5 Creative Ways to Make Money as an Artist in Your Spare Time

As an artist, you have a unique set of skills and talents that can be turned into a source of income. While it's not always easy to make a living as an artist, there are ways you can use your skills to supplement your income and make some extra cash in your spare time. Here are a few ideas for making money as an artist on the side: 

1. Sell your artwork online: If you have a portfolio of finished pieces, consider setting up an online store or selling your artwork on platforms like Etsy or Society6. You can also reach out to local galleries or stores to see if they're interested in showcasing and selling your work. 

2. Offer custom commissions: Many people are willing to pay for custom artwork, whether it's a portrait of a loved one or a one-of-a-kind piece for their home. Consider offering custom commissions as a way to make money on the side. 

3. Teach art classes or workshops: If you have a lot of knowledge and experience in a particular art form, consider teaching others. You can offer classes or workshops through local community centers, schools, or even online. 

4. Freelance as a graphic designer: If you have experience with graphic design, consider offering your services as a freelancer. You can find freelance work through websites like Upwork or Fiverr, or reach out to local businesses and organizations directly. 

5. Sell digital products: If you create digital art or design elements, consider selling them as digital products. You can sell these products through platforms like Creative Market or set up your own online store. 

Making money as an artist can be challenging, but with a little creativity and hard work, it is possible to turn your passion into a source of income. By offering custom commissions, teaching art classes, or selling your artwork online, you can make money on the side and do what you love. 

4 Reasons Why Investing in Original Art is a Smart Decision

Investing in original art can be a rewarding and enriching experience, both personally and financially. While some people may be hesitant to invest in original art due to the cost or perceived lack of practicality, there are many benefits to be gained from investing in original pieces. 

1.  First and foremost, original art is a unique and one-of-a-kind investment. Unlike stocks or real estate, you won't find two identical pieces of original art. This means that not only are you investing in something that is special and personal to you, but you are also investing in something that is truly rare and valuable. 

2.  Original art also has the potential to appreciate in value over time. While there are no guarantees when it comes to the art market, many original pieces have increased in value significantly over the years. This means that your investment has the potential to grow and be worth more in the future. 

3.  In addition to the financial benefits, investing in original art also has personal and cultural value. Original art can bring beauty and meaning to your home or office, and can also be a way to support emerging or established artists and their work. By investing in original art, you are supporting the arts and helping to preserve cultural heritage. 

4.  Investing in original art can also be a way to diversify your investment portfolio. While it is always important to diversify your investments, adding original art to your portfolio can provide an additional layer of diversity and potentially reduce risk. 

 Overall, investing in original art can be a rewarding and enriching experience that offers both personal and financial benefits. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply looking to diversify your investment portfolio, original art is a unique and valuable investment worth considering. 

Tips for Success as a Working Artist: From Honing Your Skills to Building a Strong Portfolio

Being a working artist can be a challenging and rewarding career path. It requires a great deal of dedication, hard work, and creativity, but it can also bring great personal and financial fulfillment. 

One of the most important aspects of being a successful artist is to constantly hone your skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends. This can involve taking classes, attending workshops, and seeking out mentors or other opportunities for professional development. It's also important to be open to trying new techniques and approaches, as this can help you grow as an artist and find new ways to express yourself. 

Another key to success as a working artist is to build and maintain a strong portfolio. This can include creating a professional website or online portfolio to showcase your work, as well as networking and building relationships with galleries, collectors, and other industry professionals. It's also important to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to exhibit your work, whether through galleries, art fairs, or other events. 

Marketing and branding are also essential for artists looking to make a living from their work. This can involve creating a strong online presence, using social media to promote your work and engage with your audience, and finding ways to differentiate yourself from other artists in your field. 

Despite the challenges, being a working artist can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to make a living doing something you love, and the opportunity to create and share your art with the world can be deeply fulfilling. It's also a career that allows for a great deal of flexibility and freedom, as you can often set your own schedule and work from anywhere. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a working artist is the opportunity to connect with others through your art. Whether it's through exhibitions, commissions, or other projects, the opportunity to share your vision and connect with others through your work can be deeply meaningful. 

