7 Practical Tips for Making Money as an Impressionism Artist

Published on 31 July 2023 7 min read

Build a strong art portfolio
Network with art professionals and collectors
Sell art online
Enter art competitions
Offer art commissions
Teach art classes and workshops
Apply for art grants and residencies

Are you an impressionism artist looking to turn your passion into profit? You're in the right place. In this blog post, we're going to explore seven practical ways on how to make money as an impressionism artist. From building an impressive portfolio to leveraging the power of the internet, these tips have got you covered.

Build a strong art portfolio

Let's start from the basics—you need a noteworthy portfolio. This is the cornerstone of your art career, the shop window that showcases your skills to the world. So, let's dive into some tips on how you can build a strong art portfolio:

Showcase your best pieces: Select artworks that showcase your unique style, skill, and creativity. Remember, it's not about quantity—it's about quality.
Include a variety of styles: Although you're an impressionism artist, don't shy away from including pieces that display your versatility. This gives potential buyers and collectors a broader understanding of your artistic range.
Keep it updated: Your portfolio should evolve with you. As you make more art, regularly add your newest, most exciting pieces. This shows you're active in your craft and committed to continuous growth.
Tell a story: Every piece of art has a story behind it. Include brief descriptions for each artwork that explain the concept, inspiration, or the process behind it. This not only helps viewers connect with your art on a deeper level but also gives them insight into you as an artist.

Now, this is just the first step in your journey of how to make money as an impressionism artist. Stay tuned as we delve into more practical tips to help you navigate the art world and find financial success in your artistic endeavors.

Network with art professionals and collectors

Art is not just about creating—it's also about connecting. Networking plays a crucial role in how to make money as an impressionism artist. Having a network of art professionals and collectors can open up numerous opportunities and offer valuable insights into the art market. Let's look at some ways you can build and maintain these relationships:

Attend Art Events: Art fairs, gallery openings, and exhibitions are great places to meet fellow artists, gallery owners, and art collectors. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and don't be shy to introduce yourself and your work.
Join Art Organizations: Membership in art organizations can provide you with resources, workshops, and networking opportunities. Plus, you often get the chance to display your work in member exhibitions.
Engage Online: Social media platforms, forums, and online art communities are virtual gold mines for making connections. Engage in discussions, share your work, and support other artists. Remember, networking is a two-way street.
Collaborate: Collaborations with other artists or organizations can help to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Plus, it's a fun way to explore new artistic ideas and techniques.

Networking might seem daunting at first, but once you start, you'll find your own rhythm. You'll also realize that the art world is a supportive community, and most people are willing to help out their fellow artists. So, put yourself out there and start making connections—it's a key step in the journey of making money as an impressionism artist.

Sell art online

When it comes to figuring out how to make money as an impressionism artist, selling your art online can be a game-changer. The internet has made it possible for artists to reach a global audience without the need for a physical gallery. Let's explore some ways to make the most of this opportunity:

Create Your Own Website: A personal website acts as your virtual gallery. It's a place where you can showcase your art, tell your story, and sell your pieces directly to buyers.
Use Online Art Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder specialize in selling art. They have huge audiences of art buyers, making them a great place to get noticed. Just keep in mind that they might take a commission on your sales.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are visual by nature, making them perfect for artists. Use these platforms to display your art, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website or online store.
Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from interested buyers and send them regular updates about your new works, upcoming exhibitions, or special offers. It's a direct line to your audience that can result in sales over time.

Selling art online can take some time and effort, but the potential rewards are worth it. Remember, success doesn't come overnight. Stay patient, keep creating, and keep sharing—before you know it, you'll start seeing the results of your hard work.

