30+ Get Paid To Draw Online Sites ($40k+/Yr)

Hey there!

If you’re an artist looking to turn your love for drawing into some extra cash (or even a full-time gig), you’re in the right place!

There are so many cool ways to get paid to draw online, and believe it or not, a lot of artists are raking in over $40k a year doing what they love.

From selling your art on different platforms to teaching others and creating fun content, the options are pretty endless.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, I’m excited to share 30+ sites that can help you make money with your creativity.

Let’s jump in and see what’s out there!

How Much You Can Earn As an Artist?

When considering how much you can earn as an artist, salaries can vary widely based on factors like experience, location, and the specific type of art you create.

According to data from Indeed, the average salary for an artist in the United States is around $50,000 per year, but this can range from $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the artist’s niche and success.

Freelance artists may earn differently, often charging per project or hourly, with rates typically between $25 to $150 per hour based on their expertise.

Additionally, platforms like PayScale provide insights into how various factors influence artist earnings, helping you understand the financial landscape of a career in art.

General Freelancing Platforms

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, where artists can find a variety of drawing projects.

You begin by creating a profile that showcases your portfolio and highlights your skills and experience.

Clients post projects, and freelancers submit proposals detailing how they plan to complete the work and their rates.

Common drawing-related projects include illustrations, character designs, and digital art for marketing materials.

Rates can vary widely, but skilled artists often charge between $20 to $100 per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the project and their experience.

Payments are processed through Upwork, ensuring that funds are held securely until the project is satisfactorily completed.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr operates on a gig-based system where you can offer specific drawing services, such as custom portraits, logo designs, or comic strips.

You set up “gigs” describing what you offer and your pricing.

Clients browse these gigs and purchase the ones that meet their needs.

You can set your own custom prices based on the complexity of the work, and offer additional tiers and extras for higher prices.

Artists often end up earning $50 to $200 or more for complex or premium services.

Payments are handled through Fiverr’s secure platform, and you receive your earnings once the project is delivered and accepted by the client.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is another major platform where artists can find a variety of drawing jobs, from creating illustrations and storyboards to designing graphics for websites and apps.

After setting up a profile, you can bid on projects that match your skills.

Freelancer also offers contests where you can submit your work to win prizes and attract new clients.

Rates on Freelancer can range from $10 per hour for simpler tasks to over $100 per hour for more specialized work.

The platform uses a milestone payment system, ensuring you receive payment for each phase of the project you complete.

4. Guru

Guru is a professional platform connecting freelancers with clients seeking artistic services. You set up a profile, showcase your portfolio, and bid on projects.

Common drawing-related jobs on Guru include illustrations, caricatures, and concept art.

You can set your rates, typically ranging from $15 to $80 per hour or more, depending on your expertise.

Guru uses SafePay, which holds funds in escrow until the client is satisfied with the completed work, ensuring secure transactions.

5. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is another excellent platform for freelancers offering drawing services.

Create a profile, list your offerings, and set your hourly rate or project price.

Whether it’s custom illustrations, character designs, or graphic work, you can find projects that match your skills.

Rates often range from $20 to $70 per hour. The platform ensures secure payments and features a rating system to help build your reputation and attract more clients.

Online Marketplaces & Print On Demand

6. Etsy

Etsy is a fantastic platform for selling your drawings as digital downloads or physical prints.

Create your shop, list your products, and set your prices.

Etsy’s global reach allows you to connect with buyers from all over the world.

Payments are handled through Etsy’s payments, making it easy to manage transactions and focus on artwork creation.

7. Redbubble

Selling your designs on various products like t-shirts, phone cases, and prints is a breeze with Redbubble.

Draw your own artwork and upload it to Redbubble, set your prices, and earn a commission on each sale.

Redbubble takes care of production, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus on what you love—creating art.

8. Society6

Society6 offers a similar experience to Redbubble, letting you sell your artwork on a variety of products.

Upload your designs, set your prices, and earn a commission on sales.

Society6 handles all the logistics, from production to shipping, making it easy to reach a broad audience without worrying about the details.

9. Zazzle

Zazzle enables you to create and sell custom products featuring your designs. You earn a royalty on each sale, while Zazzle manages production, shipping, and customer service.

This platform is perfect for artists wanting to see their work on everything from apparel to home decor, providing a seamless way to monetize your creativity.

10. Teespring

With Teespring, you can design and sell custom apparel and merchandise.

Set your prices and profit margins, and Teespring handles the rest—production, shipping, and customer service.

This print-on-demand platform is straightforward, allowing you to focus on creating while reaching customers worldwide.

11. Printful

Printful is a print-on-demand service that allows artists to create and sell custom products without holding inventory.

