How to Make Money Online as an Artist? [From Home in 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Are you looking for ways to make money online as an artist? You're in luck! There are a number of great opportunities available to an artist who want to work from home. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best ways to make money online as an artist. We'll also provide tips for getting started.

So, if you're ready to start making some extra money online from home, keep reading!

1. Start a podcasting business ($74.8K/month)

Podcasting businesses often start as a hobby. You publish a few episodes and posts, and soon you will start getting engagements from interested parties.

However, to earn money from your podcasting business, you need to put a lot of effort and time into producing quality shows that address your audience's concerns.

To grow your podcast business, ensure regular publishing, which brings better growth, more listeners to your channel, and a higher income.

Here is a list of steps to help you transition the podcast from a hobby to a full-time podcast business:

  • Ensure a focused effort and adjust the tone of each podcast episode
  • Make podcasting your priority
  • Focus on building
  • Grow a mailing list
  • Aim at building a trusted brand
  • Develop a long-term growth and marketing plan

How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

2. Start a proofreading service ($18.3K/month)

Finding typos and grammatical errors is a painstaking task, but it's essential for polished content. Welcome to the world of proofreading services, where your meticulous eye for detail can turn into a profitable venture.

In simple terms, a proofreading service involves reviewing documents to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. As a proofreader, your role is to ensure that the final written content is coherent, error-free, and professional.

If you have a knack for spotting mistakes and a passion for words, this business idea offers significant potential. Start by seeking clients on freelance platforms, or directly reaching out to companies, authors, and academics. Once you've built a solid reputation, you can even hire additional proofreaders to expand your service offerings.

The need for high-quality written content is ever-increasing in our digital age. Opening a proofreading service can satisfy this demand while offering you a flexible, steady income stream.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

3. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

4. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)

Are you a successful blogger looking for new ideas or a starter looking for how to make money online? How about becoming a blogging coach?

Start by creating blogging courses in any field, and teach your audience different blogging tips.

Blogging coaches teach different topics, including but not limited to:

  • How to build successful business blogs
  • Tips for choosing successful blog topics
  • How to optimize conversions
  • Repurposing and promoting blogs online

With businesses and individuals embracing blogging as a content marketing strategy, there will be a demand for blogging coaching. Therefore, with the right approach, you stand a great opportunity to make huge profits from the business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $80,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 12 days (?)

5. Start an online art prints business

The art print is a fast-growing segment. Although there is a lot of competition in the fine art marketplace, selling original art prints online can be profitable.

You do not have to rely on original artwork sales alone for financial stability in your artistic career. Selling copies and digital art from different artists is a simpler way of starting your online art print business.

6. Start a chatbot affiliate marketing business

Want to earn from the growing AI trend? Consider a chatbot affiliate marketing business.

This involves using chatbot technology to promote affiliate products. You create and manage chatbots that engage users, recommend relevant products, and drive sales through affiliate links.

Chatbots can interact with customers 24/7, providing personalized recommendations and nudging them towards purchases. Automation means you can generate income even while you sleep.

Starting out requires choosing a niche, building chatbots using services like ManyChat, and partnering with affiliate programs. You will need to invest time in learning about chatbot platforms and affiliate marketing strategies, but the scalability and passive income potential make it worthwhile.

A chatbot affiliate marketing business leverages both the AI and ecommerce trends. If you're looking for a tech-driven online business, this could be your next venture.

How much you can make: $7,000/month

7. Start an ebay business

eBay business is one of the most fun, and profitable side hustles you should try. You can earn between up to thousands of dollars per month selling on eBay. eBay business is a great side hustle idea because the platform has millions of loyal users. Besides, the platform is best for selling collectibles and different niche market items. But you can also sell old furniture or clothes that are collecting dust at home.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

8. Start an etsy digital products business ($6.14K/month)

An Etsy digital products business involves creating and selling digital goods on the Etsy platform.

