How to make money as an artist 

Making a living as an artist is more achievable than you might think. With a bit of creativity and a touch of determination, you can transform your artistic skills into a thriving business. 

The truth is, it’s easier today than ever before. Artists no longer have to rely on traditional galleries or high-paying clients to make a living. You can now showcase your work to a global audience, teach others your techniques, and develop multiple income streams — all online.

It doesn’t matter whether you paint, illustrate, sculpt, or create digital art — countless opportunities are waiting for you. 

To help you get started, in this post we’re exploring a variety of practical and innovative ways to make money as an artist and sell art online. 

We’ve compiled a list of 35 ways to make money as a professional artist online, in person, or some combination of the two. Let’s get to it!

1. Sell original artwork and prints

One way you can make money in the art world is to sell your artwork and prints online. For this, you’ll need a website to feature high-quality images of your work, detailed descriptions of your process, and an ecommerce store. You’ll also need a reliable platform to manage sales, inventory, and customer interactions effectively. 

If you use WordPress for your website, then WooCommerce makes it straightforward to set up an online store to sell your own artwork and art prints. Simply install the plugin, add your products, and customize the style and checkout process to suit your needs. 

You can even use extensions like WooCommerce Product Add-Ons, which allow customers to personalize their purchases. 

Take Amy T. Won’s website, as an example. It relies on WooCommerce to power the shop section, where Won sells oil paintings, watercolors, books, and cards. The design is in keeping with the artist’s work and stays on brand throughout the site. 

2. Use print on demand services

Print on demand services offer another way for artists to make money. In this case, you can sell customized merchandise without the need to manage inventory. So, if you created a fun character illustration, you could have that printed on a variety of products like t-shirts, mugs, and stickers, without needing to physically create the items yourself, house them, or even ship them out. 

Major print on demand platforms like Printful and Printify work well with WooCommerce, so you can sell from your own site — keeping full control and ownership over the rest of the customer experience. You’ll connect to these services through extensions that can automatically sync your products and handle fulfillment.

Simply upload your designs and the POD provider handles the printing, packaging, and shipping of orders. This setup allows you to focus on creating new art while the platform manages the logistical aspects.

3. Sell digital downloads

Selling digital downloads is another excellent way for artists to monetize their work. You could offer high-resolution images and other digital versions of your art on your website and reach a global audience in doing so. And since your products are digital, there’s no need for physical inventory or shipping.

You can use WooCommerce to facilitate this as well. It supports various file types, so you can offer everything from high-res images to digital art prints to eBooks about your process. If you want to offer a recurring subscription for your downloads, use an extension like WooCommerce Subscription Downloads to streamline this effort. 

This method allows customers to instantly receive their purchased files, which is a lot less hassle for everyone. 

4. License stock photography and art

Licensing your artwork and photography through stock platforms is a great way to earn additional income as an artist. When you upload  your work to sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock, you can reach a large audience of potential buyers looking for high-quality images for their projects.

These platforms allow you to retain the rights to your work while earning royalties each time your images are downloaded. This model works well if you create digital art or take photos and want to earn income without selling from your website directly. Or you can just use it as supplemental income. Upload your images, set your preferences, and let the platforms manage the distribution and sales.

5. Sell NFTs and blockchain art

Another possibility is to sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs). A trendy part of the digital art market, these allow artists to sell unique digital pieces on the blockchain. NFTs are digital assets that indicate you own a specific digital item or piece of content. And this ownership is verified through the blockchain — providing a way to ensure the authenticity and rarity of digital art.

Artists can mint their artwork as NFTs and sell them on different marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. These platforms provide the tools you need to create, list, and sell digital art as NFTs. 

You can combine this money-making approach with others, too. A diverse sales strategy is the most effective in 2024. 

6. Teach online art classes

If you have a flair for teaching, you can use your own art skills by teaching an online class. Many artists opt to share their expertise to generate income and you could certainly do so as well. Sensei LMS is a learning management system plugin for WordPress that allows you to create and sell courses and art tutorials directly from your website.

