10 ways to earn money as an artist

Mar 16, 2022

The ability to turn your passion into cash is possible. Like all good things in life, making income as an artist takes a strategic approach and numerous hours of dedication.

Based on our own experience as well as speaking to a variety of creators and artists, we have put together a list of the most efficient methods of earning money an artist.

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

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

Bonus: Where to market your artwork


There are a variety of methods to make money as an artist, and it is possible to have multiple sources of revenue. If you're a freelance artist or self-employed permanent artist there are many options to earn money with your work.

 Online courses to teach

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Source: Jennifer Gast online courses

It's not easy to start your own online class on the very first day, but you can begin by signing up to a few of them to examine the plans, or you can use an established platform that has online classes for inspiration. Naturally, we on CreativeMindClass are big in teaching online classes on an independent platform where you can be at the wheel.

 Offer tutorials and small-courses

If you've established your credibility with a community of readers through your blog or other social media sites, you may start by providing short tutorials or courses explaining how to make your art. These can be offered in a variety of formats, including video webcasts, PDFs, or even webinars.

 Video consulting and teaching

If you've had knowledge, it's possible to help others who are aspiring artists follow their goals. It is possible to offer paid videos and give lectures via Zoom or Facetime. Many people would rather take an online class or webinar in their own homes, particularly those who don't get many chances in the local area for going to an educational course.

 Video-clips of the making process

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Source: Riccardo Russomanno art-making process

If you're an artist making fun personal projects, the next time you're working just switch on the camera and capture the process of creating your work. 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 enjoy the artwork, but also observe the process of making it.

 Make an Youtube channel

If the thought of selling an online course doesn't inspire you, but you love engaging, sharing your knowledge, or doing live shows, setting up your own YouTube channel could be the right choice. Be aware that you won't make a lot at first however, content that is of high quality that addresses a problem or entertains, will attract more viewers and will also make you money over time.

 Selling Original Pieces

It is possible to sell your original pieces. It is possible to sell your work or sculptures, as well as jewelry and ornamental objects in your online store or website.

It's better, to begin with, an established online marketplace for art that has thousands of customers and millions of users rather than waiting for buyers to discover your new website portfolio, which has virtually no visitors.

Certain platforms provide you with the opportunity to have your work featured as an advertising opportunity.

 SELL NFTs

Do you have an aptitude with digital artwork? Then you might want to know how to market NFT artwork. Many artists and collectors are already taking advantage of this kind of 'digital art group' and making some cool money. This is the hottest thing today and even though the potential of NFTs' future isn't certain, any new way to earn money is based on blockchain is definitely something you shouldn't be ignoring.

There are numerous marketplaces on the internet that provide artists the possibility of selling their artwork using printing-on-demand. Additionally, some support artists by featuring artists on their social media pages.

 Sell Digital Stock Artwork

In your capacity as a graphic artist photographer, illustrator and videographer may utilize your work for websites that stock images to generate money from the process of creating.

 Work on Commissions

You can be directly asked by people or businesses to develop and design original works from scratch.

Working for clients doesn't have to be monotonous. When you're a painter or an illustrator as an illustrator, you may earn money for street art , interior or outdoor mural design and painting. Also, you can pair up with other creatives like musicians and create for example artwork to be used on the Spotify music cover.

 Where to Promote your work?

Ok. We've talked about which items to market, but and the next question is how to offer it.

 Start your Creative Blog

The creation of the blog of your preference is one of the best ways to market your business to get clients at present.

It was the most effective option I've taken throughout my professional life. Trust and authority are earned through the promotion of your business. One way to achieve this is to communicate to the people you want to reach and provide the information they're seeking. If you're interested in graphic design photography, social media, or perhaps arts then you'll determine a blog niche that's suitable for you.

A site that is able to draw a large amount of visitors could become an effective business (this is a commitment and effort) through advertisements or affiliate links, as well as sponsors and advertisers.

 Make and Design an eBook

If you're writing and blogging this is the next step which you'll take after you've built a fan base. It's much easier to promote and promote your book to people with an interest in your field. have confidence and trust in your knowledge.

 Teaching and Mentoring

A lot of artists and creatives have shared their experience by tutoring, teaching, and coaching via video conferences or on online teaching platforms. It is unlikely that you will begin your career as a coach, however when you are involved with teaching or blogging, it is an option to consider your next move.

 Work for online Marketplaces or Galleries

The experience you gain will be invaluable from the behind-the-scenes work that includes providing services such as curating, selling, or marketing art.

Apart from earning cash, you can also explore possibilities that you wouldn't be capable of.

It's a step that you should take if aspiring to get deeper into the art world and not just sell your work.

 Work for blogs and magazines

Writing, photographing and creating art for blogs or the press is an exciting way not just to make an income as an artist but as also to establish strong relationships and get your name before even more individuals.

If you're having trouble to set up the blog or site you're interested in We'd like to inform you that it's not as difficult as you imagine. The only thing you have to be is a consistent follower (that means, you have to comment on their blog posts or joining online groups).

Many bloggers and webmasters tend to recruit from their own readers.

 Promote the use of social Media

It is possible to earn money as an artist using Instagram along with other social media and creating your own blog. No matter which channel you use to present your work on, keep in mind that social media is one of the methods for promoting and networking and you don't want to be 100% dependent on it.

Facebook, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are among the most well-known platforms used by artists. However, it's up to you to select the most suitable one that meets your requirements.

Marketing via social media is an all-time occupation However, it's worth it provided you're willing to dedicate the necessary time.

 Get ready for a long run

I'm honest with you that the road to success isn't quick and simple. It takes hard work, determination perseverance, as well as an approach that is strategic to earn some money from being an artist yet more and more individuals achieve success in earning a livelihood out of it.

When you begin to think of your craft as a potential business instead of just a fun hobby You will increase your chance of becoming one of the lucky ones!

It is possible to create a long-term income through your work as an artist CreativeMindClass.