20 Business Ideas For Sculptors [2024]
As a sculptor, you know that your craft holds limitless potential beyond traditional gallery exhibitions. In 2024, there are numerous opportunities to expand your artistic reach and diversify your income. Let's explore some viable business ideas tailored for sculptors like you.
You could delve into functional art, creating custom, sculptural furniture and home decor. Clients appreciate unique, handmade pieces that add a personal touch to their living spaces. This niche allows you to leverage your sculptural skills while addressing practical needs.
Another possibility is to offer sculpting workshops and classes. Sharing your expertise can inspire budding artists and generate steady income. Moreover, teaching can enhance your reputation within both the art community and broader audience.
Finally, consider exploring digital avenues, such as 3D modeling and virtual sculptures. These skills are increasingly in demand for gaming, film, and virtual reality projects. By adapting to new technologies, you could open up a wealth of new creative and financial opportunities.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sculptor businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Consider starting a YouTube channel as a sculptor to share your unique artistry and techniques with a global audience. By creating and monetizing engaging video content, you could showcase your sculpting process, offer tutorials, and even share insights about the tools and materials you use. This not only supplements your income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, but it also opens up opportunities for commissioned work and raises your profile within the art community.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could earn passive income through ads and sponsorships while doing what you love.
- Sharing your expertise and creative process could attract a dedicated following, opening opportunities for commissioned work.
- A YouTube channel offers global exposure, helping you reach potential clients and fans far beyond your local area.
For more information on starting a YouTube channel and its benefits, check out this link.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business makes sense for sculptors looking to supplement their income or even create a profitable side business. By promoting products and services related to your field, such as sculpting tools, materials, or educational courses, you could earn a commission for each sale made through your referral. This allows you to leverage your knowledge and network within the sculpting community, while also generating passive income over the long term.
To get started, learn how to find the right products and brands to partner with, potentially focusing on eCommerce stores that align closely with your art. Moreover, becoming an affiliate marketer could eventually grow into a significant revenue stream, which might allow you to focus more on your art without worrying about financial stability. For more insights on affiliate marketing business ideas and profitability, check out Starter Story's guide here.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It offers a way to earn passive income, especially beneficial while working on time-consuming sculptures.
- You can utilize your expertise to promote products that resonate well with your community.
- Starting costs are minimal, enabling you to focus financial resources on your primary sculpting business.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
3. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a sculptor, starting an online course sales business could be a lucrative and fulfilling way to share your talent with a broader audience while supplementing your income. By creating online courses, you could teach aspiring sculptors the fundamentals of sculpting, advanced techniques, or even how to market their artwork. With the growing e-learning market projected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, now is an opportune time to transform your passion into a profitable side business.
Visit Starter Story for more tips and success stories on starting your own online course sales business.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could generate passive income. Once your course is created, it can continue to bring in revenue with minimal maintenance.
- You might reach a global audience. Online courses can be accessed by students from all over the world, vastly expanding your reach.
- You could share your expertise and passion for sculpting. Teaching others can be deeply rewarding and solidify your reputation as an authority in your field.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
4. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're a sculptor looking for unique ways to supplement your income, starting a niche website could be a highly effective and rewarding business venture. This focused online business allows you to tap into a dedicated audience while offering both creative freedom and potential revenue. By sharing your expertise, building compelling content, and using SEO strategies, you could monetize your site through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products related to sculpting.
Why start a niche website?
- You'll build a community centered around your passion, attracting loyal followers who share your interests.
- There are numerous monetization opportunities, turning your specialized content into a profitable venture.
- Establishing a niche website can generate a reliable source of passive income over time.
Ready to get started? Check out success stories from niche websites to see how others have made it work here.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
5. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is a fantastic way for sculptors to share their expertise, build an audience, and generate additional income. By focusing on specific subtopics within the art of sculpting, you could create valuable content that attracts a dedicated readership. This content could range from detailed how-to guides and material reviews to interviews with renowned sculptors and commentary on the latest trends in sculpture art. For more insights and ideas, check out Starter Story's page on niche blog marketing ideas.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could establish yourself as an authority in the sculpting community, attracting followers and potential clients.
