How I Make Money as an Artist!

Sign up here to get two FREE months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/arleebean9
My NEW Skillshare class on building a healthy online presence for artists: skl.sh/31Neokf
Here it is, guys! It feels strange to just sit in front of you guys and share all of this, but I truly hope that it will be helpful or insightful for you! I'm hoping to do more videos like this in the near future so I can break things down even more. You guys asked over 100 questions!! I definitely want to answer as many as I can. :]
My shop: www.arleebean.com/
Support me on Patreon: / arleebean
Let's connect!
Instagram: / arleebean
My Amazon Wishlist: a.co/3Xwu82X
(See the things I'm interested in currently. You might enjoy them for yourself, or it's a good way to gift something to me if you've ever wanted to do that. Please don't feel obligated to do that at all, however. ♥)
MUSIC
"Faster Car" by Loving Caliber
[www.epidemicsound.com]
This video is sponsored by Skillshare. PO Box:
Arleesha Yetzer
PO Box 363
Bethel, PA 19507
United States

[@arleebean]

Guys, the new Skillshare class I mentioned in this video is READY! You can check it out here: skl.sh/2wCQ71Y

[@midnightlondon3439]

I want to make paintings, breed mealworms, and make banzai trees for a living lol 😂

[@TealKorby]

It. Is. So. Incredible. And so helpful that you shared ACTUAL numbers! Whenever artists talk about this subject, it’s always elusive and seems unattainable and impossible and this really gives me hope. I do have a question, were you afraid at first that you weren’t qualified to teach on Skillshare? How did you get the willpower to make that jump?

[@arleebean]

Oh gosh, YES! To be honest, I still feel that way sometimes. I'm working on (or rather procrastinating on) a new class RIGHT NOW, and I keep hesitating because I just hope I'm qualified for all of this. xD What's helped me most is to remember that, no matter how long I've been doing this, only I can share my unique perspective and experiences. I just share things the way I wish someone had taught them to me. :]

[@rekhamav]

First of all thank you for that eye opening video. I have been an artist for a long time now but other than selling my artwork to some of my friends and teaching a watercolour workshop I am so hesitant about teaching on skillshare. Of course I am much older than you and that could be a reason. I do have an Instagram account 😁 rekha.creates where I post quite frequently. But I want to thank you for all the information and the transparency with which you shared your personal gains. You are amazing and for the first time after viewing so many other KZbin videos I found one where you were frank and upfront and simple in explaining. Thanks.

[@PhiTonics]

No matter what you are doing in life, you only need to be one step ahead of someone else to teach them something valuable. ;)

[@Negasuki]

@@arleebean soo.. for every ONE person per minute, Skillshare pays 5 cents for every minute watched? If that's the case, I almost want to start an account and put your videos on repeat..

[@Trazynn]

"We're sitting on the floor today because I just wanted to chat about how I make money as an artist." Truer words haven't been spoken.

[@Prajwal____]

lol

[@daylematthews]

Unbelievably open honest and truly helpful. No hype . Just genuine information. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@InLiquidColor]

So much to love about this video and it's transparency. I've thought about doing a similar video recently, especially with the move and such causing a lot of financial stress, it's been on my mind a lot haha. I especially love what you said about commissions + shop + youtube +++. When started art as a full time career, I thought the only way to make it work was physical shows and ongoing commissions, because that's what I knew from selling my clay animals before. However, once I realized I could shift focus from what was tremendous physical work to teaching and content creation, I personally was just so much happier with that balance. It was hard to take commissions and shows off the table for myself, but I'm really glad I did. That being said, I know so many artists who make their living at conventions and that's great for them. There are so many different paths and it's nice that we all get to carve our own. And ugh, taxes. The bane of self employed people everywhere 😂

[@Gothikah]

Hi Denise!

[@mjpete27]

I would love to see a Vlog style video from you Denise and how you’re getting by with the move!

[@khayascreations4798]

Your transparency is amazing! You are the only artist that I have run across who has gone to this much depth. I cannot begin to thank you enough!

[@soda_fairy]

I reaaaally appreciate you giving real numbers, some people are so secretive about how much they make but I think it's extremely important for someone coming into this space!

[@LauraHernandez-yr8lx]

I am slowly planning to become a full-time artist. Saving up money, building up an online audience. Going to look into videos. I've slowly gotten some equipment for that. I think this video has been incredibly helpful! The fact that you showed actual numbers shows how it is possible and I can't express to you how inspiring this video has been. Thank you so much for sharing and helping artists! I'm really happy to have found this video.