Sensei LMS integrates with WooCommerce, allowing you to manage course sales, handle payments, and provide a smooth learning experience for your students. It also lets you build detailed courses with lessons and quizzes. This makes it intuitive to teach your art skills to a wider audience.

7. Host webinars and workshops

Another option is to host live webinars and workshops. Rather than offering a traditional class — either online or in person — you can offer a one-time webinar or workshop as a deep dive into a particular subject.

If you’re a potter, for instance, you can teach a webinar or workshop on a specific glazing technique.

Charge for access to these sessions or offer art classes for free with the option for donations. This method allows you to connect with your audience in real time, providing valuable content and personalized interaction.

Use an extension like Events Manager to sell and book event tickets to your webinar or workshop. Then host the event itself on a platform like Zoom or WebinarJam to make it easy for participants to attend. 

PleinAir Magazine, a publication for outdoor painters, hosts a free webinar that’s actually available on YouTube designed to help artists find their own style. A free event like this is funded completely by sponsors of the webinar.

8. Create art tutorials on YouTube

You could also monetize a YouTube channel with art tutorials and lessons for other artists. Taking this approach allows you to generate income while sharing your expertise with the world in a visual and hands-on way. Instructional videos — especially when well-produced — can attract a wide audience and you’ll generate income based on YouTube’s ad revenue program. 

You can also take advantage of the other monetization options offered like sponsored content, channel memberships, Super Chat donations, and affiliate marketing. This approach generates revenue and builds a community of followers who appreciate and support your work.

You can use this alongside an art blog or online store. In the last example regarding webinars, one of the sponsors of the PleinAir event was Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, an art instruction YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers. 

9. Art camps and in-person workshops

Don’t be afraid to take your efforts offline, too and organize local art camps and in-person workshops to make money as an artist. This is a great way to engage with your community and earn income at the same time. Hands-on learning experiences are invaluable and you can attract participants who are eager to improve their art skills and enjoy creative activities.

Host these events in local community centers, art studios, or even outdoor spaces. Promote your art camps and workshops through your website, social media, and local advertising. Offering a variety of art classes, from beginner to advanced levels, and covering different techniques and mediums can help attract a diverse group of participants. 

WooCommerce Box Office is a useful extension to install to manage ticket sales and signups for your next in-person event. 

10. Sell your work on freelance platforms

Selling your artwork and art services on your website is the best approach, but you can always diversify and sell on freelance platforms as well. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can be a useful way to find clients and generate additional income. 

These platforms connect freelancers with clients looking for a variety of creative services, from illustration and graphic design to custom artwork and digital portraits.

To get started, you’ll need to set up a profile on your chosen platform. Be mindful to showcase your portfolio and set rates that compete with other artists. This approach also helps in building a professional reputation and expanding your client base through positive reviews and referrals.

11. Offer commissioned art

Accepting commissions for personalized pieces is a lucrative way for artists to earn income while creating artwork that’s made to the client’s specifications. This method allows you to work directly with clients who appreciate your style and want custom art for their homes or businesses, or as unique gifts.

You can use your website to promote your commission services. Social media is an excellent avenue for this as well. Often, adding an “Open for commissions” notice in your social media bios can encourage outreach. Reddit art communities are another place to promote your services. 

However, you’ll need to promote your work and process over time on these platforms to build up a following and a potential customer base. 

On your website, be sure to clearly outline your process, pricing, and the types of commissions you offer, such as portraits, landscapes, or abstract pieces. Providing examples of past commissioned work can also help attract potential clients. 

For instance, ArtCorgi is a platform where you can commission artwork from a specific group of artists to have a custom piece created for you. 

12. Sell custom pet portraits

Similar to the above, you could also make money as an artist by creating custom pet portraits. Pet owners love personalized artwork of their beloved animals, and this market offers a great opportunity to showcase your artistic talent and generate income.

You can start by promoting your services through your website and social media platforms. Display examples of your work to attract potential clients and clearly outline your commission process, pricing, and delivery options. Use visually-oriented platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to reach a broader audience. Engaging with pet owner communities and using targeted hashtags can help, too.

