Beginner artists often struggle with monetizing their art. Despite being extremely talented, they find it hard to attract buyers and make money from their creative work.
There are several ways beginner artists can monetize their artwork. Some of these are: selling merchandise, participating in art fairs and exhibitions, and offering commissioned artwork.
1. Sell your artwork online
Selling your artwork online is an easy way to make money and reach a large audience. Beginner artists can start by using a site like Etsy or FineArtAmerica to sell their work. Many of these platforms provide tutorials on how to set up an account and get started. They also have ecommerce tools that can help make sales, such as an upsell feature and email marketing tools.
In addition to ecommerce platforms, beginner artists can also use social media to connect with potential customers. Instagram is an especially great tool for this, as it allows artists to post high-quality photos of their work and describe it in detail. Moreover, beginners can create subscription forms on their websites and offer free content such as newsletters or tutorials to build an email list. They can then send emails on their latest art pieces, discounts, and more to drive sales.
Another option for beginner artists is to create and sell merchandise, such as T-shirts and tote bags, that feature their work. This can be a lucrative income stream as it offers a low barrier to entry and can help beginners hone their marketing skills. Additionally, beginner artists can also offer commissioned artwork to earn extra income. This involves creating a piece of art based on a customer’s specifications, such as a portrait or illustration.
2. Participate in art fairs and exhibitions
One of the best ways to make money as a beginner artist is by participating in art fairs and exhibitions. These events attract a large audience of art enthusiasts and collectors, providing you with the opportunity to make sales. However, it’s important to research and find events that align with your artistic style and medium.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to offer merchandise such as T-shirts, tote bags, and phone cases featuring your artwork. This is a great way to monetize your work and also helps spread the word about your brand.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to connect with other artists at the fair and build a community. This can help you gain new customers and also potentially collaborate on future projects.
Many people are nervous about exhibiting at art fairs for the first time, but it’s an excellent way to get exposure and make sales. It’s also important to be prepared for the fair, including creating a business plan and budget.
Mitow also recommends having a notebook or mobile device to take down names and email addresses from potential buyers. This is crucial to follow up in a timely fashion, which will increase your chances of making a sale. Lastly, it’s a good idea to have someone else watch your booth if you need to step away for a bit.
3. Create and sell merchandise
One of the best ways to make money as a beginner artist is by creating and selling merchandise. This can be anything from t-shirts to cups to bags and more. The key is to create merchandise that appeals to your audience and that you’re able to produce at a reasonable price.
You can use sites like Printful and Spreadshop to help you create and sell your merch. These platforms handle everything for you, including printing and shipping. This way, you can focus on the creative process and promotion of your work.
Another option for merch is to sell digital art products. This can include things like custom brushes, textures and more. These can be sold on sites like Gumroad. This is a great way to make some extra money as a beginner artist, especially if you have a large following online.
When it comes to creating and selling merch, the most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what you’re good at. Most successful artists have one core artistic interest that they’re known for, and they spend their time focusing on this. It’s not a bad idea to dabble in other styles, but you should be focused on your main passion if you want to earn a living from your artwork. If you’re not, you’ll end up spending all of your energy on something that doesn’t make you any money.
4. Offer commissioned artwork
Taking commissioned artworks is another great way to earn money as a beginner artist. However, it is important to know your limits and not take commissions that you aren’t ready for. For example, if you’re a beginner hand letterer, it would be a waste of time to create an illustration or graphic design just for the sake of making money. This will not only put your reputation at risk but also devalues your art. Instead, consider working on projects that align with your skill sets and are of interest to you.
Another great option is to offer commissioned artworks to businesses and organizations that are looking to add a touch of personality to their spaces. For example, a restaurant could commission you to create an original painting of their menu items. This can be a great way to earn money while still creating work you enjoy.
To find clients, you can use online marketing tools such as social media and email to connect with potential buyers. You can also try using a freelance website like Upwork to find short-term gigs and longer-term contracts. However, these sites can be competitive with other artists, so it’s important to market yourself well and provide a quality service.