[@huntermarlette3415]

In the art community this kind of openness is unprecedented!!! I applaud your honesty! Even though I don’t have a KZbin channel myself I find this information incredibly useful. Thank you!

[@yogissjkaio]

Never seen an artist, been this transparent about briefing everything. Your video is such a great help for every aspiring artist or any freelance field person. Right from the first minute got tied up to watch the whole video. Your honesty and simple yet deep explanation to everything !! Totally Amazing.. Thanks for making such a brilliant video.

[@marilynlopez9866]

I’m so glad I found you. I just started my journey as an artist on KZbin and I feel sometimes clueless and overwhelmed. All the tips you shared really help to find a track. Sometimes less is more. Thanks!

[@matrizmayhem]

Thank you for being so transparent. And for including the mom life tidbit. Sometimes, we just have to power through and do both things ha ha. Very clever way of answering that bit! Also, I think that when artists(any influencers in general) are transparent, it makes them more inspiring to others because it's that human factor that is needed sometimes. That way we don't forget that you are another human being working hard at life. And maybe this way, the people who undervalue artists, will change their minds. I hope that more people take transparency into account in the future. It really makes a difference

[@rachelanns6357]

I can’t thank you enough for making this video. It is so informative and gives an actual “roadmap” so to speak, with numbers and suggestions. I struggle a lot with health issues and working from home on a schedule that I can choose seemed impossible until now. But after watching your videos I actually have some inspiration and hope for the future☺️❤️

[@biahiby]

Loved all the honest information and how practical you were. It actually makes me want to look into skillshare in the future as a teacher ( though I have no idea what to teach XD)

[@cricketjones9974]

I cannot begin to explain how helpful and insightful this video was for me. As an aspiring art content creator, I need all the guidance I can get. Thank you so much!!

[@angelableibtrey6239]

I really appreciate the level of transparency in this video, I’ve been trying to figure out how to make a living off of my art and have been building a plan over the last few weeks. I feel much more prepared and at ease now. The real numbers really helps, especially knowing what you’ve been able to do with in then timeframe you’ve been working in. It really has given me benchmark goals to strive for, thank you!

[@mantelamey2265]

thank you so much for this information I'm working on becoming a full time artist. My first hurdle was pricing my work. I had the hardest time with that. Bless you so much for sharing. I am now a new subcriber because you are so awesome!

[@GabrielleMarinArt]

Your transparency is so highly appreciated. I didn't know Skillshare revenue worked that way for you guys, so I am now binging all the vids even more to support you! Thank you for another incredibly informative video, your hard work is well worth your monthly revenue. I had no idea you could make that much, it's really impressive!

[@sarahsakr3467]

oh my god, you have nooo idea about the kind of a boost up you gave to me!! Thank you so much for opening up and giving up some of your precious time to benefit people out there. Totally appreciated. Thank you again and god bless you and your sweet family

[@macijacobs5964]

This is such a helpful video! You basically answered every question I had. Thank you for being transparent. You deserve all the success you’ve gotten 💖

[@lvmylord54]

Wow, I so appreciate you being open about earnings. At least, it gives people an idea of what can be earned. Sometimes people just need an idea.

[@chelseacreatesart]

WOW this was insanely helpful, especially when you got to the pie charts. I love having the numbers and I was thinking what about taxes and business expenses that you take out of that then bam, you hit that thought. This is my first video of yours I found of yours. Thank you so much for sharing your point of view.

[@oni633]

Thank you!! This really really helps! Looking forward to the vid about how you process an online shop! 💕

[@melstampz]

Thank you SO much for sharing everything in such detail. I was hanging on your every word. I'm terrified but determined to start my own business and it all seemed so ephemeral and unknown until now. It's still obviously a risk (and to be honest I'm still a chicken) but somehow you sharing numbers and showing what can be done via different income streams made it seem like more of a possibility, more of a reality and a therefore a shade less daunting. Also, I had no idea that Skillshare pays per view time. I'm so thankful to know that, because I recently purchased a membership but didn't know that with it I have a platform to help support you and other artists while watching your incredible content. That's a business model I can get behind. Thanks again many times over.

