Omari Gates
Making a living as an artist in Australia has become increasingly challenging. Artists often face difficulties due to the sporadic nature of income and the need to supplement their earnings with other jobs. However, it is not impossible to make money as an artist in Australia. Several strategies can be employed to generate income, including selling artwork online, participating in art competitions, creating merchandise, and leveraging social media platforms. Additionally, artists can explore teaching opportunities, apply for grants, and seek financial security through superannuation, investments, or support from partners or family. While it may not be easy, artists can succeed financially by adopting entrepreneurial skills, diversifying their income sources, and being transparent about their financial journeys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Median income for Australian artists | $7,000 |
| Median income for full-time Australian artists | $22,500 |
| Average income for professional artists in Australia (2014-2015) | $48,400 |
| Average income for professional artists in Australia (2007-2008) | $50,320 (4% higher than 2014-2015) |
| Average income from creative work (Australia, 2014-2015) | $18,800 |
| Average income from art-related work (Australia, 2014-2015) | $13,900 |
| Average income from non-arts-related work (Australia, 2014-2015) | $15,700 |
| Percentage of artists without future financial security arrangements (Australia, previous survey) | 14% |
| Percentage of artists without future financial security arrangements (Australia, most recent survey) | 5% |
| Percentage of artists who do not consider their financial security arrangements adequate | 40% |
| Ways to make money as an artist | Sell art online, sell art at galleries or art fairs, sell merchandise featuring artwork, teach art classes, livestream events, get crowdfunded, sell prints |
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What You'll Learn
Sell art online
Selling art online is a great way to make money as an artist. There are many online platforms and marketplaces that artists can use to sell their work, such as Etsy, Bluethumb, Amazon Art, or Saatchi Online. In Australia, Art Lovers Australia, Art Pharmacy, and the Adelaide-based JamFactory are also good places to start. These platforms can help artists reach new buyers and gain exposure. For example, Bluethumb organises shipping and payments and helps promote artists' work through commissions.
When selling art online, it is important to consider the costs of packing materials, postage/shipping, shipping insurance, and presentation. It is also crucial to use social media platforms and relevant hashtags to build a following and diversify sales platforms. Additionally, creating an online store on e-commerce platforms like Shopify can give artists a central place to sell their original artwork and present it in a professional light.
Artists can also sell merchandise featuring their artwork, such as t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs, and phone cases. This can help expand their audience and reach new customers. Print-on-demand services can be utilised to manufacture merchandise designs quickly.
To be successful in selling art online, persistence is key. While it may take time to build a client base and following, there are opportunities in the growing online art market, especially with the rise of online art sales during COVID-19. Artists should also consider participating in art competitions, fairs, and galleries to showcase their work and network with other artists, curators, and collectors.
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Enter art competitions
Entering art competitions is a great way to make money as an artist in Australia. Art competitions can offer financial prizes, giving artists the chance to showcase their work in professional gallery settings and meet curators and collectors in the fine art world. Research art contests and apply to any that fit your artistic style. Art competitions may offer financial rewards to winners, and they can help emerging artists meet more established artists, curators, and collectors. Feedback from art competitions can also help artists develop and improve their artistic talent.
There are many art competitions in Australia that you can enter, such as the MAC Yapang Art Prize, which is open to all Australian artists from all disciplines and offers a $30,000 prize. The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is another option, with over USD$77,000 in cash and prizes across six award categories. The Bowness Photography Prize at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) is also a great opportunity, with submissions now open for a $50,000 prize.
It is important to note that art contests can be highly competitive and may require upfront application fees. They are a one-time, unreliable source of income, so it is essential to explore other avenues to make a consistent income as an artist. However, entering art competitions can be a great way to get your foot in the door and build connections in the art world.
To increase your chances of success in art competitions, consider the following tips:
- Research and plan: Take the time to research and plan your entry. Understand the competition guidelines, themes, and criteria, and create a piece that aligns with the competition's focus and your artistic style.
- Network and collaborate: Use art competitions as networking opportunities to connect with fellow artists, curators, and gallery owners. Building relationships can lead to future collaborations, exhibitions, and sales.
- Be consistent and persistent: Don't be discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Consistently enter competitions to increase your chances of success and develop your artistic skills.
By entering art competitions, you can gain exposure, develop your artistic practice, and potentially win financial rewards. Remember to balance this strategy with other income streams, such as selling your artwork online or at galleries, to create a sustainable career as an artist in Australia.
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Create merchandise
Creating and selling merchandise is a great way for artists to make money and gain exposure. Merchandise can include items such as t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs, and phone cases adorned with your unique artistic style. Even if you have a small audience, they will likely be eager to buy something that represents their love for your art.
To create merchandise, you can use print-on-demand services that can quickly manufacture your designs. This strategy works best if you already have an audience, but it can also help you expand your reach and find new customers. You can build an audience by creating a YouTube channel with art tutorials, art history videos, art supply reviews, or personal vlogs about your life as an artist. To grow your audience, you should post new videos regularly and use search engine optimization (SEO) to rank higher in search results.
