How to Make Money Online as an Artist: The Ultimate Guide

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Being an artist is a superpower. In a world full of sameness, your creativity is the X-factor that can transform ordinary spaces, ideas, and lives into something extraordinary.

Even in saturated markets, artists possess an uncanny ability to stand out—your unique vision and style are what the world craves. From digital art to physical creations, there’s an abundance of ways to make extra cash online as an artist.

Whether you’re a seasoned painter, a digital designer, or a doodler looking to make your mark, this guide will show you how to turn your artistic passion into a profitable online venture.

Let’s dive into the fun, exciting, and profitable world of selling art online!

1. Selling Print-on-Demand (POD) Wall Art for Decoration

2. Teach Your Unique Skills

3. Develop Art Apps or Tools

4. Offer Exclusive Digital Artwork

1. Selling Print-on-Demand (POD) Wall Art for Decoration

Imagine your art adorning living rooms, offices, or cozy coffee nooks worldwide. Selling POD wall art is one of the easiest and most effective ways to monetize your creativity without worrying about stock or inventory. Here’s how to make it happen:

Step 1: Create or Digitize Your Art

If you’re working traditionally, take high-quality scans or photos of your artwork. For digital artists, aim to create high-resolution files (300 DPI minimum) or use scalable vector formats like SVG for versatility and crisp results.

Step 2: Choose a POD Platform

Platforms like Printify, Gelato, and Printful allow you to upload your designs and print them on various products, including canvas prints, posters, and framed wall art. They handle production, shipping, and customer service while you focus on your art.

Step 3: Promote Your Designs

Your designs won’t sell themselves, and that’s where Pinterest comes in. Did you know Pinterest boasts over 450 million monthly active users, many of whom are actively searching for products to buy? Pinterest users are 2.3x more likely to make a purchase compared to users on other platforms.

Here’s a hack: You can create stunning Pins to showcase your artwork using tools like Canva (free version) and Coolors (free version) to generate unique color palettes effortlessly.

But, if you want to save time and effort, you can use pre-made and editable Pin templates. These templates are widely available on marketplaces like Etsy, Payhip, and Creative Market.

Templates are affordable (no worries about your budget), easy to customize, and proven to attract clicks and impressions. If you're struggling to find suitable Pins for wall art, you can try the "15 Pinterest Templates for Wall Art" bundle, which includes a Free SEO Guide for Artists to help you optimize your Pins for maximum visibility.

Use the coupon code "WALLARTPINS" to get a 50% discount—available only for the first 10 buyers of these Pin templates!

And don’t just Pin once! Consistently share your designs to build a loyal audience over time.

2. Teach Your Unique Skills

Art isn’t just about creating; it’s also about sharing knowledge. The demand for art-related skills is at an all-time high, and teaching is a fantastic way to make money while helping others discover their creativity.

What to Teach:

✔ Graphic Design: Teach budding designers how to use tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva.

✔ Traditional Art Techniques: Offer classes on watercolor, sketching, or oil painting.

✔ Niche Skills: Focus on high-demand areas like character design, hand lettering, or digital painting.

Where to Teach?

✔ Online Course Platforms: Websites like Skillshare, Udemy, or Teachable let you create video courses and earn passive income.

✔ Ebooks: Write a comprehensive guide on your specialty and sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Payhip, Gumroad, or your own website!

Creating a website is actually one of the best options, and it's easier than you think! If you want to start, consider an affordable and beginner-friendly option like Hostinger. It’s perfect for blogging, offering beginner-friendly tools like one-click WordPress installation, free domain options, and reliable performance.

With Hostinger, you can easily create a blog to share valuable content, attract readers, and drive traffic to your ebook or course.

Pro Tip: On your website, offer value-packed freebies like a mini-course or downloadable resources to grow your email list. Once you’ve built a loyal audience, they’ll be eager to invest in your premium offerings. Why? Because it’s human nature to feel more inclined to repay someone who has provided free resources before!

3. Develop Art Apps or Tools

If you have a knack for technology, why not merge your love for art with tech? Developing simple apps, brushes, or texture packs can be a lucrative avenue.

You can sell for example:

✔ Custom Brushes & Textures: Sell brushes for Procreate or Photoshop tailored to specific styles like watercolor, inking, or charcoal.

✔ Mobile Apps: Create drawing apps, color palette generators, or art tutorials.

✔ Art Templates: Offer editable templates for social media, posters, or print designs.

Where to Sell?

✔ Gumroad

✔ Creative Market

✔ Etsy

Pro Tip: Partner with other artists or developers to expand your reach and speed up the creation process.

4. Offer Exclusive Digital Artwork

The digital art market is thriving. Collectors and enthusiasts are always looking for exclusive, high-quality digital pieces to use as wallpapers, NFT art, or even digital posters.

Where to Sell:

✔ Metal Posters: Platforms like Displate let you sell art on durable metal prints, giving your work a premium, eco-friendly edge.

✔ Digital Marketplaces: Etsy, Gumroad, and ArtStation are excellent for selling downloadable prints, wallpapers, and other digital assets.

How to Stand Out:

→ Offer limited editions to create exclusivity and urgency.

→ Collaborate with influencers or bloggers who align with your aesthetic.

→ Use Pinterest (again!) to drive traffic to your store. Build an audience by sharing mood boards, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content.

Your Art, Your Rules

The internet is a vast playground for artists, and the possibilities to make money online are endless. From selling physical and digital art to teaching, developing tools, and creating exclusive content, there’s no shortage of opportunities to monetize your creativity.

But before you go, let’s recap some tools and tips to jumpstart your journey:

✦ Create Your Website: Use platforms like Hostinger for a fast and reliable setup.

✦ Design with Ease: Need a quick color palette? Check out Coolors. Want to save time with stunning pre-made Pinterest templates? Grab this 15-template bundle complete with a Free SEO Guide for Artists.

✦ Promote Your Art: Don’t forget to utilize Pinterest’s massive reach to drive traffic to your art shop!

Remember, it’s not just about creating; it’s about sharing your art with the world in ways that resonate with your audience.

Now it’s your turn! Pick a strategy (or two) that excites you the most and start today. Whether you’re pinning your designs, teaching eager learners, or crafting the next big art app, the world is waiting for your unique touch.