Being an artist isn’t just about creating; it can also be about making money, finding ways to pay bills and support doing what you love. So, how to make money as an artist? In today’s world, there are countless opportunities to turn your passion into profit.
That’s why CustomAny put together this guide – to show you 3 innovative and practical ways on how to make money as an artist, using your talent in art. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or any other type of creative, there’s something here for you. So, let’s dive in and discover how you create a sustainable income.
Overview of How to make money as an artist
Being a person of creativity, how to make money as an artist might seem a familiar question. Among all the creative things you do, what can offer you money? How to make money from artwork?
Today, if you are an artist, you have lots of chances to earn cash while still doing what you love. The best part? Instead of sticking to a typical office job, you can explore different ways to make money that fit your style.
These days, artists can reach people all over the world with their work. Whether it’s selling prints online or teaming up with brands, there’s plenty of ways to make money. Plus, by having multiple income streams, you can spend more time on your art without worrying about finances.
3 Creative Ways for artists to make money
Let’s explore 3 innovative ideas for those who are wondering “how to make money as an artist”. The suggestions and relevant strategies that we bring up in the following part may help turn your passion into profit and build a sustainable income for you.
1. Sell Your Art Prints
When it comes to “how to make money as an artist”, selling prints of your artwork is often the first choice. This way of making money is best suited if you are a painter or photographer. Prints of your artworks offer a convenient and affordable way for admirers to own a piece of your work without breaking the bank.
Here are some types of prints you can consider:
- Posters: They are perfect for making your artwork larger pieces, even if it is a hand drawing, digital art, or a natural photo.
- Fine art prints: Printed on high-quality paper with archival inks, fine art prints offer exceptional clarity and longevity. Selling your artwork as fine art prints will make them a favorite among collectors.
- Canvas prints: This printed type provides a gallery-worthy presentation of your artwork.
- Metal prints: They are also called metal photo print or metal wall art. To make metal prints, your photos or artwork will be printed onto a sleek, durable metal surface, typically aluminum. With their sleek and modern appearance, metal prints offer a contemporary twist on traditional wall art.
- Wood prints: Wood prints involve printing images, directly or transfer, onto wooden surfaces. They bring a rustic and natural feel to your artwork.
Additionally, selling custom stickers featuring your artwork can be a lucrative option for “how to make money as an artist”. Stickers are not only affordable for customers but also serve as portable advertisements for your art style.
You can sell:
- Die cut stickers: These stickers are custom-cut to the shape of your design. Custom die cut stickers offer your artwork prints a clean and professional look.
- Kiss cut stickers: With a kiss cut, you can add your artist credit at the edge of these vinyl stickers without compromising the design. Custom kiss cut stickers also offer protection to every edge of your design.
Related article: “Kiss cut stickers: 7 ways to take advantage of their extra space“
- Sheet stickers: Custom sticker sheets are perfect for selling sets or collections of your small designs.
Don’t know how to turn your artwork into stickers? Don’t worry. You can start to print them at home with our complete guide here. Otherwise, to ensure your artwork is printed out seamlessly, try our custom stickers printing service.
2. How about Merchandise?
How to sell artwork? Expanding beyond traditional prints, selling merchandise featuring your artwork is another answer for “how to make money as an artist”. There are countless items you can consider adding to your artwork on and tủn them into attractive and unique merchandise:
T-shirts
T-shirts with your artwork printed on them allow your fans or anyone who admires your piece of art to wear their favorite designs wherever they go.
Tote bags
Similar to T-shirts, your artwork will be printed on tote bags, creating practical yet stylish things for people to carry their belongings in daily life.
Phone cases
With nearly everyone owning one or more smartphones these days, customized phone cases adorned with eye-catching artwork will be the well selling merchandise you should try to sell.
Water bottles
How to make money as an artist? How to make money as an independent artist? – If you are wondering about these questions, You should try to sell custom water bottles. For customers, staying hydrated never looked better with a water bottle with some trendy artwork on it.
Mugs
When it comes to merchandise, mugs are among the most favorite. Instead of printing your artwork onto mugs, there is a much more convenient and cheaper way: using transfer stickers.
Print your designs as UV DTF transfer stickers and adhere them on plain mugs. These branded transfer stickers offer seamless and durable results that won’t peel or fade over time. This way, your artwork can remain vibrant and you can save production cost for buying plain mugs rather than order printed mugs from a third party.
3. Create Social Content
How to make money as an artist? Have you ever thought about making Social media content? These platforms have become more than just a place for connecting with friends—it’s also an opportunity for you to use your talents and make money.
How to make money as an artist online? Content creators across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest have found various ways to do it, and artists can do the same.
Partnerships and sponsorships
As a creative artist, you should collaborate with brands. Looking for those who niche or aesthetic that align with your art style. You can earn money through sponsored content, product placements, and affiliate marketing.
For example, you might partner with an art supply company to showcase their products in your videos or tutorials and make money online as an artist.
Selling
How to sell artwork online? You can make money on your social accounts by creating and selling your own products or services. Build a follower community by bringing them valued content, sharing tips and tricks, documenting your creative process, or participating in art challenges. Then, you can make money by offering online classes, selling digital downloads of your artwork, or promoting merchandise featuring your designs.
Affiliate
How to make money as an artist on social media? You can utilize affiliate marketing to earn commissions by promoting products or services you genuinely use and recommend. By sharing affiliate links or discount codes with your audience, you can earn a percentage of sales generated through their referrals.
Last words
The world of art and creativity offers many opportunities for you to turn your talent into money. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or any other type of creative, there’s various potential answers for “how to make money as an artist“? We hope that with the 3 suggestions in this blog, you can see the most practical and suitable answer for that question.
For further insights and tips on selling things or turning artwork as selling prints, explore other articles on CustomAny’s blog page.