- Monetizing your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and ad revenue would provide an additional income stream.
- Engaging with an online community would help you build a network, learn from others, and stay updated on industry trends.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
6. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a sculptor can open up new avenues for sharing your work, connecting with an audience, and supplementing your income. By discussing your creative process, interviewing fellow artists, or exploring topics related to the arts and entrepreneurship, you could create engaging content that resonates with listeners. With minimal upfront investment, such as purchasing a microphone and headphones, you can begin producing and publishing episodes, leveraging social media to build an audience and attract potential sponsors.
Why starting a podcast?
- You could reach a broader audience, sharing your passion for sculpting with listeners worldwide.
- The podcast could serve as a platform for showcasing your expertise, potentially leading to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Monetization options like sponsorships and advertisements can provide an additional revenue stream, helping to support your sculpting business.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a practical way to supplement your income as a sculptor. By purchasing and reselling goods or services online, you could minimize initial production costs and still run a profitable business. With platforms such as social media providing an immediate sales channel, you don't even need a website to get started, though you can certainly develop one as your business expands to reach a broader audience. For more insights, check out these successful ecommerce reselling business stories.
Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- Initial costs are low compared to starting from scratch, as you avoid production expenses.
- You could use your artistic eye to curate unique products that resonate well with your target audience.
- This venture allows you to create a supplementary income stream while focusing on your sculpting passion.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
8. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a sculptor, exploring the realm of AI writing tools can be a lucrative side business or even a primary income source. The vast advancements in artificial intelligence mean you could create a tool that automates and enhances content creation for various users, including businesses, bloggers, and students. This innovative venture could provide a diversified income while allowing you to remain connected to the creative arts through technological means.
By developing an AI writing tool, you could transform the way content is generated, providing error-free, efficient, and engaging writing solutions that meet the high demand for quality content in today's digital world. You could be at the frontier of this exciting technological advancement, ensuring your business stands out in a rapidly evolving market. For more information on starting an AI writing tool business, visit this page.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- It offers an innovative way to supplement your income while staying creatively engaged.
- The high demand for quality, automated content ensures a constant market for your product.
- You could diversify your skill set, blending your artistic creativity with cutting-edge technology.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
9. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could make perfect sense as a sculptor because it offers a flexible way to supplement your income, allowing you to focus on your artistic passion while generating additional revenue. By understanding market trends and making informed financial decisions, you could create a steady income stream without the need for a traditional 9-to-5 job. This entrepreneurial venture also integrates seamlessly with the entrepreneurial spirit that drives many artists, providing a diversified portfolio of income sources.
For those intrigued by both art and finance, navigating the stock market can be a fascinating and lucrative side hustle. With the availability of educational resources and trading platforms, you can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to excel in this field. Success in stock investing requires continuous learning and strategic thinking—skills that align well with the creative problem-solving abilities of an artist.
Advantages of Starting a Stock Investing Business for Sculptors
- Diversify your income streams, reducing financial dependency on art sales alone.
- Enjoy the flexibility to invest and trade on your own schedule, allowing more time to focus on your sculpting projects.
- Utilize your creative and analytical skills in a new way, potentially leading to substantial financial rewards without a traditional job structure.
To explore more about how successful stock investing businesses operate, check out Starter Story's stock investing business success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
10. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business makes sense as a sculptor because it allows you to monetize your unique designs on a variety of products without the upfront costs of inventory. You could transform your sculptural art into digital designs that can be printed on anything from clothing to home goods, expanding your artistic reach and diversifying your income streams.
With platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, you could easily reach a global audience and run your business from the comfort of your home. This business model also offers the freedom to scale at your own pace, making it an excellent side hustle or full-time venture.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs and no need for inventory, as everything is produced on order.
