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Art and Design Schools

How Do Artists Make Money?

By Valerie Atkisson, ArtBistro Editor

How do artists make money? Many people who are not artists wonder about this, and many seasoned artists wonder the same thing! Of course artists know that to make money, you sell your work. But there may be other ways of making money that you may not be aware of. Here are the top 10 ways that artists make money. Each has a short description and a link to an article full of advice from the experts. This quick reference guide will help you get on the right track to make a career as an artist.

Selling Your Work

Commercial Galleries

Commercial galleries typically sell artists' works at a commission. The typical commission that galleries take is somewhere between 40% and 50% of the sale of the work. This is determined by the contract. Whether you submit your work for sale by consignment or enter into an ongoing relationship with a gallery, the parameters should all be written down in a contract. We have put together two guides for you. One is: Are Commercial Galleries Essential to Artists Careers?. The other is: How to Get Gallery Representation These essential articles will help you navigate the commercial gallery system. 

Nonprofit Galleries

Nonprofit galleries typically show work that is young, edgier, and cutting edge. Depending on the gallery, they will take a commission – usually not more than 30%. Nonprofit galleries typically do not “represent” artists or enter into contractual relationships with them. For the 411 on non-profit galleries and our tour of nonprofit galleries near you, click here.

Out of Studio

Many artist sell their work out of their studio by arranged visits or open studios arranged with other artists. If you are represented by a gallery, that agreement may extend to “studio sales” or all sales of your work. If you do not have a formal relationship with a gallery, you obviously retain 100% of the sale. How can you get the most out of open studios? Read here.

Online

More artists are selling their work online. Any commission from an online website would be determined by the terms of use contract that you agreed to. Different sites charge a different percentage of a commission. Anywhere between 1-5% is normal; 10% is on the high end. Click here to read: Best Practices for Selling Work Online.

 

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