As an artist, it can be challenging to navigate the world of making money from your passion. It’s a common assumption that only the big names in the industry can make a living off their art, and even then, many of the most successful artists are those who have already passed away. But the good news is that there are ways to turn your artistic passion into a profitable stream of income while you’re still alive.
One of the most obvious ways to make money as an artist is by selling your artwork. There’s something special about the moment when someone connects with your work and is willing to pay for it. However, selling original artwork takes more than just creating it. You need to think about the entire process of listing, promoting, and shipping your artwork, not to mention pricing it.
I wrote another article on How to Price Your Art Like a Pro – so give it a read when you have the chance. But there are other means of making money, especially when your best originals are sold. Here are some options to explore.
SELL PRINTS AND MERCHANDISE
It’s natural to feel attached to your artwork, seeing it as a reflection of your thoughts and feelings. If parting with your original pieces is a challenge, you may want to consider selling prints of your work instead. Not only does it allow you to keep your originals, but it also opens up a new stream of income for you.
Producing high-quality art prints is a simple and cost-effective option for artists who want to sell their work. Some artists choose to sell a combination of both their originals and prints. The good news is that with the right equipment, you can make art prints at home. However, if you’re looking to save money on expensive equipment, you can also go through print-on-demand services, which handle everything from production to shipping.
Print-on-demand services like Redbubble or Society6 offer customers the chance to purchase your design on a range of products, including art prints, tote bags, mugs, and t-shirts. This means that you can focus on creating your art while the outside company handles the sales and distribution. Whether you choose to produce your prints at home or go through print-on-demand services, selling art prints is a great way to make money as an artist.
APPLY TO ART SHOWS AND ART FESTIVALS
Arts and craft fairs provide a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work in a busy selling environment and engage with potential buyers face-to-face. This in-person shopping experience is valuable for customers, especially when it comes to buying art. It allows them to see and feel the artwork and build a relationship with the artist. Participating in an art fair requires some planning and research beforehand, as you need to account for all the materials and fees involved. But it’s a great way to network with other artists and industry professionals.
Even if you don’t make many sales, the exposure and physical presence can be beneficial for your artistic career. Additionally, you can hand out business cards to potential buyers for future sales. Participating in top art shows and festivals like the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Old Town Art Fair, and Des Moines Arts Festival can be a great way for artists to gain exposure and showcase their work to a wider audience. These events attract art enthusiasts from all over the country, offering artists an opportunity to engage with potential buyers and network with other artists.
By being in these festivals, artists can also gain valuable feedback from the audience and learn about current trends in the art world. They can also use this opportunity to promote their brand, increase their following on social media and build their reputation as a professional artist.
To be a part of these festivals, artists need to apply and go through a selection process, which usually involves submitting an application, a portfolio of their work, and an artist statement. If selected, they will be provided with a booth to display and sell their art, giving them an opportunity to generate income and connect with potential clients.
Overall, participating in top art shows and festivals can provide artists with valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and a chance to showcase their work to a wider audience. By taking advantage of these events, artists can take their careers to the next level and achieve success in the art world.
SELL ON INSTAGRAM SHOPS
Sharing your work is crucial to gaining recognition, and Instagram has become a popular platform for promoting art. With the app’s e-commerce features, artists can now directly sell their work to their followers. One successful artist we spoke to amassed over 48K followers on Instagram, showcasing the platform’s potential to create a career in art.
If you’re not comfortable with selling directly on social media, using Instagram to build a community is still valuable. By posting your work, you’re giving your art free advertisement during someone’s lunch break. It’s an easy way to gather a following and notify them of your future sales.
HOW TO OPEN AN INSTAGRAM SHOP
Opening an Instagram shop is relatively simple and straightforward. First, you’ll need to make sure that your account is set up as a business profile. You can do this by going to your profile settings and selecting “Switch to Professional Account.” From there, select “Creator” or “Business” as your account type, depending on your needs. Next, you’ll need to link your Instagram account to a Facebook page. This will allow you to access Instagram’s shopping features.
If you don’t already have a Facebook page for your business, you can create one in just a few steps. Once you’ve linked your accounts, you’ll need to create a catalog of products to sell. This is done through Facebook’s Business Manager platform. You’ll need to provide information about your products, including images, descriptions, and prices.
After your catalog is set up, you can start tagging your products in your Instagram posts and stories. Your followers will be able to click on the product tags to view more information about the item and purchase it directly through Instagram.
It’s important to note that Instagram shopping is not available in all countries, so be sure to check if it’s available in your area. Additionally, there are certain requirements and guidelines that must be followed when using Instagram’s shopping features, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these before getting started.
