Are you an aspiring artist looking for alternative ways to make extra cash? If so, this guide is for you! While being an artist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, it’s natural to look for ways to earn some extra money using your artistic skills.
This guide covers 25 creative ways to help emerging artists earn extra income. Let’s get to it!
Create a Stunning Website to Showcase and Sell Your Art
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 | 4.4 | Pricing | Visit IONOS |
 | 4.2 | Design | Visit Squarespace |
1. Building a Professional Artist Website
Nowadays, having a professional website is a must for every artist. It helps you expand your reach, show your art to the world, and even sell it online. You can start by choosing one of the best website builders for artists that will help you create a professional online store.
Make sure to show all your collection of artwork with good-quality images and product descriptions. Make sure to include e-commerce features to sell your art from your site.
Do you want to improve your chances of being found online? Focus on blog SEO to help search engines find you. Keep the website secure with an SSL certificate for your domain too.
Need help getting started? Read our step-by-step guide on how to make an artist website that stands out and attracts buyers.
2. Selling on Online Marketplaces
The rise of digital marketplaces has truly changed how artists sell art online. Platforms like Etsy help promote your handmade wall art to the world.
Make your product listings eye-catching so buyers are attracted. Use images that capture the details of your work. Write descriptions that tell a story behind each piece. Why do we do that? This makes your art more discoverable through SEO , and people connect with your story.
Most online marketplaces take a commission on sales, so price your art accordingly. Regularly keep updating the listings and market your art.
3. Setting Up a Print-on-Demand Store
Wondering how to make money online as an independent artist? Try setting up a print-on-demand store to get income without managing inventory.
There are popular POD platforms like Printify, Redbubble, and Society6. Here, you can sell products like t-shirts with your artwork.
Start by choosing products that match your art style. You can reuse your artwork on different products. Try to experiment with different product types to see what your audience loves. Keep an eye on trends in the POD market and change your offerings accordingly.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide on how to make money with print-on-demand and turn your art into a steady income stream.
4. Marketing Print-on-Demand Products
Once you set up your POD service, you have to market it so it reaches the right audience. Use social media here to share your designs with the world. You can also team up with famous art influencers to spread the word about your products. Launching themed collections and limited edition items can also trigger FOMO.
Email marketing is another great way to get the audience interested. Create an email list through your website and send regular updates about new designs. This will keep your followers excited about any special offers coming up.
Good photography comes in handy too! You can order samples of your best designs and take high-quality product photos for marketing. Good images show off your work and make the customer confident in buying from you.
5. Creating Online Art Courses
If you have artistic knowledge, then sharing it with the world is the best way to make money online. Think about this: what unique technique or art history can you share? Structure your art course based on your answer in a very logical manner. You can use recording equipment to make professional video lessons.
Now, decide on the platform for your course. Skillshare is a great option for creative courses like art, while Udemy gives you a large user base. When you’re pricing the course, think of the value you’re providing and compare prices with other courses.
The main focus of your course should be to give actionable value to your students. You can include practical exercises and test projects. Once your course takes off, you can expand and offer beginner to advanced levels, too.
If you plan to sell courses online long-term, building a strong foundation with helpful, well-structured content is key to earning trust and repeat learners.
6. Hosting In-Person Workshops
If you think online courses are not your style, then in-person workshops are great for more thorough teaching. You can find a venue like an art supply store or even your studio for in-house workshops. Design a curriculum that’s both short and sweet, giving more value in less time. Use local art groups and social media to your advantage for marketing.
Prep all your materials and supplies before the workshop starts. Teach students different techniques and styles, and take feedback after each workshop. In-person workshops help build your reputation among students.
You can make your workshop specific to some niches and skill levels. Being niche-specific helps you charge higher prices and attract a dedicated crowd.
7. Starting a YouTube Art Tutorial Channel
YouTube has become a go-to platform for beginners to learn new skills, including art techniques. This is your chance to incentivize and create your art tutorial channel for people who want to learn. Buy good quality recording equipment, you will need a camera, a mic, and lighting.
Make sure you plan your scripts and art tutorials. Keep your posting consistent on YouTube and stick to a schedule. Respond to comments regularly and let your audience know you find their response valuable. Monetize your YouTube channel through ads and sponsorship once your following starts to grow.
Don’t be discouraged if you see that your initial videos are not getting views. Put your focus on making content that gives something valuable to the viewer.
Curious when the money starts rolling in? Find out how many YouTube subscribers you need to make money and what it takes to get there.
8. Selling Original Artwork in Galleries
Every aspiring artist dreams of getting their hard work showcased in a gallery.
Here are some quick tips that will help you sell your paintings in art galleries and gain an audience:
- Make Connections: Galleries are perfect communities to show your artwork. Make sure to attend different gallery openings and events to connect with people.
