Artists often talk about their “bread and butter”—the main source of income that keeps the lights on. But in today’s world, relying solely on one revenue stream isn’t always feasible. Diversifying income streams is crucial
for making a life as an artist. This means exploring various avenues beyond just selling artwork directly. Let’s delve into some key strategies for diversifying income as an artist.
Direct Sales: Selling your artwork directly to customers remains a fundamental income stream for many artists. Whether through your website, art fairs, or studio visit sales, direct sales allow you to retain control over pricing
and presentation.
Paid Workshops: Sharing your skills and knowledge through paid workshops or online courses can be a lucrative venture. Consider offering virtual classes or hosting in-person workshops to engage with aspiring artists and enthusiasts.
Digital Products: Creating and selling digital products such as tutorials, e-books, or digital-art downloads can provide a passive income stream. Leverage platforms like Etsy (etsy.com) or Society 6 (society6.com) to reach a wider
audience.
Brand Partnerships: Collaborating with brands or businesses that align with your artistic vision can open opportunities for sponsored content, product collaborations, or commissioned work.
Commissioned Artwork: Working on commissioned projects for individuals or organizations allows artists to tailor their creations to specific preferences and requirements.
Gallery Shows and Representation: A coveted milestone for many artists, this offers not only exposure but also validation and credibility within the art world. A symbiotic partnership with a gallery should mutually benefit both
the artist and the gallery.
Wholesale: Selling your work wholesale to retail shops can provide a steady stream of income and exposure. Unlike commission-based sales, wholesale involves creating a product line and pricing structure for retailers to purchase easily
and repeatedly. Retailers often pay shipping on orders as well.
Trade Show Trade-Offs
The traditional trade show circuit, where artists apply for booths to showcase their products to numerous retailers, has historically been a gateway to wholesale opportunities. However, my own introduction to wholesale took a different path. When a museum
gift shop inquired if I offered wholesale, I eagerly accepted, albeit naively. Their request for a “line sheet” left me scrambling. After a quick Google search and a glance at my inventory, I hastily compiled a Word document of what I
had, unaware of the complexity of wholesale.
To my surprise, orders flooded in, but it soon became apparent that my improvised approach was unsustainable because of the volume needed, pricing structure, and order fulfillment. Not every item in an artist’s repertoire is suitable for wholesale
distribution. While bowls and mugs may appear comparable in size and price, variations in production time (handles vs. no handles, trimming vs. no trimming), and cost affect profitability. Recognizing this, I realized that my pottery line, with its
labor-intensive process and modest pricing, was ill-suited for wholesale.
In response, I pivoted to develop a line of earrings that offered a glimpse into my artistic style while being more conducive to wholesale demands (1, 2). This shift allowed for greater scalability, competitive pricing, and streamlined order fulfillment,
aligning better with the wholesale model.
Online Marketplaces
Today, online marketplaces offer artists an alternative to the traditional trade-show model, eliminating the need for travel, booth setup, and lengthy hours spent at in-person events. In 2017, I joined Faire (faire.com) wholesale marketplace, attracted
by its mission to connect makers with retailers nationwide. Similar to Etsy, Faire focuses on craft-centered categories, curating a selection of handmade items (3–5). Makers are handpicked and invited to join the platform based on their fit
with the site’s aesthetic and retailer preferences.
While there are now several similar platforms available, Faire remains distinctive for its streamlined approach for both sellers and retailers. Joining is free, sparing artists the expenses associated with physical events such as booth rental and travel
accommodations. There are fees associated with their platform, which have increased over the years to a 15% commission rate and a new customer fee of $10 for their first order. However, if you bring a retailer to Faire from a previously established
relationship, the customer fee is waived.
Despite these costs, Faire simplifies order management, shipping logistics, and payment processing, making it a convenient choice for artists seeking to expand their wholesale reach. The e-commerce model allows for a broader audience of retailers to discover
and engage with artists’ work, removing the geographical limitations of traditional trade shows.
As an artist, there’s a certain satisfaction in receiving an order notification while lounging on the couch in pajamas, highlighting the convenience of being a maker in our contemporary digital world.
Catie Miller is a potter with a passion for drawing and printmaking processes. She works full-time from her studio in Fargo, North Dakota. To see more of her work, visit www.catie-miller.comand follow her on Instagram @catiemillerceramics.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
You have read of of your complimentary articles for the month.
