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The most popular business models for artists and designers are freelancing, teaching, gallery sales, licensing, and selling products with Print on Demand. Some also explore newer options like NFTs, collaborations, or starting creative studios.
In this guide, we break down 10 proven business models to earn money with your art and how mixing a few approaches can help you build a steady income.
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Traditional business models
Before digital platforms took off, most artists and designers earned income through a few business models that are still relevant today.
1. Commissioned work and client services
Best for: Freelancers who enjoy collaboration.
This model involves working directly with individuals, brands, or agencies on custom projects like branding, illustrations, or murals. It lets you set your own rates based on the value of your skills and time.
While the work can be rewarding, the pace is pretty fast. Expect deadlines, revision cycles, and lots of client communication.
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can help you find clients to build your portfolio. Over time, a strong client base can turn this business model into a steady stream of income.
2. Gallery representation and art sales
Best for: Fine artists seeking exposure and credibility.
Working with galleries can elevate your profile, build your reputation, and connect you with collectors, curators, and influential networks. They’ll promote your work, organize exhibitions, and support your art – even when sales are slow.
The trade-off? Most galleries operate on a commission-based model, keeping anywhere from 30%-60% of each sale. While that margin incentivizes them to sell your work, it can also limit your earnings and creative control.
3. Licensing and royalties
Best for: Designers whose work can be used on different products or by multiple brands.
Licensing means permitting others to use your artwork in exchange for a fee, like putting your designs on custom products. You’ll typically earn royalties every time someone buys or uses your work.
This business model can become a solid source of passive income for artists. That said, you’ll need a strong portfolio and a good understanding of contracts to avoid underpaid deals.
Contemporary and hybrid models
Modern platforms give artists more independence than ever – from selling directly to fans to turning your skills into scalable products and services.
4. Print on Demand (POD)
Best for: Artists who want passive income from their artwork without managing inventory.
POD is one of the most hands-off ways to sell your art. Here’s how it works – sign up with a print-on-demand site like Printify, choose which products to sell (t-shirts, mugs, prints), upload your designs, set your prices, and publish your listings.
From there, your POD partner will handle everything from printing to packing and shipping, so you can focus on promoting your art business. The best part? Printify is free, and you only pay when you make a sale.
POD isn’t just for graphic designers making t-shirts – traditional artists can use it too. Scan your work and turn it into high-quality printed products, like canvas wall art.
The challenge is standing out. Find a POD niche, use high-quality visuals, and write strong product descriptions that help your designs connect with the right buyers.
5. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) online sales
Best for: Creators who want full control over selling their art.
D2C means selling art online straight to buyers – no galleries, agents, or middlemen. You can reach customers through your own website or creator-friendly platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
You’ll handle everything, including creating product listings, setting prices, managing customer communication, and fulfilling orders. The main benefit is that you get to keep a larger share of each sale after accounting for any platform or transaction fees.
The drawback is time. Running a shop takes ongoing effort, from promoting your work on social media platforms to providing customer support. However, if you pair D2C with POD, you can automate production and shipping, making the process more manageable.
Read our guide on how to sell art on Etsy and make money from your work.
6. Subscription and membership models
Best for: Artists with an active audience who want to follow their work.
This model is about giving fans a way to support you through regular payments. Platforms like Patreon or Substack let you offer exclusive content like behind-the-scenes videos, bonus downloads, or even personal updates.
For instance, sculptor and illustrator Tina Yu offers multiple membership tiers on Patreon. Her subscribers can access sneak peeks of real-time sculpting videos, mini tutorials, and monthly postcards of her work.
To succeed, you need to show up consistently. If updates slow down or rewards feel repetitive, people may cancel. But if you enjoy interacting with fans, this model can be rewarding.
7. Workshops and educational content
Best for: Artists who enjoy teaching and sharing their creative process.
Sharing your knowledge can be a powerful revenue stream. Create online courses or host live webinars on how to learn your art style. Platforms like Skillshare, Teachable, or even your own site make it easy to monetize your art.
It’s a time investment up front because you need to create content, from planning lessons and filming to editing and uploading. But once the courses are live, they can generate passive income as students continue to enroll.