If you're considering a career as a working artist, it's important to remember that it's not an easy path and there will be ups and downs. However, with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly learn and improve, it's possible to build a successful and fulfilling career as an artist. So if you have a passion for art and are willing to put in the hard work, the rewards of being a working artist can be well worth it. 

How Art Can Promote Mental Health and Wellness

Art has the power to evoke emotion, spark creativity, and bring joy to our lives. But did you know that it can also have a positive impact on our mental health and overall wellness? I should know, I’ve felt these benefits myself

Using art as a form of self-expression and as a way to process emotions can be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and wellness. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, there are many ways you can incorporate art into your daily routine to improve your mental health. 

The most beneficial use of art in mental health is to promote mindfulness. For me, creating art can be a form of meditation, as it allows me to focus on the present moment and let go of any distractions or stress. When I paint, I feel like my mind has a case of mental flatulence. Things that are bugging me bubble to the surface and they float away.

Incorporating art into your daily routine can also have a positive impact on your mental health by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Finishing a piece of art, no matter how big or small, can give us a sense of accomplishment and boost our self-esteem. 

If you're looking to use art to promote your mental health and wellness, there are many resources available to get started. Check out books at your library. Grab a coloring book at your local store. Look for local community painting events like “paint and sips.”

Most of all, give yourself the time to be creative. It’s like yoga, the more you do it, the better you’ll get. 😊

8 Tips for Improving Your Oil Painting Skills in the New Year

Happy New Year! If you're an oil painter, now is a great time to set some goals for improving your skills in the coming year. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, there are always ways to improve and grow as an artist. Here are some tips to help you reach your oil painting goals in the new year.

1. Practice regularly. The more you paint, the more you'll improve. Set aside dedicated time for painting, whether it's a few hours a week or a few hours a day. As you practice, try new techniques and approaches to see what works best for you.

2. Experiment with different materials. Oil paints offer a wide range of possibilities when it comes to color, texture, and finish. Experiment with different brands and types of paints, as well as various brushes and surfaces. This will help you find the materials that work best for your style and techniques.

3. Take a class or workshop. Enrolling in a class or workshop can be a great way to learn new techniques and get feedback on your work. Look for classes or workshops that focus on the specific skills you want to improve, whether it's color theory, composition, or figure drawing.

4. Join a community of artists. Connecting with other artists, whether in person or online, can be a great way to get inspiration, feedback, and support. Look for local artist groups or join online communities where you can share your work and learn from others.

5. Set specific goals. It's important to have specific goals in mind when it comes to improving your oil painting skills. Maybe you want to master a particular technique, or create a series of paintings on a specific theme. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are specific and achievable, and keep track of your progress.

6. Take breaks and try new things. It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you're working on a specific project or technique. Taking breaks and trying new things can help keep your creativity flowing. Take a walk, try a new medium, or work on something completely different for a while. This can help you come back to your oil painting with fresh eyes and new ideas.

7. Seek feedback from others. Getting feedback from other artists, whether it's from a mentor or a peer, can be a valuable way to improve. Consider joining a critique group or working with a mentor who can provide guidance and critique on your work.

8. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the creative process, and they can actually be a great learning opportunity. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

By following these tips and setting specific goals, you can make significant progress in your oil painting skills in the new year. Remember to be patient and consistent, and above all, have fun! The more you enjoy the process, the more likely.

Nurturing Your Child's Creative Talents: 6 Tips for Parents

As a parent, it's natural to want to nurture your child's talents and help them grow into well-rounded individuals. One important area to focus on is creativity, as it can help children develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

Here are some tips for helping your child tap into their creative potential:

1. Encourage exploration and experimentation. Children are naturally curious, and this is the perfect time to let them explore and try new things. Encourage them to tinker with toys, paint, clay, or other materials, and let them see what they can create.

2. Provide a variety of materials and tools. Giving children access to a range of materials and tools can help spark their creativity. This might include art supplies like paints and markers, musical instruments, or even simple household items like cardboard boxes and old newspapers.

3. Create a supportive environment. Children need a safe and supportive environment in which to explore and express themselves. This might include a dedicated space for creative activities, as well as plenty of time and freedom to pursue their interests.

4. Encourage creativity in everyday activities. Creativity doesn't have to be limited to designated "art" time. Encourage your child to think creatively in everyday activities, such as coming up with a new way to solve a problem or finding a creative solution to a challenge.

5. Encourage creativity in problem-solving. Encourage your child to think creatively when facing a challenge or problem. Encourage them to brainstorm and come up with multiple solutions, and help them understand that there is often more than one way to solve a problem.

6. Foster a love of learning. A love of learning is an important part of creativity. Encourage your child to pursue their interests and passions, and support their curiosity by providing resources and opportunities to learn and grow.

By following these tips, you can help your child develop their creative talents and skills. Remember, creativity is not just about producing beautiful artwork or coming up with groundbreaking ideas – it's about using your imagination and thinking outside the box to approach problems and challenges in new ways.

The Art of Self-Improvement: The Benefits of Learning a New Artistic Skill in the New Year

As the new year approaches, many of us may be thinking about ways to improve ourselves and our lives. One great way to do this is by learning a new artistic skill. Not only can learning an artistic skill be fun and rewarding, it also has numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. Here are just a few of the benefits of learning a new artistic skill in the new year:

1. Creativity Boost: Learning a new artistic skill can help boost your creativity and inspire new ideas. When we engage in creative activities, our brains are forced to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to problems. This can help us approach challenges in our daily lives with a fresh perspective and find creative solutions.

2. Stress Relief: Engaging in artistic pursuits can be a great way to de-stress and unwind after a long day. Whether you're painting, drawing, or playing a musical instrument, the process of creating something can help take your mind off of your worries and provide a sense of relaxation.

3. Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that engaging in artistic activities can have a positive effect on mental health. Artistic pursuits can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

4. Brain Health: Learning a new artistic skill requires the use of various brain functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. This can help keep the brain active and engaged, which may have a protective effect against cognitive decline as we age.

5. Improved Motor Skills: Many artistic activities require the use of fine motor skills, such as drawing or playing a musical instrument. These activities can help improve coordination and dexterity, which can be beneficial for daily tasks such as typing or writing.

6. Social Connections: Learning a new artistic skill can also be a great way to connect with others who share your interests. Many communities have art clubs or groups where people can come together to create and share their work. This can be a great way to make new friends and connections.

So why not consider learning a new artistic skill in the new year? It's never too late to try something new and the benefits are endless. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, there is always room for growth and improvement. Happy creating!

How to make money as an artist

In his book The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau makes selling your work sound so simple, and it is.
“To start a business, you need three things: a product or service, a group of people willing to pay for it, and a way to get paid.” The key part of this statement is the word “Business.” To sell your work, you have to think like a business, not an artist. Keep your overheads low, sell for more than it costs you and reinvest that revenue to get to the next stage.

The following is an excerpt from my book “The Art Startup” available now on Amazon and Kindle.

Start simple.

I made my first sales on eBay. eBay was a great way to start because I learned many things. I learned that people will buy my work. I learned how to package my paintings for shipping. I learned how to ship. I learned what customers expected and how to exceed those expectations.
I also learned that eBay and PayPal took 20-30% of my sale.
After vomiting, and once I had gained enough sales and experience through eBay, I used the money to invest in a website. The site cost me $200 for the year. I figured if I could make $200 in sales in the first year, that would be OK. This was one of my goals.

As it happens, I made around $800 that year and invested the profits into the website for another year. Investing in my own website was a smart move. Even though I only had a small amount of money to invest in a website, it would allow me to make more sales with less cost and give me a place on the internet to begin calling home.