- Unlimited potential to expand your art's reach by transforming your sculptures into digital designs.
- Flexibility to run the business from home, giving you the freedom to manage your time and scale as needed.
For more detailed guidance, check out the full pros and cons of running a print-on-demand business.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
11. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be a lucrative and creative way to supplement your income as a sculptor. By curating a monthly box filled with unique, handcrafted sculptures or sculpting materials, you can tap into a market that values exclusive, artistic items. Subscription boxes also allow you to build a steady customer base and generate recurring revenue, providing financial stability and the opportunity to focus more on your craft.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could generate consistent income through recurring subscriptions, ensuring steady cash flow.
- Your artistic skills allow you to offer unique, high-value products that stand out in the market.
- Subscription boxes can strengthen your brand and build a dedicated community of art lovers around your work.
For more details and success stories, check out subscription box business success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
12. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a sculptor, you could supplement your income by starting a stock photography business, capturing high-quality images of your artwork or other subjects. Businesses frequently need unique and compelling visuals for their marketing efforts, making stock photos a valuable resource. By leveraging your artistic eye and investing in good photography gear, you could create a passive income stream through platforms that license your photos to various clients.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could diversify your income streams by selling photos of your sculptures and other creative works.
- You'll reach a broader audience beyond your immediate geographic location, increasing your exposure and potential earnings.
- Building a stock photography portfolio allows you to utilize your existing skills while generating continuous revenue from your work with minimal ongoing effort.
For more insights and resources, explore stock photography business profitability on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
13. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a sculptor, starting an AI-based business solution could be a savvy way to supplement your income or even launch a new business venture. This forward-thinking approach leverages artificial intelligence to streamline business operations, making tasks like customer service, inventory management, and personalized marketing more efficient. By incorporating AI tools, you could automate repetitive tasks, gain valuable insights into customer behavior, and make data-driven decisions to enhance your overall business performance.
With the increasing demand for AI solutions, you could tap into a growing market while maintaining your creative focus. Implementing AI doesn’t require a tech background, thanks to user-friendly platforms and robust support systems. If you’re looking to innovate and gain a competitive edge, consider exploring AI-based business solutions to boost your entrepreneurial success Read more.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- Save time and reduce costs by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
- Gain valuable customer insights and enhance decision-making with data-driven tools.
- Tap into a rapidly growing market and stay ahead of competitors by integrating cutting-edge technology.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
14. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Creating a mobile app can open new revenue streams and expand your reach as a sculptor. With the rise of technology, you could develop an app that offers virtual sculpting lessons, interactive art tutorials, or even augmented reality (AR) experiences that let users see your sculptures in their own homes. You could also create a platform for showcasing your work, managing commissions, and connecting with clients directly.
Developing an app can be a unique way to enhance user engagement and showcase your artistic skills on a digital platform. Link to success stories.
Why develop a mobile app?
- Tap into new revenue streams. By selling premium content or subscriptions, you can monetize your app and build a steady income.
- Expand your audience reach. A mobile app allows you to connect with a global audience, far beyond your local community.
- Innovate and differentiate. An app provides an innovative platform to showcase your sculptures in unique ways, setting you apart from other artists.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a sculptor, branching into the realm of health and wellness by developing an app can be both a creative and lucrative venture. Your background in creating intricate, thought-provoking pieces can provide a unique perspective to the design and user experience of the app, making it both visually appealing and functional. Sculpting requires precision, patience, and an eye for detail—all essential skills that can translate into crafting a user-centric wellness app.
Moreover, your artistic touch can help differentiate your app in a saturated market, attracting users who appreciate aesthetics as well as functionality. By incorporating guidance on yoga, personalized meal plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could create a comprehensive tool that supports users in achieving their health and wellness goals. It's an exciting opportunity to blend your artistic flair with a growing industry, fostering both creativity and financial success. For a deeper dive into this idea, you can explore health and wellness app success stories at Starter Story.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your artistic skills to create a unique and visually appealing app, standing out in a crowded market.