OPEN AN ETSY SHOP
If you’re looking to sell your work online, you should definitely consider opening an Etsy store. With its origins in supporting creators and artists, Etsy provides a great platform for showcasing and selling art, as well as other handmade and vintage items. However, it’s important to do your research before jumping in, as there are many e-commerce options available.
One advantage of Etsy is that it already has an established customer base, which means you don’t necessarily need a large following of your own to start selling. But it’s important to note that generating enough sales to support yourself can take time, so you may need to have other means of income while you’re building and establishing your shop.
To increase your sales on Etsy, you need to market your shop well, use up-to-date SEO tactics, and build good reviews. The experience and confidence in selling that you will gain can develop into something bigger in the future, like your own shop on your artist website, for example. So, an Etsy shop can be a great way to earn some extra cash from something you’re already making and enjoying.
COMMISSION YOUR ARTWORK
Commissions can be a valuable way for artists to expand their audience, particularly since not all artists are open to them. It’s important to note that this isn’t the same as the commission that galleries take when they sell your work in a show. When we talk about artist commissions, we’re referring to bespoke and unique pieces that are created to meet the specific requirements of a client. These projects typically come at a higher cost for the client since they are personalized and created specifically for one individual or brand. As a result, commissions can be a lucrative source of income for artists, particularly if they have built up a strong reputation and a solid portfolio.
Starting out with commissions can be a bit intimidating. After all, you need to have confidence in your ability to create something that your buyer will love and be willing to pay for. However, the fact that the client has chosen you for the commission is proof that they appreciate your vision and creativity. Their faith in your practice should help bolster your confidence, but it’s also important to be transparent about what you can and cannot do. Ideally, your commissions should be consistent with your existing style and approach.
LICENSE YOUR ARTWORK
For artists who have limited time to dedicate to their income streams, licensing their artwork is an attractive option. This type of revenue, also known as “passive income”, involves an initial investment of work, but requires little monitoring or maintenance to sustain over time. For example, Society6 is a print-on-demand service that allows artists to have their creations printed on a variety of products without any further effort.
Licensing your artwork works in a similar way. Once the artwork is created, the majority of the work is done. With a licensing agreement in place, your art can be used on a range of products, from cushions to billboards, and the artist receives a payment in return. Unlike selling physical art or commissions, art licensing provides a smaller, but more steady income that can support artists in the background of their other projects.
To start your art licensing journey, it’s important to have a quality collection or portfolio of work that you can present to a manufacturer. Familiarize yourself with copyright rules and regulations, with a focus on ways to protect your work once it’s out there. When you’ve found a manufacturer or company to work with, always read your contract carefully before signing, and consider seeking advice from a friend or lawyer.
Companies such as Art Licensing International, Inc allows for artists to sign up for free and the company markets your art to third party vendors like Art.com and other companies that will sell your art as prints and through other marketable means.
TEACH ART CLASSES
Teaching art classes can be an excellent way for artists to get exposure and increase their visibility in the art community. By sharing their knowledge and expertise with students, artists can showcase their skills and create a name for themselves in the industry.
Teaching art classes can also attract potential clients who are interested in learning from a skilled artist. Students who enjoy the class may be more likely to purchase artwork from the artist or recommend their work to others. This can lead to increased sales and a wider audience for the artist.
Additionally, teaching art classes can provide artists with valuable networking opportunities. They can connect with other artists, students, and art enthusiasts who may be interested in collaborating or purchasing their work. This can lead to new partnerships, opportunities for exhibitions, and even commissions.
Teaching art classes also helps artists refine their skills and techniques. Preparing for a class requires artists to break down their process and articulate their techniques to others. This can help artists to develop a stronger understanding of their own work and improve their craft.
Overall, teaching art classes can be a beneficial way for artists to gain exposure, connect with potential clients and collaborators, and improve their skills.
Places you could teach art at includes Michaels Arts and Crafts (aka Michaels Stores, Inc), Painting With A Twist, Pinot’s Palette, and more are great places you can teach art classes and even have fun doing it. I suggest the places that serve wine!
MAKING MONEY AS AN ARTIST
Making money as an artist is a process, and it takes time and effort to build a sustainable income. But don’t let that discourage you! With the various methods available, there are countless opportunities to turn your passion into a profitable career. By using different strategies in conjunction with each other, you can create a reliable source of income that suits your unique talents and goals.
Remember, creating art is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself. Your passion for art is what drives you, and the financial rewards are just a bonus. So, keep honing your craft and exploring new avenues to showcase your work. Whether it’s selling your pieces at art fairs, offering commissions, licensing your artwork, or all of the above, there are endless possibilities to turn your creativity into a sustainable income. Keep at it, and success will follow.
