How Do Artists Make Money?

VFX artist & animator Ryan Laux shares his journey from working in a PR agency to becoming a full-time freelancer. He discusses the importance of networking, the dynamics of client work, and how social media has played a role in his success. Ryan also delves into his creative processes, the challenges of managing multiple projects, and his goals for brand deals and personal growth. Find Ryan a...

Facebook ads expert Vincent Nguyen (Growth Ninja) discusses the intersection of art and advertising, particularly focusing on how artists can leverage Facebook ads to promote their work and generate sales. Vincent talks about the challenges artists face in marketing themselves, the importance of adopting a business mindset, and the differences between selling digital products versus physical art....

Director Joel Fox shares his journey as an artist who built a career creating short form video before social media existed. He discusses the balance between personal creativity and client work, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from experience. Joel emphasizes the need to create without attachment to results and the value of making work that resonates personally, rather than so...

Knitter Adam Cleevely shares his first-year journey from a corporate career to fiber arts creator. He discusses the challenges of monetizing his passion, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the emotional similarities between the corporate and crafting worlds. Adam emphasizes the need for multiple income streams in the crafting industry and reflects on the unpredictability of su...

Miniaturist Caroline McFarlane-Watts shares her journey as an artist and creative director of Tall Tales Productions focusing on the creation of miniatures and figurines for the entertainment industry. She discusses her unique IP, Good Witches, Bad Witches, and the organic growth of her business, including the challenges of production, networking in LA, and the importance of social media. Caroline...

Author Joey Kidney shares his poetry & publishing journey, discussing the various revenue streams he has developed over the years, including brand deals, book tours, music, and a vow writing service. He reflects on the challenges of hiring creative help, the evolution of content creation, and the balance between family life and career. Joey also delves into the differences between self-publish...

Professional magician Alex Ramon shares his journey as an artist and entrepreneur, discussing the importance of financial literacy, the entrepreneurial spirit in the arts, and the challenges of navigating business and creativity. He emphasizes the need for artists to focus on cash flow, invest wisely, and learn from mistakes while maintaining a passion for their craft. The conversation highlights...

Award-winning motion graphics artist Emonee LaRussa shares her journey in the creative industry, discussing her approach to content creation, the importance of building a community, and the strategies she employs to engage her audience. She emphasizes the significance of emotional storytelling in her work and how it helps her connect with viewers. Emonee also delves into her experiences with brand...

Illustrator, author, and director Scott Christian Sava shares why an artist's personal story is the most valuable asset they can own, how leveraging authenticity and vulnerability can build community, and the process of scaling his original ideas from personal passion to a Netflix movie (Animal Crackers) and an upcoming (Becoming an Artist). Scott also offers lessons on avoiding burnout, defining...

Timelapse photographer and MVDP Studios founder Matthew Vandeputte shares his journey scaling a niche craft into a full business. He breaks down how he earns a living, from high-end commercial & film client work and brand collaborations to generating passive income through digital products and selling stock footage. Matthew talks about the power of networking, building a reliable team, and why...

3D artist and designer Jess Wiseman shares how she built multiple income streams as a creative - from client work and brand collaborations to her own intellectual property. She talks about failing fast, pivoting between paying jobs and passion projects, and what it takes to turn creative ideas into a sustainable career. Find Jess at: https://www.instagram.com/jesslwiseman https://www.instagram.com...

Character designer and creative entrepreneur Caleb Staker reveals his diverse income streams including running various marketing agencies, self publishing books, online education, and being hired by major studios for design work. Find Caleb at: https://www.instagram.com/calebstaker https://verycreativecompany.com

In this first episode of How Do Artists Make Money? , host Kevin Parry lays out the foundation for the podcast and shares his personal career journey. Kevin, a stop-motion animator and visual effects artist, reveals his own diverse income streams, including social media brand deals and platform revenue.