Ever wish you could make money just by doing art? Like, actually get paid for drawing, painting, or making cool stuff? Well, guess what—you totally can!
So don’t walk to this side hustle.…. run to it! And let’s go learn how to make money as an artist (stick figures welcome!!).
F.Y.I. before you say anything, I’m going to answer that burning question of yours and address the doubt you’re having (hey, what can I say? I have a sixth sense about these things!)
The answer is…….nooooooo, you do not have to be famous or have a million followers to do this successfully. There are literally no excuses not to do this, because most of the peeps doing it don’t have a single artistic bone in their body! So, whether you do or whether you don’t, is really here nor there. So, relax and let’s get crackin’ shall we?
Whether you love sketching cartoons, painting pretty pictures, or sticking googly eyes on pinecones (no judgment), there’s a way for you to earn real cash with your creativity. This quick little guide is full of fun, easy-to-understand ways to make money as an artist and turn your art into a money-making machine.
How to Make Money as an Artist
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can actually make money doing what you love.
1. Original Artwork
This one is the classic. You make original art, you sell it. Simple, right? But it takes a lot of time and materials to create just one piece. So price it like your time is actually worth something. Because it is.
2. Prints and Stickers
Want to get paid over and over for something you made once? Say hello to prints and stickers. You design it once, and then you can sell copies forever. This is a genius move if you want to make money as an artist without working 24/7.
Sign your prints, offer limited runs, and people will treat them like rare collectibles.
3. Merch That Actually Sells
You can put your art on just about anything. T-shirts, tote bags, keychains, mugs, pins, even washi tape if you’re feeling extra. Make the design once, and let print-on-demand sites do the rest.
If you can draw it, you can probably sell it.
4. Make Money as an Artist with Digital Products
Digital products are the holy grail of passive income. You make it once, upload it, and boom—people can buy it while you’re watching reality TV in your pajamas.
5. Printables
These can be coloring pages, habit trackers, art calendars, or anything people can print at home. If you like designing stuff and staying organized, this is your lane.
You don’t need to be a master. Just create something useful and cute. Bonus points if it helps other artists.
6. Ebooks and Workbooks
You don’t have to write a novel. Share your art tips, your favorite tools, your messy beginner mistakes—people want to learn from someone who’s been there. Sell it on Etsy, Gumroad, or Amazon.
7. Art Tutorials
Record yourself making art, explain your process, and package it up for people who want to learn. Some folks sell real-time videos of their painting process, others teach step-by-step techniques.
This is perfect if you’re secretly a teacher trapped in an artist’s body.
8. Use Social Media to Make Money
Love it or hate it, social media can actually pay you. It’s not just for memes and food pics anymore.
9. YouTube and Google Adsense
If you’re already creating art, why not record it? YouTube pays creators through ads, and if your content is about popular topics like “how to find your art style” or “how to make money as an artist,” you’ll grow fast.
Make videos once, get paid over and over. Not bad.
10. Sponsorships
Once you have a little following, brands may want to sponsor your videos or posts. You don’t need a million followers—just an engaged audience that likes what you make.
Sponsorships often pay way more than ads do, so don’t sleep on this one.
11. Patreon
This is a subscription-based platform where your fans pay you every month for exclusive content. You can offer digital downloads, behind-the-scenes updates, artist newsletters, early access to videos—whatever you want.
It’s like having your own little art club that pays you to be awesome.
12. Teach What You Know
You don’t need to be a famous artist to teach. If you know more than a beginner, you’re qualified to help someone.
13. Online Courses
Platforms like Skillshare or Teachable let you create and sell your own art classes. You just need to break down your process in a way that’s easy to follow.
Imagine teaching your past self—what would you have wanted to know when you were starting out?
14. Coaching and Mentorship
You can offer one-on-one sessions, portfolio reviews, or feedback calls. Some artists even set up monthly mentorship packages. If you like talking shop and helping others improve, this can be a great income stream. And honestly, the skills you’re using here—planning, organizing, keeping your cool under pressure? They translate into a ton of creative gigs, like running your own wedding planner job side hustle too.
15. Go Offline and Sell in Person
Not everything has to live on the internet. Selling art in real life is still very much alive and well.
16. Art Fairs and Conventions
These are amazing for artists who make physical products like ceramics, stickers, and prints. You pay a booth fee, set up your table, and talk to real humans. You’d be surprised how much you can sell in a single weekend.
Bonus: You don’t need a social media following to succeed here.
17. Galleries and Exhibitions
This is more traditional, and it’s not for everyone. But if you get accepted into a good gallery, they’ll market your work for you. Some artists make their whole living this way.
Just know that not every gallery is helpful, and some take big commissions. Do your research.
18. Art Licensing: The Secret Income Stream
You create a design, and companies pay to use it on their products. Pillows, rugs, planners, wallpaper—yes, someone has to design all of that. It could be you.
This works best with decorative or pattern-based art, but don’t count yourself out if your style is different. Licensing is all about finding the right fit.
19. Freelance Like a Boss
Freelancing isn’t easy, but it can pay big.
20. Concept Art and Storyboarding
If you’re into movies, games, or animation, this is your jam. You’ll need a strong portfolio and some networking skills, but the work is exciting and varied.
21. Book and Editorial Illustration
Ever see illustrations in a magazine or children’s book? Someone got paid to make those. Editorial work can include everything from political cartoons to cover art.
It’s fun, it’s creative, and it keeps you on your toes.
You Don’t Have to Starve to Be an Artist
Let’s be real—the whole “starving artist” thing is old news. Like, flip phones and VHS tapes kind of old. You don’t have to sit around waiting for some fancy art expert to discover you or hope one of your doodles magically goes viral.
You can start making money from your art right now. Even if you’re:
- Working from your kitchen table
- Drawing in a corner of your room (that your cat probably thinks is their office)
- Still figuring things out as you go
There are tons of ways to learn how to make money as an artist without giving up the fun parts of being creative.
Here are just a few examples:
- Selling digital downloads on Etsy
- Painting pet portraits on weekends
- Making time-lapse videos of your art (snack breaks allowed)
- Teaching your skills online
- Designing stickers or merch
- Selling at local markets or art fairs
And guess what? You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need a million followers either.
Here’s what you DO need:
- Your creativity
- A bit of patience
- A “why not me?” attitude
- The courage to try, even if it’s not perfect
Every artist starts somewhere. Most of them didn’t have it all figured out when they began—and you don’t need to either. You’ll learn as you go, make a few mistakes, and probably laugh at some of them later.
So yes, learning how to make money as an artist is totally possible. It’s not a scam. It’s not just for lucky people. It’s about showing up, trying new things, and turning your art into something people actually want to buy.
You’ve got this. Now go make something cool—and get paid for it!