[@Gothikah]

Thank you for the insights! Very informative indeed! I might actually start to film some of my work and place it :D

[@nataliedrawn]

This video couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I am an art teacher, but I am trying to turn my art side hustle into a full time job so that I can work from home - but I am trying to figure out what that looks like for me. So I have a pretty good following on instagram, but am trying to get a youtube channel going. And I have a Redbubble but I'm debating starting my own shop from my house. Seeing how other artists create a life for themselves has been super helpful for me to see! So thank you so much for sharing what works for you!

[@teresamazotti1315]

I really appreciate how honest and candid you were with revealing how your business works and how much money you can make. It was refreshing to hear someone speak honestly. Most others just give you the run around. I have always felt it was some huge secret and I had to figure it out on my own! So thank you!

[@stephanomalyarts2647]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this! It's been so helpful. I'm trying to go part time at my regular job and full time with art and this is very very welcomed and good timing!

[@adyads171]

Really informative! How I haven't come across your videos is beyond me, but I'm really glad I finally have! Thank you for sharing

[@CollinSalvo]

This video really helped me. Thanks for sharing the numbers and your journey. Keep up the great work.

[@dammitspawk]

Thanks for making this video and being so open about this, I always wonder about these things and it's great to know why things work the way they do. I often wondered why you didn't make more sticker packs because I thought those would be awesome and I feel like so many of your works would do well as stickers and now I realize just how much other work you do outside of KZbin and running your shop! Again thank you for being awesome and revealing all this stuff to the world. Most of us who are just behind screens don't really know how this stuff works and this is a great video for artists aspiring to start making money with their art.

[@sydneybturnerart]

Thank you so much for doing this! I have been in the same situation trying to find information like this, but so few artists are open about the topic. I'm also really looking forward to your Skillshare class! I am so happy I found you here on KZbin, I love everything you do and have been binge watching your Skillshare classes as well. I really needed this, so thank you ❤

[@BethWest]

Thank you so much for this video! I just started putting effort into my channel and have been debating skillshare, I think you’ve talked me I to it. I also love that you included the noise from your kids, as a mom who feels compelled to make videos it was refreshing to see, I never seem to have a quiet moment and am learning to still create amongst the chaos.

[@celestehappeny1580]

Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate you talking actual numbers...not a lot of people do that and it is so helpful! Keep up the good work!

[@kafka1787]

you're so brave and nice for sharing so much info about your personal bussiness, thank you for the info.

[@ICTNOV]

YOU ARE REALLY ONE OF THE BEST HUMANS ALIVE I LOOK UP TO YOU SO MUCH AND THIS VIDEO IS OMETHING I NEEDED SOOOOO MUCH AND IM SO GREATFUL TO BE A SUBSCRIBER TO UR CHANNEL IT IS SUCH AN HONOR AND I WILL ALWAYS TRY TO SUPPORT U AS MUCH AS I CAN

[@jessdrawsit7060]

I really love your transparency here - this is so helpful for artists like myself who are on the cusp of a major career change and are once again considering getting into art as a full time career. I especially love your take on picking one platform per month to put your energy into. I feel like trying to keep all of them at super high earning points, beyond causing burnout, would just get boring! The way you've structured it allows some really amazing variety and is honestly a method I hadn't considered before. Thank you!

[@aviana4653]

Thank you SO much for insight! I've always aspired to turn my clothes making hobby into a full time job, however, I've never quite felt confident enough in my abilities to do so. Recently I've been endeavoring to ACTUALLY make my dreams a reality and this video couldn't have came at a better moment. Your experience is so valuable and I'm glad I subscribed to your channel. I genuinely wish you more success in the future! ❤

[@clairemyers7749]

This was amazing!! I can’t wait until the shop video!!

[@davediaz5447]

brand new to your channel, thank you so much for being so real. I wish you all the best !

[@zmedina87]

Thank you so much. You provided information that are lacking in other videos. This really helped me out!

[@caffeinatedx]

I really want to thank you for being so transparent about this topic. It really helps me understand so much especially how everything should be balanced no matter what you're doing. Thank you so much.

[@pseudonamed]

thank you SO much. it's really rare to get such transparency, it's easy to assume some people are hiding some big secret thing that allows them to succeed and get discouraged.

[@sagie]

I appreciate all the honest, current and transparent info you shared so much. Thank you for this very encouraging video!

[@petralagewaard2742]

Thank you for your honesty, transparency and all the useful info! This video is great.

[@carmenchan7384]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been following your channel for the past 2 years and have been so inspired by your growth. Thank you for speaking so candidly about the subject and for sharing such valuable and useful information for aspiring artists!

