The Shocking Truth About Selling Your Art (Nobody Tells You This)
Here's a brutal fact: Most artists actually LOSE money trying to sell their art.
Yep, you read that right.
The Hard Truth No One Tells You
You've probably dreamed about your masterpiece hanging in a gallery or maybe raking in likes on Instagram. But galleries typically take a hefty 40%-60% commission from your sales. And all those Instagram likes? They might boost your ego, but they sure won’t pay your rent.
But don’t lose hope—successful artists have cracked a different code: multiple income streams.
The Code
Smart artists don't just sell originals. They create prints, offer commissions, teach online courses, sell digital products, and collaborate with brands.
This diverse approach builds profitable, lasting art careers.
How to Actually Make Money as an Artist:
Prints & Merch:
Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, Society6, and INPRNT are among the best places to sell your designs to fans anywhere in the world.
Digital Downloads:
Gumroad, Ko-Fi, and Creative Market let you monetize your creative resources instantly.
Commissions & Freelance Work:
Fiverr and Upwork connect you directly to people eager to pay for your skills.
Patreon:
Build a loyal community by offering exclusive content, tutorials, and personalised perks for monthly supporters, creating steady income.
Brand Collaborations:
1. Affiliate Marketing:
Share products you love. Earn a small percentage when someone buys through your link. Easy extra income.
2. Collaborate with Brands (like Craftamo 😉)
Partner directly with brands to create customised art products.
Craftamo offers exciting chances to design unique brush sets, paints, and art supplies. It’s all about building a passionate community around your art, growing your audience, and earning more doing what you love.
Aside from these, there's another critical step most artists overlook: pricing your art confidently.
Name Your Price
Ever thought, "If I price my art lower, more people will buy it"?
That's exactly why so many artists stay broke. The reality? People don't buy cheap art—they buy valuable art. If you undervalue your work, your customers will too.
So, what’s the winning formula for smarter selling?
Price confidently—your art has value, and your pricing should reflect that.
Use professional photos and compelling descriptions to showcase your work’s true worth.
Diversify your income sources—don’t depend solely on originals.
The bottom line?
Take control. Do not wait for someone to discover your art. Create opportunities instead, and build the art career you've always wanted.
Ready to transform from struggling artist to thriving creative entrepreneur?
The future of art sales starts when you take control.
If this inspired you to rethink your art-selling strategy, share this post and start changing your story today!