29 Best Side Hustle Ideas for Artists to Earn Extra Money

Struggling to turn your artistic passion into a profitable side hustle?

As someone who’s been down this road before, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to make a living doing what you love.

But fear not, because I’ve got some killer ideas that’ll have you growing your savings faster than you can say “Picasso”!

In this article, we’ll look at a wide range of side hustles tailored specifically for artists like you.

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and learn about these awesome ways to turn your creative talent into a profitable gig!

1. Create and Sell a Digital Course

So you’re an artist with amazing skills, and you want to share your knowledge with the world. Why not create a digital course?

It’s like having your own virtual classroom, and you get to be the cool teacher!

Here’s the deal: online courses are in high demand, and people are willing to pay good money to learn from experts like you.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global e-learning market is expected to reach a whopping $325 billion by 2025.

That’s a lot of potential students!

So, where do you start? Platforms like Udemy and Thinkific make it super easy to create and sell your courses.

You can teach anything from digital painting techniques to how to market your art online.

And the best part? You can price your course however you like. On average, courses on Udemy sell for around $15.99.

If you can get just 10 students each month, that’s an extra $150 in your pocket!

2. Start an Art-themed Faceless YouTube Channel

YouTube is a goldmine for artists looking to share their talents with the world. And what’s even better, you don’t even have to show your face!

Faceless YouTube channels are emerging right now, and they’re perfect for introverted artists.

You may create videos showcasing your art process, tutorials, or even just satisfying time-lapses of your creations.

You don’t have to worry about being on camera or speaking if that’s not your thing. Just let your art do the talking.

Take a look at channels like Drawing with Waffles or Watercolor by Shibasaki for inspiration.

These channels have thousands of subscribers and millions of views, all thanks to their amazing art content.

Once your channel starts gaining traction, you can monetize it with ads, affiliate links, or even by selling your own products.

Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the next big art YouTuber with millions of adoring fans.

3. Sell Printable Posters and Greeting Cards on Etsy

If you’re a whiz at creating stunning designs, a wise side hustle would be to turn them into printable posters and greeting cards.

Etsy is the perfect platform to sell your creations because you don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping.

Printables are digital files that customers can purchase, download, and print themselves.

This means you can create a design once and sell it over and over again. Talk about passive income!

To give you an idea of the earning potential, let’s take a look at some numbers:

Product	Price Range Per Piece
Printable Posters (potential monthly sales of 50 to 100)	$3 – $20
Printable Greeting Cards (potential monthly sales of 100 to 200)	$2 – $5

If you sell 50 posters at $10 each and 100 greeting cards at $3 each, that’s a potential monthly income of $800.

To start selling printables, first, you have to sharpen your design skills using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva. Create a few high-quality posters and greeting cards.

Then, set up your Etsy shop with a catchy name and engaging profile. Be sure to upload your products with attractive images and competitive prices.

Once your store is live, promote it on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Also consider running Etsy ads to boost visibility.

4. Print-on-demand

When I first started selling my art online, I was overwhelmed by the idea of managing inventory and shipping products myself.

That’s when I discovered the print-on-demand services like Printful and Redbubble.

Through these services, you can create designs, upload them to the platform, and choose which products you want them to be printed on.

This could be anything from t-shirts and tote bags to phone cases and mugs.

When a customer places an order, the print-on-demand service takes care of the printing and shipping for you.

It’s like having your own personal production team! You also don’t have to invest in inventory upfront, and you can start selling your designs right away.

Plus, with platforms like Redbubble, you can set your own profit margins and earn a percentage of each sale.

5. Design Freelance Logos

As an artist, you’ve got a keen eye for design, and that’s a skill that many businesses are willing to pay for.

Freelance logo design is another way to put your talents to use and earn some serious cash on the side.

Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start offering your logo design services.

You can create a profile, showcase your portfolio, and start bidding on projects that interest you.

On average, freelance logo designers charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per logo, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project.

To stand out in a crowded market, make sure to create a collection of work samples that showcase your unique style and versatility.

Don’t be afraid to niche down and specialize in a specific industry or design style.

This can help you attract clients who are looking for exactly what you offer.

6. Sell Custom Clothing on Depop

If you’ve got a talent creating unique, eye-catching designs, turn your talent into cash by selling custom clothing on Depop.

Depop is a platform where you can sell your one-of-a-kind creations to a community of fashion-loving individuals who appreciate the artistry behind each piece.

To give you an idea of the potential earnings, let’s take a look at some successful Depop sellers.

On average, they charge around $20 per custom item, which means you could be making a sweet $200 per month with just 10 sales!

The key to success on Depop is to create designs that stand out from the crowd.

Think outside the box, tap into current trends, and put your unique artistic spin on each piece.

With a little hustle and some killer designs, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Depop sensation in no time.

7. Work as a Freelance Photo/Video Editor

If you’re skilled in photo and video editing software, I’ve got a side hustle for you, too.

Freelance photo and video editing is a great way to put your skills to work and earn at the same time.

When I first started offering my editing services, I was amazed at the demand.

From social media influencers to small businesses, everyone needs a little help making their visual content look top-notch.

On average, freelance photo editors can make around $23 per hour, while video editors can earn even more.

The key is to build a creative portfolio highlighting your editing chops and to market yourself on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and even LinkedIn.

If you don’t have much experience with editing, you can enroll in courses offered by Udemy and Coursera.

Pro Tip: One strategy is to offer a variety of packages to cater to different budgets and needs.

8. Sell Custom Portraits

Skilled in capturing the essence of a person on paper (or canvas, or whatever your medium of choice may be)? Then you should try selling custom portraits.

What I like about this gig is that people are always looking for unique, personalized gifts for their loved ones, whether it’s a family portrait, a pet portrait, or even a caricature.

On Etsy, portrait artists charge anywhere from $12 to $300 for their custom creations.

The price depends on factors like the size of the portrait, the type of the design, and the artist’s experience level.

To get started, collect all your best works and create a shop on platforms like Etsy or your own website.

Don’t forget to use social media to promote your services and attract potential customers. Post on Facebook Marketplace as well.

If you’re having a hard time finding customers, try contacting your relatives and friends and see if they are interested in a portrait.

This will serve as your practice and the output can be added to your portfolio, too.

9. Sell Stained Glass Decorations

Stained glass decorations are hot commodities, especially during the holiday season.

From suncatchers to window panels, these gorgeous creations make perfect gifts and home decor items.

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to get started making stained glass.

All you need is some basic glass-cutting tools, a soldering iron, and a whole lot of creativity.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the potential earnings:

Product	Price Range
Suncatchers	$10 – $30
Window Panels	$50 – $200
Ornaments	$5 – $15

Even with a modest number of sales, you could be bringing in a nice chunk of change each month.

To get your stained glass business off the ground, start by perfecting your craft and creating a few stunning pieces to showcase.

There are lots of YouTube videos you can watch in order to learn how to do this. If you don’t like watching YouTube videos, find local classes about stained glass like what Stained Glass Garden offers.

Then, set up shop on platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or your own online store.

And don’t forget to spread the word on social media – a little self-promotion goes a long way!

10. Write Wedding Invitation Calligraphy

I stumbled upon this gig a few years ago when a friend asked me to address her wedding invitations.

I had always loved the art of calligraphy, so I figured, why not give it a shot? Little did I know, I had just unlocked an earning opportunity.

Turns out, couples are willing to pay top dollar for beautifully hand-lettered invitations.

It adds a touch of elegance and personality that you just can’t get with printed invites.

On average, calligraphers charge anywhere from $2 to $5 per envelope. That might not sound like much, but in my experience, it adds up quickly.

In my best month, I made over $1,000 just from writing wedding invitations in my spare time!

If you’re interested in this business, you’ll need to invest in some quality calligraphy supplies and practice your lettering until it’s picture-perfect.

Then, start marketing your services on social media, wedding forums like Wedding Wire, and local bridal shops.

One tip that works for me is to offer a few different styles of calligraphy to cater to various tastes.

Some couples prefer a traditional, elegant script, while others might opt for a more modern, playful style.

11. Start a Niche Website

Another way to turn your creative skills into cash is to start a niche website.

A niche website is basically a blog or website that focuses on a specific topic, and as an artist, you’ve got plenty of knowledge to share.

Think about it! You could create a website all about your favorite art techniques, review the latest art supplies, or even share your own tips and tricks for aspiring artists.

You can monetize your site through ads, affiliate links, or even by selling your own digital products like ebooks or courses.

Now, I’m not gonna lie, building a successful niche website takes time and patience. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.

But if you’re willing to put in the work, the payoff can be huge.

Some successful niche websites can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month, all while allowing you to geek out about the things you love.

To create a niche website, choose a specific topic you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in.

Then, decide on a name for your website and purchase a domain. Use platforms like WordPress or Wix to set up your site; they offer templates and tools that make the process easier.

When your website is up, create engaging content that provides value to your audience, such as tutorials, reviews, or personal insights.

Incorporate search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your site’s visibility on search engines.

12. Design Websites

If you’ve got a talent for making things look pretty on the internet, then designing websites might just be your calling.

Every business needs a website, but not everyone has the skills (or the time) to create one themselves.

As a freelance web designer, you can help businesses bring their online presence to life while also making a hefty sum of money.

You also don’t have to be a coding wizard to design beautiful websites.

Thanks to user-friendly platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress, you can create stunning sites without ever having to touch a line of code.

So, how much can you actually make as a freelance web designer? Well, according to ZipRecruiter, the average freelance designer in the U.S. earns $42 per hour.

That means if you can squeeze in just 10 hours of work per week, you could be bringing in an extra $1,680 per month.

To kick off website designing, choose a website builder you’re comfortable with and spend some time learning its features.

Create a portfolio showcasing your best design work by creating a few sample websites.

Once you have a solid portfolio, start pitching your services to local businesses.

Additionally, use freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients all over the world.

13. Sell Art and Prints at Fairs, Local Markets, and Conventions

One of the best ways to get your art out there and make a huge amount of cash is by selling your masterpieces at fairs, local markets, and conventions.

The thought of setting up a booth and hawking your wares might seem daunting at first, yes.

But it’s also a sure way to connect with your audience, build a fan base, and most importantly, make some sales!

Plus, when you sell at events like these, you can charge a premium price for your work.

After all, you’re not just selling a product; you’re selling an experience.

Now, how do you find local markets and fairs? I say do some research on upcoming events in your area.

Look for art fairs, craft markets, and even comic book or anime conventions (if that’s your thing). They are usually advertised on social networking sites like Facebook.

Then, start creating a collection of prints, originals, and other merch that you can sell at your booth.

Pro Tip: Make sure to have a variety of price points available, from affordable prints to high-end originals. That way, you’ll have something for everyone’s budget!

14. Illustrate Children’s Books

Children’s book illustrations are in high demand these days, and publishers are always looking for talented artists who can capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers.

Even if you are a beginner, you can find your big break in this field.

In fact, many publishers actively seek out fresh, new talent to bring their stories to life.

To be a children’s books illustrator, put together a set of your best work. Focus on creating characters and scenes that are colorful, engaging, and full of personality.

Then, start reaching out to publishers and literary agents to see if they’re in need of an illustrator.

Another option is to team up with a writer and create your own children’s book. You can self-publish on platforms like Amazon or even pitch your book to traditional publishers.

The earning potential for children’s book illustrators is pretty impressive, too.

Depending on the project and your experience level, you could earn anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per book.

15. Create an Art Magazine

Print media is not dead. That’s right! In fact, magazines are alive and thriving, especially in niche markets.

As per a report by Market Research Engine, the global magazine publishing market is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 0.8% during the period 2021 to 2026.

That means there’s still plenty of opportunity for you to carve out your own slice of the pie!

Here’s how it works: you curate a collection of artwork from talented artists (including yourself, of course), write engaging articles and interviews, and package it all together into a beautiful, glossy magazine.

You can choose to publish your magazine in print, digital, or both.

If you go the print route, you can partner with local businesses like coffee shops, art supply stores, and bookstores to distribute your magazine.

For digital, you can sell subscriptions or individual issues through your website or platforms like Issuu.

The key to success with an art magazine is to find your niche and build a loyal following.

Maybe you focus on a specific medium, like watercolor or sculpture. Or maybe you showcase artists from a particular region or background.

Whatever your angle, make sure your magazine is high-quality, visually stunning, and packed with valuable content that your readers can’t get anywhere else.

16. Create Comics

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own comic series, now’s the time to turn that passion into profit.

Creating comics is a cool way to showcase your storytelling skills and artistic talents, all while building a loyal fan base of readers.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, it’s easier than ever to self-publish and distribute your comics to a global audience.

You can start by creating a webcomic and publishing it on your own website or on platforms like Webtoon or Tapas.

These sites have millions of readers hungry for new content, and they offer a built-in audience for you to tap into.

As your comic gains popularity, you can start monetizing through ad revenue, Patreon subscriptions, or even merchandise sales.

Some successful webcomic creators are earning six-figure incomes from their work!

To succeed in this side hustle, come up with a compelling story idea and start sketching out your characters and plotlines.

Then, set a publishing schedule and stick to it. Remember, consistency is key when building an audience.

17. Sell Art Books

Let’s talk about a side hustle that’s perfect for those of you with a lot of artwork just waiting to be shared with the world – selling art books!

Art books are perfect to showcase your best work, share your creative process, and establish yourself as a serious artist in your field.

It’s also a profitable source of income, especially if you have a large and engaged following.

Here’s the potential price range for each art book type:

Book Type	Price Range
Softcover	$20 – $50
Hardcover	$50 – $100
Limited Edition	$100 – $500

You can sell your art books online through your own website or on platforms like Amazon or Etsy.

Some artists even partner with small presses or self-publishing companies to produce high-quality, limited-edition books that are sure to become collector’s items.

To create an art book, start by compiling a selection of your best work. Think about what pieces showcase your unique style and artistic voice.

Then, write engaging descriptions and essays to accompany each piece, giving your readers insight into your process and inspiration.

Finally, consider adding some bonus content to make your book even more valuable to your fans. This could include sketches, works in progress, or even a signed print or original piece of art.

18. Paint Faces at Theme Parks or Fairs

Painting faces at theme parks or fairs might just be the right gig for you if you like a fun and profitable side hustle.

Picture this: you’re surrounded by kids (and kids-at-heart) lining up to have their faces transformed into their favorite animals, superheroes, or fantasy creatures.

It’s a chance to let your creativity run wild and bring joy to people’s lives, all while making cash.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average face painter in the US makes around $18 per hour.

But you could easily charge $50 or more per hour, especially at high-traffic events like fairs or theme parks.

To start, you’ll need to invest in some quality face painting supplies (think: brushes, sponges, and non-toxic paints) and practice your designs on willing guinea pigs (aka your friends and family).

Once you’ve got your skills down pat, start reaching out to local event coordinators or theme parks to see if they’re in need of a talented face painter.

19. Paint Murals

Mural painters are quite in demand these days, with businesses, schools, and even homeowners looking to add some serious wow factor to their walls.

And who better to bring these large-scale masterpieces to life than a talented artist like yourself?

To be a mural artist, compile your best works and start reaching out to local businesses, schools, or community organizations to see if they’re in need of a mural artist.

You can also use platforms like Find a Muralist to connect with potential clients and showcase your skills.

When it comes to pricing your services, the sky’s the limit.

Some mural artists charge anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.

So, if you’re painting a 100-square-foot mural at $20 per square foot, you could be looking at a cool $2,000 payday.

20. Design Tattoos

If you like seeing your designs etched onto someone’s skin for all eternity (or at least until they get a cover-up), then start designing tattoos.

The best way to get started is to network with local tattoo shops.

Many shops are always hiring fresh talents, and they may be willing to commission you to create custom designs for their clients.

You can also use platforms like Fiverr or Etsy to sell your designs directly to customers.

Some tattoo designers charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per design, depending on the actual design and size of the tattoo.

But before you start inking up the masses, make sure you have a solid understanding of tattoo design principles.

Things like placement, size, and color all play a big role in creating a successful tattoo. I love you.

And of course, make sure your designs are original and not infringing on any copyrights or trademarks.

21. Paint Live at Events

For performance-loving painters, let’s talk about a side hustle that’s sure to get you noticed (and paid) – painting live at events!

Live painting has become a hot trend in recent years, with artists creating stunning works of art in real time at weddings, corporate events, and even music festivals.

These live painting gigs can be insanely profitable, too. Some artists charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000 (or more) per event.

To find clients, contact event planners, wedding coordinators, and corporate event managers.

You can try your luck at platforms like Gigsalad or Thumbtack to connect with couples.

When it comes to pricing your services, consider factors like the size of the event, how detailed the painting is, and any additional materials or travel expenses.

And don’t forget to factor in your time and talent – after all, you’re not just creating a painting, you’re putting on a show!

22. Create Fonts

If you’ve ever found yourself excited over a particularly gorgeous typeface or analyzing the kerning on a billboard, I suggest creating fonts as a side hustle.

Fonts are everywhere. From logos and branding to websites and apps, businesses of all kinds are always on the hunt for unique and eye-catching typefaces to help them stand out from the crowd.

With a little bit of practice and some helpful resources, you can learn the basics of font design.

Start by studying the anatomy of typefaces and experimenting with different styles and techniques.

There are plenty of online courses and tutorials out there to help you get started like Type Design Class.

Once you’ve got a few solid designs under your belt, it’s time to start marketing yourself.

You can sell your fonts on platforms like Creative Market or MyFonts or even set up your own website to showcase your work.

Some font designers charge anywhere from $10 to $100 (or more) per font sale!

23. Design Album Covers for Musicians

Musicians are always looking for ways to make their albums stand out, and a killer cover design can be the difference between a hit and a flop.

With your unique style and creative vision, you could be the one to help a band or artist take their music to the next level by designing album covers.

To learn a gig designing album covers, create mock-up designs for existing albums or even come up with your own concepts to show artists.

Once you’ve got a solid body of work, contact local bands or musicians in your area.

Offer to create a cover for their next release, either for a flat fee or a percentage of sales.

As you build your reputation, you can start targeting bigger clients and charging more for your services.

Some album cover designers make anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per project, depending on the artist and the scope of the work.

24. Organize Art Exhibitions

As an artist, you have a unique perspective and understanding of what it takes to put together a truly incredible art show. So why not make this a profitable side hustle?

To organize art exhibitions, reach out to local galleries, cafes, or even community centers in your area.

See if they’d be interested in hosting an exhibition of local artists’ work.

You can even put together a proposal outlining your vision for the show and how it will benefit both the artists and the venue.

Once you’ve secured a venue, it’s time to start curating the show.

Call artists in your network and invite them to submit their work for consideration.

You can also put out an open call for submissions on social media or through local art organizations.

When it comes to pricing your services, you can either charge a flat fee for your time and expertise or take a percentage of any sales made during the show.

25. Partner with an Art Rental Service

You can actually get paid to let people borrow your art.

To do this, you need to partner with an art rental service and provide them with some of your pieces.

They handle all the logistics, from finding renters to delivering and installing the artwork.

All you have to do is sit back and watch the money roll in! You don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty details of running a business.