13. Collaborate with brands 

Another way to make money as an artist is to partner with brands. Many companies seek artists to create unique content, which makes for mutually-beneficial arrangements. This could involve creating branded content for companies on TikTok, promoting a product in a YouTube video, or even writing about a product on your blog. 

To attract brand collaborations, start by building a strong online presence and showcasing your portfolio. Highlight past projects and demonstrate how your style can complement a brand’s image.

Once you establish a collaboration, you can work on a variety of projects, like designing exclusive artwork, creating promotional content, or developing branded merchandise. 

There are many creative examples of this in action on TikTok. For instance, the creator HappyKelli is known for making colorful dance videos with fun editing. But she also partners with companies like PaperMate to promote their products using her signature style. 

14. License art to be used on products

Licensing your artwork to be used on products is a great way to generate passive income (once the design is created) and expand your reach as an artist. Companies like Zazzle and Society6 make it straightforward to upload your designs, which can then be printed on products like T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and other home decor items.

To get started, you just need to upload your artwork according to the platform’s sizing and resolution specs and choose the products you’d like your designs to be printed on. The rest of the work is on the platform to handle production, shipping, and customer service. This means you get to focus on creating more art and effective marketing. 

15. Provide book and magazine illustrations

If you’re an illustrator or painter, you could make money by illustrating books, magazines, and comic books. You’ll need strong work to get your foot in the door here and a solid portfolio to present your work in the best possible light. 

Should you choose to go this route, make sure your website adequately showcases your skills and unique style. If you’re lacking commissioned pieces, get a gig or two on a freelance platform like Upwork to build your portfolio. Then begin promoting your work on social media. Work of this sort can include things like book covers, chapter headings, magazine features, and comic panels.

Daffodil Illustrations offers a good example of this approach. It’s a children’s book illustration company that offers cover art, interior art, and more. 

16. Participate in art fairs

Selling your work at local art fairs is another way to reach new audiences and generate income. These art fairs are a fun way to get involved in the art community and offer a platform to showcase your pieces directly to potential buyers, art enthusiasts, and collectors.

To take this approach, research and apply to participate in the art fairs, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines. A good place to start would be the Art Fair Calendar put together by artfairmag.com. 

Once accepted, prepare by creating an inventory of your best pieces, pricing your work, and designing an attractive booth display. You can impress attendees by sharing the story behind your artwork, and offer business cards or promotional materials to stay connected.

Make sure your website is listed on all promotional materials you create. The goal is to maintain a relationship with those who see your work in person long after they leave the fair. 

17. Set up gallery exhibitions

Setting up gallery exhibitions is a more traditional way to make money by showcasing and selling your work in person. A more exclusive option than art fairs, working with a gallery can boost your visibility and help you make more sales over time. 

To begin, research galleries that align with your artistic talent, style, and target audience. Prepare a professional portfolio and reach out to gallery owners or curators with a compelling proposal. Once accepted, work closely with the gallery to plan the exhibition, including selecting pieces, setting prices, and arranging the layout.

Taking this route can boost your credibility as an artist but also provides opportunities for networking, receiving feedback, and increasing sales through exposure to a dedicated art audience. And you can direct people back to your website to purchase prints, merch, and other items. 

18. Host pop-up art events

Hosting or participating in pop-up art events is still another way for creatives to showcase and sell art. Pop-ups are temporary events that can attract a more diverse audience than a traditional gallery or art fair. And in participating, you can build a new following. 

If participating, you’ll want to treat it as you would an art fair. Make sure your booth or setup is aesthetically pleasing and that you bring along business cards or other promotional materials. 

If hosting, you’ll want to choose a location that can accommodate people in your community and spend adequate time promoting it via your website and social media. You might even want to print out some flyers and post them in community spaces to attract further attention. And don’t forget to list the event on sites like EventBrite. 

Take the ceramic art pop-up at 599 Valencia as an example. The event takes place at The Drawing Room in San Francisco and lets ceramic artists show and share their work for a fee. 

