In good company: Artists & Multiple Streams of Income

Mar 6
3 min read

It’s been a little over a year since the company I worked for restructured and eliminated my position. I restarted my solo creative business. I have multiple streams of income, and let me be clear, I am not the magical fairy artist who makes their living from one single source. Nothing enrages me more than a surface pattern designer claiming they continue to make six figures by selling their surface pattern designs alone. I know it takes multiple streams of income. I have streams of income from the following:

• Licensing deals: my own artwork on products.

• Book royalties: from a how-to book I wrote in 2019.

• Handmade books & decorative paper: I make and create

• Teaching & Workshops: I teach at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and give guest lectures on product design at colleges and universities.

• Graphic design: designing posters, ads, and billboards for large and small businesses.

• Product design: creating seasonal decor for a big box retailer.

I anticipate that, over the years, this will change as I add things and tire of others.

Heather RJ Fletcher from Scooter Eats Petunias is teaching marbling at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

Other Well-Known Artists who had Multiple Streams of Income

Mary Blair was a pioneering artist and designer best known for her influential work with Disney. Her vibrant colors and unique style shaped the look of classic films like Cinderella and Peter Pan. But Blair’s income came from more than just animation.

Studio Work: Blair earned a steady income working as a concept artist and color stylist for Disney.
Freelance Projects: She took on assignments in advertising and magazine illustration.
Theme Park Design: Later in her career, Blair contributed to the design of Disneyland attractions, which provided additional revenue.
Licensing and Prints: Her artwork was licensed for prints and merchandise, creating passive income.
Teaching and Workshops: Blair occasionally taught and shared her expertise, adding another source of income.

Pablo Picasso

Picasso is famous for his groundbreaking art, but he also diversified his income in several ways:

Art Sales: Selling original paintings and sculptures.
Printmaking: Creating limited edition prints and lithographs.
Commercial Work: Designing ceramics, posters, and stage sets.
Art Licensing: Licensing his images for products and publications.
Teaching: Running art classes and workshops.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo’s income streams extended beyond her iconic paintings:

Art Sales: Selling self-portraits and other works.
Exhibitions: Participating in international exhibitions that paid appearance fees.
Merchandising: Licensing her image for books, clothing, and accessories.
Collaborations: Working with other artists and brands on special projects.
Writing: Publishing diaries and letters that later generated royalties.

Andy Warhol

Warhol’s career is a prime example of blending art and commerce:

Fine Art Sales: Selling paintings and prints.
Commercial Art: Creating advertisements and album covers.
Film and Media: Producing experimental films and running a magazine.
Brand Collaborations: Partnering with companies for product lines.
Merchandising: Licensing his artwork for consumer products.

Georgia O’Keeffe

O’Keeffe built her income through a mix of traditional and innovative methods:

Gallery Sales: Selling paintings through galleries.
Commissions: Creating commissioned works for private collectors.
Teaching: Offering art classes and lectures.
Publishing: Producing books and portfolios of her work.
Art Licensing: Licensing images for prints and home décor.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat’s career, though brief, included multiple income sources:

Art Sales: Selling paintings and drawings.
Collaborations: Working with musicians and fashion brands.
Merchandising: Licensing his artwork for clothing and accessories.
Exhibitions: Participating in paid gallery and museum shows.
Commercial Projects: Designing album covers and posters.

Tips for Managing Multiple Income Streams

Handling several income sources can be complex. Here are a few of my best tips:

Track Finances Carefully: Use accounting software to monitor income and expenses for each stream.
Only take projects you are interested in and give 100% of your best work!
Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt income streams as markets and interests change.
Protect Your Work: Use contracts and copyright protections to secure your rights and income.

And remember, it’s okay to have multiple streams of income.