How to create an art membership so you get paid every month
What If You Could Earn Monthly Income from Your Creativity?
It might sound too good to be true—but artists all over the world are doing it. They’re building sustainable, flexible, and joyful businesses through art memberships—and you can, too.
Whether you’re a painter, maker, designer or teacher, a membership can be tailored to your strengths and lifestyle. It’s about more than just earning an income—it’s about living a creative life on your terms.
My Turning Point
Ten years ago, I was a creative person dreaming of a more fulfilling way to work. I knew I didn’t want the traditional artist path of fairs, galleries, and being stuck in the studio. I wanted flexibility, connection, and the chance to help others.
When I discovered the membership model through Stu McLaren, it all started to click. Slowly, I began to build something that fit me—and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
What Is an Art Membership?
A membership is a space people subscribe to—usually monthly—where they gain access to your expertise, content, community or products.
It could include:
- Behind-the-scenes videos of your creative process
- Monthly art kits or print subscriptions
- A supportive group of like-minded creatives
- Tutorials, prompts or lessons
And no—you don’t need to teach unless you want to. You can create, curate, or simply share what lights you up.
Why This Works for Artists
Artists often have so much to offer beyond finished pieces. You have knowledge, stories, methods, and inspiration. A membership lets you package that in a way that creates value every single month.
You’re not just selling a product. You’re building community, connection and consistency.
Money and Meaning Can Coexist
Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, this is about making money. But it’s also about making impact.
As Stu says, the more money you make, the more good you can do. Whether that’s taking time off when you need it, funding your dream projects, or helping others—you deserve financial stability just as much as anyone else.
Money gives you options. And when you’re led by heart, it simply allows you to amplify that goodness.
There’s a Model That’ll Suit You
You don’t have to do it all. There are many ways to run a membership:
1. Product-Based
Deliver physical items—like prints, cards, or kits—each month.
2. Service-Based
Provide coaching, critiques or creative support on a subscription.
3. Community-Based
Create a welcoming space for creatives to connect, share and grow.
4. Knowledge-Based
Teach your skills, share tips, or offer templates and tools.
Ask yourself:
- Can I help someone solve a creative problem?
- Can I teach a skill people want to learn?
- Can I make someone’s life easier?
If yes, you’re in a perfect place to start.
It’s Not Too Late—and You’re Not Too Small
Maybe you think the market’s saturated, or that others are already doing it better. But here’s the truth: there are people who want to hear it from YOU.
Your style, your story, your approach—it matters.
Get Started Before You’re Ready
Perfection is the enemy of progress. I waited a year before I started—and I wish I’d begun sooner. My membership didn’t explode overnight. It evolved. It grew with me. And that’s exactly how it should be.
You don’t need it all figured out. Just start where you are.
If this speaks to you, I highly recommend Stu McLaren’s free workshop. It changed everything for me, and I’ll be taking part again this year as I evolve my own membership.
This isn’t just a business model—it’s a way to design your life around creativity, purpose and community.
Let’s create something beautiful, together.
You can watch here:
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Have a great week & take care,
Michelle xo
