If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you know we give tons of art ideas and technique tutorials, and you’ve no doubt got a stockpile of masterpieces by now. So, what do you do with them all? Have you ever thought about selling your art as a side hustle? Today, we’ll dive into some of the best monetization strategies to help you make money with art. From beginner artists to experienced masters, with a little work and ingenuity, we can all start making money for our art pieces!
The Basics of Selling Art
If the thought of putting your art out there for the world to see scares the pants off of you, you’re not alone! It’s a big step to move from hobbyist to semi-professional, but we have no doubt you can do it with a little guidance. From commissioned murals to individual art pieces sold by word of mouth, I was able to make money in high school, pay my way through college, and help pay the bills during our first few years of marriage… and, that was before the days of online marketplaces or vast social media!
Before we get to the best ways to sell your pieces, a word of advice: Do not try to tackle all of these markets at the same time. Choose one or two avenues to begin with. When you’ve got a few sales under your belt, you can expand. Secondly, you will need to spend some money to make money. You’ll probably have a loss on your first few sales, and that’s okay! Lastly, don’t get discouraged. It can take some time to create a business model that works for you!
How to Make Money on Art: Beginner Steps
Follow this simple process to begin selling your masterpieces. If this whole thing feels overwhelming, just start with step one, and you’ll be farther along than you were yesterday!
1. Take inventory and document!
The first step to selling original artwork is to comb through your past creations and see what you have! You likely have pieces shoved in a closet or a sketchbook somewhere that you’ve completely forgotten about. The most profitable pieces, in the beginning, are ones you already have.
Set up a simple and clean background to photograph your pieces. It can be a white sheet draped over a chair or a simple black tablecloth. Snap some photos of your favorite pieces. High-quality photos are two-fold. You will need them for your social media posts later, and you will need them for digital prints…more on that later.
Short on pieces? Check out our full collection of Canvas Pour ideas for some fast inspiration!
2. Take a poll on social media.
After you’ve taken quality pictures, upload them to your favorite social media. Take some time to edit and process your photos so they are a true representation of your painting in real life. You can use the free version of Canva or pay a small fee for Lightroom. Upload two or three of your favorites and poll your audience to see, “Which one you should make into prints?” Post it on your private accounts at first.
3. Make some quality art prints.
Next, upload your digital files to print-on-demand services like Gelato, Printify, or Printful. I have used all three on separate occasions for pieces, and I find them to be comparable. They process fast and do great work, with reputable networks and multiple shipping options. Just see who is running the best deal on the size and quality of print you want.
Pro Tip: Most digital files will need to be at a resolution of at least 300 dpi. For really large prints, you can drop down to 100 dpi. If you get much bigger the file size will be monstrous. For a 48″x72″ piece of art, you’ll want to upload a 4800×7200 pixel digital file at 100dpi for instance.
You have a choice here: You can either pay out of pocket to have 5 or 6 copies automatically printed in advance, or you can take orders from friends and family before having them printed. Once you start selling prints successfully, you can set up your print-on-demand store to ship directly to customers (hold tight we’ll get there).
Alternative Option: You can also have prints made at Staples. Their canvas photo prints are high quality, and they are usually ready the same day!
4. Start getting the word out.
Once you have a few pieces ready to sell, make a designated page on large networks like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok specifically for your art. Then, send it to your contacts. As people show interest, take preorders and order one big batch from the print shop, or sell the pieces you already have.
5. Offer ONE free or cheap commission.
While social media is a great networking tool, and prints are an easy way to get the word out, you’ll eventually make most of your money from commissioned pieces. Find one person or organization to to donate a piece to. This could be a new clinic opening in town, a socialite in your area that hosts tons of parties, or a prominent business.
You want to choose a person or a place that will draw the most attention to your art. I once sold five commissioned paintings by doing a reduced piece for a prominent doctor’s wife. All her friends saw it, and I made bank off that one piece!
How to Sell Art: Choosing Your Avenue
Now that you’ve gotten started and overcome the hurdle of putting yourself out there, you need to spread your wings! There are numerous effective avenues to sell original art. You need to find the one that you like doing! Here are just a few of the most creative and effective ways to make money selling your work.
1. Selling Art Online: Best for Digital Pieces and Small Originals
In the digital age, your art can transcend traditional galleries and reach a global audience. Online art marketplaces like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 allow artists to showcase and sell their creations from one easy, integrated platform. While these shops do have a pretty hefty fee, they can potentially get your work out to millions of folks. Set up shop, upload your artwork, and let the internet do its magic. Don’t forget to sprinkle some SEO love – optimize your listings with relevant keywords like “unique art for sale” to attract potential buyers.
