I'm an unemployed mom with artistic talent. How can I make money at home with my art?

Question

I would love to illustrate children's books, but I could paint other things. I mainly work with acrylics, but I also use watercolors and pen and ink.

Answer 1

I'm a homemaker as well (mother of two), and a secretary (who works 2 hours a month). I started selling my art online last month and was surprised that people were actually interested.

I suggest sticking your finger in some pies. Perhaps join a couple of online art communities, post your art, spread your name. After doing that you could mention there that you're selling art, or even create another webpage for it. The fans that you've made will be interested and might even spread your name.

Another way to get noticed: Enter art contests, or even group projects. Seriously, having an entry, even if you don't win, lets a lot of people know about you and your work. :)

Answer 2

Making money with your artwork requires time and attention and is not for the faint of heart. Start by creating artwork regularly, preferably every day to develop your skills. Once you are convinced that you've developed skill and an individual style then begin to take your work to small local galleries and boutiques to see if they are interested in selling your work. If they are interested then be very careful to give them everything they ask for, return phone calls and make sure that you show up when you've said you would. If you present yourself professionally and work at a good relationship with gallery owners, that will really help you in the long run. It takes time, but if the public responds favorably to your work, the gallery owners will be wanting more from you. For the first couple of years expect to spend more money on art supplies than you will recieve through sales. Quite honestly there are a lot of artists out there who recieve little more than a great tax write off with their art. It's the nature of the beast, it just takes time. Most artists will tell you they aren't in it for the money, most people can make more money doing other things. But if you have talent, skill and this is your dream then go for it. Best wishes!
-Rose (art gallery owner)

Answer 3

You've already got lots of good info. About the only thing else I can think of is designing your own images that would sell as charms on ebay. Don't laugh just yet ;) A friend of mine does that and makes a couple hundred a month. She has a fulltime job though and doesn't have time to dive in full steam, but you might be able to dedicate two or three hours a day to it. She only works on it 2 to 4 hours a week and sells 25 to 30 a month for between $2.50 and $21.00 each..some people REALLY want certain charms apparently. I personally don't understand the fascination with a single 9mm by 9mm piece of handmade jewlery that clips together with other ones to form a bracelet. Anyways, that's my two cents worth. if you are interested I recommend doing a search for "bulk 9mm charms" and only buy blank ones because you'll use a clear epoxy to attach your small design once you have printed itout onto Kodak photo paper. You should find about 1000 pieces for $30-$45 depending on the brand.

Answer 4

I would say, first you have to get a "day" job to buy your art supplies. then you could start selling your creations maybe on Ebay , go to art galleries, check out local art fairs, send copies to every publisher you can find , but be prepared for a lot of rejuection but don't let that get you down ! if you are very good , maybe you could teach Adult Ed classes. too.

Answer 5

Sell your art on eBay. Really. It is a good way to make money and all from home. :D If you're new to the eBay thing I'm pretty sure you can get a "Selling On eBay for Dummies" book. Good luck!

Answer 6

you could teach art at home for both students and adults
design your art work and sale at a rummage sale or post them on craigslist to sell
locate small stores and place them on walls for sale
place ads in local areas for custom made art work

Answer 7

rent a booth in a arts and crafts show, and display your art that you've made and sell it! some one will come around who will like it and will pay you to make more!!!

Go for it mama!

Answer 8

What about doing commissions for a greeting card company?

Answer 9

a lot of furniture stores or places like that will display and sell you art. it decorates their walls and you sell your art.

Answer 10

doodle a bit & then look for publishing companies, write prospective letters, canvass all of london & australia or wherever & see if they'll hire of course!!