if looking to be a part of the art world and not only sell your artwork.

 Work for magazines and blogs

The art of writing, photographing, or directing art for blogs and the press is an exciting method to not only earn some money as an artist, but also as well to build strong connections and make your name known to many more potential clients.

If you're struggling to start a blog or site you're interested in we're here to assure you that it's not as difficult as you imagine. The only thing you have to do is become a frequent user (that means, you have to comment on blog posts and joining groups on the internet).

Webmasters and bloggers tend to seek out readers.

 Promote the use of social Media

It is possible to earn income as an artist by using Instagram along with other social media and creating the blog of your choice. Whichever channel you promote and present your work on, keep in mind that Social media is just one of the methods for promoting and networking and you don't want to be 100 100% dependent on it.

Facebook, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are among the top platforms for artists, however it is your responsibility to pick the right one that meets your requirements.

Marketing on social media can be a constant job however, it's worthwhile provided you're willing to invest the time.

 Be ready for a long-distance run

I'm honest with you that the path to success isn't quick and straightforward. It requires hard work determination perseverance, as well as the right approach for making money as an artist, however, more and more artists are able to make a decent living from this.

Once you start considering your work as a profession, and not only a pastime You will increase your odds of becoming one the fortunate ones!

You can build a sustainable income source through your work as an artist CreativeMindClass.