How to Maximise Your Art Income As An Artist

Making a living from your art is something many artists dream about. It feels amazing to create something with your hands and heart, and earn from it too. But the truth is, just selling your art may not always be enough. Some months are good, some are quiet. That’s normal.

The good news is that you don’t have to rely on just one way to make money. There are many ways you can earn as an artist, and you don’t have to give up your passion to do it. In fact, trying different things can bring more balance, more freedom, and even more fun into your creative life.

In this guide, I want to walk you through some easy ideas to help you make money from more than one place. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy or complicated. Just simple, real ways you can start slowly, one step at a time. Let’s take a look together.

Simple and Creative Ways to Make Money as an Artist

Making money from your art doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. There are many simple ways you can start earning, one step at a time. You don’t need to do everything at once, just choose what feels right for you. Let’s explore a few ideas that can help you grow both creatively and financially.

Number 1: Selling Your Original Art

Of course, this is where many artists begin. Selling your original paintings, drawings, or sculptures is powerful. It connects you directly with people who appreciate your work. You might sell through galleries, local art fairs, Instagram, or even right from your own home.

Some artists do well with exhibitions and solo shows. Others sell steadily online, through a personal website or social media. There’s no single “right” way. The key is to keep showing up, sharing your work, and letting people see your creative journey.

But what happens when your originals aren’t selling as fast as you hoped?

Number 2: Offering Prints and Reproductions

This is a great option that many artists explore. Prints are more affordable for people who love your work but can’t buy an original piece. You don’t need a huge budget to get started. Even just printing a few favorite pieces in small batches can go a long way.

Some artists turn their paintings into greeting cards, postcards, bookmarks, or even fabric designs. It’s still your art, just in a different form. And each print that goes out into the world helps more people discover you.

Number 3: Teaching What You Know

You might not think of yourself as a teacher, but trust me, if you’ve been practicing your craft for a while, you already have something valuable to share.

You could run a small weekend workshop in your community, teach kids a fun art project, or show people how to paint flowers or use color better. Teaching doesn’t have to mean standing in front of a big class. It could be one-on-one sessions, a short online course, or even a simple video showing your process.

People love learning from real artists, especially those who are kind, patient, and honest about their journey.

Number 4: Taking on Commissions

Doing custom work is another way to bring in income. You might create a portrait, paint someone’s pet, design a mural, or build a sculpture for a public space. Commissions can be personal and rewarding.

The important part is being clear from the start about your prices, the timeline, and what’s included. It also helps to show a few past examples of your work so clients know what to expect.

And remember, each commission is a chance to grow, learn, and reach a new audience.

Number 5: Exploring Grants and Residencies

Sometimes, support comes from places you might not expect. Grants, awards, open calls, and artist residencies are out there to help people like you, artists who care deeply about their work and want to keep growing.

You don’t need to be famous or have a big resume to apply. What truly matters is your passion, your voice, and your willingness to share your art with the world.

Many local art councils, cultural centers, and creative platforms offer these chances. For example, Arts to Hearts Project often opens doors for emerging artists. Their Studio Visit Book – Volume 6 is a beautiful opportunity to get your work published and seen by a wider audience. They also host the International Artist Award, which celebrates artists from around the globe, giving you the chance to share your journey and be recognized.

Another platform, Open Call for Artists, offers great opportunities too. You might be selected as the Art Icon of the Month, where your work gets featured and promoted. Or, you could apply for their Solo Virtual Exhibition, a unique chance to show your art online to viewers worldwide, without leaving your studio.

Residencies, too, can give you time, space, and sometimes even funding to create without distractions. Sure, applications can take some effort, but many artists find that these programs help them grow in ways they never imagined. Some even shape entire seasons of their work around the support they receive.

These opportunities are not just about recognition, they’re about connection, growth, and keeping your creative spirit alive.

Number 6: Selling Digital Art or Downloads

Let’s say you enjoy graphic design, illustrations, or even turning your sketches into patterns. You can create digital files, like printable art, coloring pages, or design elements, and sell them online.

Once the work is made and uploaded, it can be sold again and again, which is known as passive income. This means you keep earning from that one file while you focus on making new art.

It’s a good side stream, especially if you like working digitally or experimenting with new formats.

Number 7: Sharing Your Journey Online

Many artists today are building income through content, things like blogging, YouTube, or sharing their creative process on Instagram. At first, it might seem slow or even strange to talk to a camera, but people truly love seeing behind the scenes.

If you’re ready to give it a try, here are some helpful websites and platforms:

• YouTube: Share tutorials, studio vlogs, or time-lapse videos of your art.
  
• Instagram: Great for visual storytelling, reels, and showing your creative process.
  
• Substack: A simple platform for starting your own newsletter and sharing stories, ideas, or updates with your audience.
  
• Patreon: A membership platform where your supporters can pay monthly for behind-the-scenes content, exclusive art, or early access to new work.
  
• Ko-fi: Similar to Patreon, but more flexible; people can donate once or subscribe, and you can sell digital downloads too.
  
• ArtStation or Behance: Good for building a professional portfolio and attracting freelance or commission work.

As your audience grows, you may earn through ads, sponsorships, or platforms like Patreon, where supporters give monthly donations in exchange for extra content or early access to your work.

You don’t have to be loud or overly polished. Just be real. Be you. Share what you know, how you create, or what inspires you.

Number 8: A Mix That Works for You

The beauty of being an artist is that no two paths are the same. You might start by selling a few originals, then teach a weekend class, then try offering prints. Or maybe you apply for a residency and then open a small online shop. Every little piece adds to your larger picture.

What matters most is choosing options that feel true to you and your practice. Not everything will work right away, and that’s okay. Try things out. Learn as you go. Adjust when needed.

Your art is not just something you make, it’s something you live. And you deserve to have support, income, and peace of mind while you keep creating.

Final Reminder

Making money as an artist isn’t just about luck or talent. It’s also about being open, curious, and willing to explore different paths.

Diversifying your income doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams, it means building a stronger foundation under them. It means having more ways to stay creative, stay stable, and keep sharing your gift with the world.

Start small. Take one idea from this list and give it a try. Step by step, you’ll find what works for you. And as you grow, your income and your confidence can grow too.

You’ve got the passion. You’ve got the talent. Now it’s time to build the life that supports your art.