Income Streams for Artists
Freelance
One of the most popular and widely known income streams, freelance artists work one-on-one with clients on custom projects. The freelance world is vast and includes a broad array of different types of projects that vary depending on the artists’ discipline.
Art Licensing
Art licensing basically means to “rent” your art to a company for use on a product. Artists can license their work for all sorts of products—from greeting cards to fabric to home goods to toys...there’s really no limit to what your art could end up on!
Physical Products
Many artists choose to design and sell their own products such as art prints, greeting cards, jewelry, t-shirts, etc…. Artists can sell these products via their personal websites, Etsy, at local events like craft fairs, or even through larger retail shops via consignment or wholesale.
Digital Products
Digital products include things people can purchase and download online, like Photoshop brushes, product mockups, fonts, printable art, etc….
Teaching
Plenty of artists generate income by teaching their skills to students via workshops, online courses, speaking engagements, books, etc…
Murals, Installations & Live Art
Brands are increasingly looking to artists to create “wow factor” moments for their customers and employees through experiences and installations. From large-scale murals designed to attract Instagram photos to live hand-painted customization of products to custom in-store displays, artists are really getting up close and personal with consumers.
Brand Partnerships & Promotions
If you have access to an audience that a brand wants to reach, they may want to pay you to help them advertise. Strategic partnerships and collaborations can be a great option for artists as you can get paid while still bringing value to your fans.