As an artist, you spend a lot of time creating, and its only fair if that art earns you money and even better online.
Why online?
You really don’t have time to open and run a physical shop and could use that time and energy to create more art.
Now, if you agree with me, you also know that most artists are good at creative work rather than sales and business intricacies.
With that in mind, today we’ll learn how to make money online as an artist easier.
There’s so much you can do to make money online especially if you have some talents.
However, navigating this space effectively requires a strategic approach.
This article will guide you through 14 proven strategies to help you make money online successfully as an artist.
Stay tuned!
Why Should Artists Monetize Their Work Online?
Most of the artists today are adopting using the online space to earn.
For art to make money, it has to be seen first.
With so many people using the internet, it only gives your artwork the opportunity to reach more people, earn more money, and have more creative freedom.
And art comes in all types, from painting, to illustrating, to digital art, and we appreciate that.
But taking your work online opens up endless possibilities like:
✅ Reaching a Global Audience – Instead of relying on local galleries, the whole worldwide can see your work instead. More eyes on your art mean more chances to sell.
✅ Lower Costs – No need for expensive gallery fees, rent, or overhead. When you sell online, you can finally start keeping more of your earnings.
✅ Total Creative Control – You get to set your own prices, choose how to present your work, and build your brand on your own terms.
✅ Multiple Ways to Make Money – Beyond selling originals, you can offer prints and digital downloads. You can even sell merchandise to increase your income.
✅ 24/7 Sales Potential – Your art is available anytime, anywhere, even while you sleep.
How Digital Platforms Help You Get Noticed
SEO and Visibility – Using the right keywords helps buyers find your art easily through search engines.
Direct Buyer Interaction – Connect with customers, get feedback, and build a loyal fanbase.
Data Insights – Learn what sells best and where your buyers are coming from.
14 Proven Strategies to Make Money as an Artist Online
Now, let’s get to the holy grail. Proven strategies for an artist to make money online.
1. Sell Artwork on Online Marketplaces
Selling artwork on online marketplaces is a straightforward way for artists to reach a broad audience.
Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society allow artists to list their work and connect with potential buyers globally.
Tips for Optimizing Listings and Reaching More Buyers
1. High-Quality Images: Ensure that your artwork is photographed or scanned in high resolution to showcase details and colors accurately.
2. SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to improve visibility in search results.
3. Engage with Buyers: Respond promptly to inquiries and reviews to build a positive reputation and encourage repeat business.
4. Regular Updates: Keep your listings fresh by adding new pieces regularly, which can attract repeat visitors and encourage sales.
2. Create and Sell NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, represent unique digital assets stored on a blockchain.
They have become a popular way for artists to monetize their digital creations.
How Artists Can Leverage Them
1. Unique Ownership: NFTs allow artists to prove ownership of digital art, making each piece distinct and potentially valuable.
2. Marketplaces: Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible provide spaces for artists to create, buy, and sell NFTs.
Pros and Cons of Entering the NFT Space
Pros:
1. Innovative Market: NFTs offer a new and exciting way to sell digital art, attracting collectors and enthusiasts.
2. Potential for High Returns: Some NFTs have sold for significant sums, making them a lucrative option for successful artists.
Cons:
1. Volatility: The NFT market can be volatile, with prices fluctuating rapidly.
2. Environmental Impact: The energy consumption required to create and maintain NFTs on blockchains has raised environmental concerns.
3. Offer Art Commissions and Custom Work
Offering art commissions allows artists to create personalized pieces for clients, which can be a fulfilling and profitable venture.
How to Attract Clients for Commissions
1. Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to showcase your work and announce commission availability.
2. Freelance Platforms: List your services on platforms like Fiverr to reach a broader audience.
Where to Advertise Commission Services
1. Instagram: Share high-quality images of your work and use relevant hashtags to attract potential clients.
2. Twitter: Utilize short-form updates to engage with followers and promote your commission services.
3. Fiverr: Create a gig that outlines your commission offerings and pricing.
4. License Your Artwork for Passive Income
Licensing artwork is a powerful way for artists to earn passive income by allowing companies to use their art on various products.
How Licensing Works
Artists enter into licensing agreements with companies, granting them permission to use the artwork in exchange for royalties.
Websites like Adobe Stock and Shutterstock facilitate the licensing process by connecting artists with potential buyers.
Companies often use licensed art in advertisements to enhance visual appeal.
Brands may license art for use on packaging, logos, or other marketing materials.
Licensed art is also commonly used on products like clothing, home decor, and stationery.
5. Start a Print-on-Demand Business
Print-on-demand (POD) services allow artists to sell their designs on various products without managing inventory or production.
How Print-on-Demand Works
Artists upload their designs to a POD platform.