These can include items like printable art, digital planners, e-books, graphic designs, and more.

To start this business on a budget, first identify a niche or category you're passionate about and skilled in.

Create high-quality digital products using free or low-cost tools like Canva or Google Docs.

Then, set up a shop on Etsy, optimize your product listings with relevant keywords, and promote your shop through social media and online communities to attract potential customers.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $10,417/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

9. Start a drop shipping business

Want to enter the world of ecommerce without the hassle of managing inventory? Dropshipping could be your answer. In this business model, you set up an online store, but instead of keeping stock, you partner with suppliers who handle the storage, packaging, and shipping for you.

Starting a dropshipping business means you can focus on marketing and customer service while suppliers take care of the logistical heavy lifting. This reduces the upfront costs and risks typically associated with traditional retail.

Imagine running a store where you sell a variety of products without having to worry about warehousing or overstocking. With platforms like Shopify and dropshipping apps such as Oberlo, finding products and integrating them into your store is straightforward.

For those looking to dive into ecommerce with minimal investment and maximum flexibility, dropshipping presents a compelling opportunity. It’s an efficient way to tap into the online marketplace and start generating income.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

10. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

11. Start an e-book writing business ($34.8K/month)

An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.

Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

12. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Do you know you can make money selling what you are passionate about? People are making money creating courses and selling them online. Common online courses include music, cooking, coding, web design, dropshipping, etc.

Thus, you can turn it into a passive income by launching online classes if you have a skill. All you need is to choose a target audience, create the online course and choose an online learning platform where you can sell the course.

The e-learning market is expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years.

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 (?)

13. Become an ebook writer

Want to turn your storytelling skills into a business? Consider becoming an ebook writer. Writing ebooks involves creating and publishing digital books on various topics, from fiction to self-help.

This business allows you to share your expertise or imagination with a broad audience, potentially generating passive income. By self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you can reach readers without the need for a traditional publishing deal.

Commitment is key: you'll spend hours researching, writing, editing, and promoting your work. Tools like Grammarly for editing and Canva for designing book covers can facilitate the process. If you have a knack for writing and a strong work ethic, this could be your ideal venture.

How much you can make: $17,000/month

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

14. Sell e-books ($75K/month)

An e-book business involves selling digital books online.

To start such a business, you would need to have a website or an online platform like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords, where you can list and sell your e-books.

To sell e-books, you need to decide on the type of content and set up your listings. This involves creating a cover, writing a description, and selecting categories and keywords.

Promoting your e-books is another important aspect of running an e-book business. You can use social media and online marketing strategies to reach your target audience.

Offering promotions and discounts can also help you encourage sales and attract new customers.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

15. Start an online shopping business ($150K/month)

Looking to tap into the ecommerce boom with minimal overhead? An online shopping business might be the perfect fit. This venture involves setting up a digital storefront where customers can browse and purchase a wide array of products. By utilizing user-friendly platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, starting your own online store has never been more accessible.

Building an inventory, managing stock levels, and ensuring timely shipping are all part of the daily grind. But the reward? A highly scalable business model with global reach and the potential for significant profits.

If the idea of curating your own product line and reaching consumers worldwide excites you, then the online shopping business is worth considering. With dedication and the right strategies, you could build a thriving ecommerce empire.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

16. Start a blogging tips website ($33.4K/month)

Starting a blogging tips website offers a unique opportunity to carve out a niche in the digital space without the overhead of physical inventory or services.

In essence, a blogging tips website provides insights, tools, and techniques to help aspiring bloggers refine their craft and grow their online presence.

By sharing valuable content about SEO strategies, content creation, and social media marketing, you can establish yourself as an authority in the blogging community. This builds trust and positions your website as a go-to resource for both beginners and seasoned bloggers.

