The internet has opened up numerous opportunities for artists to showcase their work and make money online. Whether you’re a painter, digital artist, photographer, or illustrator, there are various platforms and strategies to monetize your art. This guide will walk you through how to make money by creating and selling art online.
1. Selling Art Prints and Originals
One of the most direct ways to earn money from your art is by selling prints or original pieces. There are many online platforms that cater specifically to artists who want to sell their work to a global audience.
a. Etsy
Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplaces for handmade and creative products, including art. Whether you create digital artwork, paintings, or photography, Etsy is a great place to sell prints or even original works.
- How to start:
- Set up a shop and list your artwork.
- Offer both prints and originals.
- Provide high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to attract buyers.
- Utilize Etsy’s marketing tools like ads and SEO to increase visibility.
b. Society6
Society6 allows artists to upload their designs and artwork, which they can then sell as prints, home decor, furniture, and other products. The platform handles production and shipping, so artists don’t have to worry about logistics.
- How to start:
- Create a free account on Society6 and upload your art.
- Choose from various products to feature your designs.
- Promote your shop on social media or your website.
c. Redbubble
Redbubble is another print-on-demand marketplace where you can sell your art on a wide range of products like t-shirts, posters, phone cases, and more. Redbubble handles production, packaging, and shipping, leaving you free to focus on creating.
- How to start:
- Sign up for a Redbubble account.
- Upload your designs and artwork.
- Select the products you want to feature your artwork on.
- Share your designs through social media to boost sales.
2. Selling Digital Art and Downloads
If you’re a digital artist or graphic designer, selling digital art products can be highly profitable. You can sell your work as downloadable files, which eliminates the need for printing and shipping costs.
a. Etsy (for Digital Downloads)
In addition to physical art, Etsy is also a great platform for selling digital art, such as printable posters, illustrations, or clip art.
- How to start:
- Create a digital download of your artwork (ensure it’s high-resolution and appropriately sized).
- List the artwork as a digital file in your Etsy shop.
- Set a reasonable price and provide clear instructions for customers to download the files.
b. Gumroad
Gumroad is a platform where artists can sell digital products like illustrations, digital paintings, graphic design resources, and other downloadable art. It’s simple to use, and you can offer your art at any price point.
- How to start:
- Sign up for a free account on Gumroad.
- Upload your digital art and set your price.
- Share your Gumroad link on your website, social media, or email list to drive sales.
c. Creative Market
Creative Market is a platform designed for selling digital design resources, such as fonts, textures, clip art, and digital artwork. If you create resources that other designers and creators can use, Creative Market is an ideal place to sell your work.
- How to start:
- Create an account and set up a shop.
- Upload your digital art or design products.
- Set your prices and promote your shop to the right audience.
3. Licensing Your Artwork
Licensing your art means allowing others to use your creations for specific purposes, such as in advertising, merchandise, or digital products, in exchange for a licensing fee. It can be a lucrative way to earn passive income from your artwork.
a. Stock Photography and Art Platforms
If you’re a photographer or illustrator, you can license your artwork on stock photography sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock.
- How to start:
- Create an account on a stock platform and submit your artwork.
- Make sure your work meets the platform’s guidelines and quality standards.
- Once your work is approved, you’ll earn royalties each time your art is downloaded.
b. Alamy
Alamy is another popular stock photography site where you can upload and license your artwork. It has a high commission rate and a large customer base, making it a great platform for earning money.
- How to start:
- Create an account and upload your high-quality artwork.
- Tag your work with relevant keywords to ensure it’s discoverable by potential buyers.
- Earn a commission each time your work is downloaded or purchased.
4. Offer Commissions for Custom Art
Many artists earn money by creating custom pieces for clients, such as portraits, illustrations, and designs for logos or book covers. Offering commissioned art services can help you build a dedicated following and earn a steady stream of income.
a. Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular freelancing platform where you can offer custom artwork services, such as portraits, logos, and illustrations. As a freelance artist, you can set your own rates and attract customers who need unique pieces of art.
- How to start:
- Create a Fiverr account and set up a portfolio showcasing your best work.
- Offer different packages for various types of custom art (e.g., simple illustrations, detailed portraits).
- Promote your services and engage with potential customers.
b. Instagram and Social Media
Instagram is a powerful tool for showcasing your artwork and attracting commission requests. Many artists use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok to market their work and engage with potential buyers.
- How to start:
- Post high-quality images or videos of your art.
- Use relevant hashtags and engage with your followers to grow your audience.
- Include a clear call to action (CTA) inviting people to request commissions.
5. Creating and Selling NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
NFTs have gained popularity as a way to sell digital art in the form of unique tokens on blockchain platforms. By creating and selling NFTs, you can retain ownership of your digital art while allowing others to purchase it as a one-of-a-kind asset.
a. OpenSea
OpenSea is one of the largest NFT marketplaces where you can sell digital art in the form of NFTs. By minting your art as NFTs, you can reach a global audience of collectors and crypto enthusiasts.
- How to start:
- Set up a digital wallet like MetaMask.
- Mint your art as an NFT on OpenSea by uploading your artwork and setting a price.
- Promote your NFTs through social media and NFT communities.
b. Rarible
Rarible is another NFT marketplace where artists can create and sell unique digital artworks. It’s a decentralized platform, which means you retain full ownership and control over your creations.
- How to start:
- Create an account and connect your digital wallet.
- Mint your art as an NFT and list it for sale.
- Promote your NFTs to attract potential buyers.