Five Ways That Artists Make Money On the Side
As a young artist, do you ever ask yourself how many sources of income do you have? If the answer is one, then you are not living up to your true artistic potential! There is lots of demand for art out there, although you may not believe it. Either you are not looking in the right places or you do not know the right people. It may be both. Either way, it is important to be introspective and take a look at how you are making your talents as lucrative as possible.
There are three basic questions that you should ask yourself each time a job offer comes up, among many others, but three are:
1. Is the pay worth the time invested?
2. Am I excited about the job?
3. If the pay is low, is this job still bringing me closer to achieving my career goals?
These questions mostly pertain to freelance artists taking on small jobs. They are constantly asking these questions to themselves over and over on a weekly basis and making decisions based on their past experience. It is a fast-paced and cutthroat sort of field to get into, but those that do seem to love it very much. It is essential to remember that even though this is a gig to make money on the side, it should be treated with the utmost priority as your main source of income/school as well. Each side gig should be seen as an opportunity to expand your network and build your reputation, with multiple people. Now, in having these questions as a form of context, consider the five ways that you can make money from your art, on the side:
1. Sell Prints
- This is perhaps the most obvious way to make money, and you were probably thinking about it previous to having read this. But there is great meaning behind it! Selling prints is a one-stop-shop to making some EASY money on the side. You already have all of your prints made up, so now the easiest thing that you have to do is simply make more prints to sell! Remember, sell high-quality prints because they are an extension of your brand as an artist.
2. Teach classes: online or traditional!
- What better way to show off your skillset than to teach? Teachers are always in demand, and students are out looking to learn. Online classes are most especially lucrative because you do not have to leave the comfort of your home. The same goes for the students. Both you and your students will be able to schedule out a plan that works for you in your free time, and you can be your own boss. There is not much risk involved in this side gig.
3. Conventions
From speaking to hosting your own table to sharing a workshop, conventions are the perfect place for artists to showcase their work, network, and engage with followers or potential employers! You should make sure that you are always on the lookout for your local conventions. I’m not talking about Comic-Con, but very small local art conventions. If you look, there are a lot more of them than you think exclamation
4. Commercial Art
If you are more of a freelancer who works for your own art, commercial art may be the perfect side solution for you. On the flip side, if you are a commercial artist who is working for a big-name studio, maybe taking a break with fine art is a good side gig. Whatever the case may be, try to explore the two worlds of art. Commercial art applies to things such as advertisements, entertainment, or media.
5. Find Individual Clients Through The Internet!
Make an account on a site like ShareCreators, where you as an artist, have the liberty to choose your projects with the employers of your choice. Where you can ensure that your pay will be held in escrow and paid to you on time. It’s the most perfect side gig!
As an artist, it is obvious that people are willing to exchange their money for your skillset. This is basic, elementary economics. The more of a skillset you have, the more likely you are to get hired, have more work and have more referrals. Your skillset is what you are selling, not your portfolio. Your portfolio is made to showcase your skillset, and without it, you are essentially not able to land a job, that is unless you know someone who can refer your work. You must remember that jobs don’t just poof out of nowhere, and to anyone. The greatest favor you can give yourself to ensure your job security is the improvement of your skillset. Is your specialty your strongest suit? But do you also have a broad range of talents? Always work on strengthening your portfolio.