When designing your merchandise, it's important to create something meaningful that your fans will love. While simply putting your name, logo, or album cover on your merch might work for well-known artists, it may not be as effective for emerging artists. Instead, consider designs that elicit emotions, provoke thoughts, and spark conversations. Think of a design or phrase that represents your values and what you stand for. Ask yourself if you would proudly wear or use the merchandise yourself.
Throughout your career, you will likely launch different versions of your merchandise as your designs, products, and artistic style evolve. Creating merchandise can be a lucrative way to make money, especially if you are a skilled graphic designer who can create designs for a variety of products. By selling merchandise, you can turn your fans' intangible appreciation for your art into something physical that they can wear, interact with, and share with others.
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Teach art classes
Teaching art classes is a great way for artists to make money and connect with their community. It can be a rewarding experience that helps artists fine-tune their creative process and elevate their profile.
Who can teach art classes?
You don't need to be a qualified art teacher to instruct others; all you need is confidence in your skills and the desire to share your expertise. However, some teaching positions, especially for more formal art classes, may require previous teaching experience or specific degrees. If you're unsure, consider signing up for a few classes to get a sense of what's expected and to understand your fellow students' needs.
Where to teach?
You can teach art classes from your own home, a dedicated art space, or a local community centre. Online learning is also a popular and lucrative option, with platforms like Zoom making it easy to connect with students worldwide.
Popular visual arts classes for children and adults include painting, drawing, animation, photography, and graphic design. You can also offer theoretical art courses exploring art history and criticism.
The amount you can earn depends on the number of classes, students, and your fees. On-campus programs may attract more students, but parents will expect fees comparable to other after-school programs, typically $10-20 per student/class. Private lessons can command higher fees, ranging from $25-65 per student/class.
Marketing your classes:
Use social media platforms and local Facebook groups to promote your classes and engage potential students. You can also advertise in local art shops or through word-of-mouth at your market stall or within your community.
Additional considerations:
If teaching from a physical location, you'll need to create a curriculum, supply materials, and ensure the space is properly set up and left undisturbed. Online classes benefit from a two-camera setup to enhance the learning experience.
Teaching art classes is a fantastic way for artists to share their passion, inspire others, and generate income. By offering their unique skills and knowledge, artists can contribute to their community while building a sustainable career.
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Take on a day job
Taking on a day job is a common way for artists in Australia to support their creative endeavours. While it may be seen as a disappointing backup plan, having a day job can bring numerous benefits, such as providing financial stability and even inspiring your art.
For instance, writer, illustrator, and author Lisa Currie supports her creative work through book advances and seasonal jobs, such as working in an ice cream van at festivals. She prefers to work part-time in roles unrelated to her artistic practice, as it gives her a change of pace and environment, stimulating her creativity. Currie advises that working these mundane jobs is preferable to forcing yourself to monetise your art before you are ready, which could cause you to lose interest in your craft.
Local rapper Defron also works multiple jobs alongside his artistic career, including as the Hip Hop and Electronica Project Coordinator for The Push and a creative writing workshop leader.
Sydney sculptor Sophie Clague is another example of an artist who has had to take on a full-time day job as a receptionist to support her practice. Clague acknowledges the sporadic nature of income as an artist, and the challenges of financial insecurity and the inability to save for the future.
The median creative income for Australian artists is $7,000, and $22,500 for those working full-time on their art. This is significantly below the average income of $77,121, highlighting the need for many artists to supplement their income. In the 2014-2015 financial year, artists earned a gross income of $48,400 on average, with about $18,800 from creative work, $13,900 from art-related work, and $15,700 from non-arts-related jobs.
The Australia Council for the Arts has recognised the increasing challenges for artists to maintain a viable career in the country and has emphasised the need to consider support structures, protections, and remuneration for artists.
Online projects like I'll Show You Mine are also helping to break down barriers and encourage open conversations about the strategies artists use to make a living in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
The average income varies depending on the source. According to a report by Professor Throsby, artists in Australia earned an average gross income of $48,400 in the 2014-2015 financial year. However, another source mentions that the median creative income for Australian artists is $7,000, and $22,500 for those working full-time.
There are several ways to make money as an artist, including selling art at galleries, art fairs, or online through your website or e-commerce platforms. You can also create and sell merchandise featuring your artwork, teach art classes, or enter art competitions with financial prizes.
Making a living as an artist can be challenging due to the sporadic nature of income and the need to supplement earnings with other jobs. Artists may also face difficulties in securing financial security for the future due to the unpredictable income streams.
To increase your income, consider diversifying your revenue streams by combining the sale of artworks with teaching, grants, awards, or art-related jobs. You can also build an online presence through social media platforms and create merchandise to expand your audience and reach new customers.
Yes, it is common for artists to juggle multiple jobs to support their creative pursuits. Some artists prefer part-time jobs unrelated to their artistic work, as it can provide a refreshing break from their creative process and stimulate new ideas.
