Episode 102: How to Actually Make Money From Your Art

21 October 2025 | Paint Rest Repeat Podcast for Artists

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, I’m sharing 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 think they need that one big break — the gallery representation, the viral post, the licensing deal.

But that’s not how long-term success is built. The truth is, sustainable income comes from layered, intentional income streams that work together to support your creative life.

When one stream slows down (say, original sales dip), another can carry you — like print sales, commissions, workshops, or licensing.
It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about building slowly and intentionally, one layer at a time.

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

The Five Stages of the Fulfilled Artist’s Method

The Fulfilled Artist’s Method helps you move from hobbyist to thriving creative business owner — without losing the heart, joy, and passion that art is all about.

Here’s a quick look at the five stages:

Stage 1: The Explorer

Reignite your creativity and reconnect with your art in a way that feels playful and pressure-free. Discover your unique style, build confidence, and create space for art in your everyday life.

Stage 2: The Dreamer

Start imagining what your art life could look like. Learn who your ideal buyers are, lay simple business foundations, and begin showing up online with confidence.

Stage 3: The Builder

Move from dreaming to doing. Price your art confidently, polish your brand, and make your first intentional sales. Shift from “I hope someone buys this” to “Here’s how to buy my work.”

Stage 4: The Rising Artist

Step into visibility. Elevate your marketing, build trust with collectors, and create systems that generate repeat sales and consistent income.

Stage 5: The Flourishing Artist

Bring it all together. Build multiple income streams, nurture your collector relationships, and run your art business sustainably — with joy and freedom at its core.

3 Practical Tips to Grow Your Art Income

1. Embrace multiple income streams Don’t rely on a single revenue source. Choose one or two that fit your current season, then expand over time — originals, prints, workshops, licensing, commissions, or digital offerings.
2. Know where you are on the path Identify your current stage in the Fulfilled Artist’s Method so you can focus on the next right step, instead of trying to do it all.
3. Start small, stay joyful Progress over perfection. Take one aligned action that feels good and moves you forward — whether that’s listing a new print, reaching out to a gallery, or sending that follow-up email.

A Gentle Reminder

Success isn’t about waiting to be “discovered.” It’s about taking small, intentional steps that build your creative freedom.

The more I’ve grown as an artist, the more I’ve realised that success isn’t just about sales — it’s about the freedom those sales create:
the freedom to paint what you love, to work from your studio, and to show your family what’s possible when you follow your passion.

Want Support on Your Journey?

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to invite you into Art for the Heart Growth Hub — my membership for artists who want to sell their work, grow their audience, and build a joyful, sustainable art business.

Inside, you’ll get access to monthly trainings, practical resources, and an encouraging community to keep you moving forward — without the chaos or overwhelm.

If you’re reading this on the episode release date (October 21st), the bonuses end today!

✨ 7-day free trial

✨ 20% off ongoing membership

✨ Lifetime locked-in rate

Head to permissiontopaint.co/afh to join us.

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