19. Set up a crowdfunding campaign

Crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter can be an excellent way for artists to fund large projects, too. Though not a direct revenue stream, it is a way to raise money for major efforts, which can help monetarily support you in their creation. 

You could also use a WooCommerce extension like Crowdfunding for WooCommerce to create a compelling campaign. 

To get started, build an attractive page on a crowdfunding platform. Clearly outline your project goals, provide detailed information about the artwork or project you intend to create, and set a realistic funding goal. Campaigns can be competitive, so always use high-quality images, videos, and engaging descriptions to attract potential backers.

Promote your campaign through social media, email newsletters, and any other networks you have. It’s always a good idea to feature additional information and content on your website, too. That way, once the campaign is done, your backers will have a place to keep up with you and your future work. 

20. Accept donations

Some artists accept tips as a supplemental income stream. And you can set up a donation system on your website with minimal effort. Once set up, you can accept donations from site visitors and use the funds to continue making your art. This approach provides a straightforward way for fans and patrons to support your work financially.

WooCommerce is a great alternative to Patreon and similar platforms that often take a huge chunk of your donation revenue. So, instead, consider an extension like Donation for WooCommerce to accept donations or tips directly on your store.

21. Sell art membership and subscription services

Selling membership and subscription services is another way to monetize your work as an artist. And it’s also a good way to generate a steady income, as you’ll create exclusive content for a loyal audience and receive payments on a recurring basis. You could create behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, early access to new artwork, downloadable resources, or anything else you feel your audience might wish to access.

And you can manage this by integrating the WooCommerce Memberships Plugin for WordPress extension and WooCommerce Subscriptions. With this combo, you can set up different membership levels, each with different offerings attached, and charge people on a recurring basis. 

A solid example of this in action is Kawaii Box, which offers a variety of Kawaii-themed subscription boxes, including things like plushes and art supplies. 

22. Monetize social media

Another avenue you could take is to monetize your social media presence. As an artist, visually-oriented platforms are your best bet, like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. You’ll need to build a presence on these platforms before qualifying for monetization. But the effort you put in may be worth it, especially as a supplemental form of income. And your presence there can boost the visibility of your work in general and direct people back to your website.

On Instagram, you can showcase your artwork through posts, stories, and reels. Use features like shoppable posts to let viewers make direct purchases from your feed. And you can engage your audience using hashtags, collaborations, and live sessions to create a community around your work.

On TikTok, create engaging short videos that highlight your creative process, finished pieces, and art tips. You’ll definitely want to lean into TikTok’s viral potential by participating in trending challenges and using popular hashtags to reach new audiences and direct them to your online store.

The account aminaillustration serves as a great example. The account features painting process videos with millions of views. People are directed to go to her website to purchase prints or order commissions. 

23. Create an art blog

When considering how to make money as an artist, you might only be considering your visual work. But starting an art blog is another powerful way to drive traffic to your website, engage with your audience, and make money as an artist. Just add the blog to your existing website and use it to share industry insights, tutorials, and stories about your artistic journey. 

You can monetize your blog through various methods — and often multiple methods at once. You could sign up for Google AdSense or WordAds and display ads on your blog’s sidebar. You could also partner with brands for sponsored content. 

Or, you can use affiliate marketing to recommend art supplies and tools. When people click on your affiliate link and make a purchase, you will get a commission. The Amazon Associates program is one of the most popular, but you could also sign up to be an affiliate for an art supply company like Blick to offer a wider selection of art supply suggestions. 

24. Sell handmade items

Selling crafts and handmade items is another way to make money as an artist. Whatever craft skills you have, you can put them to use and sell your items on your own website. A WooCommerce store would be fantastic for that. But you could also build a presence on a site like Etsy to reach a global audience. Just use WooCommerce as your central hub to maximize your efficiency and build a wholly-owned brand for long-term success. 

To get started, create an Etsy shop and set up your profile with a compelling bio and shop description. You’ll want to upload high-quality photos of your handmade items, provide detailed descriptions, and make full use of Etsy’s tools to optimize your listings with relevant tags and keywords.

