How to make money as an artist: 21 strategies for 2025

Some people create art as a hobby or passion project, while others want to utilize their talents and creativity and turn them into cold hard cash.

According to UBS, the US is the largest art market in the world, accounting for 42% of global sales by value.

If your hobby has become something more significant and you're curious about how to make money, we're here to tell you that you can build a profitable business as an artist!

You don't have to be a starving artist; with the ideas and suggestions in this post, you can leverage your artistic skills and build a multi-revenue business you are passionate about.

• Selling art online is a multi-faceted approach for most professional artists.

• Art fairs and contests are beneficial ways for artists to make money by networking, connecting with other artists, and increasing their visibility in the community.

• Many artists use passive income streams to make consistent money so they can pursue other creative projects.

As an artist, you may be looking for new ways to make money with your art to grow your business, gain financial freedom, and continue doing what you love. Here are our top 21 ideas for making money as an artist.

1. Sell physical art prints

Selling prints online opens a world of profitable opportunities for artists. With Gelato, you can elevate your art business without the heavy burden of managing inventory upfront. Why does this matter? Because it allows you to focus on your creativity while Gelato handles everything from printing to shipping.

Here's how the process works smoothly with Gelato: 

1. Upload your art prints to your online store

2. Customers order your art prints

3. Gelato prints, fulfills, and ships each order for you

This partnership enables an outstanding customer experience, freeing you from logistical tasks like managing inventory or shipping. It's all about ensuring your focus remains on what you love—creating art. 

Gelato's print on demand services allow you to offer exquisite physical art prints, including ready-to-hang posters to canvas and wood prints. Your art will be represented in quality materials that reflect your professional standards, impressing every customer who makes a purchase.

2. Sell custom art products with print on demand

Unlock the potential of your popular designs by transforming them into a diverse range of products using print on demand services. This approach is perfect for creating a passive income stream and growing your art brand. By partnering with a reliable provider like Gelato, you can access an extensive product catalog, offering flexibility and innovation in your artistic journey.

Our platform enables artists to expand their offerings with products like tote bags, apparel, and phone cases, which can easily be integrated into your online store.

Whether it's your striking artwork on a wall or a trendy custom hoodie, Gelato's versatility lets customers choose how they want to enjoy your art. This kind of personalization enhances customer satisfaction and boosts your profits.

Increase your success by offering product customization, meeting customer needs precisely, and differentiating your shop from the competition. With Gelato, you empower creativity while securing a lucrative income stream.

3. Write and illustrate a book

Creating a children's picture book is an enchanting experience filled with endless possibilities for storytelling and illustration. One of the most exciting parts of this journey is seeing your imaginative ideas come to life as a tangible book. With Gelato's photo books, this dream becomes a reality. 

With Gelato, your focus can shift entirely to creativity, as we manage the nitty-gritty of printing and shipping for you. You can rest easy knowing that your beloved stories and stunning visuals can reach young readers far and wide. Gelato's ability to manage global logistics ensures that your creations transcend borders, touching the hearts of children across the globe. 

4. Create and sell greeting cards

Turning your art into greeting cards can open up an easy avenue for income, and Gelato is here to simplify the process. 

With Gelato's print on demand services, artists can easily transform their unique designs into tangible, high-quality greeting cards without worrying about inventory management. Just upload your designs onto the platform and we’ll handle printing and shipping. This saves you time so you can focus on what you love most: creating beautiful artwork.

The beauty of using Gelato’s platform lies in our global reach and smooth order fulfillment, ensuring your art gets the exposure it deserves. You can sell these greeting cards through your online store or marketplaces like Etsy, catering to audiences during holidays, birthdays, and more. 

5. Sell your original art pieces

Every artist creates original art pieces, and some prefer to sell them over saving them. If you aren't attached to your original art, selling it to buyers who appreciate and marvel at your talent can be a dream come true. After all, it is the best way to make money as an artist!

The challenge of selling original art pieces is that it takes time to build connections in the community and make a name for yourself. Networking is an effective way to grow your visibility, but it takes time, and until you're a local or internationally known artist, you have to pay the bills somehow.

6. Sell commissioned art

Commissioned art is another way for artists to make money. Here’s how it works: an artist is approached or connected with a customer who has an idea of artwork they want to buy; they just need an artist to create it. The two parties agree on the piece, and the artist gets to work!

Many artists charge higher rates for commissioned art because the customer is getting a custom product and the artist is following (to an extent) their vision and guidelines for the piece. Some artists thrive in this scenario, while others struggle without full creative freedom.

