- Dor Cohen
- May 28
- 11 min read
Updated: May 29
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The career of an artist is often defined by creativity and self-expression. However, beyond this lies a practical challenge that every artist must face: making money from their art. The importance of monetizing artistic talent cannot be understated, as it provides the financial backbone that supports an artist.
From leveraging traditional methods to embracing innovative digital platforms, the scope for artists to make money is broader than ever before. Whether you're a painter, a musician, a writer, or a sculptor this post aims to equip you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to embark on a financially rewarding artistic career while also potentially starting a business.
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15 ways to make money as an artist
Artists have a plethora of options when it comes to monetizing their craft. Here are 15 diverse ways to turn art into income.
01. Sell original artwork
Selling original artwork is perhaps the most traditional and well-known route to make money as an artist. Selling original pieces, whether paintings, sculptures or installations can be highly lucrative. It helps if as an artist you can establish a presence in galleries or create an online portfolio to help artists find buyers who appreciate and are willing to pay for original art.
02. Offer limited edition prints or reproductions
Creating limited-edition prints or high-quality reproductions allows artists to sell their work multiple times over. This approach not only makes art more accessible to a broader audience but it also provides a way for you to make money and generate a steady income stream.
03. Teach art classes or workshops
Sharing your art expertise through classes and workshops can be both a fulfilling and profitable way to make money as an artist. Artists can offer classes or workshops in local studios, online or through community education programs. The classes can be designed for children, adults or corporate groups and range from beginner to advanced. Learn more about starting a tutoring business to get started.
04. Create an online course
Creating an online art course enables artists to make money online by tapping into a global audience. Courses can be about specific art techniques, art business strategies or creative development.
05. Write and sell an art book
Another way in which artists can make money is by compiling their knowledge into ebooks or art books. These can cover tutorials, art theory or showcase a collection of work examples. There are plenty of opportunities for self-publishing and promotion of an art book by making a website.
06. Accept commissions
Taking on commissioned work allows artists to create personalized pieces for clients and make money. This can be a significant source of income and also help in building a strong client base, leading to repeat commissions and work.
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07. License artwork
Licensing artwork to companies for use on products like clothing, home decor or stationery can generate royalties for artists. It's a way to earn money from art without selling the original piece meaning it can be used in multiple ways and repeatedly.
08. Sell merchandise
Artists can expand their brand by selling merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs or tote bags featuring their artwork. One effective way to make money as an artist by selling merchandise is by setting up a print on demand business. This is a low-investment, low-risk business idea combining art and business. You'll need to understand how to make an eCommerce website to sell online, amongst other things.
Get started by choosing from amongst one of many best ecommerce platforms or choose from a print on demand company.
09. Participate in art fairs and markets
Joining art fairs and markets provides exposure to a wide clientele and the opportunity for artists to sell directly to the public. It's also a great way to network with other artists and potential clients.
10. Create a membership site
With a membership site, fans of an artist can receive exclusive artwork and content on a subscription basis. This generally means receiving content monthly in return for a set fee paid to the artist. This can be an easy way for artists to make money from home consistently.
11. Offer freelance services
Artists with skills in graphic design, illustration or photography can offer freelance services to businesses and individuals who need them in order to make money from their work. Illustrations, for example, can be used on posters, websites, products or ads.
Learn more:
12. Create public art or murals
Engaging in public art projects or murals can be a high-profile way to earn money as an artist and contribute to community enrichment by providing accessible art for everyone to enjoy. These public art projects may be commissioned by local governments, non-profits, educational institutions or private companies.
13. Apply for grants and residencies
Many organizations offer grants, fellowships or residencies that provide financial support and resources for artists to focus on their work while still earning income for general living costs.
If you're a New York based artist, check out the New York Foundation for the Arts. They provide over $4 million a year in grants to artists based in the area.
14. Sell art online
Utilizing online marketplaces, such as Etsy, and social media platforms, including Instagram, can help artists reach a wider audience and sell art directly to consumers without intermediaries. Artists can also set up an eCommerce website or online store in order to sell their art. This gives artists control over pricing and eliminates their having to pay commissions to a third party when selling their art online.
15. Collaborate with other artists or brands
Collaborations can open up new opportunities and audiences. Partnering with other artists or brands can lead to creative projects that can then generate income for everyone involved. This can be a great way to make money as an artist, especially if it involves partnering with an artist with a popular following.
Learn more:
Creative income: how artists make money by working smarter
Making money as an artist isn’t always smooth—but a lot of the bumps in the road are actually where the most growth happens. Here’s how artists are turning common struggles into strengths that fuel their creative and financial freedom.
Create income layers that support you
Relying on a single income stream can feel like a rollercoaster. One month, commissions are pouring in. The next? Crickets. That’s why more artists are finding smarter ways to earn by mixing it up—selling downloads, offering prints, licensing their work, running workshops or even creating their own product lines. It’s not about juggling everything at once but building a system where each piece supports the other. If one slows down, the rest can help keep things moving.
Show the value behind your work
People don’t always understand what goes into making art—how much time, skill, energy and trial-and-error is behind a finished piece. And that’s not their fault—they just haven’t seen it. But when artists open up about their process, people start to get it. Sharing rough drafts, talking about your tools, explaining how a piece evolves—all of that adds meaning. The more people understand your art, the more they value it. And when they value it, they’re more willing to pay fair prices and support your growth.