[@beverlydorris7557]

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH. I’ve just recently desired to investigate this subject and had no idea where to start. You’re video was just perfect.

[@sharonmiller7545]

THank you for this video. I took the plunge and trying to do art right now as a part time status, until I can grow it. This motivated me very much! Wish you the best and I'll check out your skillshare classes!

[@carylbarquin2440]

I just found your channel! Just what I needed, thank you. I look forward to seeing your other videos and checking out your Skillshare class.

[@cacklefrendly3736]

Thank you for talking with us!! Like a lot of artists, I'm finding myself sort of lost regarding how to get started. This is extremely helpful and encouraging, thank you!!

[@mirekreative]

REALLY Appreciating your honesty, thank you so much and hopefully you'll be doing even better!

[@MysticHeather]

Wow, thank you for this video. This is the most informative and transparent video I’ve ever seen on becoming a professional.

[@warmyellowshade]

First of all, thank you for making this video. I’m trying to wrap my head around this whole online thing while having a more-than-full-time job and I have been demoralized by the overwhelming nature of it all. So thanks for making it sound doable! And congrats on your success so far. Wishing you a great end to 2019!

[@redtori.w2509]

Thank you for sharing, this is really inspiring to hear how you are making your way as an artist!

[@Anonymous2743]

this was ridiculously informative and inspiring!! thank you so much for your transparency, it really puts everything in perspective and makes being a full time artist seem achievable!!

[@JenniferCharleeArt]

This is such an incredibly helpful video in so many ways. I have been testing the waters and shifting my focus for what I am spending the most time on for my business. While I really enjoy making YT videos it has hurt to not be financially compensated for the amount of work I've been putting in. It was hard to pull back but I need more time to focus on other sources of income (like freelance contracts, selling products online & at conventions, and Patreon which are my big three). I loved your transparency here and hearing about your professional artist origins. I'm really hoping to start working on more passive income options like skillshare since I will have much less time to devote once our little one is here. Thanks for being so helpful and a truly encouraging voice in the art community

[@veno1091]

I needed this a lot, lol I came on here because I saw a post saying that artist struggle to make money (recently got into realism).I almost gave up so Thank You!

[@spnix1871]

This the best video on this topic i have watched hands down. The numbers you shared make it feel so approachable. I have a course but i dont advertise it much and noone really knows about it. i think skillshare is the right place for me and im going to give it a try. I want to do youtube but im trying to make patreon and etsy a thing so i dont want to tax myself with too much work like you mentioned! Thank you so much!

[@rachelkolb3915]

Finally a highly specific breakdown of revenue! So insightful!

[@cyleean2044]

Thanks alot. Not only that you shared very personal informations and experiences, but also for giving me so much motivation to continue what I'm doing

[@kookatsoonjan]

Your transparency is greatly appreciated...keep up the great work...

[@KansasMcGraw]

Thank you for sharing this information and the numbers, I greatly appreciate that! You’ve inspired me to get going on my filming my Skillshare classes. I’ve been thinking about it for over a year now, but I feel like I’m ready to put in the work after watching your video, thank you 💕

[@gfranks007]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video, it was really, really helpful!

[@leahollsson129]

As everyone else is saying, your transparency is so refreshing. I'm hoping to give the same kind of content when I finally start my channel! I think artist are scared if they give income details that people may stop supporting them if they are making a good chunk of money (even though that's relative to the person watching). Thank you so, so much, this is the kind of content people love and want because it's honest and you have absolutely no ego especially saying you didn't even need to work... just goes to show that you are doing it for the absolute love of it!

[@itsteganyay]

Thank you for sharing all of this! It's so wonderful that you and other artists can support yourselves now that there are so many platforms and ways of connecting with people. I'm glad that your community is growing and thriving :)

[@paintingtheskykingdom9005]

Thats incredible Arlesha! You are such a great teacher and thank you for your transparency with your income. Very encouraging.

[@amandalutton2203]

This is what I really needed to hear. I have been stressing about how the start of shop would be that it would hold me back from creating art and now I am getting the hang of producing art and little content. It is definitely a process!

[@jonathanblanchard3625]

I just want to say thank you for the transparency of this video! You honestly answered SO MANY of my questions and how to go about having an art career and where to get sources of income!

[@GalacticHeroOfTime]

This is a great video! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge. I just started my creative business earlier this year, and have been wondering how I would be able to make a steady income with it. Thank you for being transparent and sharing some very helpful tips. You have a new subscriber, and I'm definitely looking forward to learning more from you. Thanks again!

