Smart Ways to Make Money as an Artist in 2025

Being an artist is no longer just about creating art. In 2025, it's about turning art creativity into income, no matter how small.

According to recent data, 42% of global art sales now happen online, and that number is growing fast.

Thanks to print-on-demand, social media, and creator-friendly tech tools, artists have more control over their income than ever before. Whether drawing, painting, or designing digitally, you can start monetizing art.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make money as an artist. 

Let’s dive in!

Why Pop Culture and Trending Art Sell

Studies show 95% of buying decisions are emotion-driven. Fans are deeply attached to their favorite shows, movies, games, and cultural icons.

When your art reflects those passions, buyers feel an instant emotional pull. It's a smart approach for anyone learning how to make money as an artist online.

For example, bringing in over $180K a year, Dropcloth Samplers is a beloved brand in the fiber arts community. It also sparked thousands of shared creations.

Another success story is Mapply, which started with $200. With a digital marketing background, Scott Wood launched Mapply. The company offers personalized, vibrant map prints that double as art and memories—a great way to make money online as an artist. 

It has now grown into a thriving venture pulling in over $40K in prints per month.

Also Read:

• Print on Demand Statistics 
• Best Print On Demand Sites for Artists in 2025 (Compared)

Top 10 Ways to Monetize Your Art

Wondering how to make money as an artist? Let’s look at 10 ways artists can make money, starting with the easiest and most scalable model of all.

1. Sell Art via Print-on-Demand Platforms

The answer to how to make money with art lies in POD.

As an artist, you can earn without worrying about inventory, shipping, or customer service. Print-on-demand dropshipping is one of the simplest ways to sell your art online. 

You upload your designs, and the platform handles production, shipping, and packaging.

2. Offer Custom Art Commissions

Offering custom commissions can be a great way to make money as an artist. Clients are often willing to pay a premium for personalized and traditional artwork.

You can start making money by showcasing samples of your past work on social media and outline your pricing.

3. Sell Digital Downloads and Templates

Image via Etsy

Selling digital downloads is the best way for artists to make money online with passive income. It’s easy to start and scalable. You also keep earning long after the work is done.

You can turn your art into:

• Printable wall art
• Phone wallpapers
• Instagram templates

Digital planners or stickers

For digital artists, this is an excellent way to make money with art online—just upload and earn.

4. Launch an Art Course or Teach Online

This is the best way to make money as an artist if you’re passionate about teaching. Platforms like Skillshare, Teachable, and Udemy make it easy to share your skills through on-demand lessons.

Course ideas include:

• Drawing in Procreate
• Watercolor painting
• Beginner character design

5. Create and Monetize an Art Blog or YouTube Channel

Starting a blog or YouTube channel helps you monetize your social media audience and grow your brand.

Here’s how artists make money online with content:

• Display ads
• Affiliate links
• Sponsorships and paid deals
• Selling digital products or online courses

Also Read:

• How To Make Printables To Sell Online: And Make Money
• The Best Digital Product Ideas To Sell Online in 2025

6. License Your Art for Royalties

Licensing your art means partnering with companies that want to use your work on their products, marketing, or packaging. It’s a great way to generate passive income while expanding your reach and learning how to make money as an artist.

Platforms help you connect with buyers, earn royalties, and keep your rights.

7. Sell NFTs or Digital Art Tokens

Image via Foreign Policy

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a valuable tool for digital artists looking to sell limited-edition, authenticated digital artwork. These tokens verify ownership through blockchain technology, turning your digital pieces into collectible assets.

It's one of the more tech-forward answers to how to make money as an artist in the Web3 era.

8. Join Art Fairs and Local Exhibits

If you want to know how to make money as an artist, art fairs and local exhibits are one. They let you sell originals, collect emails, connect with gallery owners, and get reviews on your work.

Even in this digital age, showing up in person helps build trust and credibility. Many artists start at craft shows.

