5 Income Streams Every Artist Needs to Know About

 

As a full-time artist, I've learned that relying solely on the income from selling my art can be a tough way to make a living. Over time, I've discovered some other income streams that have helped me to sustain my career and grow my income. In this post, I'm going to share five income streams that every artist should know about.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Art sales

 

Art sales – the bread and butter of every artist's income! Let's face it, selling our art is what we all aspire to do. There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing someone fall in love with your work and decide to take it home with them. But as wonderful as it is, art sales can also be a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

 

One month, you're riding high on a wave of sales and feeling like the world is your oyster. The next, you're staring at a blank canvas, wondering if anyone will ever appreciate your work again. That's why having a strong sales strategy is crucial.

 

First and foremost, you need to figure out where you're going to sell your art. Will you sell through a gallery, online, or at shows and fairs? Each option has its pros and cons, so it's important to do your research and figure out which one is right for you.

 

Once you've decided on a sales channel, you need to start thinking about pricing. This can be a tricky one, as you don't want to price your work too high and scare away potential buyers, but you also don't want to price it too low and undervalue your talent. It's a delicate balance, but with some trial and error, you'll find the sweet spot.

 

Another important factor to consider is marketing. You could have the most amazing art in the world, but if no one knows about it, you're not going to sell anything. Use social media, email newsletters, and word of mouth to spread the word about your art and get people excited about it.

 

And finally, don't forget about the importance of customer service. When someone buys your art, it's a big deal – they're investing in you and your work. Make sure you provide a great customer experience, from timely delivery to a friendly attitude.

 

So there you have it, my fellow artists – some tips for mastering the art of art sales. It's not always easy, but with a bit of hard work and some smart moves, you can make it work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Art Commissions

 

Oh boy, commissions – the holy grail of steady income for artists! Taking commissions is a great way to not only earn some money but also build a portfolio of custom work that showcases your talent and style.

 

Now, taking on a commission is no small feat. You're basically agreeing to create a piece of art that meets someone else's specifications, which can be a daunting task. But with a bit of planning and some good communication, you can knock it out of the park.

 

The first step is to really listen to your client's needs and wants. What are they looking for in a piece of art? What's the subject matter? What style are they drawn to? Once you have a good idea of what they're after, you can start to sketch out some ideas and concepts.

 

Communication is key throughout the entire commission process. You want to make sure that your client is happy with what you're creating every step of the way, so don't be afraid to ask for feedback and make changes as needed. It's better to make adjustments early on in the process than to have an unhappy client at the end.

 

Another thing to consider is pricing. Commission work typically takes longer than creating art on your own terms, so you want to make sure you're charging a fair price for your time and expertise. Be transparent with your client about pricing and make sure you're both on the same page before starting the work.

 

And last but not least, have fun with it! Taking on a commission is a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles and try something new. Just make sure you're not taking on too many commissions at once – you don't want to burn out or sacrifice the quality of your work.

 

So there you have it, folks – some tips for taking on commissions and earning some steady income as an artist. It may not always be easy, but with a bit of hard work and some good communication skills, you can create beautiful custom art that both you and your clients will love.

 

To learn more about this topic, check out our article on it:

 

"Art Commissions Guide: Everything Artists Need to Know About Commissioned Artwork“

 

 

 

3. Workshops

 

Teaching art classes or workshops can be a great way to share your knowledge and earn income. Consider teaching in-person or online to reach a wider audience.

 

When it comes to workshops, the possibilities are endless. You can teach a specific technique, such as watercolor or oil painting, or focus on a broader topic like composition or color theory. You can also tailor your workshops to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists.

 

One of the benefits of teaching workshops is that you can do it both in-person and online. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities and allows you to reach students from all over the world. Online workshops can be especially lucrative as you don't have to worry about renting a physical space and can reach a wider audience.

 

If you're interested in teaching workshops, start by researching local art schools and community centers in your area. You can also consider reaching out to online platforms that offer courses and workshops, such as Skillshare or Udemy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Public Art

 

The creation of public art is a possibility that many artists may not have considered before, but with the various opportunities available, it's worth exploring as a potential income stream.

 

If you're interested in creating public art, start by researching opportunities in your area. Municipalities, developers, and other organizations are often looking for artists to commission pieces for public spaces such as parks, buildings, and street art installations.

 

One of the benefits of creating public art is that it can lead to more visibility and recognition for your work. Plus, the commission fees can be quite substantial, making it a great income stream for artists.

 

When creating public art, it's important to consider the context of the space and the audience who will be interacting with the piece. You'll also need to navigate the logistics of working with a public entity and ensure that your vision aligns with their goals.

 

So, let's talk about the different types of public art you can create. First up, we have murals. These are like giant coloring books for adults, except you don't have to stay in the lines! You can paint on walls, bridges, or any other public space that needs a little sprucing up.

 

Next, we have sculptures. Now, don't worry if you're not a Michelangelo. You don't have to carve out a David or anything like that. Just think of something cool and unique, and make it big enough to be seen from afar. Voila! Instant public art.

 

And who says art has to be serious all the time? You can also create street art, like graffiti or stencil art. Just make sure you have permission before you start spray painting on any walls. We don't want you to end up in art jail!

 

If you're feeling extra creative, you can also create installations. These can be temporary or permanent and can involve anything from lights, sound, or even interactive elements. The sky's the limit, folks!

 

Creating public art can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to challenge yourself creatively and leave a lasting impact on the community. So don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and explore this exciting income stream!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Art Renting

 

Art renting? That's a thing? I was skeptical at first, but then I learned that it's actually a pretty cool way to earn money as an artist. It's perfect for businesses or individuals who want to spruce up their spaces without committing to buying a piece of art. And for artists, it's a great way to get their work out there and earn some income at the same time.

 

There are different ways to rent your art, from renting through galleries to using art rental services or even setting up your own online rental platform. It all depends on what works best for you and your business. Some artists even create specific collections of their artwork that are available for rent, which is a smart way to showcase a variety of pieces while still earning income.

 

One of the benefits of art renting is that you can reach a wider audience that you might not have been able to through traditional sales. You can also earn recurring income as long as the art is being rented, which is a great way to generate a steady stream of revenue. Plus, you get to keep your art and potentially rent it out multiple times, which is a win-win situation.

 

Of course, there are some things to keep in mind if you're considering art renting. You'll need to have a solid contract in place that outlines the terms of the rental agreement, such as the rental period, rental fee, and conditions for damage or loss. You'll also need to make sure that your art is properly insured, as accidents can happen.

 

Overall, art renting is a unique and innovative way to generate income as an artist, and it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for ways to diversify your revenue streams.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Well folks, if you want to build a solid and sustainable career as an artist, you gotta diversify your income streams. It's the way to go, my friends! While art sales will likely always be the main source of income for most artists, these additional income streams can help you to earn more money and expand your creative work.

 

For more in-depth information about income streams, take a look at my article  " How to Create a Multiple Income Stream as an Artist "

 

You are welcome to check out other articles that you may be interested in:

 

Email Marketing Secrets: The Key to Growing Your Art Business

 

How To Price Art – Ultimate Guide For Selling Art

 

Building Your Artist Brand: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

 

What income streams have you found to be successful as an artist? Let me know in the comments below!