How to make money as an artist: 15+ ways to get started

Love making art, but unsure how to monetize your skills? From selling your work online to showcasing your pieces in galleries and art fairs, there are plenty of ways to make money as an artist.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to turn your creativity into income based on how much time you’ll need to set it up and how quickly you’ll get paid.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your revenue streams, you’ll find actionable tips to help you make money doing what you love. 

How to make money as an artist

From art fairs and contests to art licensing and selling art on your own website, there are plenty of ways to make money in the art world.

1. Create an artist website and sell your art online

• Total time: a few hours, no technical skills required
• How fast you’ll get paid: start collecting payments immediately once your site is live
• What you need: high-quality images of your artwork and basic business information

An artist website serves two purposes: it’s an outlet for showcasing your work professionally to the world, as well as selling it directly to customers.

Setting up a website doesn’t have to break the bank, and with affordable tools like Hostinger Website Builder, you can quickly create an attractive art portfolio that doubles as an online store from just RM11.99.

Easily showcase your art using customizable image galleries and organize website elements to create dynamic, visually engaging layouts. The drag-and-drop feature simplifies layering images, text, and other elements to fit your creative style. You can also use the built-in testimonial feature to add client reviews to your site, building your credibility and trust with potential buyers.

For best results, let your artwork shine with a simple, minimalistic design, and experiment with selling both original pieces and prints. To get started, follow our step-by-step guide on how to make an artist website.

2. Sell custom commissions

• Total time: ongoing, depending on the project
• How fast you’ll get paid: typically, you can ask for a deposit upfront, with the balance being paid on completion
• What you need: portfolio showcasing previous work, clear pricing structure, and strong communication skills

Custom commissions involve working directly with individual clients to create bespoke, one-of-a-kind art pieces based on their personal requests.

This is a perfect way to make money as an artist if you get a lot of clients looking for something unique, such as a custom painting of a loved one or a sculpture based on specific size requirements.

Remember to set up clear terms for deposits, timelines, and revisions to avoid any misunderstandings with the clients. Read our tutorial on starting a painting business for more insights.

3. Earn Money with print-on-demand

• Total time: a few hours to set up
• How fast you’ll get paid: depends on the platform, usually after each sale
• What you need: digital versions of your artwork, pricing strategy, and terms for licensing or sales

Selling high-quality prints of your art on print-on-demand platforms like Gelato and Redbubble is another effective way to earn money as an artist. These platforms handle the fulfillment and shipping of orders, helping you remain focused on what you do best – in this case, creating art.

Start by setting up listings for a few print-on-demand products, like art prints, tote bags, or notebooks, and expand the product line with new items (such as T-shirts or mugs) as you gain experience with the platform.

5. Start a blog or YouTube channel

• Total time: a few hours to set up, but requires consistency with content creation
• How fast you’ll get paid: income from ads or sponsorships can take time to build up
• What you need: time, content ideas, and regular updates

Starting a blog or YouTube channel is an excellent way to build a dedicated online community around your art. Once you have enough views, monetize your blog and your YouTube channel through ads, affiliate links, and sponsorships, while also attracting potential customers for your artwork.

You can start small with just a smartphone for recording and free editing software like iMovie (only available on Apple devices) or Lightworks. As your skills and audience grow, you can gradually invest in better gear, like a high-quality camera and microphone, to improve the production value of your content.

To succeed, keep your content short and engaging – behind-the-scenes videos or quick art tutorials tend to do well.

6. Teach art classes

• Total time: a few hours to set up, ongoing for classes
• How fast you’ll get paid: immediately or monthly for live classes, or per enrollment for pre-recorded lessons
• What you need: expertise in a specific art style or technique, lesson plans

Teaching art classes can be a highly rewarding way to share your knowledge and make money at the same time. Whether you choose to host live virtual workshops or pre-record your lessons for platforms like Skillshare, it’s a simple way to start earning while helping others grow their skills.

Start by teaching beginner-level classes, which are in high demand, and gradually expand to more advanced topics.

7. Apply for art grants

• Total time: varies depending on the grant application process
• How fast you’ll get paid: varies depending on the grant’s terms, typically after approval
• What you need: detailed project description, portfolio, and possibly letters of recommendation

Chances are there are various art grants available in your area. Grants support artistic endeavors and help you work on larger or more ambitious projects without relying on sales. They’re also great for building your reputation and credibility as an artist.

Get started by researching the types of grants offered by different official bodies, like universities. Keep a list of grant application deadlines and prepare your portfolio in advance to save time.

8. Compete in art contests

• Total time: varies depending on the contest
• How fast you’ll get paid: prize money is typically awarded after the contest results are announced
• What you need: high-quality images or physical submissions of your artwork

Art contests can be an exciting way to earn money as an artist while gaining exposure for your work. Many competitions offer cash prizes, but even if you don’t win, getting your work seen by a wider audience can help attract clients or future opportunities.

Start by entering local competitions to build confidence before applying to larger, more competitive ones.

9. License your artwork

• Total time: varies depending on finding licensing opportunities
• How fast you’ll get paid: payment terms vary based on licensing agreements, typically after the products sell
• What you need: high-quality digital versions of your artwork

Licensing your artwork is a great way to earn passive income. By letting businesses that sell directly to consumers use your designs on their products, you can make money regularly without needing to sell each piece yourself.

Start by reaching out to companies that align with your art style, or use platforms like Society6 to begin licensing your work.