The Art Startup

By Dan Howard

purchase on Amazon here.

Buy

10 cool things about my artist cupboard!

I’m a huge believer in sharing some of the behind the scenes of my studio and my process of making art. Today, I want to share my cupboard.

For a long while, my paint tubes were all over my desk, brushes were… somewhere… and general organization was lacking. So I designed this cupboard to house all of my stuff in. Although it looks like a plywood box, I wanted to share some of the thought that went into it.

Here’s the 10 key features of this really simple artist cupboard.

1. Solid glass top
   I find glass to be the perfect material to use as a palette. Plastic/acrylic palettes tend to discolor and generally tarnish. Glass ones are pretty resilient. Even when you leave oil paint on them for months (and I have) you can still scrape it off with a blade.
   I found an old window at a junk yard, removed the glass and cut it to the size of the top. I used sandpaper to smooth the edges of it before sticking it to the top using liquid nails.

2. Simple, lightweight construction
   The entire unit is made from 0.5 inch plywood board which you can get from hardware stores for pretty cheap or even get some used. It doesn’t need to be clean or fancy, it just needs to do the job - it’s going to get messy.

3. A door (duh!)
   This stops all my stuff falling out and hides my clutter hides from view. Which is good if you’re easily distracted like me.

4. Deep top shelf
   This shelf is deep enough to fit my tray of paint tubes so they don’t roll around. Paint tubes are prone to leaking and even puncturing. So I have mine stored in a metal tray which I think is an old enameled roasting tray.

5. Quick access to gloves so I can get started without having to search for them.

6. Tall top shelf
   I made sure that the top shelf could store my smallest canvases. I sometimes use smaller canvases for sketches or quick paintings where I want to try something. This shelf let’s me hide these canvases away without cluttering up the studio.

7. Quick access to citrus cleaner
   This is my paint thinner of choice. It smells like oranges and is a little softer on the environment. Having quick access is important for those “oh, crap!” moments.

8. Taller base shelf
   The base shelf allows for my taller containers and long handled paint brushes to be stored plus lots of jars! You never know when you’re going to need an empty jar.

9. Wheels
   These heavy-duty wheels just slip right onto the unit and they allow me to move the unit out of the way when needed. Plus they keep it up off the floor.

10. It’s mine!
    The best thing about this unit is that I designed it based on my needs. It’s simple to build but is so useful in the studio.

Make yourself one!

How do I start my paintings?

I’ve had questions about how to start a painting. Sometimes, the through of committing to a canvas fills us with doubt and anxiety. The empty canvas stares at us, blankly, like “OK, Sunshine, what you going to do?”

The easiest way of reducing this anxiety and self doubt when faced with a blank canvas is to be prepared. Collect all of your ideas in a sketchbook. Then when you’re faced with a blank canvas, you have a whole bunch of ideas that you can try out.

Once you’ve picked out the sketch you want to take to the next stage, it’s time to grab a canvas and a stick of charcoal. I’ve already talked about how to prep your canvases earlier. Once your canvas is prepped, start sketching out with the charcoal.

I use charcoal because it can easily be rubbed out with your hand if you make a mistake and you can keep going. This is a practice that I learned by researching the process of Henri Mattise. He would do this all the time with his pieces. This part of the process needs to be speedy. Brain to canvas. No second-guessing. No apprehension. You must throw yourself into the canvas. Make a mark. Does it work? No? Rub it out and make a new one. Keep going till you’re happy.

Once I have all the lines in all the right places, I grab a large paint brush and dust off all the marks. This removes the charcoal dust from the canvas so the paint will stick but my marks are still visible.

To outline my sketch, I use a mixture of french ultramarine, cadmium yellow and alizarin crimson, plus some impasto medium for body and to retain the brush strokes. (This is important for later as I like the next layers to build up on those brush marks and show their texture.)

Once this outline is done, I typically leave it for a day to dry. However, I do sometimes get painting straight away with the first layer of color.