- Your attention to detail as a sculptor can ensure an exceptional user experience, helping to retain and attract users.
- Building a health and wellness app allows you to positively impact lives while generating an additional income stream.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
16. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be a fantastic side hustle or supplementary income source for sculptors. This endeavor lets you leverage your creativity and artistic eye to help clients enhance their social media presence through well-curated posts and automated interactions. Given the high demand for consistent and engaging social media content, these services can be highly lucrative, allowing you to balance your artistic passions with a profitable business venture.
The market for social media automation continues to grow, especially as more businesses and influencers look to streamline their online activities. Whether it's scheduling posts or analyzing engagement metrics, your technical and marketing skills can greatly benefit clients. To learn more about building your social media automation business, check out this detailed guide on profitability.
Why consider starting a social media automation business?
- You'll leverage your artistic skills and creativity in a new, profitable domain.
- You'll meet the increasing demand for automated social media services, providing you with a steady stream of clients.
- You'll enjoy flexible work hours, allowing you to balance sculpting and business activities seamlessly.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
17. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
As a sculptor, diving into the world of niche investment platforms could offer a unique way to supplement your income or start a side business. Such a platform allows you to create a tailored exchange for alternative asset classes like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or fine wine, leveraging your understanding of unique and valuable assets. With modern technology, you can build a transparent trading ecosystem that attracts specialized investors, generates recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, and provides asset diversification options amid volatile stock markets.
For more ideas, explore startup costs for niche investment platforms.
Could starting a niche investment platform be your next venture?
- Utilize your expertise in unique and valuable assets to create a specialized investment marketplace.
- Offer asset diversification options, attracting brokers and traders interested in alternative investment avenues.
- Generate recurring income through transaction fees and premium subscription models, building a sustainable revenue stream.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
18. Start a cod farming business
Starting a cod farming business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even create a full-time business while pursuing your passion for sculpting. With the growing shortage of traditional North-Atlantic groundfish, including cod, investing in this sector now could be exceptionally lucrative. Farming cod aligns well with health-conscious consumer trends, providing you with a solid customer base eager for low-fat protein options.
Cod farming could offer you the financial stability needed to support your sculpting endeavors. For more insights on the potential of this business, check out this guide on the startup costs of a cod farming business.
Why starting a cod farming business?
- Diversified income streams will provide you the freedom to focus on your sculpting projects.
- Strong market demand due to protein needs and the scarcity of wild-caught cod.
- Flexibility to manage and scale your business based on your availability and resources, allowing you to balance it with your art.
19. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
For sculptors looking to diversify their income streams, starting a real estate investment firm offers a unique avenue. Investing in properties can provide additional financial stability and draw upon your creative skills in property renovation and design. Beyond the studio, understanding and navigating the real estate market can lead to impressive financial returns and a steady income stream from rental properties.
Why start a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate investment can create a steady and substantial passive income, balancing the often fluctuating income from art sales.
- Leveraging your aesthetic sense, you could enhance properties, increasing their market value significantly.
- Understanding the intricacies of real estate can diversify your skill set, offering a new entrepreneurial challenge and potential financial independence.
For more insights and success stories in this field, check out this page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
20. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
As a sculptor, diversifying your income streams is essential, and developing an online survey tool can be an ingenious way to maximize your earnings. Online survey tools allow businesses to gather customer feedback efficiently, and the demand for such services is continuously growing. Think of it this way: just like you shape materials into art, you could shape customer insights into actionable data for businesses through a well-constructed survey platform. Explore more about how successful survey tools come to life and generate substantial revenues here.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- Supplement your creative income with a tech-savvy business approach without compromising your art practice.
- Utilize your sculptor’s eye for design to create visually appealing and intuitive survey interfaces, setting your tool apart from competitors.
- Profiting from the rising trend of data-driven decision-making in businesses offers a robust and scalable income stream.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