When a customer places an order, the platform produces and ships the product.
Best POD Platforms
1. Printful: Known for its wide range of products and reliable fulfillment.
2. Teespring: Specializes in apparel and accessories.
To create unique POD designs for different niches:
First, stay updated on current trends and popular themes in your target niche.
Second, offer customization options to appeal to specific audiences.
6. Teach Art Online (Courses & Tutorials)
Teaching art online is an excellent way for experienced artists to share their skills and earn income.
How to Create and Sell Art Courses
1. Identify Your Expertise: Focus on a specific technique or medium where you have expertise.
2. Platforms: Use platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable to host your courses.
Monetizing YouTube Tutorials
1. Ad Revenue: Enable ads on your YouTube videos to earn money from views.
2. Sponsorships: Partner with art supply companies to promote their products in your tutorials.
7. Sell Digital Art and Downloads
Selling digital art and downloads provides artists with a scalable way to monetize their work.
Popular Digital Art Products
1. Wallpapers: Customizable wallpapers for phones and computers.
2. Templates: Design templates for creative professionals.
3. Planners: Digital planners and organizers.
Where to Sell Digital Downloads
1. Gumroad: A popular platform for selling digital products directly to customers.
2. Creative Market: Specializes in digital assets for creatives.
8. Monetize a YouTube Channel with Art Content
Creating a YouTube channel focused on art content can be a lucrative venture through various monetization strategies.
Types of Art-Related Content That Perform Well on YouTube
1. Tutorials: Step-by-step guides on art techniques.
2. Behind-the-Scenes: Videos showcasing your creative process.
3. Art Business Advice: Tips on marketing and managing an art business.
How to Monetize Through Ads, Sponsorships, and Memberships
1. Ad Revenue: Enable ads on your videos to earn from views.
2. Sponsorships: Partner with art supply companies to promote their products.
3. Memberships: Offer exclusive content or early access to loyal viewers through membership programs.
9. Build a Subscription Community (Patreon, Ko-fi)
Building a subscription community allows artists to earn recurring income from fans who support their work.
Artists earn by offering exclusive art, early updates, or behind-the-scenes content to subscribers.
You can also provide rewards such as personalized messages or exclusive access to new work.
10. Sell Art through Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for you to showcase and sell your work directly to potential buyers.
Some of the best social media platforms for artists include:
1. Instagram: Ideal for visual artists with its focus on images and reels.
2. TikTok: Great for short-form videos showcasing art processes.
3. Pinterest: Useful for artists who create work that appeals to specific interests or aesthetics.
How to Use Them
1. Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and attract potential buyers.
2. Reels: Create engaging short videos to showcase your art and process.
3. Engagement: Interact with followers by responding to comments and messages.
11. Crowdfunding and Art Grants
Crowdfunding and art grants provide artists with alternative funding options for projects and career development.
Platforms for Creative Projects
1. Kickstarter: Known for funding creative projects through community support.
2. GoFundMe: Often used for personal or emergency funding needs.
How to Apply for Art Grants and Residency Programs
Look for grants and residencies that align with your work and goals.
Ensure your portfolio and proposal are well-presented and compelling.
12. Offer Graphic Design or Illustration Services
Transitioning into graphic design or illustration can be a lucrative career path for artists.
To do that, acquire skills in design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
Next, create a portfolio showcasing your design work.
Once you’ve perfected your skills, you could offer them on different platforms.
Upwork is one of them and a freelance platform where you can offer services to a wide range of clients.
Fiverr is ideal for starting small and building a client base.
Then there is 99designs which specializes in design contests and projects.
13. Write and Sell an Art-Related eBook
Writing an eBook related to art can be a great way to share knowledge and earn passive income.
Share tutorials or guides on specific art techniques.
You could also offer advice on the business side of art.
Another great way is to share your journey as an artist to inspire others.
You could sell your tutorials through Amazon’s self-publishing platform Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which allows you to reach a vast audience.
Gumroad also enables direct sales to customers, allowing for more control over pricing and distribution.
14. Participate in Virtual Art Exhibitions and Online Auctions
Participating in virtual exhibitions and auctions can help artists reach a broader audience and sell their work globally.
How Virtual Galleries and Online Auctions Work
1. Virtual Galleries: Platforms like Saatchi Art and ArtPal host digital exhibitions where artists can showcase and sell their work.
2. Online Auctions: Websites that facilitate bidding on artworks, often with a focus on specific styles or themes.
Conclusion
If you set out for it, you could make money online as an artist so easily.
It is more achievable than ever!
This guide breaks down 14 proven ways to turn your creativity into income.
Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or designer, there are plenty of options to explore.
The digital art world is full of opportunities—find what works best for you and start building your creative career today!