How to Make Money as an Artist (Even as a Side Hustle)

Written By Cynthia Navarro

Making money as an artist does not have to mean quitting your job, going all-in, or turning creativity into a grind. For many artists, the goal is building a flexible side hustle that brings in extra income without burning out.

I sell handmade ceramics and digital art alongside other work. What follows are the exact methods I use to make money as an artist in a way that is manageable, repeatable, and realistic.

If you are looking for how to make money as an artist, artist side hustle ideas, or ways artists earn passive income, this guide focuses on practical strategies that work without requiring full-time commitment.

1. Sell Art at Local Markets Without Overpaying for Booth Fees

Local art markets are one of the easiest ways to start earning money from art, especially as a side hustle. The key is choosing markets carefully.

Selling at the Athenaeum Art Center in San Diego, CA.

I look for markets in my city with low to moderate booth fees. Paying a fee is important—better markets usually have better organization and customers—but fees should still allow room for profit. If a booth costs so much that you need a perfect sales day just to break even, it is not worth it.

At markets, I sell handmade ceramics, focusing on:

  • Popular functional items like mugs and planters

  • Pieces that are visually unique and not repeated at other tables

  • Work that is easy to explain and understand quickly

Markets are valuable not just for sales, but for learning. You get immediate feedback on what people are drawn to, what they pick up, and what they buy.

That insight helps guide what you make more of—both for in-person events and online sales.

2. Create Passive Income Through Digital Art Sales

One of the most effective artist side hustles is selling digital products.

Where I Sell My Digital Art Online

Noun project is one of the digital marketplaces where I sell my designs.

I sell digital artwork across multiple online marketplaces. These platforms allow my work to continue generating income long after it’s uploaded, making them ideal for an artist side hustle.

Oh So Lively on Etsy (Digital Art & Design Assets)
My Etsy shop focuses on digital products that are easy to reuse and scale, allowing individual listings to sell repeatedly over time.
https://ohsolively.etsy.com

Oh So Lively on Creative Market (Graphic Design Resources)
On Creative Market, I sell design assets created for other designers and creatives, including downloadable graphics that continue to sell passively.
https://creativemarket.com/ohsolively

Minimal Dog Icon Collection on The Noun Project
This curated icon collection is available on The Noun Project, a platform used by designers worldwide for symbols and visual language.
https://thenounproject.com/browse/collection-icon/minimal-dog-131198/

3. Sell Ceramics Online Using a Repeatable Etsy Strategy

Selling ceramics on Etsy works best when you think in terms of systems, not one-off pieces.

Etsy’s algorithm favors listings that sell consistently.

A product that can be restocked and sold many times performs better than a single unique item that sells once and disappears.

In my Etsy shop, I focus on:

  • Creating ceramic designs that are easy to remake

  • Selling items that can be reproduced without taking excessive time

  • Offering 3D prints alongside ceramics to increase scalability

Reusable designs are especially important for a side hustle. They reduce pressure, streamline production, and help Etsy’s algorithm recognize your listings as reliable sellers.

Why This Approach Works for a Side Hustle

These strategies are designed to fit around real life.

Local markets provide occasional, high-impact sales days.
Digital products create slow but steady passive income.
Etsy listings reward consistency over constant creation.

You do not need to be a full-time artist to benefit from any of these methods. With the right systems in place, art can support itself financially—even if it is not your primary job.

Making money as an artist does not have to be all or nothing. A thoughtful side hustle can still be meaningful, profitable, and creatively fulfilling.

Cynthia Navarro