8 Practical Ways Expressionism Artists Can Make Money

Published on 31 July 2023 9 min read

Sell your art online
Teach art classes
Create and sell art prints
Obtain public art commissions
Apply for art grants
Participate in art fairs and exhibitions
Sell custom portrait commissions
Write and sell an art book

Turning your passion for expressionism art into a profitable venture is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right approach, you can make a decent living doing what you love. If you've been pondering over how to make money as an expressionism artist, this blog post will guide you through eight practical strategies that can help you monetize your skills and passion.

Sell Your Art Online

In this digital age, the internet provides a vast marketplace for artists like you. Selling your art online is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reach a global audience and make money as an expressionism artist. Here's how:

Set Up an Online Store: You can start by setting up an online store on platforms such as Etsy, eBay, or Amazon. These platforms provide a space where you can showcase and sell your art to a worldwide audience.
Use Social Media: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can also be useful for promoting and selling your art. You can create a dedicated page or profile where you can share your work and engage with potential buyers.
Join Online Art Galleries: Online art galleries like Saatchi Art or Artfinder can also be a great avenue for you. These platforms cater specifically to art lovers and collectors, making them an ideal place to sell your expressionism art.
Offer Digital Downloads: With the increasing demand for digital art, consider offering digital downloads of your work. This can be a cost-effective way for you to sell your art as there's no need for physical delivery.

In selling your art online, remember to price your work appropriately—consider the time, effort, and materials involved. Also, ensure you have good quality images of your art, as this can significantly influence a buyer's decision.

So, get your art out there in the digital world, and start making money as an expressionism artist today!

Teach Art Classes

Another fantastic way to make money as an expressionism artist is to pass on your skills to others via art classes. Teaching art classes not only provides a steady income but also allows you to share your passion and knowledge of expressionism art with others. Here's how to get started:

Offline Art Classes: You can start by offering classes in your local community. This could be at a community center, a school, or even in your own studio. Teaching in person can be rewarding and helps build a local network of art enthusiasts.
Online Art Classes: If you're comfortable with technology, consider teaching art classes online. Platforms like Udemy or Skillshare allow you to create and sell courses to students worldwide. Plus, once the course is created, it can provide a passive income stream.
Private Tutoring: Offering private art tutoring can be a lucrative option. You can offer one-on-one sessions to students who want to improve their skills or explore expressionism art in-depth.
Workshops: Running art workshops can also be an excellent way to make money as an expressionism artist. These could be single-day events or spread over a weekend, focusing on specific techniques or themes in expressionism.

Remember, teaching art isn't just about skill. You need to be patient, organized, and good at explaining concepts in a way that students can understand. So, why not share your love for expressionism by teaching art classes? It's a fulfilling way to earn money while doing what you love.

Create and Sell Art Prints

Selling art prints is another smart way to make money as an expressionism artist. This method allows you to sell multiple copies of your work, while keeping the original. Here's how you can make this happen:

Digital Prints: You can create digital prints of your original artwork and sell them online. Websites like Etsy or Redbubble make it easy to upload and sell your art prints to a global audience. Plus, you set the price and keep most of the profit.
Physical Prints: Some customers prefer a tangible piece of art to hang on their walls. In this case, you can produce high-quality giclée prints of your artwork. These prints are typically more expensive than digital ones, but they also tend to sell for higher prices.
Limited Edition Prints: Limited edition prints can create a sense of exclusivity and urgency, encouraging customers to buy. You decide how many copies to sell and each one is numbered and signed, adding to its value.
Print-on-Demand: Print-on-demand services like Society6 or Printful allow you to sell your art on a variety of products, from posters and canvas prints to t-shirts and phone cases. They handle the printing and shipping, while you earn a commission on each sale.

By selling art prints, you can reach a wider audience and earn income even when you're not physically creating new artwork. So, why not give it a try? It's a practical and rewarding way to make money as an expressionism artist.

Obtain Public Art Commissions

Public art commissions are another avenue to explore if you're wondering how to make money as an expressionism artist. This involves creating artwork specifically for public spaces, like parks, buildings, or city streets. Here's how you can get started:

Research Opportunities: Many cities and towns have public art programs, so start by looking for opportunities in your local area. Government websites and arts councils often post calls for artists and information about public art projects.
Submit Proposals: When you find an opportunity that interests you, it's time to submit a proposal. This usually involves outlining your concept, providing sketches or mock-ups, and explaining how your art will engage the community and enhance the public space.
Network: Networking is key in the art world. Attend art events, join local arts organizations, and connect with other artists and art professionals. This can lead to valuable partnerships and may open doors to public art commissions.
Build a Portfolio: A strong portfolio can help you stand out when competing for public art commissions. Include examples of your expressionism art, especially any large-scale or public art projects you've completed.

Public art commissions can be a great way to earn money while also gaining exposure and contributing to your community. It's a win-win! So, why not add public art commissions to your income streams as an expressionism artist?

