The Creative Professional: Making Profit With Art

Art for art’s sake is a philosophy that has been left in the past by most artists. Many realise that the best way to pursue their passions is by turning their talent into a profit. Others are more reticent about making money from a popular hobby, but gain confidence as people are prepared pay them for their creations.

Plenty of professions require art and design in their business? Here are some pointers on how to make money:

Marketing

Promoting a brand is much more than witty taglines and statistics. It takes innovation for it to work. Unique content helps businesses stand out from the many vying for the public’s attention.

Art plays a major role in marketing. It paves the way for more dynamic and inventive content; the visual impact of a good design can deliver the message of an advert quicker than text.

When involved in marketing, the artist may be involved in all stages of a campaign, from logo and poster designs to customised promotional merchandise. Shirts, posters, pens, and bags are some examples of corporate merchandise that must be eye-catching as well as functional to promote a brand.

Craft Business

Artists with an entrepreneurial flair identify what type of art sells and how to find their customers. Unique pottery or jewelry sells. Various ways exist to attract potential clients. Setting up a stall at local craft fairs, forming a cooperative with other artists, or advertising through an online shopping site are all popular methods of selling art products. Customers like to touch and try jewellery, so although online is an increasingly important method of sales, jewellery shops still has the advantage of the personal touch. Whatever option is considered, the artist needs to come up with a plan to manage and promote their craft business.

Private Commissions

In the digital age, artists have taken to the internet to share their work with other people. As a result, many build up a following large enough that they can confidently profit off their art through opening commissions.

For a fee, fans can make a request to the artist for art relating to a particular subject. Artists starting out with this method of work usually charge a maximum of $50. Their rates increase as they improve their skills and increase their reputation.

Self-Publish

Publishing is a great way for all kinds of artists to share their craft. For writers, there are various ways they profit off their work, one of which is by making a chapbook.A chapbook is a collection of their writing, printed on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper. These sheets are then folded in half and stapled to resemble a pamphlet. Chapbooks are sold at art gatherings where artists situate themselves in tables while the attendees browse their works. Electronic publications are also viable options for new writers who want to self-publish and increase their profile.

The internet has allowed artists a bigger reach over traditional art exhibitions, galleries and craft fairs. Although few artists achieve fame and fortune from their art, enough options exist to make a good living from their artistic passion.