Balancing Art and Income

Many creative people want their art to bring them not only joy but also income. Of course, some create purely for the sake of art itself.

But if you don’t want to work for someone else, you still need to find a way to earn a living—unless you have wealthy parents. The question is, how do you generate income in a way that doesn’t interfere with your art but actually supports it?

Why Earning Solely Through Art Can Be Stressful

I’ve noticed that when I try to earn money exclusively by selling my art, it causes me immense stress. Making a living solely from art is challenging because it requires enormous effort and is often unpredictable.

For comparison:

• Organizing a workshop or filming videos is a more structured and reliable process.
• Selling paintings, on the other hand, depends on many external factors: demand, trends, and buyers’ emotions.

When all my focus is on making money from art, I feel pressure: “I have to create something that will sell.” This kills the freedom and joy of the creative process.

How I Managed to Enjoy Art Again

I started looking for alternative sources of income that are related to art but don’t require me to create commercial pieces constantly. This has helped me take the pressure off my creativity and enjoy making art again.

Currently, I am experimenting with a few different ways to earn money:

• Organizing workshops – a way to share my knowledge, meet people, and earn money.
• Filming and video editing – I discovered that I truly enjoy this process, and now I do it not only for myself but also for others as a paid service.
• Future idea: online courses – I want to share my experiences and teach different techniques, art styles, and creative approaches to life. This combines my love for art, filming, and education.

Developing a Personal Brand

Right now, I am actively working on developing my personal brand. Instead of keeping my Instagram purely about my artwork, I am making it more personal, showing different aspects of my life. After all, I am a multifaceted person, and I want my online presence to reflect that.

I also understand that creative careers take time to develop—no one starts making a full living from art overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires experimentation, patience, and most importantly, consistency. That’s a word I really love—consistent. Staying consistent in sharing, creating, and putting myself out there is key to long-term success.

Building Connections Is Crucial

Another essential part of this journey is networking. This is especially important for me because I moved to Northern Ireland, where I am still learning how things work. Here, personal connections play a huge role—since it’s a relatively small place, you can get to know almost anyone through just one or two people, rather than ten.

So, for me, networking isn’t a quick or easy process, but I understand how valuable it is. I’m gradually meeting people, making connections, and understanding the local creative scene. As a result, I’m already receiving offers for collaborative projects, which makes me feel like I’m on the right path.

The Power of Passive Income

One of the reasons I love the idea of video content is the potential for passive income. Platforms like Patreon allow creators to have a steady source of income while focusing on their work. Having even a small amount of passive income has already made me feel much more confident in my creative career.

What to Consider When Choosing an Alternative Source of Income

• The work shouldn’t drain too much energy.
  After a full day of doing something I dislike, I have no energy left for art. I honestly don’t know how people find the motivation to create after an 8-hour workday.

• Your side income shouldn’t “kill” your creativity.
  If art is your only job, it can start feeling like a routine. But if you have a small, stable source of income, you can create freely without pressure.

• Flexibility is key.
  It’s important to be able to control your own schedule and workload rather than being tied to strict working hours.

Slow and Steady Growth

I’m embracing the idea that success in a creative career doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build a sustainable income, develop a strong brand, and establish meaningful connections. But by experimenting, staying consistent, and nurturing relationships, I believe I’m building something that will support me long-term—without sacrificing the joy of creating.

What Works for You?

I’m still exploring different ways to balance creativity and income. Maybe you have some ideas? How do you manage to combine making art with earning money?

Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts! I’m heading on vacation soon, but I’ll be reflecting on this topic and sharing more insights when I return.