For unlimited access to Pottery Making Illustrated premium content, subscribe right now for as low as $3.60/month.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Subscribe to Pottery Making Illustrated
Artists often talk about their “bread and butter”—the main source of income that keeps the lights on. But in today’s world, relying solely on one revenue stream isn’t always feasible. Diversifying income streams is crucial for making a life as an artist. This means exploring various avenues beyond just selling artwork directly. Let’s delve into some key strategies for diversifying income as an artist.
Direct Sales: Selling your artwork directly to customers remains a fundamental income stream for many artists. Whether through your website, art fairs, or studio visit sales, direct sales allow you to retain control over pricing and presentation.
Paid Workshops: Sharing your skills and knowledge through paid workshops or online courses can be a lucrative venture. Consider offering virtual classes or hosting in-person workshops to engage with aspiring artists and enthusiasts.
Digital Products: Creating and selling digital products such as tutorials, e-books, or digital-art downloads can provide a passive income stream. Leverage platforms like Etsy (etsy.com) or Society 6 (society6.com) to reach a wider audience.
Brand Partnerships: Collaborating with brands or businesses that align with your artistic vision can open opportunities for sponsored content, product collaborations, or commissioned work.
Commissioned Artwork: Working on commissioned projects for individuals or organizations allows artists to tailor their creations to specific preferences and requirements.
Gallery Shows and Representation: A coveted milestone for many artists, this offers not only exposure but also validation and credibility within the art world. A symbiotic partnership with a gallery should mutually benefit both the artist and the gallery.
Wholesale: Selling your work wholesale to retail shops can provide a steady stream of income and exposure. Unlike commission-based sales, wholesale involves creating a product line and pricing structure for retailers to purchase easily and repeatedly. Retailers often pay shipping on orders as well.
Trade Show Trade-Offs
The traditional trade show circuit, where artists apply for booths to showcase their products to numerous retailers, has historically been a gateway to wholesale opportunities. However, my own introduction to wholesale took a different path. When a museum gift shop inquired if I offered wholesale, I eagerly accepted, albeit naively. Their request for a “line sheet” left me scrambling. After a quick Google search and a glance at my inventory, I hastily compiled a Word document of what I had, unaware of the complexity of wholesale.
To my surprise, orders flooded in, but it soon became apparent that my improvised approach was unsustainable because of the volume needed, pricing structure, and order fulfillment. Not every item in an artist’s repertoire is suitable for wholesale distribution. While bowls and mugs may appear comparable in size and price, variations in production time (handles vs. no handles, trimming vs. no trimming), and cost affect profitability. Recognizing this, I realized that my pottery line, with its labor-intensive process and modest pricing, was ill-suited for wholesale.
In response, I pivoted to develop a line of earrings that offered a glimpse into my artistic style while being more conducive to wholesale demands (1, 2). This shift allowed for greater scalability, competitive pricing, and streamlined order fulfillment, aligning better with the wholesale model.
Online Marketplaces
Today, online marketplaces offer artists an alternative to the traditional trade-show model, eliminating the need for travel, booth setup, and lengthy hours spent at in-person events. In 2017, I joined Faire (faire.com) wholesale marketplace, attracted by its mission to connect makers with retailers nationwide. Similar to Etsy, Faire focuses on craft-centered categories, curating a selection of handmade items (3–5). Makers are handpicked and invited to join the platform based on their fit with the site’s aesthetic and retailer preferences.
While there are now several similar platforms available, Faire remains distinctive for its streamlined approach for both sellers and retailers. Joining is free, sparing artists the expenses associated with physical events such as booth rental and travel accommodations. There are fees associated with their platform, which have increased over the years to a 15% commission rate and a new customer fee of $10 for their first order. However, if you bring a retailer to Faire from a previously established relationship, the customer fee is waived.
Despite these costs, Faire simplifies order management, shipping logistics, and payment processing, making it a convenient choice for artists seeking to expand their wholesale reach. The e-commerce model allows for a broader audience of retailers to discover and engage with artists’ work, removing the geographical limitations of traditional trade shows.
As an artist, there’s a certain satisfaction in receiving an order notification while lounging on the couch in pajamas, highlighting the convenience of being a maker in our contemporary digital world.
Catie Miller is a potter with a passion for drawing and printmaking processes. She works full-time from her studio in Fargo, North Dakota. To see more of her work, visit www.catie-miller.com and follow her on Instagram @catiemillerceramics.
Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents