13 Profitable Art Business Ideas You Can Start Today
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Art Business Ideas For The Aspirational Creative In You
Andy Warhol famously said that “making money is art,” and while this may be oversimplifying things, it does open the door to art business ideas and possibilities.
Amongst all the many art business ideas out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Begin by learning what business ventures your skills align with and what you need to go ahead.
What are the best art business ideas?
With so many different types of art businesses, success can vary and greatly depend on the type of art you’re selling. Despite their variations, some art business ideas tend to generate more profit than others. Here are some of the most profitable art businesses:
1. Art consulting
Art consulting is the process of advising clients on art purchases, and it can be a great way to make money without having to rely on your own pieces.
The consultants work with clients to help them find and buy pieces that fit their tastes and style, as well as their budget. They often work with museums, galleries, or auction houses, but can also work directly with clients in their homes. This idea also links to interior design – which could be another line of work that interests an artist.
2. Fashion design
Designing apparel is a lucrative art business, especially if you have strong artistic skills and are familiar with the fashion industry. It can be profitable not only as an artist but also as a designer who sells their work to clothing companies.
This type of business is popular among artists because it allows them to earn money while staying true to their artistic vision.
3. Photography services
Starting a photography service is one of the most popular and profitable art businesses, especially if you’re offering photo shoots, editing services and post-production.
If you’re a skilled photographer, this is definitely a good option for you to start with. Since there’s always a need for photography services, you can be sure that there will always be a market for it.
4. Online content creator
Online content creators are people who create videos, blogs and other forms of media for a living. These days, content creation is very common amongst the art world and beyond because of the constant online demand for something new.
If you have the ability to create engaging and valuable content, this could be an excellent way to monetise your artistic skills. Especially if you can build a strong online following and create a brand for yourself, the monetisation potential is enormous.
5. Art restoration
The high demand for art restoration services is a result of the large number of people who own valuable pieces. Art collectors want to ensure that their collections are preserved for future generations, so they often hire an artist to restore damaged pieces or create new copies from old ones. The field also includes restoring antique furniture and other objects that need work done on them.
Art restoration is a huge art business idea with a lot of potential for profit, but it’s also a field that requires a lot of specialised knowledge. In addition, art restoration services can be a foundation for other art-related businesses like an art gallery, an art appraisal service, or art supply store.
What kind of art business should I start as an artist?
Regardless of your skill set, the possibilities of a creative business are virtually limitless. Some of the best businesses for artists to start include:
6. Print-on-demand
With a print-on-demand business, you can create artwork to sell and then offer it on a variety of products. This could be anything from greeting cards to posters and T-shirts. It can be a great way to make your art more accessible and affordable for the general public.
The best part about a print-on-demand business is that you don’t have to carry inventory or handle any logistics —all you have to do is create the art and have a distributor or print-on-demand service handle the rest.
7. Selling stock art images
Stock art is a great way to make money as an artist because it can be sold over and over again. Stock art is also easily marketable because it’s generic enough that anyone can use it without needing special permission from the artist. This is ideal for illustrators, videographers, photographers, and other artists who create visual content.
Similar to print-on-demand, the scalable nature of stock art and relatively low overhead make it a great option for artists who want to make money without having to deal with the hassle of running a full-service business.
8. Designing NFT art
Designing NFTs (non-fungible tokens) is a type of art design business that involves creating and selling digital art assets that are stored and verified on the blockchain. NFTs are unique and cannot be replicated or replaced, making them a valuable and collectible asset for art enthusiasts and collectors.
Starting a business designing NFT art can be a lucrative and rewarding way to monetize your art skills and creativity. It also gives you the opportunity to be an early adopter of blockchain technology, which is constantly being adopted by more companies and industries.
9. Online courses
As an artist, you have a wealth of knowledge about art and design that can be used to create online courses. Whether you are a professional makeup artist, fashion designer, or graphic design artist, there is an audience out there that would love to learn from you.
The great thing about online courses is that they are a low-cost way to get into the business, and they can be lucrative even if you only have a couple courses. There are already websites out there that can host your courses, like Skillshare, meaning it’s easier than ever to start teaching.
The key is to provide relevant value to your audience, and make sure that you create courses that people would want to invest their time and money into.
10. YouTube / Blog
The internet is a huge marketplace for artists and there are many different online business ideas that you can tap into. Why not try creating your own YouTube channel or blog; a place to provide your own experience and expertise. While written and video content are essentially different mediums, both offer the opportunity to become an influential voice in your niche by creating valuable content that people want to consume.
Whether you plan on vlogging about interior design or creating a blog that shares your art tips, you could build an audience of loyal readers and viewers who will support you through their own purchases and referrals.
11. Licensing
Licensing your art is when you allow someone to reproduce one of your pieces and use it for commercial purposes. It essentially allows you to sell the rights to use your art on a product, such as t-shirts or mugs, without having to actually create that product yourself.
You can license your art to companies, who will then produce the product and sell it for a profit. You’ll typically get a portion of that profit in return, and it’s a great way to earn a form of passive income from your art.
12. Selling original art
Selling original art has been around since the beginning of the industry. It’s one of the most common ways that artists make money, and there are tons of different types of original art to sell.
On the other hand, selling original art can also be one of the most challenging ways to make money as an artist. This business model is regarded as high risk and high reward because it’s possible to make a lot of money, but it is just as tough to get started and make any sales.
13. Membership site
A membership site like Patron, is a place where people can join for a fee and get access to exclusive content, forums, and more. It’s a great way to earn recurring income and create a community around your art. You can also offer access to exclusive tutorials, interviews, classes and more.
The downside is that it takes time and effort to build up your membership base, and if you want to make money from art this way, be sure to plan for a long-term investment.
How can I start my own art business?
Art is not only a form of expression and creativity but also a valuable asset. The art market is a huge industry with a lot of potential, and artists that can tap into it can make a lot of money. However, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Be clear on your plan, budget and goals
Successful art business ideas are built on good planning, so be sure to start by putting together a business plan that includes your goals and budget.
To create a business model, set specific targets for your business, develop a budget that outlines your expected startup costs and income, and create an appropriate marketing strategy. Regularly review and revise your business plan as your business grows to stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
It’s also important to consider your long-term goals. By planning for the future and setting a clear vision for your business, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions that will help you realize success.
Get to know the market
Get to know the art market and what it has to offer by seeing what types of art are profitable and sell well.
You can research what kind of buyers exist, how much they pay and what they look for.Studying successful art companies and competitor analysis can help you get an idea of what works and what doesn’t. Once you have a good understanding of the current market; start thinking about how to position yourself in this environment.
Try to find a niche where you can stand out from the crowd by combining different elements in your work such as genre, subject matter or mediums. This will make your art more unique and appealing to your target market.
Collaborate
Businesses often use art to promote their brand. If you can partner with a local business that needs promotional materials, you can create a mutually beneficial relationship.
You might be able to sell your art directly through the business or get paid for the artwork featured in its storefront windows. You can even provide art that can help drive company’s earned media efforts for social media and other marketing materials. This can be a great way to help get your name out there and establish yourself as an artist while also building a customer base.
If you’re struggling to get started, collaboration between other businesses and artists is a great way to begin.
Be creative with marketing
A key difference between successful art business ideas and failed ones is the amount of effort invested into marketing. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities and ways to market your art. This doesn’t just mean diversifying your portfolio, but also getting innovative with how you promote your work and yourself.
The art market is highly competitive, so you need to be very creative with your marketing strategies and always find new ways to get your art in front of the right people. This can include things like attending art fairs, networking with other artists and galleries, and promoting through social media. The more you are willing to experiment, the more likely you’ll find a marketing strategy that works for you.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many ways that artists can become business owners and create a profitable career around their passion. By developing a strong business plan, being creative with marketing, and staying true to their artistic vision; artists can turn their art into a successful and rewarding career.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing art business, these inspiring art business ideas can help you create a profitable art business that supports your creative dreams.
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