Are you an artist trying to turn your passion into a career? There are so many exciting ways to get paid for a draw!
There has been a long-standing misconception that art is a hobby and not a viable career path. However, this could not be far from the truth.
Art is an integral part of life and industry. And with the right business plan, you can live a full-time life as an artist.
Today we are exploring 15 ways you can get paid to draw. From the fuss of the lucrative aspects to a full-time creative career, there are options for everyone.
So grab your pencil and get to it!
1. Logo + Brand Design
Is digital art yours?
Graphic designers can live a great life by working with companies to create digital art that contributes to strong branding.
This includes logo design, custom graphics, email marketing layouts, website design, and more.
We diversify custom branding packages designed to maximize brand awareness with aesthetically curated artwork and sell custom branding packages.
2. Tattoo artist
Talent drawers can move from page to skin and create wearable art tattoo designs!
The foundation of a great tattoo artist is initially a great artist. Success in this art form requires strong linework, proper knowledge of color theory, and a strong artistic perspective.
Please note that before starting a tattoo professionally, you will need to work as an apprentice for a year or two. This requires important time commitment in advance.
3. Custom Portrait
Drawing custom portraits is a great way to start a creative business from home.
Consumers are often looking for unique and meaningful gift ideas. Custom portraits of pets, couples, families and commemorative photos fit perfectly with the bill.
Custom Portraits are the top sellers on Etsy, so it’s a great place to get started.
4. Live wedding artist
Being a live wedding painter is one of my favorite creative business ideas.
It is a well-known fact that adding a “wedding” to any position means entering the premium market. In other words, your customers will pay good money for your skills.
As a live wedding painter, you attend weddings and draw “live” pictures of happy couples. It will put pressure on you, but there will also be payoffs!
5. Print-on-demand products
Offering a print-on-demand service is one of the easiest ways to get paid for a lottery.
To get started, create digital art through Adobe Illustrator or Pro Procreate. Next, choose your online platform to sell your custom graphics.
Platforms such as Redbubble handle most of the task of printing and shipping designs with T-shirts, coffee mugs, stickers and more.
6. Design greeting cards
Partnering with a greeting card company is an exciting way to get paid for a draw.
Many companies work with in-house artists, but you can find freelance opportunities through sites such as Upwork.
7. Illustrations for children’s books
If you have talent for color and endless creativity, it may be a good idea to describe a book for kids!
Because in-house artists are the most commonly used, we recommend looking for illustration institutions such as Bright Agency and Advocate Art (both UK-based).
For casual jobs, consider the freelance opportunities listed on the Remote Job Board.
8. Teach art classes
Share your love for art with new aspirations artists!
Whether you host online courses or pop-up classes in your community, you can get paid to teach your skills.
Think about your niche and how to translate it into an attractive art class. For example, comic making, portrait drawing, or watercolor painting.
9. Run the Etsy Shop
Etsy has become a leading player in the art world, offering an easy way to sell your work, from printed graphics to wood burning coasters.
Additionally, your profile essentially functions as an artist’s website, introducing your art directly with the option to purchase.
Etsy is also perfect for people who prefer to manufacture and sell from home rather than do the craft fair circuit.
10. Start the art channel
Creating an art channel via YouTube or Tiktok is a fun way to share your artistic processes while monetizing.
You can generate income through the Platform Partner Program, sell affiliate links, sell art through Tiktok shops, and sell paid sponsorships with like-minded brands.
11. Fan Art Committee
Beyond portrait work, fan art is another big market for custom art committees. Create original artwork for your beloved characters and receive fan requests at higher price points.
Please note that many characters are protected by copyright and trademark. Letters, logos, and even color schemes can be copyrighted.
Do not sell accurate copies. Instead, it inspires rendering rather than accurate, selecting characters from open domains whenever possible.
You can also focus on the artwork and character work on the theme. For example, you could also transport the commissioner to the artwork.
If this appeals to you, read this guide from ScoredEtect on copyright clearance for fan-made works.
12. Mural
Expand your canvas through the Mural Committee!
If you tend to think about the “big picture,” consider mural work. Small businesses, galleries, apartments and city councils often hire mural artists to glorify their space.
13. I’ll publish the comic
Comic enthusiasts who prefer to draw online can gain a loyal fan base through the comics platform.
You can monetize your comics through Webtoon or Patreon. Readers pay as exclusive content or simply as a sign of support.
14. Sell at Craft Fair
If you’re an extrovert, consider taking drawing expertise on the road and taking part in a local craft fair.
Marketplaces are a cool way to draw, connect with the community and get paid to get your job done.
From art prints to on-demand portraits, you can sell all kinds of crafts. This is also a good way to bring new customers to online presence.
15. Stock art for sale
Selling stock art is a great way to win extra cash as a manageable aspect of the stolen. It can also turn into a passive income stream over time (score!).
Design Bundles, Creative Markets, and Enbat are the perfect places to get started.
These platforms are generally exclusive, but you can also try popular sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
Earn rewards for draws: how to get started
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to turn your creative ideas into a lucrative business plan.
Create a business model
First, decide on your business model. Hopefully the above ideas have given you the idea of where you will most thrive.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is my creative niche?
- How will potential buyers find me?
- Where do you sell your work?
- How can a potential client reach me?
- How do you pay?
Build a portfolio
Build your best online portfolio of jobs. Think of it as a mix of resumes and digital art gallery. This work speaks for itself.
The format of this portfolio varies depending on your business model. Etsy sellers need far less than Etsy shops to display their work. If you’re selling at a craft fair, a business Instagram account might be enough.
However, if you are working with other companies, we recommend creating a business website.
Canva is one of the best places to create a simple portfolio. Get a free account and take advantage of user-friendly editing tools.
When scaling your business, consider registering your own domain from sites like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and more.
I’ll sell your work
Your online presence is a great way to showcase your artwork.
Cross-post your work with social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok. Your art visuals are your best marketing material.
Beyond social media platforms, share your work through online markets, local craft fairs, or online blogs.
Expand your business
Established artists should consider expanding their business to reach new audiences and clients.
This looks different to everyone. It means moving your Etsy business to your own online store or turning your freelance business into an agency.
Look at the areas of expansion, both in the short and long term.
Get paid for lottery: Find a job
Finding a job as an artist can be intimidating when you don’t know where to look. Luckily, the creative market is actually full of opportunities.
Here are some options:
- Upwork – Freelance Job Board
- Fiverr – A low-rate remote freelance marketplace, but perfect for building portfolio and gaining referrals
- Search Art – Online art gallery from artists around the world
- Gelato – Print-on-Demand Service
- Etsy – Online Craft Marketplace where you can sell original works
- Tiktok Shop – Perfect for showcasing your art and bringing users to your portfolio
- Art Station – Digital Art Showcase Platform
- Deviant Art – A big online art gallery to showcase your best work
- Fine Art America – Curated Art for Buying from Independent Artists
- Society6 – Print-on-demand for wall art, apparel, household items, and more
Get rewards for a draw: Final thoughts
Creatives deserve to compensate for their expertise.
We hope these ideas will help you turn your painting skills into a thriving career. So, have this as your sign for pursuing your art (and get rewarded for it!).
Need more ideas? Here is a list of ideas to get paid for colours!