It's a scalable business model, allowing you to monetize through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and premium resources. With dedication and a smart content strategy, you can create a steady stream of traffic and revenue, turning your passion for blogging into a sustainable business.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $125 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

17. Start a content creation business ($80.3K/month)

As a content entrepreneur, you get to flex your writing skills across different formats and subjects to elevate marketing campaigns.

Offering niche-specific expertise lets you provide targeted messages tailored for client goals and audiences.

With the freedom of freelance gigs or full-service agency models, starting a content studio allows creativity and strategy to enhance brand stories and digital experiences.

Whether supporting one company or many, a personalized approach backed by writing talent positions your content creation venture to drive lead generation and visibility for today’s content-compelling market.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

18. Start a digital ebook business

Think you can make money writing without dealing with the hassle of a publisher? A digital ebook business might be the answer.

In essence, you write and sell ebooks online, converting your knowledge, stories, or expertise into downloadable content. With minimal startup costs—mostly editing, design, and marketing—you can reach a global audience from the comfort of your home.

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Gumroad make distribution fairly straightforward. However, the real work lies in consistently creating high-quality content that resonates with readers and effective marketing to stand out in a crowded market.

Imagine the appeal of earning passive income while sharing your insights or creativity with the world. If you have a knack for writing and a topic you’re passionate about, this could be a fulfilling and lucrative venture.

19. Launch an online classes platform ($64.7K/month)

Tired of the traditional classroom setting? Build an online classes platform.

In simple terms, an online classes platform allows educators to create, market, and sell their courses to a global audience. This business idea leverages the growing demand for remote and flexible learning solutions.

With a diverse range of subjects and the ability to cater to different learning styles, you're meeting an essential need. This market is ripe with opportunities for specialized courses, certification programs, and interactive learning experiences.

Starting this venture requires a robust platform, effective marketing, and continuous engagement with your audience. It's a rewarding project that allows you to make education accessible while generating revenue.

Running your own online classes platform combines technology, education, and entrepreneurship in a way that can truly make a difference. For those passionate about teaching and learning, this is an idea worth pursuing.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $175,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

20. Start a portfolio website business

Want to showcase your skills and talents to potential employers or clients? Start a portfolio website business. This idea involves creating and managing personalized websites that display the work and achievements of individuals in various fields.

You'll be responsible for designing aesthetically pleasing and functional sites while helping clients curate their best work to attract opportunities. With the increasing importance of online presence, there's a growing demand for custom portfolio websites.

You'll need to develop web design skills and have an eye for detail to succeed. Most of the work involves collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and translating those into an engaging online portfolio. It's a rewarding venture if you enjoy blending creativity with technical expertise.

How much you can make: $350/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

21. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Whether you want to clear your utility bills, finance your college education or save for a vacation, a social media marketing agency is one of the best ways to earn extra income. The advantage is that you do not need to commit so much time to automate using social media marketing tools. All you need to do is develop a good social media marketing strategy that will enable you to serve customers efficiently. Besides, you need to create an agency portfolio to market your services to target customers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

22. Start a story blogging business ($34.8K/month)

A story blogging business is a venture where you write and share engaging stories online.

It involves creating content that captivates readers and keeps them coming back for more.

To start, you'll need a computer or smartphone, internet access, and a platform to publish your stories, which can be a free blog or social media.

You can generate income through methods like ads, sponsored content, or even selling merchandise related to your stories.

This low-cost business idea relies on your creativity and writing skills to build an audience and turn your passion for storytelling into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $83,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

23. Start an anti-subscription service business

Tired of subscription fatigue? Enter the anti-subscription service business.

This innovative idea offers customers the freedom to access products or services without the commitment of a recurring monthly fee. Think of it as a pay-as-you-go model where customers only pay for what they use, whether it’s software, entertainment, or specialty goods.

With people becoming increasingly wary of endless subscription charges, there’s a ripe market for offering flexible, no-strings-attached alternatives. As a business owner, you'll need to forge strong partnerships with vendors and craft compelling, one-off pricing strategies.