Emerging models
As the creative industry evolves, new models are emerging that offer fresh ways to grow your income through art.
8. NFTs and digital collectibles
Best for: Digital artists open to experimenting with blockchain and crypto-based markets.
NFTs (non-fungible tokens) let artists sell digital art as unique, ownable assets. Platforms like OpenSea or Foundation allow collectors to buy and trade your work, often with resale royalties going back to you.
That said, the NFT space is still volatile. It comes with technical barriers, market unpredictability, and environmental concerns. Building a strong personal brand and being active in online spaces where collectors hang out are crucial for success.
9. Collaborations and partnerships
Best for: Creatives who enjoy teamwork and want exposure to new audiences.
Working with brands, nonprofits, or other artists can boost your visibility and open up new opportunities. These partnerships often involve things like limited-edition product drops, event designs, or co-branded merch. Your partner usually helps with marketing and advertising.
A good example is Nathalie Lété, whose playful illustrations of florals, animals, and vintage toys have appeared on clothing, home decor, and accessories through collabs with brands like Gucci and Anthropologie.
Collaborations work best when both sides are a good fit with a shared audience or niche. Always establish a clear contract and make sure the project supports your brand as much as it supports theirs.
10. Creative agencies or studios
Best for: Designers ready to grow beyond solo work.
If you’re getting more client work than you can handle alone, it might be time to build a small team. Starting a creative agency lets you bring in more designers and other professionals to take on bigger projects together.
It’s a shift from working alone to working as a team, which means more planning and responsibility. But you get to earn more, do larger-scale work, and develop a long-term business.
Revenue diversification
Relying on a single income stream can be risky, especially when making art is your full-time job. That’s why many successful creatives combine two or three business models at once. This helps them manage costs, overcome slow seasons, and build a more stable income over time.
Take Simone Cassarino, for example. He started with freelance design work on Fiverr to earn money and sharpen his skills. Then he moved into POD using Printify, launching an Etsy shop and selling products like face masks and t-shirts.
That shift helped him keep earning even when freelance work slowed down, giving him a more reliable income stream.
Once you’ve grown your brand and following, explore new opportunities like licensing your designs to other companies. Whether starting out or looking to scale, using all the models that fit your strengths can help you build a lasting business.
Challenges and considerations
Turning your art into a business has its ups and downs. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Balancing creativity with commercialization – Meeting customer needs can sometimes clash with your artistic vision.
- Legal risks – A basic understanding of contracts, copyright, and licensing terms can help you avoid disputes and protect your work.
- Marketing and audience-building – Attracting buyers and standing out in a crowded market takes strategy, consistency, and smart self-promotion.
Being aware of these challenges early on can help you build a creative business that’s sustainable for you.
FAQ
The right business structure depends on how you work. Many professional artists start as sole proprietors because it’s simple and low-cost. As your business grows, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer better legal protection and tax advantages.
The best business type is the one that aligns with your creative style, audience, and goals. Many successful artists mix models, like freelancing, Print on Demand, and teaching online courses. The right combination is about finding what fits your strengths.
Artists and designers typically use a mix of business models to make a stable income, including:
- Commissioned work
- Gallery representation
- Licensing and royalties
- Print on Demand
- Direct-to-consumer online shops
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Teaching educational content
- NFTs
- Collaborations
Selling art online or doing freelance work often makes a lot of money because you get to keep more of the profit. That said, it takes consistent effort to market your work and build a loyal customer base.
Licensing can also pay well through royalties, but it usually works best if your art is already popular. In the end, what makes the most money depends on your audience, how often you sell, and how much effort you put in.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all business model for artists and designers, but a few stand out. Freelance work and selling your own art are some of the easiest ways to start earning. They offer low upfront costs and an opportunity to build a sustainable income.
The right mix of business models depends on your goals, art style, and creative strengths. Try different approaches, track what works, and adapt as you grow.
Looking for a low-risk way to sell your art online? Start with Printify. Our print-on-demand service is free, beginner-friendly, and made for artists like you.
