50 Income Streams Every Artist Should Develop

Artists have a wealth of opportunities to diversify their income and build a sustainable career. By exploring various revenue streams, artists can enhance their financial stability and unlock new avenues for growth. Here are the top 50 income streams that artists could or should develop to maximize their earnings and thrive in their creative careers.

1. Original Art Sales

Selling paintings, sculptures, or other original works.
Hosting solo or group exhibitions.
Partnering with galleries.

2. Print Sales

Creating and selling limited edition prints.
Offering prints of popular original works.
Selling prints through online platforms like Etsy or Society6.

3. Commissioned Work

Accepting custom projects from clients.
Creating portraits, murals, or other personalized pieces.
Collaborating with businesses for branded art.

4. Freelance Design

Providing graphic design services.
Offering logo and branding design.
Creating custom illustrations for clients.

5. Art Licensing

Licensing artwork for use on products.
Partnering with companies for merchandise designs.
Licensing designs for fabric, wallpaper, or other applications.

6. Merchandise Sales

Creating and selling art-related products.
Offering items like T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags.
Using print-on-demand services like Redbubble or Zazzle.

7. Online Courses and Tutorials

Creating and selling art courses.
Offering tutorials on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy.
Providing one-on-one coaching or mentorship.

8. YouTube and Online Content

Starting a YouTube channel with art tutorials or process videos.
Monetizing through ad revenue and sponsorships.
Creating a blog or website with art-related content.

9. Patreon and Membership Sites

Offering exclusive content to subscribers.
Providing behind-the-scenes access or early releases.
Creating a membership community for art lovers.

10. Workshops and Classes

Teaching art classes in-person or online.
Hosting workshops at local community centers or studios.
Offering private lessons or group classes.

11. Public Speaking and Events

Speaking at art conferences or conventions.
Offering motivational talks or lectures.
Participating in panel discussions or artist talks.

12. Art Fairs and Markets

Selling art at local art fairs or markets.
Participating in craft shows or pop-up events.
Showcasing work at festivals or street fairs.

13. Corporate Art Projects

Providing artwork for corporate offices.
Collaborating on large-scale projects for businesses.
Offering custom installations for commercial spaces.

14. Residencies and Grants

Applying for artist residencies.
Seeking grants or funding for specific projects.
Participating in fellowship programs.

15. Crowdfunding

Launching a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign.
Raising funds for specific art projects.
Engaging with backers through exclusive rewards.

16. Print-On-Demand

Using print-on-demand services for art prints.
Selling custom designs on products like phone cases.
Partnering with platforms like Printful or Teespring.

17. Stock Photography and Vectors

Selling photos or vector art on stock websites.
Offering designs on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Creating and selling digital assets.

18. Art Books and Publications

Publishing art books or portfolios.
Creating zines or self-published works.
Offering digital downloads or print versions.

19. Gallery Representation

Partnering with galleries for sales and exhibitions.
Participating in gallery shows.
Leveraging gallery networks for exposure.

20. Art Rentals

Offering art for short-term rentals.
Providing artwork for events or staging homes.
Partnering with businesses for rotating displays.

21. Subscription Boxes

Creating and selling art subscription boxes.
Offering monthly or quarterly curated art items.
Partnering with other artists for collaborative boxes.

22. Affiliate Marketing

Recommending art supplies or tools.
Earning commissions through affiliate links.
Partnering with art brands for sponsored content.

23. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

Creating and selling digital art as NFTs.
Participating in NFT marketplaces.
Offering limited edition digital works.

24. Art Therapy

Providing art therapy sessions.
Working with healthcare facilities.
Offering workshops focused on mental health.

25. Art Apps and Software

Developing art-related apps or software.
Creating digital tools for other artists.
Offering subscriptions or one-time purchases.

26. Collaborations

Partnering with brands for collaborative projects.
Creating joint works with other artists.
Offering limited edition collaborations.

27. Public Art Projects

Participating in public art installations.
Working on murals or community art projects.
Applying for public art commissions.

28. Virtual Reality (VR) Art

Creating VR art experiences.
Selling VR art or installations.
Partnering with tech companies for VR projects.

29. Augmented Reality (AR) Art

Developing AR art experiences.
Creating AR-enhanced prints or products.
Partnering with AR platforms or apps.

30. Art Consulting

Offering art consulting services.
Helping clients curate collections or decorate spaces.
Providing expertise on art investments.

31. Art Restoration

Offering art restoration services.
Working with galleries or museums.
Providing conservation services for private collectors.

32. Artist Assistant Services

Working as an assistant for established artists.
Offering administrative or technical support.
Assisting with large projects or installations.

33. Social Media Influencer

Building a following on social media platforms.
Partnering with brands for sponsored content.
Monetizing through brand deals and promotions.

34. Podcasting

Starting a podcast focused on art.
Monetizing through sponsorships or ads.
Offering exclusive content to subscribers.

35. Virtual Art Tours

Providing virtual tours of your studio or gallery.
Offering online walkthroughs of exhibitions.
Charging for access to virtual experiences.

36. Digital Downloads

Selling digital art files.
Offering downloadable coloring pages or printables.
Creating and selling digital wallpapers or screensavers.

37. Custom Gifts

Creating personalized art gifts.
Offering custom portraits or illustrations.
Selling bespoke items for special occasions.

38. E-Commerce Store

Setting up an online store for art sales.
Offering a variety of art products.
Using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

39. Art Competitions

Entering art competitions for prize money.
Participating in juried shows.
Applying for artist awards or honors.

40. Seasonal Art

Creating art for holidays or seasons.
Offering themed prints or products.
Participating in holiday markets or fairs.

41. Interior Design Partnerships

Collaborating with interior designers.
Providing artwork for design projects.
Offering custom pieces for home decor.

42. Art Licensing for Media

Licensing art for use in movies, TV shows, or books.
Partnering with media companies for visual content.
Offering designs for album covers or promotional materials.

43. Creative Retreats and Camps

Organizing art retreats or camps.
Offering immersive art experiences.
Providing workshops and activities for attendees.

44. Product Packaging Design

Designing packaging for products.
Working with brands to create unique packaging.
Offering design services for limited edition releases.

45. Art Blogging

Starting a blog focused on art.
Monetizing through ads or sponsored content.
Offering resources or tutorials to readers.

46. Art Subscriptions

Offering a subscription service for art.
Providing regular deliveries of prints or products.
Partnering with other artists for collaborative subscriptions.

47. Art Auctions

Participating in art auctions.
Selling work through online auction platforms.
Hosting your own art auctions.

48. Custom Stationery

Creating custom stationery products.
Offering personalized invitations or cards.
Selling through online stores or local shops.

49. Eco-Friendly Art

Creating art with sustainable materials.
Offering eco-friendly products.
Partnering with environmentally conscious brands.

50. Publications and Editorials

Providing illustrations for magazines or books.
Collaborating with writers for illustrated publications.
Offering editorial design services.

These diverse income streams can help artists generate steady revenue and build a sustainable career in the arts. By leveraging multiple avenues for income, artists can achieve greater financial stability and focus more on their creative pursuits. Embracing these opportunities will enable you to cultivate a robust and rewarding artistic career.