In Nigeria today, basic things have become really expensive. Or are becoming so. While clients understand that Art is priceless, they are also a part of the fragile Nigerian economy and are not excused from the consequences of fluctuating exchange rates.
Professional artists will tell you that being represented by galleries is not enough to sustain yourself as a full-time artist. Neither is the sole reliance on online sales. There are tough seasons, shows that fail, and dry art fairs which can make it very difficult to survive or be creative in such times.
Art collectors, galleries, and stakeholders who patronize you do not expect to bear the full responsibility of subsidizing your creative expenses. Neither do they desire to carry the full burden of your artistic endeavor in the frame of exorbitant prices. While it might be hard to make more money from a different vocation or profession, here are ways you can actually do that without betraying your commitments as a full-time visual artist.
Being a full-time artist does not mean you should rely solely on the money that comes in from the sales of your artwork. There is the opportunity to broaden your horizons into other areas as a way to expand your income and make more money while still retaining your status, image, and reputation as an artist without a single dent to it.
If it is not advisable to put all your eggs in one basket, why do you want to make all that money from a single profession? In this article are other creative ways you can make more money without much stress because being an artist empowers you naturally to do them. Below are some of the never-read-before ways you can make more money apart from online sales, and gallery representation with the option of flexibility and independence.
Make And Sell Prints Of Your Artworks:
There are customers who are attracted by your work but do not have enough to pay for it. These kinds of individuals will appreciate the option of having your work in prints on their clothes, phone cases, cups, book covers, wall arts, etc. You can decide to print on objects yourself or patronize print-on-demand sites like Onediversedesigns.
However, you might need to do a lot of promotion and awareness on your social media handles when you decide to make and sell prints. Prints and prints on demand have the additional benefits of increasing your fan base and increasing your sales.
Organize Workshops In Your Studio:
If you have always had a passion for imparting art skills, then teaching at or organizing workshops can be another source of income. Workshops help you increase your networks and contribute positively to your community. Organizing the workshops in your studio or the place your artwork is located can help you make direct sales.
If you need more materials, equipment, or expertise for the workshop; you can partner with other artists. It is also even possible that if you investigate you will discover studios and other international opportunities to handle a workshop and be paid for it.
Teach online classes or write an e-book;
This is an option for artists who love teaching but are not willing to travel or have the space, materials, and equipment to conduct the workshop. You could organize paid webinars or online video classes on skype. There is also the option of selling e-book that teaches topics related to art. Beyond increasing your income, this is another way of creating awareness about you and your brand.
Become a social media influencer: Do you have an attractive following on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media networks? If the answer to this is a strong yes and you can dedicate extra time to liking, posting, connecting, and sharing stuff on this social media then you should consider social media influencing as a way to diversify your income.
Your account will be used to promote paid sponsored posts and adverts from brands and other artists. However, be mindful of the brands you promote as they could end up affecting your customers’ perspective of your own brand. Also, avoid oversaturating your social media accounts with ads or promoted posts. Note, that you don’t need to reach twenty thousand followers before you start making money from your social media account.
Read more: Four Important Factors on Making Money As An Artist on Social Media