How To Make Money From Artwork

I’ve been a working artist for over a decade, and one of the questions I get asked most often is: how do you actually make money from artwork? It’s a fair question. Most of us didn’t go to art school to become accountants. But the truth is, if you want to support yourself as an artist—whether full-time or on the side—you have to think like a business owner, even just a little.

When I first started, I thought making money from my art meant selling a painting here and there. But over the years, I’ve learned that’s just one slice of a much bigger pie. There are dozens of ways to generate income from your creative work, and the good news is, many of them are more accessible than ever.

This guide is all about how to make money from artwork in a way that’s grounded, practical, and personal. I’ll share strategies I’ve used myself, plus some that other working artists I know rely on. The trick isn’t doing everything, but finding the overlap between what you enjoy making and what people are willing to pay for.

Key Points

• Don’t rely on just one income stream—diversify how you sell and share your art.
• Learn the business side: pricing, licensing, shipping, and marketing all matter.
• The center of your art business is your website.

How to make money from artwork: income streams that actually work

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but here are the paths I’ve seen work again and again. Most artists I know combine several of these to create a more stable income.

Sell originals and prints online

This is the first thing most artists try. And yes, it can work—but it usually takes more than just uploading your art and hoping people find it.

Set up your own website with a shop (here are examples of artist websites if you need inspiration). A professional site builds trust, even if it’s simple. Include your bio, artist statement, and available work.

Use SEO to help people find your work organically. I wrote a whole post on SEO for artist websites that breaks it down. SEO takes time, but it can bring in steady traffic over the long haul.

If you want a lower-effort option, try platforms like ArtPal. I did a full ArtPal review to help you weigh the pros and cons.

You can also make and sell fine art prints at home—here’s my full series on how to print your own art at home. For added value, include a certificate of authenticity and emboss your prints if possible.

Tip: Bundle smaller items like stickers or postcards with your larger prints to increase average order value.

License your artwork

Art licensing is when companies pay to use your work on products, packaging, or ads. It can be a great way to earn passive income once you understand the process.

I built a whole art licensing hub on my site with guides on how to license artwork, art licensing royalty rates, and portfolio tips. You can also browse art licensing companies to get a sense of where to pitch your work.

If you’re just starting, focus on building a clear and consistent portfolio that matches commercial use. Learn what types of artwork do well on products. Think patterns, animals, seasonal art, and uplifting designs.

You can also look into art licensing trade shows if you're interested in networking and getting your work in front of companies in person.

Freelance illustration and commissions

This is how I got started professionally. Early on, I was doing storyboards in the animation industry, which taught me a ton about visual storytelling and working with fast-paced production teams. From there, I branched into editorial illustration, product packaging, portraits, and personal commissions. The key is clarity: your pricing, your contract, and your communication.

I recommend checking out my freelance illustration pricing guide and using a solid illustration contract to protect both you and your client.

Start by offering one clear commission option. Once you’ve done a few, you’ll get a sense of what clients want—and what you enjoy doing most. Over time, you can raise your rates and refine your offerings.

If you’re interested in client work, the illustration business section of my site is a good place to start.

Apply for art grants

I didn’t even know art grants were a thing until a few years in. But they’ve helped me take on bigger creative projects and buy equipment I couldn’t afford upfront.

Grants aren’t just for established artists. Many support emerging and mid-career artists, especially if you have a compelling idea or body of work.

Here’s a list of art grants I put together to get you started. Take time with your application—your proposal, artist statement, and CV all matter.

Create a cohesive artist identity

This doesn’t make you money directly, but it absolutely helps you build trust with collectors, galleries, and clients.

It’s worth spending time refining your materials:

• Artist bio examples: A short, clear summary of who you are, what you do, and what themes you explore in your work. You can use this on your website, grant applications, and press kits.
• Artist statements: This dives deeper into your philosophy, process, and intentions behind your work. It helps people connect with the ‘why' behind your art.
• Artist proposals: These are essential when pitching exhibitions, collaborations, or public art projects. They explain what you’re planning and why it matters.
• Artist profiles: These are more narrative and story-driven, often used in magazines or on gallery sites. Think of it as a mini-article about you and your work.
• Artist resumes: Your CV for the art world—exhibitions, residencies, awards, education, and relevant experience.
• Artist business cards: Still useful at shows and in-person events. Make sure they reflect your aesthetic and include a link to your portfolio.
• Artist signatures: How you sign your work matters. A consistent, recognizable signature can help with branding and authentication.
• Artist manifestos: A bold statement of your beliefs and goals as an artist. Great for personal clarity and for connecting with collectors who resonate with your mission.

These elements work together to form your public identity. When someone sees your work or your name, you want them to know what you’re about right away.

Tip: Keep a Google Doc with all your artist materials so you can easily tweak and copy/paste them as needed.

Sell high-end or large-scale work

If you make fine art or larger gallery-ready pieces, there’s a whole market for higher-end work. The trick is understanding how to price, present, and ship them—and knowing that you’ll almost always have to partner with a gallery for this. Galleries already have relationships with collectors and know how to market high-value art. While they do take a commission (usually 40-50%), they handle a lot of the legwork that most artists don’t want to take on alone.

My guide on how to sell expensive art breaks down how I’ve approached it. I also wrote about how much it costs to ship a painting because that catches a lot of people off guard.

Tip: Document your process with behind-the-scenes videos or photos. Buyers of high-end art often want to connect with the story and effort behind the piece. That emotional connection can be what tips someone from interested to ready to purchase.

Build a business around your art

If you want to go all-in, treat your art like a business. That means planning ahead and being intentional with how you spend your time and money.

I created a business plan template for artists and wrote a guide on starting an art business from home to walk you through it. You don’t need to be a spreadsheet wizard—but having a simple plan can help you stay focused.

Track your income and expenses, build an email list, and show up consistently. A few hours a week of focused admin work can make a huge difference over time.

You can also explore my full art business section for more in-depth tips.