The "starving artist" myth is outdated. Today, a thriving art business isn't built on luck; it’s built on diversification. By spreading your efforts across multiple income streams, you not only increase your revenue (money you make) but also create a safety net against the inevitable ebbs and flows of the art market. If you’re ready to turn your creative talent into a professional career, here are some ways to do it.

(I use affiliate links in this post. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, which helps me keep this resource free for everyone. Thanks for your support!)

1. Original Art Sales: The Foundation

Selling your original works remains the primary way of making money from your practice. The key here is visibility and consistency. In the past (before social media), art galleries were seen as the best way to sell your artwork. However, in our social media/influencer economy, we don't need to wait anymore for prestigious gallery representation to start promoting and selling our artwork. Take ownership of your sales by finding ways to get your artwork seen.

Here are some ideas to sell your original artwork

• Host your own studio open days
• Organise your own pop-up exhibitions
• Approach local cafes or hospitality venues to get your work on their walls
• Apply to local art shows
• Approach retail spaces to decorate their walls
• Sell directly through your own website or other art websites (hopefully soon through the Pop'd Art Hub; let me know if you want this in the comments below).

Some great platforms for setting up your art website include WIX, Squarespace, SquareUp, Shopify. WordPress is another fantastic opensource (free to download) using a Theme like the Divi Theme and a host like Bluehost, Flywheel or Siteground, however it does take alot more time and learning to build.

What are some other ways to sell your original artwork, let me know your ideas in the comments below

Pro-tip: Treat every sale as a relationship. Collect email addresses (with permission and when you can) so you can notify your collectors when you release a new body of work.

2. Reproduction Prints & Merchandise: The Accessibility Factor

Not every fan can afford an original canvas, but that doesn't mean they don't want to support you. Reproductions prints (this is when you get prints done from your original work) and other merchandise allow you to reach a broader audience at an accessible price point, making your work a part of daily life.

• The Products: Reproduction prints are fantastic, but also consider functional items like greeting cards, stationery, calendars, tea towels, aprons, or tote bags. You can get prints done through local Toowoomba Business PhotoPro and Brisbane business Poster Factory and other merchandise through Vista Print or Optimal Print.
• Strategy: Start small. You don't need a warehouse of stock. Test your designs with high-quality, limited-run prints, and sell them at local markets, retail stores, or tourist information centers first. You can then try platforms like Etsy and connect to print-on-demand (POD) sites like Printify , Redbubble or Printful.
• Packaging matters: Beautiful branding can turn a simple print into a memorable gift and help customers find you after they purchase by adding your website or a QR code to the labels. You can create your own labels and print them from your own printer or through Officeworks or Vista Print. You could also get a stamp created for products that can be stamped, such as the back of greeting cards.

3. Workshops & Classes: Teaching as Marketing

Teaching others is one of the most rewarding ways to monetise your skills and build your reputation. It establishes your authority and builds a loyal community around your brand.

• Format: Whether it's an in-person workshop, a weekend deep-dive into your specific techniques, or a structured virtual course, people are hungry for creative connection.
• Strategy: Focus on the "experience." Attendees are paying for the atmosphere, the social interaction, and your guidance just as much as they are paying for the technical skill. Make it fun, supportive, and approachable.
• Online/Virtual Workshops: There are some great platforms that make setting up and selling your online workshops super simple. Try SkillShare, which is creative-focused, or Teachable, which is across all expertise.

4. Art Licensing: Your Passive Income Engine

Licensing is the art of "working once, getting paid repeatedly." By allowing companies to use your designs on their products, you can generate royalties without needing to manage physical inventory.

• How it works: Brands in the home goods, textile, and stationery industries are always looking for fresh patterns and illustrations.
• Strategy: Curate your work into cohesive collections. Research brands that share your aesthetic and pitch your designs. It’s a numbers game; the more high-quality designs you have in your library, the higher your chances of landing a contract. You can also try selling your designs on Spoonflower as fabric, wallpaper and home decor items. Redbubble is also another site you can add your art to products

5. Content Creation: Monetising Your Knowledge

You’ve spent years learning your craft; why not package that wisdom? Fellow artists are often looking for the same solutions you’ve already figured out, from storage hacks and pricing guides to business strategy. Also, if you are already teaching your craft through workshops and classes, you can create free content on YouTube or TikTok that then leads to your paid content.

• Where: Start with a blog on your website, create digital guides, or offer behind-the-scenes content. Try video content on Youtube which links to your blog posts.
• Strategy: Focus on solving a specific problem. For example, "What tools I use for painting" or "How to build a home studio on a budget." By providing value, you become the go-to expert in your niche, which inevitably leads to more opportunities and trust.
• How to make money from you content: When you start to grow your channels, you can approach companies to promote their products through your channels for a fee (influencer marketing). You can also charge your audience to view more indepth content through platforms like Patreon.

6. Commissions: The Custom Approach

Commissioned work is project-based and incredibly fulfilling because you are creating something tailor-made for a collector or business.

• Options to Offer: paintings, illustrations, book covers, album art, wall murals, portraiture (people or pets), home portraits, car/vehicle portraits. Let me know some other ideas in the comments below
• The Workflow: To keep this profitable, you must have clear boundaries. Use a contract that spells out the scope, the timeline, and the total cost. Requiring a 20-50% deposit upfront is not just standard, it’s necessary to protect your time. Check out our article on "The artist's guide to successful commissions".
• Communication: Clear, consistent updates keep the client feeling involved and happy, preventing misunderstandings before they start. When managed well, commissions can lead to repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals that are worth their weight in gold. Check out our article on "The artist's guide to successful commissions".

What are some other ideas that you know work for bringing in more revenue to your art business? Let us know in the comments below.

Author: Leisa Clark

Leisa Clark is a multidisciplinary creative, blending her passion for art, design, and digital innovation. Leisa is the Founder of Pop'd Art and Retrohex.