For centuries and counting, we people are intrigued by the beauty of arts and craftsmanship. Let’s all admit, at one point in our lives, at least once, we had stared at one drawing a little longer than others because of how eye-catching it is. Although these drawings may convey a deeper meaning to them, you don’t really need to understand them, all it matters is it looks beautiful to you!
However, some people prefer the other way, some skilled individuals prefer to enjoy the process of making these masterpieces rather than admiring the product, well, of course, they admire the result, but knowing others appreciate their art probably means a lot more to them, and that is one of the reasons artists sell their arts to the public, and only the fans of their arts will purchase them.
Self-Employed Artists Selling Their Arts
Source: freepik
Nowadays, many people are taking advantage of the artistic skills that they’ve gained from pursuing an art degree or just from their hobby to generate income from it. We see a lot of these self-employed or small business owners artists who sell their art everywhere, either in online stores or in shops.
With enough dedication and effort, these self-employed artists may also generate enough money to support their living expenses!
The great part about this career is that almost anyone can do it! So buckle your seatbelts, because we are about to dive into the topic of here are 10 ways people are making money by drawing!
How to Make Money by Drawing
1. Commission Portraits
Source: Pexels
One of the popular art selling that we see a lot everywhere is portrait drawings. Artists open commissions to others who are wanting their face or their family and friends’ faces drawn into a portrait and even animal portraits for their pets. They may want these to gift as presents or just want to commemorate the moment and memories to be kept on the walls of their homes or albums.
These portraits may range in style, color or black and white, and size of the portraits, but with all that being said, drawing portraits requires mad skills since the artists need to be able to accurately mimic the facial features of a person.
You can find portrait artists on online freelance platforms, online shops like Etsy, and even in events and supermarkets. The downside to this type of art selling is that it is oversaturated thus competition is high.
2. Design Logo Brands
Source: Pexels
Every business whether big or small, will need its own logo for its brand to make sure its business is recognized and labeled easily without having to write its name. Therefore, a logo that represents the company’s sales is important, not every design goes with any store.
Businesses are willing to pay many bucks just to make sure their logos are done right since it is the face that represents their company, only skilled people that know the right elements can do this.
These skilled graphic designers can reach out to businesses to promote their services or use freelance platforms. The future for this kind of job may bloom as more businesses are starting to increase.
3. Sell your Art at Markets
Source: Pexels
This art selling requires you to make physical products to be marketed in stores, markets, or your own small stall. Not only drawings are sold but also pottery, embroidery, crochet, jewelry design, clothing design, etc.
These stalls are ideal for selling unique and handmade products, you can even make your own customized items or collaborate with other artists to create a special piece together. This kind of art selling is not limited to only physical products but also digital resources like music, graphic designs, etc.
To start selling, you can reach out to your local market or even find a market that sells products that is similar to your niche, such as vintage and art markets. Artists might get more sales from selling in these types of markets since they mostly are visited by like-minded customers.
4. Sell Prints of your Art Online
Art prints are reproductions of original artwork created through various printing methods, such as lithography, digital printing, screen printing, or giclee printing. These prints allow artists to make multiple copies of their artwork, enabling them to reach a broader audience, thus making it suitable to sell online.
Suitable for those who want to sell their art without having to keep anything in their inventory! The most important thing is to invest in high-quality images of their artwork, build an engaging online presence, use effective marketing strategies, and ensure reliable shipping and customer service.
Artists can sell their art prints on popular online marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay, and Amazon. These platforms provide a large audience and convenient tools for managing the selling process.
5. Draw for Children’s Book
Source: Freepik
Earning money by drawing for children’s books can be an eye-catching opportunity for artists with a flair for illustrating. Not only is it a fulfilling type of work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding to see your art come to life in a storybook.
As a children’s book illustrator, your job is to convey the author’s storyline through your artwork. The characters you’ll be drawing will play a pivotal role in bringing the story to life for young readers. It’s your job to capture the attention of children with your illustrations and make the story unforgettable.
You have the unique opportunity to play an integral part in introducing children to the joy of reading. You earn money by selling digital copies of ebooks online or hard copy in bookstores.
6. Teach Others How to Draw too
Source: Pexels
Teaching others how to draw can be a fulfilling way for artists to share their knowledge and skills while also earning money. There are many ways they do this, some may offer teaching classes face-to-face in a local tuition center, or create online courses to sell, other ways include Youtube tutorials, live streaming classes, selling ebooks full of tutorials, and many more.
It is important to note for artists who want to sell their courses online, need to make high-quality materials for their customers, for example, high-quality video recordings, tutorials, clear explanations if included in documents, and other additional materials.
It’s also essential for artists to establish their expertise and credibility in the art community to attract students. Building a strong online presence through social media, showcasing their own artwork, and sharing testimonials from satisfied students can all contribute to a successful teaching venture.
7. Join Artist’s Organisations
Source: Pexels
This method is the best way to open up to many artist opportunities, such as giving the opportunity to display your art galleries and exhibitions. Plus, connecting with other artists that are like-minded is always a good practice to incorporate.
You can search online or at your local community job board for opportunities like this. Ultimately, those who can grab this limited offer can even go as far as promoting your art internationally and gain many followers that appreciate your art, thus giving you the big opportunity to maybe start selling your art or sell your brand to others.
8. Make Clothing Design
Artists can create a clothing line with their original artwork and sell it through their own website, a physical shop, or online marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, or Big Cartel. With this strategy, artists may fully manage their brand and the aesthetics of their clothing line.
