Diversifying Artist Income: Beyond Original Sales
Carolyn Edlund advises artists to create multiple income streams to stabilize their business, as relying solely on original art sales is unpredictable. She recommends leveraging existing work through commissions, licensing, reproductions, and business-to-business sales. Commissions provide consistent revenue with committed clients. Licensing allows art to generate royalties from products and media. Reproductions offer an accessible entry point for new collectors. B2B sales to interior designers and corporate buyers can yield higher-volume purchases. Edlund warns against trying all streams at once, suggesting artists choose one additional stream aligned with their goals. The article emphasizes working smarter, not harder, to build resilience.
Key facts
- Only a small percentage of artists earn all income from artwork alone.
- Commissions begin with a buyer already in place and are generally higher in price.
- Licensing allows one piece of art to generate income multiple times through royalties.
- Reproductions create an accessible entry point for potential collectors.
- B2B sales to interior designers, art consultants, and corporate buyers can result in multiple-piece purchases.
- Artists should choose one additional income stream at a time to avoid burnout.
- The article is by Carolyn Edlund on Artsy Shark.
- The original work remains the foundation for an artist's reputation.
Entities
Artists
- Carolyn Edlund
- Tim Saternow
Institutions
- Artsy Shark