Enter art competitions

Another great way to make money as an impressionism artist is by entering art competitions. If you're thinking, "But I'm not a competitive person," don't worry. These competitions are less about winning and more about gaining exposure, receiving critical feedback, and potentially winning cash prizes or art supplies. Here's how you can make the most of them:

Research Suitable Competitions: Not all art competitions are created equal. Some might be looking for abstract art, while others might be looking for impressionism. Find those that align with your style and submit your best work.
Read the Rules Carefully: Each competition has its own set of rules—about the theme, the size of the artwork, the medium, and so on. Make sure you understand these rules before you submit your artwork.
Use Competitions for Feedback: Art competitions can be a great opportunity to get feedback on your work from judges and other artists. This can help you improve your skills and understand what art buyers are looking for.
Don't Be Discouraged by Rejections: Art is subjective. If you don't win or even if you don't make it to the final round, don't be discouraged. Every artist faces rejection. What matters is that you keep creating and keep improving.

Remember, the goal of entering art competitions is not just to win, but to grow as an artist and to gain exposure. It's about the journey, not just the destination.

Offer art commissions

One of the most direct ways to make money as an impressionism artist is by offering art commissions. But what does this mean exactly? Well, when you take on a commission, you're creating a custom piece of art for a client. It's a chance to work one-on-one with a client and bring their vision to life using your unique artistic style.

Understand Your Client's Needs: Before you start a commission, it's important to have a clear understanding of what the client wants. Do they want a portrait, a landscape, or perhaps a still life? Are there specific colors or themes they want you to incorporate? The more you know about their vision, the better you can deliver a piece of art they'll love.
Set Clear Terms: Before you start working on the commission, make sure you and your client agree on the terms. This includes the price, the deadline, the size of the artwork, and any other details that matter. Put everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.
Ask for a Deposit: It's common for artists to ask for a deposit before they start a commission. This not only ensures that you get paid for your work, but also shows that the client is serious about the commission.
Deliver On Time: Nothing hurts your reputation more than not delivering on your promises. Make sure you complete the commission by the agreed deadline. If something unexpected happens and you need more time, let your client know as soon as possible.

Offering art commissions can be a rewarding way to make money as an impressionism artist. It allows you to connect with your clients on a deeper level and create pieces of art that are truly unique and personal.

Teach art classes and workshops

Another avenue to consider when exploring how to make money as an impressionism artist is teaching. Sharing your knowledge and passion for art can be immensely rewarding, and it's another way to supplement your income.

Identify Your Unique Offering: What can you bring to the table that other art teachers can't? Maybe you have a unique take on impressionism or a particular technique that sets your work apart. Use this to your advantage when developing your classes or workshops.
Choose Your Platform: You can conduct your classes in person at a local art center or school, or you can go digital and offer online classes. Both have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Plan Your Curriculum: A well-structured class or workshop is key to a successful teaching experience. Outline what you will teach, how you will teach it, and what materials your students will need. A clear structure will make your students feel more confident and help them learn more effectively.
Promote Your Classes: Once you've planned your classes, it's time to let the world know about them. Use your social media platforms, your website, and your network to spread the word.

Teaching art classes and workshops can be a fulfilling way to make money as an impressionism artist. Not only does it provide an additional income stream, but it also allows you to connect with other art enthusiasts and share your love for impressionism.

Apply for art grants and residencies

When exploring how to make money as an impressionism artist, don't underestimate the power of grants and residencies. These opportunities can offer financial support and valuable exposure for your work.

Research Opportunities: There are plenty of grants and residencies out there, but they all have different requirements and benefits. Take the time to research and find the ones that best fit your needs and artistic goals.
Prepare Your Application: Applying for grants and residencies can be a time-consuming process, but it's well worth the effort. Make sure your portfolio is up to date and showcases your best work. Craft a compelling artist statement that communicates your vision and why you deserve the grant or residency.
Stay Persistent: Don't be discouraged if you don't get accepted on your first try. Grant and residency committees receive many applications and competition can be tough. Keep trying and refining your application, and don't lose faith in your art.

In conclusion, applying for art grants and residencies can be a significant step in your journey of making money as an impressionism artist. These opportunities not only provide financial support, but they can also boost your visibility in the art world, leading to more opportunities down the line.

If you're looking to turn your passion for Impressionism into a profitable business, don't miss Jessica Smith's workshop, 'Making Money From Your Creative Practice.' In this workshop, you'll learn valuable strategies and tips on how to monetize your art and make a living from your creative talents. Give it a try and see your Impressionism art career flourish!