How do artists make money? Many artists, especially beginners, ask this question. After all, the craft of the artist should not only bring beauty and good emotions to others, but the artist should earn with his talent.
In the modern world, there are more ways to earn money compared to artists from 20-30 years ago (not to mention the old days).
So how do contemporary artists make money? Let’s discuss some of the most common ways artists can earn money with their skills.
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ARTISTS MAKE MONEY SELLING PAINTINGS
Of course, this is the very first thing that comes to mind when you think about the artist’s earnings. The profession itself determines that the sales from paintings will sustain and feed the master.
But the question is how to get people to see your paintings? You can post finished work on your social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Keep in mind that you have to be consistent with your posts and communicate back to your followers.
If you have a website – post your work there and let people know about your site. Don’t forget to write descriptions about your art pieces.
Another major resource is an international marketplace Etsy. A lot of freelance artists sell their work through this site. It’s one of the most popular platforms for freelance creatives.
Selling a painting for an artist is probably the best, most enjoyable, and biggest moneymaker. The artist invests his soul into the arts. When a painting is sold, the artist receives recognition and payment for his work and talent.
HOW DO ARTISTS MAKE MONEY ONLINE?
The internet is a limitless, modern novelty, and a platform in which people become famous and earn a lot of money.
Artists also picked up on this trend as a way to earn money. How? Read on.
ARTISTS USE YOUTUBE AS A WAY TO EARN MONEY
Have you seen Youtube videos of artists in which they teach painting lessons, or talk about different art tricks? Artists also make money on this. How?
A lot of people want to learn how to draw, but they cannot do that without a mentor. At least a virtual one. This, in turn, is a unique opportunity for the artist.
You can record a video of the process of making the picture, and in the course, explain in detail how and what you do.
First of all, it’s advertising you and your talent (and advertising, as you know, is expensive). Secondly, you can earn money on advertising on your video channel.
By advertising yourself well, you can bring together more people who will come to you for a master class, for example.
THE ARTIST’S PERSONAL WEBSITE GENERATES INCOME
Often times, artists do not want to invest in a site. But a personal website is an additional platform where you can earn money. Don’t forget – this is an advertisement for yourself and your art.
How can you earn through a personal website? It can be a sale of links from an art site, advertisements, as well as banners for which advertisers pay.
It is worth mentioning that a good site will cost money. Before you start making money on it, you need to invest both finances and strength for promotion.
Also, do not forget that you can sell your paintings on your site. Having a personal website is like having an online gallery where many eyes can see your work. And if someone loves a particular art piece – they can purchase it with ease.
THE ARTIST EARNS THROUGH SKYPE
Recently, artists have started to master this online communication program. What for? For earnings, of course!
Through Skype, you can conduct online lessons and consultations for which you collect a payment. This is a very convenient way of online education for people who are from different states or countries.
MASTERCLASSES HELP ARTISTS TO EARN MONEY
If you paint beautiful paintings and can teach your skills to other people, then your training will definitely be in demand!
Nowadays, not everyone wants and is able to learn an artistic skill in educational institutions. However, at the artist’s master class, you can draw/paint a decent picture even in one session.
Beginner artists who are just testing the waters in art and painting, may find our How to Find Yourself in Art post very informative.
Earnings for the artist from a master class can be adequate, depending on the number of students/people and cost.
CAN ARTISTS MAKE MONEY ON ART COPIES?
Of course they can! Right now, there are a large number of sites that sell copies of artists’ original work.
It’s simple – you create your personal account on the site, where you upload photos of your paintings in high quality. The site provides an opportunity for all visitors to choose and order a copy of your painting of any size.
Typically, such reproductions are printed on photo paper and delivered to the customer. The price of photo copies is much lower than the original and, therefore, can be in good demand.
Is it worth it for an artist to sell copies of his paintings? For each purchased reproduction, you are entitled to some percentage of the sale, usually 10-20%.
HOW DOES AN ARTIST MAKE MONEY? ON CONTRACTS WITH MANUFACTURERS OF ART MATERIALS.
Such earnings are available only to well-known, talented artists. This can be done when producers or art salons are interested in making a contract with the artist.
By the contract, the artist advertises, sells, or recommends only specific materials in his videos, at master classes, or in conversation with students.
You should not be scared and afraid that you may be involved in some kind of nonsense. A self-respecting artist will not cooperate with a lousy producer.
The artist’s earnings are obtained from a percentage of sales of materials or a one-time fee for advertising.
Most often, artists advertise and sell:
•brushes
•paints
•palette knife
•canvases (finished or in rolls)
We recommend you to check Watercolor Paper Guide article where we discuss ways of how to choose your art supplies.
HOW TO EARN AT ART EXHIBITIONS?
Selling your paintings, you will say! But no, in this case, we will talk about how to make money as an artist by organizing an exhibition.
An artist, having experience in exhibitions, can rent a room where he organizes an exhibition of paintings for their art students or novice artists. There will be a small fee for this, but by collecting a large number of people who want to place their work at the exhibition, the artist can make money.
Also, famous artists can earn by being a participant in the exhibition.
Would you, as an artist, be interested in participating in an exhibition of paintings in which a famous artist who inspires you takes part or will be a guest? This is precisely what exhibition organizers can emphasize.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, let’s keep in mind that artists are not greedy or people who see only money signs in everything. Many do all of the above just to share with others their knowledge, best practices, and secrets.
Be mindful and understanding of the artist. To develop and create – he needs to earn money for paints and canvases, for his family, and his further development.
These are just some ways artists can earn their living by using their skills and talents. So many other methods are used by artists, and we will discuss those in future posts.