[@jojobanana06]

Bless your heart!!! Thank you so much for sharing something most keep to themselves. I know myself and many others appreciate how generous you've been!! Love from MN ❤️💕 you got a new follow 🤗

[@kathydavenport3152]

I'm adding my appreciation to all the others. It helps to map out a plan going forward when you have a good collection of experience shared by other artists!

[@auntieem9978]

That was amazing! Thank you for sharing so much information!

[@avlucchettiart]

Thank you so much for making this video! It makes it seem like being a working artist is possible.

[@XxLizmoxX]

Wow! This is great information and thank you for taking the time to share!

[@Xan1120]

I’ve been working on gaining a following myself, and this is reassuring in trying to get my bearings and figuring out how I want transition into art as an adult and professional.

[@kimoconnor210]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! Really!! It's so refreshing to hear some genuinely honest content 💜

[@dianamanis2403]

You're a doll! Thanks for being so real and transparent

[@DuncanCustomAirbrush]

Haha love hearing the kiddos!! Thank you for this video, I went full time with my art this past February 2019, and this video is encouraging 👍

[@plantsforlife1120]

Thank you very much for sharing your marketing and business strategies and the personal numbers that artists do not tend to share with fellow artists. Your video was very genuine, open, and transparent. Continued success!

[@NicArtistic]

Hi there! I am new to your channel and I am also an artist. Thank you SO much for sharing some realistic numbers with your audience. I want to quit my day job and I can't thank you enough for making me feel like my dream is closer than I originally thought. Looking forward to seeing more content from you!

[@shelleynobleart]

This is incredible! So rich in specific information and your personal strategy. I can't thank you enough. But will try by buying.

[@kbrandt4015]

You're very generous to share this information. Kudos to you!!

[@LovJinxx]

I really appreciate you sharing this information. This video covered a lot of topics that I had questions about as well as answered some questions I hadn't even thought of yet. I know not many people share numbers but it really helped me get some sort of an idea of what the ratios can look like so it's highly appreciated!!

[@ladyj2502]

This video is amazing, thank you so much! I’d love to hear more on this topic.

[@revadraws4539]

I'm disabled with chronic illness (husband is too) and barely able to put food on the table working myself to death with commission work, social media, and selling stuff on ebay. Your video was a godsend! I knew I was overworking myself for not enough pay, but didn't know how to get out of it or how else to keep my family fed. This information will help my husband and I find a way to better support our family. Thank you sooo much!

[@thekarifrenchstudio5948]

Thanks for all of the great info! I'm ready to start doing and not just dreaming. Your video will help me do just that.

[@glassetchingbymatise]

Thank you or sharing the business type of information! This is one of the best videos I've come across having to do with the different avenues of revenue possible for artists! Well done!

[@mariaaldred3058]

Thank you. Love that you know what you want and do it.

[@ramonavisconti674]

little comment aside from the video theme: it's really nice to see Gabriel Picolo growing so much, gives me a sense of "it IS possible", here in Brazil we don't have much incentive for art, so for a guy like him to be as successful as he is it's really heartwarming! (he was on the skillshare part, 2:35 or something)

[@monicafaria9532]

Thank you for your candid video and awesome insights. I have a feeling your income is just going to keep increasing! Love the art and videos.

[@friendsintheleaves]

What an awesome video! Thank you for being so open about your income, it is really helpful to have a realistic idea!

[@DrawnbyYannan]

Thank you for being so honest and TRANSPARENT! It's so encouraging.

[@michelepastele5347]

Thanks so much ... these were many things I was wondering about. I appreciate your generosity in sharing!!

[@matthewriegner5180]

Thank you for sharing that info. It's takes a lot of courage to share that info, but it is extremely helpful to put everything in to perspective.

[@AeriolNicols]

great video. thanks for being so open and honest. really helpful.

[@VisualMind]

Arleesha you are a true Gem. Thank you so much for this video! You're helping to many artists here! ❤️

[@grimmlyghost3305]

This was so insightful! Thank you so much for sharing, I found it so helpful at this point in my life. I'll also be checking out that skillshare class!😊💖

[@Katyperry2175]

I'm very grateful for your honesty! Love you!

[@andreamoorcroft6127]

This was so useful and enlightening! Thanks for sharing

[@katherineparize5978]

I am so gratefull to have found this very clear, well done, helpful and informative video. Thank you so very much for sharing and aiming at what's essential!