If you’re looking to provide a refreshing alternative in a saturated subscription market, this business idea could be your next venture. It’s about giving people control and choice, tapping into a growing desire for flexibility and simplicity.

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

24. Start an ebook reading app business

Imagine turning the love for reading into a profitable venture. An ebook reading app business allows users to access a vast library of digital books right from their devices. This business capitalizes on the growing preference for digital media, offering convenience and a seamless reading experience.

Your task will involve developing a user-friendly app that supports multiple formats, collaborates with publishers, and provides personalized recommendations. You’ll need a keen eye for UX/UI design and some knowledge of app marketing to attract and retain users.

In a world where people are constantly on the go, a well-optimized ebook reading app can provide literary escape and, simultaneously, generate steady revenue. If you're passionate about books and technology, this business idea merges both worlds into a lucrative opportunity. Embrace the digital wave and help others discover their next great read from the comfort of their screens.

How much you can make: $17,000/month

How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)

25. Start an online course creation business

Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.

All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.

Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

26. Start an educational website business ($5.03K/month)

Do you have a passion for teaching and a knack for digital platforms? Consider launching an educational website.

In simple terms, an educational website offers courses, tutorials, and resources online, catering to a global audience eager to learn new skills or enhance existing ones.

The allure of this idea lies in its vast potential for impact and growth. You can create and curate valuable content, build a subscriber base, and monetize through course fees, ads, and sponsorships.

If you're dedicated and enjoy putting in the effort to develop high-quality educational material, this business can be incredibly rewarding. Starting your own educational website provides not just a revenue stream, but also a platform to share your knowledge and make a real difference in people's lives.

How much you can make: $50 — $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

27. Start a product design business ($100K/month)

Got a flair for creativity and a knack for solving problems? Starting a product design business could be your ideal venture. In simple terms, product design involves creating and refining products to meet both user needs and market demands.

Starting out, you'll need to engage with clients to understand their vision, sketch designs, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturers. The real work here is in the details—every line and material choice contributes to the finished product.

This business is perfect for those who thrive on innovation and enjoy seeing their ideas come to life. It’s all about blending functionality with aesthetics, making things that are not only beautiful but also useful. Having a portfolio of well-designed products can set you apart in a competitive market.

If you're passionate about creating tangible objects from abstract ideas, this business will give you the satisfaction of making an impact on everyday lives.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 225 days (?)

28. Start a translator app business

Language barriers can be a significant obstacle in our globalized world. A translator app aims to bridge that gap, allowing users to communicate seamlessly across different languages.

Creating a translator app involves developing software that can accurately translate text, voice, or even images. You'll need a robust algorithm and possibly machine learning to improve translation accuracy over time. Think of it as blending technology with linguistics to solve real-world communication problems.

This business idea taps into a growing market, given the increasing interaction between diverse linguistic groups. By offering features like real-time translation and offline capabilities, you can make an indispensable tool for travelers, professionals, and language learners.

Starting this business not only has the potential for substantial financial rewards but also addresses a critical need, making the world a bit more connected.

How much you can make: $90,000/month

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 29. Start a paid online surveys business
  • 30. Start a dividend investing business
  • 31. Start a print on demand coaching

32. Start a start a blog ($57.5K/month)

Ever considered sharing your insights and passions with a wide audience? Starting a blog might be your ideal business venture. A blog allows you to write and publish articles on topics you're passionate about or knowledgeable in, reaching readers across the globe.

Launching a blog involves choosing a niche, setting up a website, and consistently generating valuable content. It's a flexible business that offers autonomy and a platform to voice your opinions, teach, or entertain.

Interest grows when you realize the potential for income through ad placements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. It's an opportunity to build a personal brand, connect with a community, and even turn a side project into a full-time career.

If you've got a unique perspective or specialized knowledge, starting a blog is a compelling way to share it while creating an avenue for growth and income.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.