Making Art a Living: Embracing Creativity as a Way of Life

Eight years ago, when I set out to create United Art Space, I had a clear vision: to help artists make art their living. This phrase, “making art a living,” has guided me and countless others on a journey that goes beyond just selling artwork—it’s about integrating creativity into every facet of life.

The Two Paths of Making Art a Living

When we talk about making art a living, there are two distinct but intertwined paths. The first, and perhaps the most obvious, is the financial aspect. This path is about generating income through your art—selling pieces, teaching, or creating products that sustain your lifestyle. It’s the tangible side of creativity, where your work directly pays the bills and supports the life you want to live.

But then there’s the second path, which is less about money and more about meaning. This is where art becomes an extension of who you are, a visual and emotional record of your journey through life. It’s about how your creations resonate with you and others, how they represent moments of hope, resilience, or joy. This path is about the deeper connection to your work, where making art a living means integrating your creativity into every aspect of your life, enriching your existence in ways that go beyond the financial.

The Power of Connection

Over the years, I’ve seen how these two paths merge for many artists. For some, the journey starts with the financial side—selling art to make a living. But as they grow, they begin to see how their work reflects their inner world, how it connects them to others, and how it becomes a powerful tool for expression and connection.

Take, for example, a series of leaf paintings I created during a difficult time. At first, I didn’t think much of them; they sat in a drawer, forgotten. But years later, those leaves resurfaced, becoming bookmarks that I now see as symbols of hope and resilience. These leaves aren’t just about making money—they’re about personal growth and understanding, about how art can teach us about ourselves and our lives.

The Joy of the Process

Making art a living isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the joy of the process. It’s about enjoying the act of creating, of putting something into the world that didn’t exist before. It’s about finding fulfillment in the work itself, not just in the financial rewards.

When you focus on this, selling your art becomes easier because you’re not just selling a product—you’re sharing a piece of yourself, a story, an emotion. People connect with that. They see the value in what you do, not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s meaningful.

Setting Your Goals

When thinking about making art a living, it’s important to define what that means for you. What kind of lifestyle do you want your art to support? I like to set three levels of goals: good, better, and best. The “good” goal is what I’m currently living—a sustainable income that supports my life as it is. The “best” goal is my dream scenario—something that seems almost unattainable but is exciting to think about. And the “better” goal is somewhere in between—a realistic but ambitious target.

By setting these goals, I keep myself motivated and focused. It’s a process of constantly expanding my vision, of pushing myself to think bigger and aim higher, while also staying grounded in what I need to do now to sustain my life.

The Seven Key Framework

Next week, we’ll be diving into the FREE “Make Art Your Living” workshops, where we explore these concepts in depth. These workshops are about more than just selling art—they’re about building a sustainable creative practice that supports your life in a way that feels fulfilling and aligned with who you are. We’ll look at practical steps you can take, break down the numbers, and explore different ways to generate income from your art.

But beyond the practicalities, these workshops are about embracing the joy of creation, of understanding the power of your art to transform your life and the lives of others. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this path for a while, there’s always something new to discover, some new way to connect with your work and with the world around you.

Final Thoughts

Making art a living is a journey—a challenging, rewarding, and deeply personal journey. It’s about finding balance between the financial and the meaningful, between making money and making a difference. It’s about understanding that your art has value, not just in the marketplace, but in your life and the lives of others.

So as we prepare to start these workshops, I invite you to think about what making art a living means to you. What are your goals? What drives you? And most importantly, how can you find joy in the process of creating and sharing your work? Because when you approach this journey with joy, with a sense of purpose and passion, everything else—money included—becomes so much easier.

Whether you’re looking to showcase your work, sell your art, or simply connect with your creative passion, these workshops are designed to help you take that next step.

Join our Make Art Your Living FREE Online Workshops, happening from September 2nd to 9th and start turning your artistic dreams into reality!

>> SIGN UP FOR FREE EVENT

 

 

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo