How to Diversify your Income as an Artist

The most beautiful thing about being a freelancer is that I make my own schedule. I can choose exactly what I spend time on. This freedom has allowed me to diversify my income streams, and try a lot of different things. I have a freelance graphic design business, an illustration business, and several online shops. I also enjoy writing and blogging. Who knows what else I’ll add to my resume in the future!

This digital age is great because we have so many business options. The downside is that it can be difficult to narrow down our options. My first piece of advice would be to try anything and everything, but only one thing at a time. My second piece of advice is to know when to quit! Here are my rules for trying new income streams:

1. The process must be enjoyable. If it’s not fun, you’re never going to stick with it. This is probably the number one reason I’ve ditched new projects. I used to feel flaky for not following through on things, but then I realized that no one really cares what I’m doing! It’s more important that I enjoy my life. Building a successful income stream takes patience and time, so enjoyment is key! Also, if you enjoy the process, you won’t care as much about making money up front.

2. It must be fairly easy and low cost to try out. I don't like trying anything with a large up front investment. There are too many low cost things you can do online. Why funnel money into high risk projects? Having no investment keeps you from feeling trapped, and boxing yourself in. When little investment is required, you have no guilt about quitting.

Here are some ways I've brainstormed that you can diversify your income:

• Write an Ebook and sell on your website or Amazon*

• Write a Physical Book that you can self publish on Amazon or with a traditional publisher

• Start a Niche Website on Squarespace

• Create and Sell Art Prints on Etsy*

• Create and Sell Merchandise on Zazzle or Society 6

• Create and Sell Stock Photos to creatives on Creative Market*

• Sell Greeting Cards on Etsy

• Sell Custom Wedding Invitations on Etsy

• Sell Custom Art on Etsy

• Sell Digital Goods like guides, downloads, screen savers, phone backgrounds on your website

• Create and Sell Design Templates on Creative Market

• Do Calligraphy for weddings, events, or businesses

• Start a Blog on Squarespace or on your personal website*

• Photograph Events or Products

• Develop an E-course and sell on your website

• Tutor Others in Design Software

• Teach Art Classes by talking to local shops, galleries, or your park district

• Write Online Articles for blogs you love to read*

• Start a Podcast about art, or any topic you find interesting (the more specific, the better)

• Start a Youtube Channel teaching others about what you do

• Get Into Affiliate Marketing

• Start a Patreon page where fans can support your art - it’s like kickstarter for artists

*I’ve placed a star next to the ideas that have worked best for me, but obviously you need to come to your own conclusions. I’m sure you don’t enjoy the exact same things I enjoy!

I can’t even count how many different income streams I’ve tried out before finding what works best for me. I’ve definitely tried out most of the ideas I’ve listed above. And guess what? I’m still learning. It’s an ongoing process of trying things and knowing if/when to move on. As long as you keep at it and never give up on trying new things, I promise you’ll eventually find little ways to make money that you actually enjoy.