In order to sell art online, you’ll need to do some research on SEO. Every social media platform’s algorithm works a little differently. You’ll need to watch some YouTube videos or digital marketing creators on Instagram to learn the ropes. You’ll also have to keep up, as the algorithms change all the time. We don’t suggest setting up a marketplace until you have at least 6-10 pieces that are ready to roll and a print-on-demand service that you like that will integrate with your store.
You may also consider selling your originals online if they are small and the shipping costs don’t eat too much of your profit.
2. Freelance as a Commissioned Artist: Best for Big Pieces
Websites like Fiverr and Upwork connect artists with clients seeking personalized artwork. These job platforms are one great option for rounding up new clients, but in my experience, personal networking is the best way to get the word out. In this business, you sort of have to sell yourself as well as your art.
Remember when I suggested doing a free or reduced commission piece? You can also donate a piece to a silent auction at local fairs, non-profit fundraisers, or banquets that are giving away art prizes. These often lead to selling profitable art to attendees after the show. If you want to constantly create new pieces, finding commissions is the best way to sell original artwork!
Commissions are also the best way to sell art at a higher price point. When a piece has already been created, the customer may like it. However, it’s the wrong size, the wrong color palette, or whatever. Most people, who are willing to spend moolah on a piece, want personalized art! They want it to fit their taste and space perfectly, and they’re willing to pay for the customization.
Fun Story: I once painted a massive abstract piece for a mission trip fundraiser. It sold, and I assumed I would never see it again. Years later, my friend posted some pictures of a baby shower she attended, and there in the background (of a rather fancy house) was my painting. I commented on the Facebook post, which led immediately to me doing another piece for the same woman.
3. Teach Art Classes: Best for a Personal Connection
Prefer a more personal take? Channel your inner instructor and share your artistic expertise by teaching in-person art classes or posting educational content on your art page. Platforms like Circle or Udemy provide an excellent space to create and sell your courses. You can also host Facebook Live painting nights!
Use your platforms to develop engaging content, offer valuable insights, and guide aspiring artists on their creative journey. If you love kiddos, set up a monthly painting class in your home or the local school, and charge a fee! You could also teach weekly courses for students in your area.
Pro tip: If you choose to do online courses, optimize your course titles and descriptions with keywords like “art classes for beginners” to attract students. Creating a sense of community within your courses also enhances the learning experience for your students. Encourage discussions, provide constructive feedback, and foster a supportive environment. Happy students are more likely to spread the word, increasing the visibility of your courses and attracting a broader audience.
4. Create a Patreon: Best for Creating a Community
Patreon allows you to monetize your passion with a tribe of supporters. Your patrons will pay a monthly fee to be a part of your community. In exchange, you offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personalized perks to your patrons.
Building a thriving Patreon community requires consistent engagement. Regularly update your patrons on your creative process, involve them in decision-making, and make them feel like an integral part of your artistic journey. The more connected they feel, the more likely they are to support you for the long haul.
5. Participate in Art Contests and Exhibitions: Best for Collecting High-Paying Clients
Take your art to the next level by entering contests and exhibitions. Winning, or even just participating, can provide exposure and potential sales opportunities. Use platforms like DeviantArt or local galleries to discover upcoming events. Art lovers (no surprise here) love art exhibitions! You never know when a patron with deep pockets will love your piece, and BOOM, a new commission! Craft catchy titles and descriptions for your submissions…presentation is everything! Make sure you display how to contact you as well.
Pro Tip: If you’re displaying your art in a publicly funded campaign, see if they offer exhibition fees to artists. This is a small payment to you for showcasing your work in the exhibition. You normally won’t get this for displays in a museum or art gallery, but you may if it’s a public art installation.
6. Monetize Your Social Media Presence: Best for Social Media Lovers
Your Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest account isn’t just for sharing art; it can be a money-making platform too. If you’re a consummate scroller anyway, you might as well use your scroll time to build an engaged community of art lovers and turn it into cash!
Build a strong following by posting consistently, engaging with your audience, and using relevant hashtags. Once you’ve established a loyal fan base, monetize your social media through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling prints directly.
Example: Let’s say you are painting a huge mural for a new restaurant in town. See if they would like to sponsor 2–3 posts on your platforms. They would pay you an extra fee for spreading the word in photo or video format to your tribe!
