In today’s art industry, painters are exploring creative ways to share their work and make a living. Austin Kleon, author of “Steal Like an Artist,” says sharing your process and engaging with your audience can open unexpected doors. In this article we share sites like bigcashweb.com , freelancer.com and indeed.com that can help grow income. Diversifying income streams is crucial for both growth and stability. Here are five smart strategies painters can use to boost and diversify their income.
Average Income for Painters
The average annual salary for professional painters is $37,960, while the national average salary for painters is $45,590. Painting business owners can earn around $76,000 a year on average, with top states like Alaska, New York, and Hawaii having higher average salaries.
Offer Teaching and Workshops
Sharing your art skills with others can be rewarding and profitable. As Austin Kleon suggests, teaching others can invigorate your own creativity and open up new perspectives.
Actionable Steps
- Host Local Art Classes or Workshops: Find community centers, art schools, and studios where you can teach. Create lessons that cater to beginners and advanced students. Promote your classes through local art groups, social media, and community bulletins.
- Create Online Courses: Use platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, Teachable, or YouTube. Ensure your online courses have clear instructions and quality videos. Add interactive elements like quizzes or live sessions to engage students.
Marketing Your Classes
Use Instagram and Facebook to showcase your teaching and students’ artwork. Build an email list to send updates about new classes or special offers. Partner with local art stores or galleries to promote your classes. Share testimonials from happy students to build trust.
Next Consideration: How can you market your classes to reach more students?
Accept Commissions and Custom Work
Creating custom art to fit someone’s needs can open new doors.
Actionable Steps
Advertise Commission Services: Showcase your custom art services on your website and social media. Build a portfolio that highlights your ability to handle special requests on platforms like Behance or DeviantArt.
Best Practices for Contracts and Agreements
Clear Communication: Outline all details, prices, and expectations in writing.
Deposits: Require a deposit before starting the work.
Rights: Specify who owns the artwork and how it can be used.
Use Templates: Find sample contracts online; Rocket Lawyer has a range of contract templates.
Next Consideration: How to protect your work and ensure a smooth process with clients.
License Your Artwork
Let companies use your art on their products and earn royalties. The average royalty rate for art licensing is six to seven percent, though it can range from two to three percent for mass-market products and up to 12 percent in specialty stores.
Actionable Steps
- Research Brands: Look for companies that fit your art style. Prepare a professional portfolio of your best work using platforms like Behance or DeviantArt. Austin Kleon reminds us that sharing your work openly can attract opportunities you didn’t anticipate.
- Approach Companies: Consider partners like Matt Gabler Art Licensing.
For artists looking to explore new channels, Arts Impact Explorer can provide insights into industries and businesses that actively incorporate art into their products and services.
Next Consideration: How to find the right partners and maximize your earnings.
Sell Art-Related Products
Expand your offerings beyond original paintings.
Actionable Steps
- Produce Prints and Reproductions: Use quality printers like Epson or Canon to turn your artwork into prints. Offer different sizes and framing options with services like Framebridge or AllPosters.
- Create Merchandise: Use print-on-demand services like Society6 or Redbubble. Design items like mugs, t-shirts, and phone cases featuring your art.
Next Consideration: How to stand out in a crowded online marketplace.
Utilize Crowdfunding and Membership Platforms
Engage your audience for ongoing support.
Actionable Steps
- Start a Patreon Page: Offer exclusive content or early access to new work on platforms like Patreon. Set up different membership levels with unique perks.
- Launch a Kickstarter Campaign: Define a clear project goal. Create engaging content, like videos, to draw in supporters on channels like YouTube.
For artists seeking financial support to fuel their creative ventures, whether it’s producing art-related products or funding workshops, the resources available at Grants.gov can be incredibly valuable.
By exploring these strategies, painters can discover new ways to earn money and reach more people. Diversifying income brings financial benefits and opens up exciting opportunities within the art community.
Additional Resources
- Tips for Marketing Your Art Classes: Use social media to showcase student work; offer free mini-classes to attract new students on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy.
Guide to Choosing the Right Online Marketplace: Compare fees, audience, and features of platforms like Etsy, Society6, or Redbubble.