Are you an artist who’s itching to turn your passion into profit but dreads the idea of commission-based work?
If you’ve ever felt your creativity stifled or inspiration running dry when faced with custom requests, you’re not alone! I’ve been down that road, experimenting with various businesses – photography, freelance web development, graphic design – only to realize they all shared a common thread: commission-based projects.
Fast forward to today, where I’ve cracked the code and built a thriving art business without relying on commission work. I get to create the art I LOVE and sell it to a dedicated audience.
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of making a living through non-commission-based art, stick around. I’ll delve into strategies, insights, and the exciting world where art meets business.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for a steady stream of art and business-related discussions!
You’re More Than a Commission-Based Artist:
Artists are often pigeonholed as creators catering exclusively to client demands. But art is a deeply personal expression, rooted in inspiration and genuine affection for the craft.
For many artists, myself included, custom projects can be a creative drain, leading to stagnation and detachment.
You’ve probably heard your friends and family say things like, “If I had your talent, I’d be rich!” Yet, they overlook the fact that true creativity springs from within – a source of joy and authenticity that can’t be forced.
In the creative realm, the sentiment “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” couldn’t be truer. However, the idea of consistently churning out art purely for commissions can feel as tiresome as a 9-to-5 job you despise.
Thankfully, the year 2023 has unveiled an array of alternatives, offering artists a chance to thrive without the weight of commissioned obligations.
Here’s a glimpse of how you can monetize your non-commissioned work:
- Original Art Sales: Create pieces that resonate with you and find an audience that appreciates your unique style.
- Fashionable Art: Launch a clothing line featuring your artwork on shirts, jeans, jackets, caps – let your creativity adorn wearable art.
- Accessories Venture: Turn your art into stickers, keychains, pins – allow customers to personalize everyday items with your signature touch.
- Stationery Pursuits: If your art complements books, notebooks, postcards, and bookmarks, consider venturing into the stationery realm.
- Decal Entrepreneurship: Capture the attention of car decoration enthusiasts with bumper stickers and decals that showcase your art.
- Tech Accents Business: Transform your tech fascination into art by designing phone cases, air pod cases, laptop sleeves, and more.
- Bespoke Bags Line: Adorn tote bags, makeup pouches, and pencil cases with your art, adding style to practicality.
- Animation Endeavors: For content creators, offer pre-made animations and PNG art for fellow creators to incorporate in their content.
- Digital Files Marketplace: Create downloadable PDFs and PNG files that cater to organizational needs or marketing endeavors.
The possibilities in the non-commissioned realm are boundless. The key lies in introspection – identify your art style and target audience.
Are you drawn to cute characters that exude happiness? Your audience likely craves cute stickers and keychains that resonate with their personal style.
Remember, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path in the art business.
My motto stands strong: “Don’t let artLESS people tell you how to live your artFULL life“!
If you’re an aspiring artist or a business owner, share in the comments your artistic aspirations and why you’ve chosen this path.
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Love,
