(And what to do instead so you don’t burn out, give up, or move into your Mom’s basement at 40)
Making money as an artist sounds like a dream, right?
Until you actually try to do it — and you’re suddenly stuck in a whirlwind of Etsy shops, pricing anxiety, algorithm pressure, and wondering if anyone will ever pay for your creativity.
Let me save you a few years of trial, error, and crying into your sketchbook:
These are the 5 most common mistakes artists make when they’re trying to monetize their art — and more importantly, what you can do instead.
Because yes — you can build a creative side hustle that pays you.
You just don’t need to suffer for it.
Mistake #1: Trying to Sell Everything at Once
Prints, stickers, originals, digital downloads, mugs, commissions, t-shirts… whew. It’s exhausting just reading the list.
One of the biggest mistakes beginner artists make is trying to monetize their creativity by offering everything, everywhere — all at once.
It’s not ambitious. It’s confusing.
For you and your audience.
What to do instead:
Start simple. Choose one clear offer and build from there.
It could be a class, a one-night event, or a signature piece — whatever fits your strengths.
This kind of focused approach is how real, sustainable art businesses for beginners get traction.
Mistake #2: Waiting Until You Feel “Legit”
You think you need:
- A full website
- Business cards
- A polished portfolio
- A perfectly curated Instagram feed
Before you can make money?
NOPE.
This belief keeps way too many creatives stuck in planning mode and out of action.
What to do instead:
Launch before you feel ready. Offer something simple and beginner-friendly.
You’ll learn way more by doing than you ever will by planning in isolation.
This is the first real step in building a beginner artist business that grows with you.
Mistake #3: Thinking You Need Thousands of Followers
Ugh, this one.
How to make money as an artist? Here’s a secret: it doesn’t involve chasing a massive audience online.
You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need 10K followers. You just need a handful of the right people — the ones who trust you, want what you offer, and are willing to pay for it.
What to do instead:
Focus on real, human connection — especially in your local creative community.
Host a small workshop. Invite people to a pop-up paint class. Build a mailing list of 20 people who actually want to hear from you.
This is how you create art income that isn’t dependent on the algorithm gods.
Mistake #4: Only Seeing Your Art as a Product
So many artists think the only way to make money is by selling physical things — prints, originals, or merch.
But you’re not just a production line. You’re a whole damn experience.
What to do instead:
Teach. Host. Share. Invite people into your creativity instead of just pushing out products.
Running a simple, beginner-friendly art workshop or paint night can be way more profitable (and fun) than trying to move prints online for $25 a pop.
This is one of the most overlooked ways to earn money from art — and it works whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro.
Mistake #5: Doing It All Alone
You’re DIYing your website.
Googling pricing strategies.
Trying to figure out email marketing while wondering if your art is even good enough.
Listen: this isn’t noble. It’s unnecessary.
What to do instead:
Surround yourself with people who get it.
Find a creative community that understands what it’s like to be an artist trying to build a business — and doesn’t just sell you one-size-fits-all biz advice.
Getting support is one of the smartest things you can do to start building real art income without losing your mind.
TL;DR
If you’ve been making these mistakes, you’re in good company.
But that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck.
You can start your creative side hustle today — with what you have, where you are, and without needing to hustle like a digital marketer in a Red Bull spiral.
Ready to Turn Your Creativity into Income?
If this post has you nodding, facepalming, or whispering “oh sh*t, that’s me” — good. That means you’re ready for something better.
On June 3, I’m teaching a free live webinar that shows you exactly how I built a creative business teaching fun, low-pressure paint classes — and how you can do the same.
It’s not a fluffy pep talk. It’s the real, doable strategy I used to go from “hope someone buys my art” to running sell-out classes that actually pay the bills.
👉 Want in?
Get on the email list now to be the first to know when Early Bird registration opens for the full course (and yes, it comes with bonuses + juicy discounts).
Let’s stop guessing and start getting paid.
You in?