Collaborate with other artists and influencers to expand your reach. Cross-promotion can introduce your art to new audiences, increasing the chances of attracting potential buyers. Additionally, explore the various features on each platform, such as Instagram’s shopping feature and the TikTok Store to make it easy for your followers to purchase your art.
7. Collaborate with Brands: Best for Graphic Art
Explore collaboration opportunities with brands that align with your artistic style. Companies are constantly looking for unique visuals for their products, packaging, or marketing campaigns. Reach out to potential partners or join influencer marketing platforms to connect with brands seeking creative input.
When approaching brands, focus on creating a win-win situation. Showcase how your art can enhance their brand identity and resonate with their target audience. The more value you can bring to the partnership, the more likely brands will be interested in collaborating with you. Craft pitch emails focusing on what you bring to the table FOR THEM.
When it comes to this kind of art, get creative. Approach t-shirt companies, outdoor adventure brands, or websites. The options are endless for these one-on-one brand collaborations!
8. Live Art Events and Performances: Best for Networking
Whether it’s painting faces at a local fair, creating murals during street festivals, hosting art jam sessions, or painting a wedding in real time, these experiences attract attention and potential buyers. Live events provide a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal level.
Engage with attendees, share your creative process, and encourage them to become a part of the experience. The memories created during these events can leave a lasting impression, turning attendees into long-term supporters.
Engaging with the art community is not just about selling; it’s about building connections. Attend events, network with fellow artists, and be open to collaboration opportunities. Your presence in the art scene can open doors.
Personal Truth: I have (more than once) handed off a commission to a friend in the art community who excels at that particular type of art. It has happened in reverse as well. One of my best friends is an accomplished portrait artist, while I mostly deal in abstracts and woodworking. We often direct clients to each other. It pays to know people!
7. Art Licensing and Merchandising: Best for Residual Income
Licensing art, in a nutshell, is allowing a business or other entity to sell your art under a designated contract. It takes the selling process out of your hands, and you’ll earn a commission every time that entity sells a piece. Generally, these contracts offer the artist a percentage of the sale price for each transaction.
Pricing and usage rights are completely up to you, but you’ll need a contract to ensure that the business does not use your work in any way you did not agree to. You generally retain the copyright and the original piece.
Creating a consistent brand image is crucial for success in the world of art licensing. Think about how your art can translate into different products and appeal to a broad audience. Whether it’s a quirky illustration on a tote bag or an elegant design on a phone case, diversifying your product range can attract a wider customer base. By utilizing copyrights and licensing well, you can sell your art within large corporations such as Target, Walmart, or Hobby Lobby.
Pro Tip: Before licensing your work, you’ll need to copyright it. This can be done easily on Legal Zoom or Trademark Engine. A copyright ensures that you own the original creation and that you have rights if someone is using your work incorrectly.
A Few More Tips To Help You Sell Artwork Effectively
Selling art as a side hustle is one thing, but if you want to build a truly successful business, you need to invest in yourself. As mentioned earlier, you need to spend some money to make money. Just like fashion, art and interior design trends are constantly changing. You have to keep up to remain relevant. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the curve!
- Invest in Art Education and Skill Enhancement: Continuously improving your artistic skills can open up new opportunities for making money. Invest in art courses and workshops, or watch YouTube videos to learn new skills. Not only will this sharpen your craft, but it can also position you as an expert in your niche.
- Upgrade your art supply collection: As you advance, you’ll want to try out different media. If you’ve been a pour paint artist for some time, you may want to consider experimenting with added texture elements. As you improve and make money, invest in better brushes, higher-quality paints, and new medium ideas (posters, coffee cups, pillowcases).
- Pay attention to trends: Art is constantly changing and often follows or precedes a change in interior design. Invest in a subscription to a good fashion/interior design magazine and stay up to date!
Closing Thoughts on Making Money With Art
In the realm where creativity meets commerce, making money with art is not only possible but also filled with endless possibilities. From selling your masterpieces online to teaching art classes or collaborating with brands, the key is to blend passion with entrepreneurship. Keep the tone light, stay true to your artistic flair, and let your creativity shine! Don’t let making money on art spoil your passion for creating. It’s best to see the selling process as just an extension of your creative process.
You may never become a millionaire off your art. That whole starving artist paradigm has some truth, but you can certainly make a successful side hustle. Who knows? It may even become your full-time career at some point. The important part is to get started! So, get out of here, and go take inventory!
While you attempt to make money with art, don’t forget to keep on learning. Brush up on color theory and acrylic pour techniques, or invest in our “Muddy to Masterpiece Masterclass!”
Go forth and make some dough!