Make marketing feel like storytelling
Marketing can feel awkward if you're not the "look at me!" type, but it doesn’t have to be about self-promotion. Some of the most successful artists simply share stories—what inspired a piece, how it felt to create or what they’re working on now. Think of social media as a sketchbook, a place to share your creative world, not a sales pitch. By being authentic and letting people into your process, you’ll spark curiosity and connection naturally.
Protect your creativity with balance
Burnout happens fast when every creative choice feels tied to making money. Chasing commissions, following trends, meeting deadlines—it all adds up quickly. The artists who stick around long-term find a rhythm that balances work with passion projects, experimentation and even days when nothing gets done. Taking breaks isn’t slacking off—it’s part of the process. The best ideas often come when you’re not forcing them. Make space to rest, recharge and reconnect with why you create in the first place. That’s how you keep the spark alive.
Take charge of the business side
A lot of artists try to avoid the “boring stuff” like pricing, contracts or invoicing. But once you get the hang of it, it actually feels empowering. Knowing how to write a contract, explain your rates or plan your income means you don’t have to rely on luck—or let others dictate your value. It’s your art and your business. You get to set the rules. The more you treat it like a business, the more control you have over your time, your projects and your future.
What makes a money-making idea work for artists?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—because there’s no one-size-fits-all artist. What works for a watercolor painter might not work for a tattoo artist, sculptor, or music producer. But no matter your craft, the best ways to make money as an artist tend to share a few things:
It fits your creative flow: When your income comes from something you genuinely enjoy—be it hand-thrown pottery, fan art, custom murals, or indie albums—you’re more likely to stick with it and get better. Skip the trends that leave you drained and focus on what excites you and pays the bills.
It meets a need: This isn’t about selling out—it’s about finding the sweet spot between what you love creating and what people are eager to buy. A calligrapher might find demand in wedding signage. A 3D artist could license assets to game developers. A crafter might turn handmade pins or prints into a thriving Etsy shop.
There’s room to grow: The best money-making paths focus on scalability and don’t hit a dead end. Can you teach it? License it? Offer a premium version? A painter selling prints or a guitarist giving lessons can build flexibility and sustainability by creating opportunities to scale.
You mix it up: Smart artists don’t rely on one income stream. Maybe you sell originals and take commissions. Maybe you balance client work with running a Patreon or creating a product line. Diversifying gives you freedom—so one quiet season won’t knock you off track.
How to get started with making money as an artist
Turning your art into a business requires careful planning and strategy. Here are some essential steps to transition from artist to entrepreneur.
Define your brand and artistic vision: Establishing a strong brand and clear artistic vision is the foundation of your business. This involves understanding what sets your art apart and how you want to present yourself to the world both in-person and online.
Conduct market research: Research your target market, including potential customers, competitors and market trends. This will help you make informed decisions about pricing, marketing and sales strategies. It might also help drive what type of art to focus on.
Create a business plan: A business plan outlines your business goals, strategies and financial projections. It acts as a roadmap for your art business and can be essential for securing funding or partnerships. It's supposed to lay out your path to profitability too.
Set up a professional workspace: Whether it’s a home studio or a rented space, having a dedicated workspace or studio is crucial for productivity and can help with establishing a professional image. This can be important when starting to focus on making money as an artist.
Develop a portfolio: Your portfolio showcases your artwork and is often the first impression potential clients or galleries will have. Ensure it is well-curated and represents your best work as it will help market and sell your work. Start with a portfolio template.
Looking for more inspiration: Start with these best actor websites
Price your art appropriately: Determining the right price for your art can be challenging but is vital for your business success. Consider material costs, time, market rates and your experience level.
Build an online presence: In today's digital age, an online presence is indispensable. A professional website showcases your portfolio, sells your art and provides information about your business. It’s essential for anyone looking to be serious about making money as an artist. Get started by choosing the right website builder, like Wix, for your site.
Ready to get started? Learn how to make a website with this easy guide.
Utilize social media: Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting your art, connecting with fans and building a community around your brand. They can be connected to your website or online store, allowing followers to buy art directly from you.
Network and collaborate: Building relationships with other artists, industry professionals and potential clients is essential for growth and exposure. It can lead to new commissions and projects or collaborations that generate income.
Keep learning and adapting: The art market is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new trends and be willing to adapt your business strategies accordingly.
Learn more:
3 artist website examples to be inspired by
With a specialty in pastel drawings, Zaria combines travel and her art, to document climate change. With a focus on remote regions, from Antarctica, Greenland and Arctic Canada, Zaria has worked with NASA, The New York Times, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal and the Smithsonian Magazine.
Karen Revis uses her artist website as both a portfolio website of her work and as an online store in order to sell it.
Artist Ellen Von Wiegand offers monthly subscriptions that involve them receiving a new print each time. The print is a surprise until it arrives. This is a fun and creative way for an artist to make money and build an audience of customers.
Learn more: How to make an artist website
How to make money as an artist FAQ
How can I determine the best price for my artwork?
Pricing artwork involves considering various factors such as the cost of materials, time spent, your expertise level and the target market's willingness to pay. Researching similar artists' pricing and experimenting with different price points can also help establish a fair value for your work.
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