Top 10 Ways to Make Money as an Artist Online

This is a time when the internet is the best friend of the artist, at least if you are not relying on gallery exhibits or rich patrons to be successful. There are dozens of ways for artists to convert creativity into a steady stream of income via the internet these days. Whether you use traditional painting, digital illustration or odd animations, there are tangible ways online to earn money as an artist.

So here are 10 ideas to sell your art, gain audience and do what you love at home, for a living!

1. Sell Digital Art Online

Digital art is booming. Artists can upload digital files and sell them via Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market and more, from wall prints to coloring pages, to graphic designs. This is as easy as passive income gets, create once, earn over time.

Tip: You could bundle them up and extend them to other niches (like seasonal prints) → they sell all year round.

Read More About: 10 Ways to Make Money Online as an Artist.

2. Open up a Print-on-Demand outlet

With print-on-demand, you can feature your designs on everything from t-shirts and mugs to pillows. Utilize Print on Demand services like Printful, Redbubble or TeePublic, who take care of the printing, shipping and even customer service. You upload your art, they take care of everything else.

Why it works: You never touch inventory and ship things yourself. Your only job is to create.

3. Offer Art Commissions

The custom work is still worth heaps. Commissions, whether it be a pet portrait, character design, or a wedding, will pay you in full upfront for your personal touch on their art. Advertise your commission services on social media like Instagram, Twitter, or even Fiverr and DeviantArt.

Tip: Maintain professionalism and trust by laying out expectations, timelines, and pricing.

4. Conduct Online Courses To Teach Artistic Skills

If you are good at any artistic process, someone somewhere desires to learn it. Host art classes; you can create art courses for Skillshare, Udemy, or even through your own website. Everything from how to draw for beginners, to digital painting tutorials.

Bonus: One and done you have passive income with courses.

5. Follow on social networks

If social media truly is the new radio, platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube represent crucial tools in the artist toolkit. Process videos, behind-the-scenes stuff, finished artwork to keep people watching. You can start making money by entering into brand deals, using affiliate links, or even accepting donations.

Tip to engage: Keep it real & keep it consistent. Connection with the creator of the work is something people equally like.

Read More About: 15 Ways to Make Money Online as an Artist 2025.

6. Start a Patreon Page

Monthly subscriptions that allow your fans to support you directly are possible on Patreon. Provide behind-the-scenes material such as time-lapse videos, tutorials for either art medium, or advance copies of art or projects. It provides an easier to prepare for income stream and establishes a faithful community.

7. Sell Art NFTs (Digital Collectables)

NFTs provide a way for digital artists to sell unique pieces of art (along with ownership rights) on the blockchain. Go to OpenSea or Rarible and mint your work and list it for sale. Although it is still a new frontier, many artists are reportedly making a lot of money from NFTs.

Note: A common piece of advice would be to do your research about NFTs before making a plunge.

8. Freelance on Design Platforms

Apply for freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs, etc. Here you can find clients who need custom art, logos, illustrations, and anything else you can think of. This is a successful way to get your portfolio and grow a long-term relationship with a client.

9. License Your Art

You keep your ownership while allowing companies to make your art available in their products. The easiest way to get started is to reach out to brands or put your art on brands licensing platforms. Every time your art is utilized, you will earn royalties.

Read More About: 7 Genius Ways to Make Money Online That Actually Work.

10. Sale of stock art and illustrations

However, sites such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock or VectorStock pay royalties to artists whose content they download. Make popular illustrations such as icons, masks and backgrounds and they can earn you money on an ongoing basis.

✅ Conclusion

There is no such thing as the perfect online money-making method for an artist. The trick is simply to merge some of these techniques and figure out what fits your style and lifestyle the best. Armed with consistency, creativity and a little bit of strategy, you can make your art a steady stream of income, while having a ton of fun in the process.