Apply for Art Grants

Applying for art grants is an excellent strategy for expressionism artists seeking financial support for their projects. Typically, these grants are funds that you don't have to pay back, and they can help cover costs like materials, studio rent, or even living expenses while you focus on your art. Here's a guide to help you get started:

Research Available Grants: There are countless art grants available worldwide, from local arts councils to international foundations. Start your search online, and remember to look at the eligibility requirements—some grants are only for artists in certain regions, of certain ages, or working in certain mediums.
Prepare Your Application: This typically includes a project proposal, a budget, and images of your work. Be sure to highlight your unique expressionism style and what makes your project special. Be clear about what the grant money will be used for and how it will help you succeed as an artist.
Stay Organized: Keep track of the grants you're applying for, their deadlines, and their requirements. Consider creating a spreadsheet or using a project management tool to stay on top of everything.
Don't Give Up: Competition for art grants can be fierce, but don't get discouraged if you don't get one right away. Keep refining your proposal and applying—your perseverance could pay off in the end!

Remember, applying for art grants isn't just about the money. It's also a chance to clarify your artistic goals, develop professional skills, and gain recognition in the art community. So, if you're thinking about how to make money as an expressionism artist, don't overlook the potential of art grants.

Participate in Art Fairs and Exhibitions

Art fairs and exhibitions are fantastic platforms for expressionism artists to showcase their work, gain exposure, and yes — make money. Participating in these events can involve some upfront costs, but the potential rewards are well worth it. Let's explore how you can make the most of this opportunity:

Choose the Right Event: Not all art fairs and exhibitions are created equal. Some focus on modern art, others on traditional. Some cater to high-end collectors, others to casual art lovers. Research each event to find ones that are a good fit for your expressionism art.
Make Your Booth Stand Out: When you're at the fair, your booth is your gallery. Make it inviting with good lighting, clear signage, and a thoughtful arrangement of your work. And don't forget to display your expressionism art prominently!
Engage with Visitors: Be proactive in starting conversations with people who stop by your booth. Share the stories behind your art pieces, explain what expressionism means to you. People are more likely to buy art when they feel a personal connection with the artist.
Follow Up: Collect contact information from interested visitors and follow up with them after the event. Even if they didn't buy anything on the spot, they might decide to later, or they could become future fans who support your work in other ways.

Remember, art fairs and exhibitions are not just sales opportunities, they're also networking events. You never know who you might meet — a gallery owner, a fellow artist, a potential mentor. So, if you're wondering how to make money as an expressionism artist, start marking those art fairs and exhibitions on your calendar!

Sell Custom Portrait Commissions

Have you ever thought about using your talents as an expressionism artist to create custom portraits? It's a unique and personal way to make money while offering something truly special to your clients. Here's how you can get started:

Market Your Services: Start by letting people know you're open for commission work. Use your social media platforms to share examples of your expressionism portraits. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers can also be a powerful tool, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Set Your Prices: Pricing your work can be tricky. You need to consider the time it takes you to create a piece, the cost of your materials, and the value of your skill. Don't undervalue your work — remember, a custom portrait is not just a piece of art, it's a personal and emotional investment for your client.
Communicate Clearly: Be clear with your clients about what they can expect from their commissioned piece. Discuss the size, medium, and style of the portrait, and set a timeline for completion. Good communication will ensure a smooth process and a satisfied customer.
Deliver With Care: Once the portrait is finished, package it carefully for delivery. If you're shipping it, use sturdy packaging materials and consider insuring it. A beautifully delivered piece adds to the overall experience for your client.

Creating custom portrait commissions allows you to form a unique connection with your clients. It's a chance to bring their vision to life through your expressionist style, making it a deeply fulfilling way to make money as an expressionism artist. So, why not give it a try?

Write and Sell an Art Book

Another exciting path on how to make money as an expressionism artist is to write and sell an art book. This can be a collection of your artworks, a how-to guide on expressionism, or even an exploration of the history and theory of expressionism. Here's how you can approach this:

Identify Your Concept: Start by deciding what type of art book you want to create. Will it be a showcase of your work, a guide for aspiring artists, or a deep dive into the world of expressionism? Your concept will guide the content and structure of your book.
Develop Your Content: Once you have your concept, it's time to start creating your content. This could be high-quality photographs of your artwork, step-by-step guides to creating expressionist art, or engaging text exploring the ideas and history of expressionism.
Find a Publisher or Self-Publish: There are many publishing houses that focus on art books. Research potential publishers and submit a proposal. Alternatively, you can choose to self-publish, giving you full control over the process. There are numerous online platforms that make self-publishing a breeze.
Market Your Book: Use social media, your personal website, and local art communities to promote your book. Remember, your audience isn't just other artists, but anyone who appreciates art and expressionism.

Writing an art book is a fantastic way to share your passion for expressionism. It's an opportunity to show off your work, share your knowledge, or explore the themes that fascify you. Plus, it's another creative and fulfilling way to make money as an expressionism artist. Ready to share your artistry with the world?

If you're looking for ways to make a living as an Expressionism artist, we highly recommend checking out Andrea Guzzetta's workshop, 'How To ACTUALLY Make Money As A Full-Time Artist.' This workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies on how to turn your passion for art into a sustainable income.