Making Money As An Artist

I have a good friend who is an artist.  It's not a dream.  It's not a side hustle.  It's what he does full time.  He's not showing in any national galleries or touring around the country, but he does make a living doing something he is incredibly passionate about.

A lot of people turn away from following their dreams because they view them as unrealistic.  With enough work and persistence, you really can make those dreams come true.  It may have to start as a side hustle until it morphs into something bigger.  But there's nothing half bad about making a little extra money while doing something you love.

Places You Can Sell Your Art

1.  Online.  There's no shortage of websites out there where you can sell your art via the web.  Graphic artists can choose to sell pieces on larger websites that sell an array of items to print your design on, whether they be t-shirts or coffee mugs.  These sites usually pay you a commission for each item you sell instead of the other way around.  There are also opportunities to network and find businesses that need logos or other graphic art for their website or a larger picture deal.

For fine art, there are also numerous online outlets.  These websites tend to take a listing fee plus a pre-determined percentage commission when your item sells.  Make sure you understand all those fees, along with any return policies, when making your decision where to sign up.

2.  Murals.  Indoor or outdoor, murals can be a great way to make money.  Having a hard time getting into the market?  Do one or two for free for people you know.  When others see your work in their home, word of mouth can enter into the equation in a big way.  As you gain popularity, you'll be able to increase your commission for each one you do.  Mural walls in people's home could be anything from realistic scenery to something cute for the kids' rooms.

Outdoor murals will most likely be a word of mouth, as well.  That's how it has worked with my friend.  But this word of mouth means getting into community centers, getting in touch with local government organizations, and letting businesses know you exist.  Put your name and your art out there, and connect with people to let them know you're available and interested.

3.  Commission Pieces.  There's money to be made painting on a canvas, as well.  A lot of people want fine art in their home, but most people don't place the value or significance on it to spend thousands of dollars.  Be their budget artist.  Once again, use your network to spread the word.  Let your friends and family know you're looking for work, and show them your projects regularly.  Don't be a pushy salesman, but hopefully they know somebody that knows somebody that's looking for something specific.  You can also get started by submitting your work to smaller art shows.  The piece may sell, but if it doesn't you've more than likely at least gotten your name out there.

This is where the bulk of my friend's work comes from.  As he is commissioned for more and more pieces, his work is seen in more and more homes.  As his work is seen, others find they want to commission him, too.  It's incredible how much his work has grown to this point because of it.

Thinking Long-Term

If you're serious about wanting to be a career artist, there are two ways to plan for the future.  The first is to make your artwork consistent and recognizable.  This isn't to say every painting has to look the same, but your style should be the same throughout your work.  When people are readily able to identify your work as your own, they'll be happier when you make those commission pieces for them, or more open with their pockets when your work appears in a gallery.

The second thing to do is realize that you will probably need to diversify your streams of income.  Your artwork itself may not be enough to sustain you, but when you add in speaking gigs or teaching jobs, balancing your checkbook starts to get a whole lot easier.

Following your dreams isn't always easy.  It may need to start as a side gig.  You will have to heavily research whatever industry you're going into, even if you're going into it because you find it to be fun.  But following your dreams is, indeed, possible.

Crowdsourcing in Your Neighborhood

Crowdsourcing is when a bunch of people contribute to one project or one monetary goal.  Usually we do this online.  But there's no reason you can't take the concept local.  Really local.  In-your-neighborhood local.

Think about all the things you spend money on to maintain a home.  You probably have quite the list, and odds are your neighbors have an eerily similar list.  While crowdsourcing in your neighborhood works best when you have congenial neighbors that get along, it can be a great way to not only save money, but build community.

Let's look at some examples of things you can crowdsource:

1.  Fencing:  Why It's Good to Be on Good Terms

In most cases, both neighbors are required to contribute to the cost of maintaining fencing as it provides mutual benefit to both property owners. These obligations only go to the point of the need for urgent repair.  If you want to update for the state of aesthetics, your neighbor doesn't have to contribute 50%.  In fact, if you update and they don't pay, they still have joint ownership of the fence as it's partially on their property.

If both of you agree, or if you're both committed to putting up a fence on land that has never had one, it's a good idea to get the commitment in writing.  Even if you're on the best of terms now, neighbors have gotten into quite the dispute over many a property boundary issues before.

Whether you want to build or update, being on good terms before hand is more idea and will save you a bunch of paperwork.

2.  Lawn Tractors: Taking Care of Your Community

No one wants to live next door to the person who doesn't mow their lawn.  It's not a fun chore, but it's something you have to do whether you use a lawn mower or lawn tractor.  It's kind of silly that every house has one.  It really is a material good that a bunch of people could share.

Before making your purchase, ask around and see if there's anyone who would like to share both the use of the tractor and the money required to buy it in the first place.  If you'd like to, you could even crowdsource time, rotating with purchasers who will mow which lawn on which date.

3.  Movie Projector:  Building Your Community

Getting a movie projector can be such a fun way to change your media viewing experience.  Instead of keeping it all to yourself, you could open up your new joy to the community by hosting viewing parties for the whole neighborhood.

Before you implement this by yourself, see if there's anyone else in contributing to your efforts.  If so, you can split the cost of the projector.  You can also split the cost of the projection screen if you like, or you could just hook a sheet up to the side of your house to make your outdoor theater even cheaper.