Suppose you complete a few commissioned pieces and yield happy customers. In that case, you can build a profitable branch of your art business through commissions and advertise those services on your website or social media platforms to bring in more business.

Creating original art is still important for your creative process and development as an artist, but commissions are great for visibility and your wallet.

7. Teach art classes 

To monetize your artistic skills, teaching art through an online course or a YouTube channel is a lucrative way to leverage your art education and experience and pass it on to others.

Teaching art establishes your credibility in the industry and can help you build connections with other artists, define your target audience, and make money online.

8. Start an art YouTube channel

Choose a niche to share your knowledge with, then start filming. You can create YouTube art tutorials that offer a step-by-step guide for beginners who want to learn a new skill.

Monetizing a YouTube channel happens after you hit 1,000 subscribers and generate 4,000 hours of watch time (videos and other media content). Then, you can apply to the YouTube partner program to monetize your channel through ads, member subscriptions, Super Chats, and more.

9. Create an online art course

This is a great way for artists to monetize their skills by teaching drawing, painting, and other art forms. Platforms like SkillShare and Teachable make it easy to showcase and sell courses to a broad audience. 

Although setting up a course requires initial time and effort, it offers long-term passive income potential. Once launched, you can promote your course on your website and social media to reach more students and maximize profits.

10. Sell at art fairs and exhibitions

Participating in art fairs and exhibitions offers artists an excellent opportunity to expose their work to a focused audience of art dealers, curators, and potential collectors. These events are perfect for networking, showcasing your talent, and making sales.

However, they do involve preparation and effort, and the audience can be limited. Therefore, art fairs should complement other revenue streams rather than be a sole reliance.

11. Enter art contests

For emerging artists, art contests are a great way to increase your visibility in the community, get your name out there, promote your style, and start to sell art.

When attending art competitions and contests, you can network with fellow artists, meet art gallery owners and curators, and entrench yourself in the local art community. The more you participate in contests, the more you'll create consistent work and improve your artistic talent.

Art contests can be discouraging if you never win the prize or receive the acclaim you need to feel successful as an artist. Some artists need more motivation or creativity after attending an art contest and not getting the desired outcome. Some art contests also require a fee to enter, which can add up, especially if you are traveling to attend.

12. License your art

Licensing your artwork involves creating an original piece of art and then signing an agreement with a manufacturer that can print it on any of their products for a fee.

While licensing isn't a big money maker, artists often use it as passive income to commission other projects and sell art online. Licensing can be a nice cushion for every artist when supplemented with additional revenue streams.

Before you can license your art, you will need to get the copyrights to your work, which can be done through the US Copyright Office. Most manufacturers require a copyright certificate before signing a licensing deal with any artist. Receiving this certificate can take up to eight months, so be sure to plan accordingly.

13. Sell digital art

In the art world, many artists choose to sell digital artwork via platforms like Etsy or Shopify, allowing them to reach a global audience without parting with their original work. This method enables repeated sales from a single creation, though artists must actively drive traffic to their online store. Be aware that these platforms take a percentage of each sale, which impacts profits.

14. Teach local workshops 

By offering classes in techniques such as painting, drawing, or digital art, you create a community space for learning and inspiration. Local workshops allow you to connect personally with attendees, share insights, and provide hands-on guidance, which can benefit those looking to improve their craft. Venues such as community centers, art galleries, or even local cafes can host workshops. 

Workshops can also help you build your reputation as an artist and educator, opening up new avenues for visibility. Attendees may spread the word about your classes, leading to more sign-ups and private lesson requests. Workshops also allow you to sell your art directly, as participants may be interested in purchasing a piece as a memento. 

15. Become an art influencer

By becoming an influencer, you can attract a large following by sharing your creative process, tips, and unique insights on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. As your audience grows, brands in the art industry may reach out to collaborate, offering you opportunities to earn through sponsored posts, product reviews, or partnerships. 

As an influencer, you can diversify your income by creating exclusive content for followers through platforms like Patreon or offering online courses. This approach allows fans to support you while receiving valuable content, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes access, or personalized advice. 

16. Offer freelance illustrator services 

Many industries, from publishing and advertising to entertainment, require talented illustrators to bring concepts to life. By offering freelance services, you can work on various projects, from illustrating books and magazines to creating custom designs for websites and marketing campaigns. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance allow you to showcase your portfolio and connect with clients globally.

Freelancing allows you to work on diverse projects and develop a well-rounded portfolio that appeals to future clients. As you gain experience, you can specialize in niches such as editorial illustration, character design, or branding, allowing you to charge higher rates. 

17. Sell your images on stock websites

Selling your artwork on stock image websites can create a passive income source for artists, especially for those with a collection of digital illustrations, photos, or graphics. Stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow artists to upload their work and earn royalties whenever an image is downloaded. 

Stock websites are convenient because they require minimal maintenance once your images are uploaded. You can maximize your sales potential by focusing on in-demand themes, such as business, nature, or abstract art. 

18. Offer artist consultations 

Providing consultations for aspiring artists is a great way to monetize your experience and insights. Artists new to the field may seek guidance on technical skills, marketing strategies, or developing a cohesive portfolio. By offering one-on-one sessions or group workshops, you can help them navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls, sharing practical advice from your journey.

Consultations can also provide feedback on portfolios, assist with exhibition preparations, or offer social media strategies tailored to art promotion. As an experienced artist, you can charge a competitive hourly rate, and consultations can become a consistent income source. 

19. Collaborate with other artists

Joint projects, such as collaborative exhibitions, limited-edition prints, or unique merchandise, can attract a wider audience and increase sales. Working with other artists brings fresh ideas and perspectives, often leading to innovative work that resonates with audiences and stands out.

Collaboration can also lead to skill-sharing, where you and your partner benefit from each other's techniques or marketing methods. By merging your networks, you gain exposure to a broader audience, potentially leading to new clients or followers. Collaborative projects are especially effective for social media campaigns, where dual promotion can amplify reach and engagement, driving mutual success.

20. Create an art blog

Share tutorials, discuss art history, or offer insights into your creative process through blog posts. Over time, this content attracts readers who appreciate your expertise and style, building a loyal audience that can lead to sales and commissions.

Blogging can be monetized through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing, where you earn revenue by promoting art supplies, tools, or courses relevant to your readers. An art blog enhances your online presence, making it easier for potential clients to find you and learn about your work. With consistent content and a unique perspective, your blog can become a valuable extension of your art career.

21. Offer visual branding services

With a strong foundation in design, artists can branch into visual branding services, helping businesses create a unique and memorable identity. This service can involve designing logos, creating brand color schemes, or developing visual elements communicating a brand's message.

Visual branding services allow artists to work on diverse projects and establish long-term client relationships. Since branding is crucial to a company's success, artists with branding skills can command competitive rates. By specializing in brand identity design, you build your portfolio and gain valuable business experience, making it a profitable and sustainable career path.

Whether you work as a freelance artist, do commissions, or sell art online through an Etsy shop, the opportunities for making money as an artist are ample; you just need to lean into your creativity and determine where your passions lie in business and art.

Artists looking to grow their businesses and make more money selling products should explore creating digital art and selling it online. With a print on demand supplier, the heavy lifting is minimal on the artist's end, and customers will receive high-quality prints and products of their unique creations.

Ready to earn money selling art online? Get started with Gelato's print on demand services to offer physical art prints and custom products with your art printed on them.

How do artists actually make money?

Artists earn money through multiple revenue streams, including selling original pieces, digital art, and custom commissions in an online marketplace. Many also teach art classes or workshops, either locally or online, to diversify their income. Successful artists often balance their work across several channels to sustain their careers, adapting to fit their unique goals and skill sets.

What is commissioned art, and how does an artist make money from it? How can it help me earn more?

Commissioned art is custom artwork created at clients' request, often paying more than pre-made pieces. By offering commissions, artists cater to specific preferences, creating a steady income stream and building a loyal customer base. Gelato's print on demand services support commissioned artists in reaching wider audiences with high-quality wall art and posters.

What are the benefits of selling art at fairs?

Art fairs give artists direct access to buyers seeking unique work, building connections with collectors and enthusiasts. These events are also prime for networking, with opportunities for collaboration and commissions. Fairs offer feedback on market trends, while platforms like Gelato help artists prepare professional prints and materials for a polished presentation.

How can I sell physical art prints online?

Selling art prints online expands an artist's reach. Using high-quality digital scans, artists can produce prints through services like Gelato, which handles global fulfillment. Platforms like Etsy and Shopify allow artists to set up online stores, while social media drives traffic. Offering limited editions adds exclusivity, attracting more buyers.

What does licensing art involve, and how can it generate income?

Licensing art means allowing others to use your artwork on products, advertisements, or digital media in exchange for royalties. This provides passive income and increased exposure without selling the original piece. Artists can license work via agencies or by approaching brands directly, establishing terms to ensure fair compensation and visibility.

What are some of the best ways to make money as an artist?

Artists can maximize income by selling art online, teaching, licensing work, or running a print on demand business. Adding artwork to products like tote bags, coffee mugs, and calendars extends reach, while art fairs and workshops help build community. A diverse approach combining online and in-person sales often yields the best financial returns.