For your own store, there’s no reason why you can’t present your items in a super creative way. Your site should complement the items you sell. Just look at what the art and design studio, Studio Job has done with its online store. It has everything from custom cursors to transition animations to an overall design that matches the eclectic style of the pieces themselves. 

25. Create public art or murals

Creating public art or murals is an exciting way for local artists to gain visibility and contribute to community spaces. Commissions for public art projects can come from various sources, including local governments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and private businesses.

To get started, research calls for artists and public art opportunities in your area. Websites like Call for Entry (CaFE) and local government arts commission websites frequently list such opportunities.

26. Rent out your art studio

If you have an art studio, one way to make additional money is to rent it out when you’re not using the space. Many artists and creative professionals seek temporary or part-time studio spaces to work on their projects. So this could be a viable option for supplemental income.

Reaching out to your local art community is often the best way to find those who might be interested in renting your space. But you could also list your studio space on platforms like Peerspace or Splacer. 

Ensure your listing includes high-quality photos, a detailed description of the space, amenities, pricing, and availability. And be sure to highlight any unique features of your studio that might appeal to other artists, like natural light, high ceilings, or specialized equipment.

27. Enter art contests and competitions

While you might not always earn income directly from art contests, participating in them can help your work gain recognition, build your portfolio, and yes, potentially win cash prizes and other rewards. These events provide opportunities to showcase your artistic talent to a broader audience, including art critics, gallery owners, and potential buyers.

Before you dive in, you’ll want to research upcoming art contests and competitions that align with your style and medium. Websites like ArtShow and Artists Network frequently list various competitions.

Select art contests that fit your artistic niche and read the entry requirements carefully. Prepare your submission by creating or selecting artworks that meet the competition guidelines and ensure your submissions are of high quality to perform well in art contests.

28. Apply for grants and residencies

Another way to bring in some revenue is to apply for grants and residencies that can provide vital financial support and dedicated time to focus on your projects. These opportunities vary but can offer funding, studio space, and resources to help advance your career.

The type of grant you’ll go for depends on your medium, subject matter, and background, but you can get started by researching grants and residencies at Artist Grant, Res Artis, and NYFA. These resources offer listings of available opportunities you can browse and potentially apply for. 

Prepare a strong application by gathering a portfolio of your work, writing a compelling artist statement, and composing your project proposal. What do you intend to do with the grant money? What do you hope to accomplish? Be specific.

Make sure your online portfolio is up-to-date and a good representation of your work as well. You can do this in WordPress, of course. Using a theme like Folio is a solid choice for this, as it supports both a portfolio and an online store. 

29. Write and sell art books

If you have artistic knowledge to impart — or you’d like to sell a bound collection of your printed artwork — you can do so by writing and selling an art book. And by publishing books on your own art or techniques, you can establish yourself as an expert.

You might choose to create a coffee table book featuring high-quality images of your artwork, or you could write a how-to guide that teaches specific techniques or offers tips for aspiring artists. This latter option could include step-by-step instructional photos as well. 

Once you have a concept, gather and organize your content. This includes selecting the artwork you want to feature, writing the accompanying text, and planning the layout of the book. 

You can use platforms like Blurb, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, or IngramSpark to publish your book. These platforms offer tools to help you design, print, and distribute your book.

30. Develop an art app

Or, you could create an art app. If you have the tech skills — or the budget to hire someone to fulfill your vision — you can use an app to provide a personalized experience for your fans and customers. 

Your app might serve as an extension of your website, offering easy access to your portfolio, new releases, and exclusive content.

Or, you might choose to create something that can feature your art inherently. For instance, you could create a mobile app with your art featured as illustrations throughout. You might offer your illustrations as digital coloring pages. Or you could create an artist’s community app that like-minded people can download and sign up for access.

Partner with a developer or use app-building platforms like Appy Pie, BuildFire, or Shoutem to create your app. 

You could always go conceptual as well. New media artist, Scott Snibbe took full advantage of mobile apps as a medium when they were first introduced and created an interactive game called MotionPhone that allowed people to create animations together in real time. 

