7 Ways to Diversify Your Income and Make More Money as an Artist

Building a career as an artist is no small feat. If you’ve been in the game for a while, you’ve probably experienced the highs and lows that come with relying solely on art sales. There are flopped gallery shows, low seasons, and those unpredictable dry spells that leave you wondering how you'll cover next month’s bills. 

Here’s the good news: diversifying your income streams as an artist is not only possible but also rewarding. By doing so, you can alleviate financial stress, explore other creative avenues, and even create more time to work on your art. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, this guide will highlight seven practical ways to make money as an artist beyond art sales. 

Why diversifying your income matters 

Relying exclusively on selling artwork can be both limiting and unpredictable. Expanding your revenue streams allows you to create a safety net, so you’re not solely dependent on one source of income. Even better, many of these methods require some initial effort but can later lead to passive income, putting money in your pocket while you’re in the studio or even on vacation. 

If you’re ready to turn your creative talents into sustainable income, read on. 

 1. Sell Prints of Your Artwork 

Not everyone can afford an original piece, but prints open up your work to a wider audience at a lower price point. Offering high-quality reproductions of your art is a great way to earn passive income while also introducing your work to new potential collectors. 

How to Get Started 

Use print-on-demand services like INPRNT, Fine Art America, or Redbubble to sell your artwork as prints, tote bags, mugs, or even apparel. Once you’ve uploaded your designs, these platforms handle printing, shipping, and customer service. If you prefer more control, you can create and distribute prints on your own. 

Pros: 

• Accessible price point expands your audience. 

• Passive income after setup. 

• Creative flexibility; you can sell your art on various products. 

Cons: 

• Lower profit margins, especially with third-party platforms. 

• Fierce competition on popular print sites. 

• Need to promote regularly to keep sales steady. 

 2. Offer Art Workshops 

Do you enjoy teaching others? Hosting workshops is an excellent way to make money while connecting with your community. Whether in person or online, you can teach techniques, share insights about your creative process, and build meaningful relationships. 

Ideas for Hosting Workshops 

• Use your studio space to host small, intimate classes. 

• Partner with local community centers or art studios to share the workload. 

• Combine teaching workshops with traveling by partnering with international art retreats or art residencies.  

Pros: 

• Opportunity to earn substantial income in a short time. 

• Build your network while engaging with your local (and global) art community. 

• Flexible and rewarding for artists who like sharing their expertise. 

Cons: 

• Time-consuming planning and preparation. 

• Income depends on enrollment numbers, which can be inconsistent. 

• Requires marketing to attract students.

 3. Teach Online Courses or Sell E-Books 

If in-person workshops aren’t your thing, or you want to add a scalable income stream to your efforts, take your classes online. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or self-hosted videos allow you to reach students worldwide, creating a recurring income source. Alternatively, consider selling instructional digital guides or e-books tailored to your art specialty. 

Pros: 

• Passive income after the initial production. 

• Reach a global audience from the comfort of your studio. 

• Build brand credibility as a thought leader or educator. 

Cons: 

• Upfront time and financial investment. 

• Requires a learning curve to master platforms or editing software. 

• Success often depends on effective promotion. 

  
  

 4. License Your Artwork to Brands 

Turn your designs into royalties by licensing them to brands or retailers. This could mean seeing your art on everything from stationery to home décor. Licensing deals give you exposure, income, and creative freedom to craft for specific audiences. 

Getting Started 

Research companies or licensing agencies that align with your style. Build a professional portfolio that showcases your work’s commercial potential and reach out to companies with strong digital pitches. 

Pros: 

• Royalties provide recurring income. 

• Gain exposure through collaborations with established brands. 

• Access new markets receptive to your style. 

Cons: 

• Licensing contracts can be complex; legal guidance is often necessary. 

• Royalties can fluctuate based on market trends. 

• You may need to adjust your work to suit commercial demands. 

 5. Collaborate on Sponsored Content via Social Media 

If you’re active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you already have the tools to monetize your creativity. Partner with brands in the art industry or lifestyle space to promote their products in exchange for cash, freebies, or both. 

Tips to Stand Out 

• Stay authentic by only promoting products you genuinely love. 

• Build engagement with your followers to make your profile attractive to brands. 

• Create diverse content like reels, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks into your art process. 

Pros: 

• Monetizes social media time. 

• Builds your profile and encourages brand partnerships. 

• Helps drive traffic to your website or portfolio. 

Cons: 

• Requires consistent content creation and follower engagement. 

• Can feel time-consuming without proper planning. 

• Overly commercial content can alienate your audience. 

 6. Run a Patreon or Membership Program 

Platforms like Patreon make it easy to offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and early access to your new art for paying subscribers. With tiers offering different perks, members can support your work while receiving value in return. 

Pros: 

• Provides steady monthly income. 

• Fosters a closer connection with engaged fans. 

• Allows creative freedom to experiment without financial pressure. 

Cons: 

• Building a loyal membership takes time and effort. 

• Requires continual content creation to keep members engaged. 

• Platform fees reduce your overall earnings. 

 7. Work on Commissioned Pieces 

Custom commissions remain a trusted way for artists to generate income while building relationships with collectors. Whether it’s a portrait, mural, or custom work tailored to a client’s vision, commissions offer both financial stability and creative collaboration. 

Pros: 

• Higher price points tailored to unique requests. 

• Strengthens reputation through positive client relationships. 

• Often leads to recurring commissions. 

Cons: 

• Deadlines and client expectations may feel creatively limiting. 

• Upfront time commitment to negotiate terms and scope of work. 

• Balancing client vision with your artistic identity can be tricky.

 Build Income Streams That Empower Your Art 

A sustainable art career is built on exploration and flexibility. By diversifying your income, you not only reduce financial stress but also open new avenues for growth and creativity. Whether it’s selling prints, teaching online courses, licensing your work, or even collaborating with brands, there are countless options to turn your talent into financial opportunity. 

Start small. Choose one or two additional income streams that feel authentic to you. With time, you’ll not only build financial stability but also grow as an artist and entrepreneur. 

Looking for help streamlining your business as you expand? Platforms like Artwork Archive can keep you organized by tracking payments, inventory, and client information, all in one place. 

Turn your passion into a thriving business. Get started today.