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Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve got talent. Maybe it’s sketching, painting, sculpting, or creating digital masterpieces that blow everyone’s minds. But unless you’re already raking in that Van Gogh-level cash (minus the ear-cutting drama), you’re probably thinking, “How do I turn this into some actual money without losing my sanity?”
The answer? Side hustles, guys. And not just any side hustles—these are tailor-made for artists like you who are tired of people asking for “free exposure.”
Let’s face it, we all want a little extra dough in our pockets. Whether it’s for art supplies, rent, or a bottomless brunch that doesn’t involve split checks, this list has got you covered. So, buckle up and get ready to channel your inner creative genius into something that pays.
1. Sell Art Courses on Udemy
You’re already an art wizard, so why not teach other people how to be (almost) as good as you? Udemy is like a buffet of online courses where you get to be the star chef. People from all over the world sign up to learn exactly what you’ve already mastered.
Here’s how it works:
- First, pick a topic you know inside-out. Watercolor techniques? How to draw realistic portraits? The fine art of not crying when your sketch doesn’t go as planned? Whatever it is, someone wants to learn it.
- Use Udemy’s marketplace insights tool to figure out what’s trending. Spoiler alert: nobody’s paying for a course on “How to Draw Stick Figures”.
Next, outline your course. Make it tight, engaging, and—this is important—not boring. People have short attention spans. If your course feels like a snoozefest, they’ll bounce faster than a bad check. Record your lessons with decent equipment. You don’t need Hollywood-level cameras, but maybe don’t shoot it on a potato.
Once it’s live, you’ll start earning money every time someone enrolls. And here’s the best part: this is passive income. You do the work once, and the money keeps rolling in. Plus, if you’re really good, you’ll get reviews like, “This course changed my life!” which feels just as good as cash.
2. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube isn’t just for cat videos and people trying (and failing) to do backflips. It’s a goldmine for creatives like you. Whether you’re teaching, entertaining, or just vibing in front of the camera, YouTube can help you connect with an audience—and make some serious cheddar.
Step one: create a channel. Pick a catchy name that screams, “I’m an artist, and I know what I’m doing.” Personalize your profile with a cool banner and description. People love a good origin story, so throw in something like, “I started painting when I was five with finger paints, and now I’m here.”
Step two: gear up. You don’t need a million-dollar setup, but invest in some basics. A decent camera, good lighting, and maybe a tripod (no shaky hands allowed). And please, for the love of all things creative, don’t skimp on sound quality. People will forgive bad video, but bad audio? That’s a deal-breaker.
What kind of content should you make? That’s up to you. Tutorials are always a hit, like “How to Paint a Sunset That Doesn’t Look Like a Child Did It.” Or go behind the scenes—people love seeing how the magic happens. Studio vlogs, Q&As, and “watch me struggle with this painting for three hours” videos are all great options.
Once you’ve built a following, you can monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. Bonus: brands might start sending you free art supplies just for mentioning them. Imagine getting paid to unbox paints—it’s the dream.
3. Start a Blog
Blogging sounds old-school, but trust me, it’s still a legit way to make money and build your brand. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you have a lot to say and need more than a TikTok video to say it.
Start by picking a blogging platform. WordPress is the Beyoncé of blogging—it’s reliable, powerful, and everyone loves it. Pair it with a web host like Bluehost, and you’re good to go. Pick a domain name that’s catchy and easy to spell (no one’s typing “artisticgenius187x.com”).
What should you blog about? Anything art-related. Share tips, tutorials, or stories about your creative process. Got a funny story about the time you accidentally spilled coffee on a finished painting? Write about it. People eat that stuff up.
Here’s where the money comes in:
- Ads: Use something like Google AdSense to slap ads on your blog. Every click is cash in your pocket.
- Sponsored posts: Brands will pay you to talk about their products. (“This post is sponsored by Fancy Paints. They’re so good, they almost made me cry.”)
- Affiliate marketing: Recommend art supplies you love, and earn a commission every time someone buys through your link.
Sure, it takes time to grow a blog, but once you’ve built an audience, the opportunities are endless. Plus, it’s a great way to flex those writing muscles. Who knows? You might even land a book deal.
4. Sell Physical or Digital Products
Let’s be real: nothing feels better than someone buying your art. Whether it’s a painting, a print, or even a cute sticker, selling physical products is a great way to turn your passion into profit.
Platforms like Etsy and Shopify make it easy to set up an online store. Just upload some killer photos of your work (good lighting is key—nobody’s buying art that looks like it was shot in a dungeon), write a snazzy description, and you’re in business.
Not into shipping stuff? No problem. Digital products are where it’s at. Create printables, templates, or digital downloads, and sell them on platforms like Payhip or Gumroad. Once the file is uploaded, it’s hands-off. People buy, and you get paid—no packing tape required.
Pro tip: Price your work fairly. Don’t undersell yourself just because you’re new. Your time, talent, and creativity are worth it. And remember, the more you sell, the more your name gets out there. Before you know it, people will be saying, “Oh, I love your work!”
5. Start a Patreon
Patreon is like having a fan club, but instead of cheesy T-shirts, people pay you for exclusive content. It’s perfect for artists who already have a bit of a following and want to offer something extra to their biggest fans.
Set up a Patreon page and create membership tiers. For a few bucks a month, you can give your supporters perks like early access to your work, behind-the-scenes updates, or even custom shoutouts. Got a higher-tier membership? Offer exclusive tutorials or one-on-one sessions.
The key here is making your patrons feel special. They’re not just buying stuff—they’re supporting you. Show them some love, and they’ll stick around.
And don’t feel locked into Patreon. There are other platforms out there, so shop around and find one that fits your style.
The Bottom Line
Look, being an artist isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Some days, it feels like the world doesn’t get what you’re trying to do. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a living doing what you love.
These side hustles are just the beginning. Whether you’re teaching, blogging, selling, or vlogging, the possibilities are endless. The trick is to start. Take one of these ideas and run with it. You never know—it might just be the thing that takes you from starving artist to thriving artist.
So, grab your sketchbook, your laptop, or your camera, and get to work. You’ve got this. Now go out there and hustle like your rent depends on it.
