Episode 102: How to Actually Make Money From Your Art

21 October 2025 | Paint Rest Repeat Podcast for Artists

Updated: 16 December 2025

TL;DR: In Episode 102 of Paint Rest Repeat, Ros Gervay shares the key to building consistent income from your art — without selling your soul or burning out. You'll learn how artists create layered, sustainable revenue using her Fulfilled Artist’s Method, and why it’s less about luck and more about strategy, joy, and intention.

How to Actually Make Money From Your Art (Without Losing the Joy)

Have you ever wondered how artists actually make a living from their art?

Maybe you’ve sold a few pieces, or perhaps you’re dreaming of your first sale — but the big question still lingers: how do you turn your creativity into consistent income?

In this episode of the Paint Rest Repeat podcast, Ros Gervay shares how artists build sustainable, heart-led income by creating multiple streams of revenue — and why it’s not about luck, but strategy, courage, and joy.

Let's dive in!

Here for the links referenced in the episode?

Art for the Heart Growth Hub — Step-by-step support to sell your work, grow your audience, and turn inspiration into income. permissiontopaint.co/afh

The Permission to Paint 2026 Planner — Your creative companion for planning a joyful and productive year. Get yours here!

Episode 102: Listen using the player below, or click on your favourite listening platform to subscribe and listen there:

Why Making Money From Art Feels Like a Mystery

Many artists assume they need a single “big break”: a gallery deal, a viral post, or a major licensing opportunity.

But real, long-term success doesn’t hinge on one lucky moment. It’s built on layered, resilient income streams that support each other through the ups and downs.

So when one slows (original sales dip, for example), another — like print sales, workshops, or commissions — can step in.

This approach is at the heart of what Ros teaches inside the Art for the Heart Growth Hub, through her signature framework: The Fulfilled Artist’s Method.

The Fulfilled Artist’s Method: 5 Stages to Sustainable Art Income

Ros’s five-stage framework helps you grow from hobbyist to thriving creative business owner — while staying rooted in joy.

Here’s a snapshot of each stage:

Stage 1: The Explorer

Reconnect with creativity. Rebuild confidence. Rediscover the joy of art-making without pressure.

Stage 2: The Dreamer

Start laying simple foundations. Identify your ideal buyer. Begin showing up online and envisioning your future as a working artist.

Stage 3: The Builder

Price your art, polish your brand, and shift from hoping someone buys your work — to confidently inviting them to.

Stage 4: The Rising Artist

Step into visibility. Create systems. Build relationships with collectors. Start earning regular income.

Stage 5: The Flourishing Artist

Nurture multiple income streams, deepen collector relationships, and run your business with purpose and sustainability at the core.

Knowing where you are on this path helps you make smart, focused moves — rather than trying to do everything all at once.

3 Practical Tips to Grow Your Art Income

1. Embrace Multiple Income Streams

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Start with one stream — like originals, prints, commissions, workshops, or digital offerings — then add others gradually. Think of it as layering stability.

2. Know Your Current Stage

Use the Fulfilled Artist’s Method to assess where you are. Then focus only on the next right step. Not 10 steps ahead — just the one that fits your current stage.

3. Start Small, Stay Joyful

Progress over perfection. Whether it’s listing a print, reaching out to a gallery, or sending that email — choose one action that feels good and moves the needle.

A Gentle Reframe for Artists

Success doesn’t come from waiting to be discovered. It comes from taking small, intentional steps consistently.

Ros reminds us that sustainable income is possible — and joyful — when you create it on your terms. For her, the biggest reward isn’t just the income, but the freedom it creates:

"The freedom to paint what you love, to spend more time in your studio, to show those around you what’s possible when you follow your passion."

About the Art for the Heart Growth Hub

If this episode speaks to you, Ros invites you to join Art for the Heart Growth Hub — her membership for artists ready to grow their audience, sell their work, and build a thriving art biz with support, clarity, and joy.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Monthly trainings based on the Fulfilled Artist’s Method

• Encouraging community support

• Practical, custom-designed resources for real growth — without chaos

Join at permissiontopaint.co/afh

FAQs: Making Money as an Artist

Q: What if I’ve never sold any of my art before?

You’re not behind. Start by reconnecting with your art (Stage 1: Explorer) and build confidence from there.

Q: Do I need to have multiple income streams from day one?

Not at all. Start with one. Add more as your capacity and clarity grow.

Q: What’s the most important thing for artists new to selling their art?

Know your stage and focus on one aligned action. Don’t rush.

Q: Do I need to be on Instagram to grow my art business?

Not necessarily, but visibility matters. Choose a platform that suits you and stay consistent.

Q: How do I know if this is possible for me?

If you love making art and are willing to take small steps, it is possible. Ros built her art business from scratch — and believes you can too.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Magic — It’s Strategy + Joy

The idea of making consistent income from your art can feel like a mystery — but it’s not magic. It’s about alignment, systems, joy, and showing up.

Every small step you take brings you closer to the artist you’re becoming. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re ready for more personalised support in building your art business, there are plenty of ways we can work together — from self-paced courses and practical resources to memberships and masterminds. Reach out here.

That’s it for this episode. I’m so glad we could share this time together. Remember — every small step you take brings you closer to the artist you’re becoming.

Ros x