10. Sell your art on stock platforms

• Total time: a few hours
• How fast you’ll get paid: payment varies by platform, usually monthly or after sales
• What you need: digital files of your artwork in the correct formats

Selling digital copies of your art for stock use is a fast and easy way to earn money online. You can sell anything from stock illustrations to digital prints. Online selling sites like Adobe Stock make it simple to upload and reach buyers around the world.

Experiment with different formats, such as digital downloads or NFTs, to reach a broader audience.

11. Participate in art fairs and exhibitions

• Total time: varies by event
• How fast you’ll get paid: you get paid immediately after sales at the event
• What you need: physical artwork, display materials, business cards

Art fairs and exhibitions offer hands-on opportunities to sell your work and meet potential buyers. These events can give your work excellent exposure and let you interact and network directly with collectors, gallery owners, and other artists.

Start with smaller local fairs to gain experience, and be prepared with business cards or promotional materials to network. Use sites like Fairs and Festivals to find art fairs in your area.

12. Sell through galleries

• Total time: varies by gallery application process
• How fast you’ll get paid: payment usually occurs after the gallery sells your work
• What you need: high-quality artwork and a professional portfolio

Selling through galleries can elevate your work to high-end buyers and collectors. Galleries handle the sales process, making it easier for you to focus on creating new pieces.

To succeed, you need to build relationships with gallery owners and be prepared to negotiate commissions and other terms.

13. Use social media to promote your art

• Total time: ongoing, a few hours for setup
• How fast you’ll get paid: varies – you can direct followers to your website or store for sales
• What you need: high-quality photos of your art and regular engagement with followers

Social media is one of the most powerful tools for promoting your art and making money as an artist. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok help you reach a broad audience, build a following, and drive traffic to your online store or commissions page.

Use hashtags and collaborate with other creators to get noticed, and post behind-the-scenes content to keep your audience invested in your work.

14. Offer freelance services

• Total time: a few hours to set up, ongoing for projects
• How fast you’ll get paid: payment is usually made upon project completion, depending on the platform or client
• What you need: a portfolio of past work, and skills in specific areas like design, branding, or illustration

Freelance services focus on offering your artistic skills to businesses and commercial clients. Whether it’s designing logos, creating illustrations, or providing branding services, freelance work lets you apply your skills to a wide range of professional projects.

Start by offering smaller projects at competitive rates to build your reputation, then scale up to larger, higher-paying jobs as you gain more clients. Signing up on freelance websites like Fiverr and Upwork helps build your client base.

15. Apply for artist residencies

• Total time: varies depending on the application process
• How fast you’ll get paid: varies – some residencies provide stipends during the residency
• What you need: portfolio, project proposal, and sometimes letters of recommendation

Artist residencies – structured programs where artists get dedicated studio space, materials, and sometimes housing – are an excellent way to develop your art skills, collaborate with fellow artists, and gain exposure. Many residencies provide financial support and resources that enable you to focus entirely on your art for a set period.

Check that the residencies you want to apply for align with your goals and remember to tailor each application to the specific program. Sites like Artist Communities Alliance can be great places to start looking for potential residency opportunities.

16. Launch a subscription service

• Total time: a few hours to set up
• How fast you’ll get paid: monthly, based on your subscription tiers
• What you need: consistent content like behind-the-scenes videos, early access to new art, or personalized commissions

Launching a subscription service through Patreon or Ko-Fi helps you build a community of supporters who provide recurring income. In exchange, you can offer exclusive content, early access to new work, or even personalized commissions.

Start by offering affordable tiers to attract more subscribers, then gradually introduce higher-priced tiers with exclusive benefits. Combine subscription services with your online store or social media presence for better reach.

17. Create and sell art tutorials or eBooks

• Total time: a few weeks to create content
• How fast you’ll get paid: immediately after sales, depending on the platform
• What you need: a completed guide or tutorial, digital file format (PDF or video)

Creating and selling art, eBooks or step-by-step tutorials can be a lucrative way to monetize your knowledge. Whether it’s a How to Paint Landscapes eBook or a series of video tutorials, many artists have found success selling digital products directly through their websites.

Focus on specific techniques or styles that your audience is interested in learning, and promote the eBooks or tutorials through your social media channels.

18. Crowdfund your next big art project

• Total time: a few weeks to set up and promote
• How fast you’ll get paid: raised funds are paid out after the crowdfunding campaign ends
• What you need: a well-documented project idea, rewards for backers

Crowdfunding is a great way to gather financial support for ambitious projects. Artists can offer rewards like limited edition prints, original pieces, or access to behind-the-scenes content in exchange for pledges.

Use a video pitch to explain your project and engage your audience emotionally, showing them why your project is worth supporting.

19. Create art for video games or animation

• Total time: varies depending on the project
• How fast you’ll get paid: varies depending on the contract, typically after milestones are completed
• What you need: a portfolio that shows your ability to create digital art for interactive media

The gaming and animation industries are booming, and often need artists for concept art, character designs, and scenery. You can work as a freelancer or join a development team to create art that will be seen by millions.

Focus on developing a niche style that fits well with the video game or animation market, and actively network with developers through platforms like ArtStation.

Conclusion

From creating a website to sell your art to offering custom commissions and entering art competitions, there are various ways to make money as an artist.

By diversifying your efforts and staying consistent, it’s possible to build a sustainable art business and make a living doing what you love.

Experiment with different methods, and over time, you’ll find the right combination that works for you. With persistence and creativity, you can turn your passion into a profitable career.

How to make money as an artist FAQ