Moreover, artists can collaborate with established fashion brands to create limited-edition clothing collections. These collaborations can help artists reach a wider audience and gain exposure, while also earning royalties or a fixed payment for their designs.
This way is also great because, for artists who want to sell without having to sew clothes or keep anything in their inventory, all you need to do is sell your designs online and printing companies will do the rest of the work.
9. Start a Comic Book
Source: Pexels
If you possess a passion for drawing, a flair for storytelling, and a love for captivating characters, starting a comic book could be a lucrative avenue for making money through your creative talents.
As comic books continue to captivate readers of all ages, the demand for engaging storylines and visually captivating artwork remains high.
Aspiring comic book authors have the unique opportunity to convey their narratives through a fusion of art and words, crafting immersive worlds that resonate with audiences worldwide. By honing your drawing skills and delving into the depths of your imagination, you can breathe life into your characters and bring them to life on the pages of your comic book.
As the popularity of comics grows, so does the potential to build a dedicated fan base, attend comic conventions, and even explore collaborations with established publishers, making your comic book venture not only creatively rewarding but also a viable path to financial success.
10. Video Animations
Earning money by making video animations has opened up new avenues for creative individuals to showcase their skills and monetize their talent. The ease of access to animation software and online platforms like YouTube has made it possible for animators to collaborate with content creators in a variety of genres and create engaging animations that captivate audiences.
Many Youtubers commission animators to create animations that visually represent their content and provide a unique style of storytelling. This growing demand has also opened up opportunities for animators to draw attention from brands looking to add a touch of creativity to their marketing campaigns.
Overall, the possibilities for animators to earn a sustainable income by creating eye-catching video animations are endless, making it a lucrative career option that offers both creative fulfillment and financial stability.
Why you should Make Money by Drawing
Choosing to make money through your drawings not only transforms what could be a hobby into an income-generating venture but also provides an array of benefits. You have an opportunity to express your unique creativity and share it with the world, bringing joy to others while you nurture and develop your talent. It can be a satisfying and fulfilling process that also contributes to your professional growth.
Furthermore, it offers flexibility; you can work from virtually anywhere and largely control your schedule. This independence is particularly beneficial for those who thrive in a self-directed environment. It also allows for a diverse income stream; sell original pieces, prints, and digital copies, incorporate designs into merchandise, or even teach art.
Your customers get to hang your art on the wall of their homes and you get satisfaction from knowing that there are people appreciating your work while also making money from selling your work. Sounds like a fair trade, doesn’t it?
Tips for Beginners Who Want to Start Making Money This Way
Now that you’ve reached this point of writing, maybe you are already considering starting this selling project, but you are unsure of what to look out for before starting. Well, worry no further, in this section, we will be giving you a few tips that will be useful for beginners like you.
Here are 3 crucial points to establish when starting your art business:
Develop a Unique Style
The first step to selling your art is to develop a unique style that sets you apart from other artists. Take some time to experiment with different mediums, colors, and techniques until you find something that speaks to you and reflects your creative vision. Once you have developed a signature style, it will be easier for potential customers to recognize your work.
Market Yourself
Once you have developed your unique style, it is important to market yourself in order to reach potential customers. Create an online portfolio of your work and share it on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. You can also join online art forums or attend local art shows in order to network with other artists and showcase your work.
Price Your Work Fairly
When pricing your artwork, it is important to consider the cost of materials as well as the time and effort that went into creating each piece. Make sure that the price reflects the value of the artwork while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin so that you can continue making art and selling it for a living. Additionally, consider offering discounts or special promotions in order to attract more customers.
Conclusion
So how about it? Did this blog somehow manage to plant an idea in your creative brain? or at least helped boost that confidence to finally step up and use that creative mind of yours to generate income for yourself. But even if you lack the skills, doesn’t mean this business is not for you, it just means you’re in the early stage of this career taking baby steps to build up that skill first.
FAQ
How much can you earn by selling art?
How much artists earn from selling their art depends very much on how they price their work. Different types of art may also influence the cost of the products.
For example, portrait art may need to cover art supplies like canvas, paints, pencils and paintbrushes, however, digital art doesn’t need all of those fancy tools.
These art supplies all are important factors that will need to be considered went selling the product, therefore, it is quite hard to put an amount on how much artists earn.
Can anyone make money by drawing?
Yes, of course, anyone can, as long you have the skills and enough effort and dedication for it, anyone can start a successful business.
Where to start?
There are many places to start selling your art, it can also depend on your environment. If you are surrounded by a lot of people who love the hobby that you do, you can start by maybe promoting and selling your artwork or opening a commission for them.
But if you’re a little shy, you can always sell your art online, this way is a great way to reach a wider audience and market your artwork internationally. Etsy is a great online shop platform to start at.
Can you make a living as an artist?
Yes, it is entirely possible to make a living as an artist. However, it’s important to remember that success often requires a combination of creativity, marketing savvy, and entrepreneurial skills. In the digital age, artists have more opportunities than ever before to showcase their work to a global audience, sell their pieces online, and collaborate with brands and other artists. With the right mindset and tools, an artist can certainly turn their passion into a sustainable career.
Do you need qualifications/certificates to start selling your art?
No, you don’t need formal qualifications or certificates to start selling your art. This field values talent, creativity, and originality above all else. While attaining a degree in art or related disciplines can enhance your skills and knowledge, it’s not a prerequisite for success.
Many successful artists are self-taught, continually learning and evolving their craft through practice, exposure to different styles, and feedback from the art community. That being said, it’s important to understand business basics if you’re planning to make a living from your art. Knowledge about marketing, pricing, customer service, and legal aspects can be significantly beneficial.