Community can be a very good thing.  Make sure you trust the people you make joint purchases with.  Make sure you understand local laws.  And then go out and build your community, one crowdsource at a time.

6 Ways for Kids to Earn Money That Aren't Lemonade Stands

When a kid has a big savings goal, sometimes an allowance isn't enough to help them bring their dreams to fruition.  Giving them the money wouldn't do either, as it would be denying them a great, financial lesson.  But you can encourage them towards finding innovative ways to bring in more themselves.  If you find yourself in need of some inspiration, check out these non-cliched ideas:

1. Resell Free Things On Gumtree

Gumtree has listings for free items that people are just trying to get rid of.  Your child could take it off of their hands, and then resell it on Gumtree for a profit.  This should always be done under parent supervision.  They'll probably need you to help transport the item, anyways.  This method is pure profit.

Unless, of course, you really want to give them a lesson.  You could charge them for petrol in order to teach them about overhead costs.

2.  Sell Graphic Design Services

It's amazing to me to see kids who can do effortlessly what my peers had to go to college to learn, simply because they've grown up with technology.  Graphic design is one of these areas.  Photo editing, logo design, and more can be done completely on-line by freelancing or selling their services on a site such as Fiverr. 

3.  Program an App

Much like graphic design, this is another field that amazes me.  I wouldn't even know where to begin on this one, but so many kids do, armed with the technological know-how and the creativity of youth.  Like the Sydney teen Ben Pasternak whose popular app Impossible Launch now has him job shopping in Silicon Valley.  

While Ben's path is impressive, he isn't alone.  Teens who are getting a head start on their careers by building something with technology are bringing rise to ethical questions.  Should they immediately enter the workforce?  Should they be encouraged towards college even though they're already making a ton of money?  Those who would see them attend university argue that while they may have the tech know-how, they lack the training in business that will help them continue to make money for the rest of their lives, and avoid getting raked over the coals on a deal that takes advantage of their skills.

4.  Tutor Younger Children

Does you child have a subject that they rock at?  Or are they experienced and old enough that they feel confident teaching first grade math?  Have them look at tutoring a younger child.  Parents pay tutors big bucks, so even if you child lowers their rates because of their age/experience level there's a real opportunity to make some real money.

5. Set Up an Art Stand

If your child has an affinity for the visual arts, they could set up an art stand somewhere where people congregate.  They can set their rates to charge to paint or draw a picture of passerbys.

I'm not going to lie to you; if your child isn't talented at art, this will probably still work.  People are suckers for kids who get out there and try.

6.  Recycle for Cash

Scrapping metal is killing two birds with one stone.  On the one hand, you're saving the environment, and on the other you can make some money for your efforts.  Aluminum is one of the most important metals to recycle, as it takes very little energy to reform.  Not only is aluminum staying out of dumps when you take it to scrap, but your little one will walk away with a little more money in their pocket.

To really make this one profitable, set up a collection with neighbors and friends.  Once they know your kid is hustling, they'll likely be more than happy to hand over their recycling.

7.  Make Your Own

With a little creativity, your child can find something they can do that will net them money.  Whether it's something they are passionate about, or just a lesson in hard work, earning that money themselves will make achieving their ultimate financial goal that much sweeter.

What have your little ones done to make money?

Go Green, Save Money

The "green" fad comes in and out of style, and with it products and advertisements for things that may or may not be good for the environment, and  usually aren't any good for your wallet.  The planet does, in fact, need our help, though, and there are ways to do just that while also saving money rather than spending it.

DIY Your Home

Not every last thing needs to be done yourself.  To do so would be exhausting and unrealistic.  But two areas that are fairly easy to DIY and can save you cash over store-bought alternatives are bath and cleaning products.

A lot of bath products use things like parabens, formaldehyde, and other chemicals that are harmful to your body.  Making them yourself out helps your body and the environment.  Many of them are so simple to make with low-cost ingredients that you can whip up things like body scrub, lotion, and even shampoo for pennies on the dollar.

Household cleaners can be replaced for pennies on the dollar, too.  It's amazing how far some bi-carbonate of soda and vinegar can go, cleaning floors, walls, bathtubs, toilets, and so many other surfaces in your home.  There are all types of recipes out there for DIY household cleaning products, and they're worth doing a quick internet search for.  They can save you a ton of money while making your home safer, and most of them don't call for anything out of the ordinary.

Think Before You Purchase

Before you buy any major energy-sucking appliances, do due diligence.  Check out the product's Energy Rating Label.  (There's now an app!)  These are available for clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, computer monitors, dishwashers, and televisions.  By researching the product before you buy, you will be saving money in the long-run by not buying an appliance that you'll have to pay to suck down copious amounts of fossil-fueled energy.

Don't Change Anything, Except Who You Pay

As an Australian, you can choose who provides your electricity and gas.  Some supplier options are cheaper than others, and some are more energy-efficient.  When those two collide, it's a beautiful thing.  You can use tools such as Yahoo!7's Moneyhound to compare providers on both of these metrics.  After selecting the cheaper provider, you shouldn't notice any difference except a lower energy bill.

While being "green" may be sometimes be a marketing fad, being energy and cost-efficient is a smart move long-term, not just for your budget, but also for the expendable resources on our planet.

What planet-saving tactics have you put into place that have saved you money?