- Be Unique: When you approach a gallery to sell your artwork, be as original and authentic as possible. Let the audience see your talent through your art and do something different each time.
- Understand the Business Side: Local art galleries take a commission on your sales. Knowing this upfront helps you price your work so you can still make a profit.
9. Participating in Art Fairs and Festivals
Art fairs and festivals help you connect with art collectors. You can start by researching art festivals in your area that match your artistic style, too. It’s time to set up your booth! Use vertical space and lighting to draw visitors to your artwork.
Remember that the pricing for an art fair or festival will be different from that of a gallery. When deciding on a price, consider factors like booth fees and travel costs. Your price should make up for these expenses. At the same time, it should be affordable enough for people.
Networking is a major part of these art fairs. Take your time to mingle and connect with fellow artists. Once the event has ended, stay in touch with buyers who showed interest in your work. This can eventually lead to a sale down the line.
10. Taking on Commissioned Work
Commissioned work is a great source of income for artists. Set a clear commission process before you start working on the custom piece. Decide on the expectations for the timeline, revisions, and the final piece. When you’re settling on a price for your work, add in factors like the size of the piece and the time it takes to complete.
Use a contract that outlines basics like deadlines or payment options. This protects both you and the client from any misunderstandings. Add the commissioned piece to your portfolio once finished.
Keep the client’s own vision for the artwork in mind when you’re creating it. Of course, you have to add your own creative spin to it to give it a personal touch.
11. Licensing Artwork for Commercial Use
Licensing your artwork means you permit another party to use your art in exchange for a fee. It’s a great way to monetize your creativity.
Do familiarize yourself with different types of licensing agreements, like exclusive and non-exclusive. An exclusive license means only one party can use your artwork, which increases its value. A non-exclusive one gives different parties access to it.
So, how will you find companies interested in licensing your art? Here’s how:
- Research Brands: Find a brand that follows a style similar to your art. You can even get help from licensing agents who have connections in the industry.
- Negotiate on Fees: Think about the company’s size, how they plan to use your art, and how long the licensing will last.
- Choose Your Artwork Wisely: Be very careful about the pieces you choose for licensing. It might feel tempting to just license every artwork but keep some pieces exclusive.
12. Creating and Selling Digital Art
As a young artist, you have to keep yourself updated with modern times. Digital art has recently broken the scene with different mediums like digital painting and 3D modeling.
You can dabble in creating digital art as a passive income aside from your original art pieces. Start by setting up an online portfolio of your digital work to give viewers an idea of your work.
The challenging part would be pricing your digital artwork. Think of how much time you invested in each piece and how unique the artwork itself is. You can also offer customized options to attract more clients for commissioned art.
13. Exploring the NFT Market
NFTs have taken the world by storm! But before you enter this market, make sure you first understand how blockchain and NFTs work. Start by figuring out which NFT marketplace is perfect for your goals. OpenSea is the largest, Rarible is artist-friendly, while Foundation is more curated.
When you mint your first NFT collection, try to create a series of related pieces. This will help collectors be more interested in your artwork. Marketing is another major part of selling NFTs , so use social media to build hype in the community. You can also connect with other artists and influencers to get the word out about your NFTs.
14. Offering Freelance Illustration Services
Do you enjoy working on custom art projects? Then freelance illustrations are perfect for you to make some extra cash while doing something you enjoy! Set up your portfolio first. Add different projects you worked on to show variety.
You can also focus on a specific niche at a time, like book covers or editorial work. This will help you stand out among other freelancers and even charge higher rates. The key to making more money drawing is working efficiently. The quicker you can create high-quality art, the more projects you can take on.
15. Providing Graphic Design Services
If you think that you’re not earning enough as an artist, then why not move into graphic design? Graphic design is a field that values your creative skills. First, you will have to learn some common design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud.
You can then offer services like logo design, packaging, and branding for businesses. These types of projects are always in demand, so you will have plenty of tasks to work on.
Once you start gaining a bit of experience, you can specialize in certain design types. This way, you can land higher-paying jobs and keep clients coming back. Keep yourself updated with new design trends and skills in the market. Having good people skills is a plus point!
Want to explore your earning potential? Learn how to make money with graphic design and turn your talent into a steady income.
16. Working as an Art Consultant
Do you think you have a strong sense of art and an eye for trends? Then, a career as an art consultant might be your calling! Being an art consultant is all about staying up to date with the art world. Attend gallery events, keep an eye on the market, and connect with other artists too.
As an art consultant, you will help private collectors choose pieces that will grow their collections. You can also help a business choose artwork for their office buildings and public spaces. Art appraisal is another service that will get you some passive income.
17. Applying for Art Grants
Do you want to save some bucks while funding your art projects? Start applying for art grants through arts councils, foundations, and government agencies. This will take some planning and hard work on your part, but the result will be worth it.
Keep all the important details like application deadlines and other requirements noted so things stay organized. When writing the grant proposal, explain your project vision very clearly. Make a realistic budget because it shows that you’re a professional and ready to manage funds.
Of course, if your grant doesn’t get accepted, don’t be disheartened. Keep on trying for different grants, and you will secure one!
18. Participating in Artist Residencies
Having a creative block is a natural part of being an artist. Sometimes, you need a separate space to focus on your work. That’s what artist residencies are for. Look for residencies that are close to your home, and you don’t have to make a long commute. When applying, explain how you will get a chance to improve your art during your stay.
Once you’re there, make the most of it!
19. Designing Art-Inspired Merchandise
Want to make a passive income with your art? Turn your artwork into sellable merchandise like t-shirts and tote bags. You can work with a manufacturer or use a print-on-demand service to produce your merch.
You can create a single product line based on your artwork theme. This will encourage customers to buy multiple products together in bundles. Make sure the products are of high quality because your reputation as an artist is on the line.
20. Selling at Craft Fairs and Markets
If you feel that your artwork is not getting the value it deserves, then craft markets should be your next destination. Here, you can show your art to visitors and get the recognition it deserves.
You can choose craft fairs happening nearby and set up a booth to display your work. Make the booth eye-catching so people get attracted to it and see your art.
Sell your artwork at a reasonable price so different buyers can purchase it. Make it easy for people to pay by accepting credit cards and mobile payments. Don’t forget to collect customer contact info so you can follow up later on. You can also take part in any art contests happening at these fairs.
21. Leveraging Social Media for Art Sales
Social media marketing is an artist’s best friend! In today’s world, you have to use social media to show your work to the world. Each platform has its quirks, so different strategies are needed for each one.
For Instagram, making high-quality reels of your art will be the best approach. And for TikTok, opt for fun behind-the-scenes to get engagement.
Make sure you keep your content interesting and post regularly. Use hashtags to your advantage and answer comments under posts.
22. Offering Private Art Lessons
Private art lessons are a great way to generate some steady income while teaching what you love. First, decide on a teaching method based on your strengths and your students’ needs. Research what other art teachers are charging in your area and set your prices.
You can design a creative flyer for these lessons or market them in local art supply stores. A lesson plan will help you keep track of student progress, too. Depending on your students, you can have in-person lessons and online classes.
23. Creating and Selling Art Prints
Yes, there is now a way to earn from a single artwork using art prints. Select a high-quality printing method so the prints are exactly like the originals. You could offer either open-edition or limited-edition prints.
Price the prints accordingly so you make enough profit after taking out production costs. You can even offer framing options so people can use your prints as gifts, too.
24. Writing and Selling Art eBooks or Guides
Do you think you’ve gained enough knowledge about your art and are at an expert level? Share your knowledge with the world using ebooks and guides. Research and come up with topics that could be of value to the reader. These could include tutorials for art techniques and career advice for young artists.
Once you have your content ready, design an attractive layout for your guide. You can self-publish your eBook on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
25. Renting Out Studio Space to Other Artists
If you have extra space in your studio, then you have a way to make extra cash! Just rent out the space to other artists. Assess your space before renting it to someone. Is there enough natural light? Are all the basic amenities available?
You can also make your studio a short-term rental for artists who might be visiting your area.
How to Get Started
Learning how to make money as an artist can be overwhelming, but not impossible. First, take some time to think about your skills and niche to decide ways you can make money.
The next step is to make a simple art business plan that outlines what you want to achieve financially. Always have a portfolio with your best artwork and keep it updated. Build your online presence on the internet because that’s where most of your audience is. Create a website and set up social media profiles to share your art.
In the beginning, it’s better to stick with two ways of making money as an artist online. Success is never guaranteed, but keep on trying and never give up on yourself!
Conclusion
Artists are often plagued by the question of how to make money online. This guide has covered the best ways to diversify your income while doing what you love. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep yourself on track and be confident in your skills. Your art and creativity are valuable, and it’s time to share them with the world.
Next Steps: What now?
- Work on Your Skills: Find out your skills and strengths, and then decide on the right monetization techniques.
- Keep Your Portfolio Updated: Create a portfolio of your best artwork and keep it saved in both digital and physical form.
- Create a Portfolio Website: Pick a website builder to create a professional online portfolio where you can market your artwork.
- Start a Personal Blog: Consider starting a personal blog to share your artistic journey and insights.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- How to Make Money With a Website Without Selling Anything
- How To Sell Crafts Online: 9 Best Platforms (Ranked & Reviewed)
- How to Start an eCommerce Business: The Ultimate Guide
- How to Start a Dropshipping Business (7 Clever Tips)
- How to Sell Online Without Inventory: 9 Ways to Start a Store
- How to Start a Music Blog for Beginners (with Examples)
- Create a Website for Music in 23 Steps