The art rental service takes care of all that for you, so you can focus on what you do best, which is creating amazing art.

Of course, you’ll want to do your research and partner with a reputable art rental service that has a track record of success like IPaintMyMind.

But once you find the right fit, this side hustle can be a game-changer for your artistic career.

26. Teach Art Classes and Workshops

If you’re an artist who loves sharing your knowledge and inspiring others, then go teach art classes and workshops.

Whether you’re a painter, a sculptor, or a mixed media artist, there are plenty of opportunities to teach others about your craft.

What I like about these side hustles is that you can tailor them to your own interests and expertise.

Maybe you specialize in watercolor painting or figure drawing. Maybe you’re passionate about teaching kids or adults.

Whatever your niche, there’s bound to be a market for your skills.

To enter this field, you can reach out to local community centers, schools, or even art supply stores to see if they’re interested in hosting a class or workshop.

You can also promote your classes on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook or through LinkedIn.

When it comes to pricing your classes, it’s important to consider your time, materials, and expertise.

You don’t want to undervalue your skills, but you also don’t want to price yourself out of the market.

A good rule of thumb is to charge around $20-$50 per hour.

27. Teach Art at Senior Facilities

Teaching art at senior facilities has been one of the most rewarding side hustles I’ve ever had the pleasure of pursuing.

During one of my visits to the facility where my grandmother moved, I noticed that the activities calendar was a bit lacking in the arts and crafts department.

So I approached the activities director with a proposal to teach a weekly art class, and luckily, she jumped at the idea!

Fast forward a few months, and I was teaching a full class of eager seniors everything from watercolor painting to clay sculpting.

Teaching art at senior facilities isn’t just a feel-good side hustle. It can also be quite profitable.

Many facilities have a budget for activities and are willing to pay a fair price for quality programming.

In my experience, I was able to charge around $50-$75 per hour.

Plus, teaching at senior facilities can be a great way to build your reputation as an artist and connect with potential clients.

You never know who might be in your class or who they might know.

28. Build Up an Instagram or TikTok Presence

If you’re not already leveraging the power of Instagram and TikTok to showcase your work and build your brand, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.

These platforms are more than just a way to share cat videos and dance challenges (although those are great too).

They’re also incredible tools for artists to connect with potential clients, build a following, and even make some serious cash.

First things first! Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that showcases your unique style and personality.

Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, tutorials on your favorite techniques, or just your latest masterpieces, make sure your posts are eye-catching and authentic.

As you build your following, you can start monetizing your account through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and even selling your own products or services.

The more engaged your audience is, the more valuable you become to potential brand partners.

In fact, some artists are making a full-time income just from their social media presence alone.

Take Josie Lewis, for example. This talented illustrator has over 200,000 followers on Instagram and has worked with big-name brands like Adobe and Wacom.

And get this: she charges up to $3,000 per sponsored post!

29. Make Custom Shoe Designs

This side hustle is perfect for artists who love to think outside the (shoe)box.

It’s actually possible to make money by turning boring old sneakers into wearable works of art!

Start by finding a blank canvas (aka a plain white sneaker) and let your creativity run wild.

You can hand-paint intricate designs, add embellishments like rhinestones or lace, or even use a mix of different materials.

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, you can sell it online through sites like Etsy or your own website.

And let me tell you, people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for one-of-a-kind kicks.

In fact, some custom shoe designers are charging anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per pair!

But before you start dreaming of your own shoe empire, let’s talk about the logistics.

First, you’ll need to invest in some high-quality supplies, like leather paint, brushes, and sealant to make sure your designs last.

You’ll also want to do some research on the best types of shoes to use as your base.

Pro Tip: Look for shoes with a smooth, non-textured surface for the easiest application.

And of course, like with any creative business, marketing is key. Make sure you’re taking high-quality photos of your designs and sharing them on social media to get the word out.

You can even reach out to influencers or celebrities to see if they’d be interested in rocking a pair of your custom kicks.