16 Ways Artists Can Make Money In A Down Economy

[tsnipes]

Thanks to some feedback from this community and others, I started this list as a step to help other artists as we face layoffs, etc.

Here are 16 ways artists and designers can make money using their creative talent and abilities:

Classic “Old School” ideas that never fade:
1. Caricatures at kids’ parties: Charge parents by the hour for this fun addition to their child’s party. EXPAND IT: Rather than you seeking out parents on your own, partner with a kid’s party venue (e.g. Chuck E. Cheeses, etc) and let the owner pay you per party.

2. Caricatures for HR department’s: Human Resources departments always look for special perks for their employees, and with layoffs and bad news hanging over the head of their staff, they need a fun morale builder now more than ever.

3. Start a drawing class like Life Drawing

4. Start a “Gamer Drawing Class” teaching others how to create dynamic character types found in video games. EXPAND IT: Rather than you seeking out patrons on your own, partner with a computer game store or gaming arcade and let the owner pay you per event as an attraction.

5. Have an “Artists Tag Sale” with multiple artists selling their old studies and similar works.

6. Speak, Speak, Speak! Give an artist’s talk or presentation for an honorarium.

Customized gift ideas for those seeking “something different” since money’s tight:
7. Do portraits from photos or in person

8. Pet Portraits from photos. EXPAND IT: Rather than you seeking out pet lovers on your own, partner with a pet store and let the owner pay you per event as an attraction.

See The Other 8 Ideas Here>> (http://artlessonsfromgod.com/2009/03/09/16-ways-artists-designers-can-make-money-in-a-down-economy/)

[rattsang]

why would you put the other 8 on another page? clicking that link, i dont think so..............................

[Puck]

I like the idea of the thread, thanks for starting it... but - These are ways to make money?

Life drawing classes do not make money, at least not im my location - after you pay the models fees there is very little left over, and that's not including the time it takes to organise the class every week. I do it and the only benefit I get out of it is having a local life drawing group.

And doing portraits, caricatures etc - that's like a business that has to be built up like anything, not something you can just do on and off for a quick cash boost.

Here's my input:

1. Sell paintings / freelance Illustration etc.

If you can't do it in a down economy chances are you can't do it in an up one either - it might be hard, but every painting you sell or freelance gig you do adds to your value (experience and portfolio) and that's worth more than just cash - all these other 'ways to make money' will just lead to poverty in my opinion.

Wow, sorry I'm so negative, I guess like everyone money is stressing me out too.

[Baron Impossible]

Tax fraud is another one.

[erinel]

I like the idea of the thread, thanks for starting it... but - These are ways to make money?

Life drawing classes do not make money, at least not im my location - after you pay the models fees there is very little left over, and that's not including the time it takes to organise the class every week. I do it and the only benefit I get out of it is having a local life drawing group.

And doing portraits, caricatures etc - that's like a business that has to be built up like anything, not something you can just do on and off for a quick cash boost.

Here's my input:

1. Sell paintings / freelance Illustration etc.

If you can't do it in a down economy chances are you can't do it in an up one either - it might be hard, but every painting you sell or freelance gig you do adds to your value (experience and portfolio) and that's worth more than just cash - all these other 'ways to make money' will just lead to poverty in my opinion.

Wow, sorry I'm so negative, I guess like everyone money is stressing me out too.


If you know how to do caricatures, it's nothing like starting a business. I'm 17 and I do them, all you do is ask around to see if anyone has young kids/little siblings, and hand out business cards. I got a bunch of gigs that way, and no business skills involved.

[tsnipes]

If you know how to do caricatures, it's nothing like starting a business. I'm 17 and I do them, all you do is ask around to see if anyone has young kids/little siblings, and hand out business cards. I got a bunch of gigs that way, and no business skills involved.

I agree. One summer I did caricatures for a Youth organization who paid me to go to their designated youth centers and do sketches of the kids as a fun thing for the kids.

It was quick and easy money.

[MiniGoth]

All these ideas have merit - but like any business venture in ANY economic state, you have to build a reputation.