10 ways to earn money as an artist

Mar 16, 2022

Turning your passion into money can be done. Much like everything else in life, making money as an artist requires the right approach, and lots of work.

Based on our experiences and talking to many creators, we put together a list of the most successful methods of earning money an artist.

 10 the most effective methods to earn money as an artist

  1.   Teach Online Courses
  2.   Offer Tutorials and Mini-courses
  3.   Video Consulting and Teaching
  4.   Create videos of the Art-making Process
  5.   Start an Youtube channel
  6.   Sell your Original Pieces
  7.   SELL NFTs
  8.   Buy Art Prints
  9.   Sell Digital Stock Artwork
  10.   Commissions on work

BONUS: Where to market your artwork


There are a variety of methods to make money as an artist, and you could have more than one source of income. If you're a part-time artist or self-employed permanent artist you can make money through your art.

 Online courses to teach

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Source: Jennifer Gast online courses

It's difficult to begin your own online course on the first day however, it's possible to start by signing up to some of them to check out how they're planned as well as using an established platform that has online courses to get ideas. Naturally, we on CreativeMindClass are big about teaching online courses through an independent platform where you have the control of the wheel.

 Tutorials as well as miniature-courses

If you've established an audience that trusts you through your blog or social media sites, you may start with offering short tutorials or courses explaining how to make your artwork that come in a variety of formats, including video, pdfs, and webinars.

 Video consultation and instruction

If you've got the expertise, you can aid other artists who wish to follow their goals. It is possible to offer paid videos and give lectures via Zoom or Facetime. Today, a lot of students opt to take an online course or webinar at home and are particularly interested in those who don't find many opportunities within the area they live in to go to an educational course.

 Make videos of the making process

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Source: Riccardo Russomanno art-making process

If you're an artist creating fun and unique projects, the next time you're in the studio, switch on the camera and capture the process of creating your work. Looking for a great online course idea? It is possible to combine illustrations using someone's photos or create an engaging illustration of their family. Customers will not only enjoy the artwork, but also learn the process of making it.

 Start an Youtube channel

If selling an online course does not bring you joy, even though you enjoy engaging, sharing your knowledge, or doing live shows, establishing an YouTube channel could be the ideal option. Be aware that you won't make a lot at first however, content that is of high quality, which solves a problem or entertains, can draw more attention, and also earn you more money in the long run.

 Selling Original Pieces

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

It's better, to begin withan existing online marketplace for art that has hundreds of buyers and millions of users rather than waiting for prospective buyers to find your web portfolio which does not have any visitors at all.

Certain platforms give you an opportunity to get your work featured as a marketing opportunity.

 SELL NFTs

Do you have an aptitude for digital art? Perhaps you'd like to know the best ways to market your art created using NFT. A lot of collectors and artists are already taking advantage of this kind of 'digital art collective' , and are earning cool cash. It's the hot thing right in the moment and while the future of NFTs is not yet certain, if there is a new method to make money using blockchain technology is something that you should not overlook.

 Sell Art Prints

There are numerous marketplaces on the internet that provide artists the opportunity to sell their art through print-on-demand. Additionally, some help artists by highlighting them on their Social media platforms.

 SELL Digital Stock Artwork

In your capacity as a graphic artist photographer, illustrator or videographer, you may utilize your work for websites which stock photos to earn income from your craft of producing.

 Work on Commissions

Get directly commissioned by individuals or companies to develop and design original work starting at the beginning.

Work for clients does not have to be dull. As an illustrator or painter or illustrator, you can earn money to create street art as well as interior or outdoor mural painting and design. Also, you can pair together with other artists such as musicians and create for example illustrations for a Spotify track cover.

 Where to Promote your Art?

Okay. We've talked about what to sell now the question is where to market it.

 Start your Creative Blog

The development of a blog of your choice is one of the best ways to market your business to get clients in the present.

It was probably the most successful option I've taken in my professional career. You earn trust and authority when you promote your work. The way to do this is to write to your intended audience and give them the info they're searching for. If it's photography of graphic design as well as social media, or perhaps arts then you'll find a niche for your blog which is appropriate for your needs.

A website that gets a lot of traffic can be an effective business (this takes effort and commitment) by way of advertisements or affiliate links, and also sponsors and advertisers.

 Design and Create an eBook

If you're writing and blogging then this is the next step to follow once you've established a following. It's easier to market and promote your book to anyone who is interested in your field. have confidence and trust in your experience.

 Teaching and Mentoring

Numerous artists and creators have shared their experiences by tutoring, teaching, and coaching via video conferences or the internet-based teaching platforms. You are unlikely to will begin your career as a coach. However, when you're involved in teaching or blogging, it is possible to take the next stage.

 is a workaround for Marketplaces on the Internet or Galleries

It is important to gain experience through the work behind the scenes that includes providing services such as the curating of, selling, or marketing artwork.

Apart from earning money, you also open your mind to possibilities you would not be able to.

This is a decision to take if aspiring to get deeper into the realm of art, and not just sell your work.

 Works to create blogs and magazines

The art of writing, photographing, or conducting art on blogs and the media is a thrilling way not just to make some money as an artist but as an opportunity to make connections and make your name known to even more individuals.

If you're finding it difficult to start a website or blog that you're keen on, We'd like to inform you that it's not so difficult as you think. The only thing you have to do is become a frequent follower (that is, posting comments on blog posts and joining groups online).

A lot of bloggers and webmasters prefer to recruit from their own followers.

 Promote via Social Media

Earn money as an artist using Instagram and other social media as well as creating blogs of your own. Whatever channel you choose to promote and show your work, be aware that social media is only 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 most well-known platforms used by artists. However it's your choice to select the most suitable one that meets your requirements.

Social media marketing can be a constant job but it's a worthwhile one when you're prepared to put in the effort.

 Get ready for a long run

It's not a lie that the road to success isn't easy. It takes hard work, determination, patience, and the right approach for making money as an artist, yet more and more individuals are able to make a decent living through this.

Once you start considering your art as a business, and not only a pastime, you will have greater chance of becoming one of the fortunate ones!

You can build a sustainable income by being an artist CreativeMindClass.