31. Offer art therapy sessions

Offering art therapy sessions is a fulfilling way to use your skills to help others. Art therapy combines creative processes with therapeutic techniques to improve mental health and emotional well-being.

You would need to get certified as an art therapist through a recognized body like the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) before pursuing this route. This certification ensures you have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide professional therapeutic services. But if helping others in this way, while using your art knowledge, is appealing to you, this could be a viable career path. 

Set up your practice by deciding whether you want to work independently, join a therapy center, or collaborate with healthcare facilities. Create a dedicated space for your sessions that’s comfortable and conducive to creative expression. You could offer one-on-one sessions, group therapy, workshops, and even online courses.

32. Design products for others

Or you could use your art skills to design products for others. You could create patterns for wallpapers, fabrics, or home decor items. Or, you could offer your services to companies directly to help them design unique and marketable products.

You’ll definitely need a solid portfolio showcasing your designs and patterns before you start looking for opportunities. This portfolio will help attract potential clients and partners interested in your style. 

Or, you could join platforms like Spoonflower, Society6, or Redbubble to upload your designs and have them printed on a variety of products to sell. 

Reach out to interior designers, home decor companies, and textile manufacturers to pitch your designs. Networking within the industry and attending trade shows can also open up opportunities for collaborations. 

33. Illustrate for websites and apps

Providing illustrations for websites, apps, and other digital products is in demand and another great way for artists to monetize their skills. Digital content is literally everywhere, so there’s a constant need for unique and engaging visuals that enhance UX and UI. Think things like websites with an illustrative landing page or navigation animations with illustrated hover effects. Or a game company that requires hand-drawn illustrations for its backgrounds. 

There are a lot of options to pursue here, but to get started, you need a strong portfolio showcasing your illustration work tailored for digital formats. Include examples of website graphics, app icons, and other digital illustrations. 

Platforms like Dribbble and Behance are excellent for displaying your work and attracting potential clients alongside your website.

34. Offer custom art for interiors

Partnering with interior designers to provide custom art for clients is a lucrative way to make money as an artist and have your work featured in stylish, curated spaces. This collaborative effort means you’ll be creating personalized pieces that enhance the aesthetics of homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

Having a set style is usually best when pursuing this route, as you can gain an industry reputation as being the go-to person for a specific theme or type of work. Establishing relationships with interior designers will be essential here and can lead to regular commissions for custom pieces tailored to their clients’ needs. 

This might include paintings, murals, sculptures, or other art forms that align with the overall design vision. 

Or, you could create work that is designed to be featured as home or office decor on your own.

35. Sell art or craft kits

If you create handmade arts and crafts, you could make money by selling kits that include all the necessary materials and instructions to do what you do. Many people enjoy completing craft projects, so offering kits could provide an enjoyable experience for your customers.

You’d first need to decide on the type of art or craft projects you want to offer. Then, source high-quality materials and create clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Package your kits attractively to enhance their appeal, too. Then set up your WooCommerce shop and list your products. You could even offer customizable kits. 

For instance, if you’re a fiber artist, you might sell a knitting pattern packaged with the yarn and needles required for the project. But you might want to give your customers options to select the yarn color, weight, and material, or the needle size and color. The Extra Custom Product Options for WooCommerce extension is a good choice to facilitate this. 

April Soderstrom offers custom bead kits so people can create their own beaded jewelry at home. 

You can pair selling kits with doing any of the other income-generating ideas on this list like selling art prints, teaching a course, or being an affiliate marketer. 

Using WooCommerce is a resourceful way to make money as an artist. This versatile platform allows you to sell original artwork, digital downloads, offer subscription services, or even sell a book or a craft kit. 

With WooCommerce, you can sell art online and manage all aspects of your sales process, from inventory management to transactions, while making the shopping experience straightforward for customers and keeping maintenance simple for yourself.

And there’s no reason why you can’t pair your WooCommerce shop with other ways to earn a living as an artist, like selling on Etsy, offering items on Society6, or participating in an art show. 

Using WooCommerce to power your store just makes it simpler to diversify your offerings while turning your artistic passion into a sustainable and profitable business.