For those exploring how to make money as an artist, offline events remain a valuable opportunity.

9. Freelance as an Illustrator or Designer

Freelancing is among the ways for artists to make money while keeping creative control. Businesses, publishers, and startups often need help with book covers, branding, illustrations, and packaging.

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs make it easy to find work. 

10. Launch a Merch Line with Your Art

Launching a merch line is one of the best ways to make money as an artist. Print-on-demand lets you turn your art into sellable items like t-shirts, posters, mugs, and home decor.

Also Read:

• 7 Best Print-on-Demand Services For Artists For 2025 
• 10 Low-Cost Business Ideas To Start in 2025

How to Launch Your POD Products with Podbase

Now that you know the best ways to make money as an artist, it's time to take action. Podbase is purpose-built for creators like you who want to monetize their art without handling logistics.

Here’s how to make money as an artist: 

Set Up Your Shop

Here’s a step-by-step guide on launching Podbase store:

1. Create an account at Podbase.com.

Image via Podbase

2. Upload your designs. Use high-res PNGs with transparent backgrounds for best results.
3. Choose products from Podbase’s catalog.

Image via Podbase

4. Set prices and customize product pages.

Image via Podbase

5. Connect your store to Shopify, Etsy, or sell directly with Podbase’s platform.

Image via Podbase

Also Read:

• How to Sell Podbase Print-on-Demand Products on Etsy: Step-by-Step Guide 2025 
• How to Start a Shopify Store with Podbase: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Success

Promote Like a Pro

Creating great products is just the start. Strong promotion turns views into sales.

• Use SEO keywords in your titles and tags
• Post process videos or product photos on TikTok or Instagram
• Partner with micro-influencers in your niche
• Build an email list with exclusive content
• Use hashtags that align with your audience

Fulfillment Without Hassle

Here’s where Podbase shines: zero stress logistics.

• Every order is printed, packed, and shipped by Podbase
• No inventory to manage
• Customer inquiries are handled by the support team
• Real-time updates on orders and earnings

Legal Tips for Selling Pop Culture or Fan-Inspired Art

Using copyrighted or trademarked characters, logos, and references commercially can lead to legal action. This is a fundamental rule when learning how to make money as an artist. 

While some creators rely on “fair use,” this defense rarely applies to products sold for profit. To stay safe, avoid direct copies and focus on original work that doesn’t infringe on copyrights.

When in doubt, creating your own characters or licensing properly is the smartest way to build a sustainable art business. 

Also Read:

• Sell on Etsy in 7 Easy Steps: A 2025 Seller's Guide 
• 10 Best Dropshipping Products to Sell in 2025 for Big Profits

Artist Case Studies: Real Success Stories

These success stories are proof that learning how to make money with art online pays off:

• Tasha R., Pop Culture Illustrator (Los Angeles): Tasha’s “These gays…” design went viral on TikTok, driving hundreds of sales in one week.
• Jamal K., Digital Artist (London): His tote bag that read “Emotional Damage – Sicily Edition” became a bestseller among Gen Z buyers on Etsy.
• Isla V., Print Designer (New York): Her “Get the Bag, Not the Boy” phone cases and wallets now earn her a steady monthly income through print-on-demand.

AI, Tech, & Tools: Future-Proofing Your Art Business

From AI-powered tools to automation platforms, there are several smart ways to explore how to make money as an artist.

Tools like Midjourney, Canva, and Adobe Firefly help speed up ideation and mockups. Meanwhile, platforms like Podbase streamline everything from design to fulfillment.

In 2025, the artists are pairing creativity with the right digital tools to stay competitive and make money from their art.

Conclusion

There’s no need to choose between being an artist and making a living. In 2025, learning how to make money as an artist is practical, profitable, and within reach.

You can make money as an artist through print-on-demand, digital products, or licensing without losing creative control. 

Where you are, choose one or two strategies, and scale as you grow with tools like Podbase. It allows you to focus on your art while the tech handles the rest.