To maximize earnings, artists can integrate Printful with their online stores or platforms like Etsy.

By uploading designs to Printful, artists can create product mockups that sync with their store.

They can also order samples at a discount to showcase high-quality images.

Utilizing social media and email marketing to drive traffic to their Printful store can significantly increase visibility and sales.

12. Merch By Amazon

Merch by Amazon is a platform that enables artists to create and sell custom-designed merchandise, such as t-shirts, without upfront costs.

Artists can upload their artwork, choose product types, and set prices. To maximize earnings, artists should focus on niche markets and trending topics to create appealing designs.

Promoting their products through social media and leveraging Amazon’s vast customer base can lead to increased sales. Artists earn royalties based on sales, with payments typically processed monthly.

13. Threadless

Threadless is a creative community and e-commerce platform where artists can submit their designs for apparel and home goods.

Artists can earn money by participating in design challenges or setting up their own shops.

To enhance sales, artists should engage with the Threadless community, promote their designs on social media, and collaborate with other artists.

Threadless also offers a variety of promotional tools, allowing artists to run sales or discounts to attract more customers. Payments are made through PayPal, typically on a monthly basis.

Commission Based Platforms

14. DeviantArt

DeviantArt is the largest online community for artists and art enthusiasts, launched in 2000, where users can share and showcase their artwork.

Artists can earn money by selling prints, digital downloads, and commissions, with the platform allowing them to keep a significant portion of their sales revenue.

DeviantArt hosts over 75 million registered members and features more than 550 million pieces of art, with tens of thousands of new submissions daily.

Payment methods typically include PayPal, and artists usually receive their earnings within a few days after a sale.

Interestingly, the platform has fostered a vibrant community where artists can connect, collaborate, and receive feedback, making it a key resource for both emerging and established creators.

15. ArtStation

Artists can earn money by selling prints, digital assets, and tutorials, keeping up to 95% of the revenue from sales.

Payment is typically wired directly to the artist’s bank account, and ArtStation supports transactions in over 220 countries.

The payment processing time can vary, but artists usually receive payments within a few days after a sale is made.

Additionally, ArtStation offers job listings, allowing artists to find freelance or full-time work in the creative industry, further enhancing their earning potential.

16. Artists&Clients

Artist&Clients is an online marketplace that connects artists with clients seeking custom digital artwork.

Artists can create listings for various types of commissions, set their base prices, and showcase their portfolios to attract potential buyers.

By participating in this platform, artists can earn income through commissioned work, allowing them to reach a wider audience and build a clientele.

The platform takes a small commission on transactions, making it a viable option for artists looking to monetize their skills while engaging with a community of art enthusiasts and clients

17. Patreon

Patreon is a membership platform that enables creators to earn a sustainable income by connecting directly with their fans.

Artists can create subscription tiers, offering exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes access, tutorials, or personalized art in exchange for monthly payments.

With over 200,000 visual artists and more than 6 million patrons, the platform has raised over $2 billion for creators since its launch in 2013.

Payment methods typically include PayPal, and artists usually receive their earnings within a few days after the billing cycle ends.

While subscription amounts can start as low as $1, successful artists often earn significantly more by building a dedicated fanbase, making Patreon a viable option for sustainable income in the creative field.

Social Media Platforms

18. Instagram

Instagram is a powerful platform for artists looking to showcase their work and connect with potential buyers.

Utilize Instagram Stories to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, offer exclusive sneak peeks, or host interactive polls.

Create eye-catching Reels showcasing your art, time-lapse painting sessions, or tutorials.

Collaborate with other artists or influencers to expand your reach. Offer limited-time sales or promotions to encourage followers to make a purchase.

Utilize Instagram Shopping to make it easy for interested buyers to learn more and purchase directly through the app.

19. Twitter

Twitter may not be the first platform that comes to mind for selling art, but it can be a valuable tool for building relationships with collectors and art enthusiasts.

Here are some unique ways to use Twitter to promote your work:

1. Engage with your followers: Respond to mentions, retweets, and direct messages to build genuine connections with your audience. Share your creative process, ask for feedback, or share behind-the-scenes glimpses to humanize your brand.

2. Participate in art-related threads: Join conversations using relevant hashtags like #ArtistOnTwitter or #ArtTalk to connect with other artists, share your work, and learn from the community.

3. Offer limited-time giveaways or contests: Encourage followers to retweet, like, or share a specific post to enter a drawing for a chance to win a piece of your art or a special discount.

4. Collaborate with other artists: Reach out to artists whose styles complement yours to create co-branded content, host joint giveaways, or participate in takeovers to expand your reach.

5. Share sneak peeks and exclusive content: Give your Twitter followers a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process or offer exclusive previews of new pieces to build anticipation and loyalty.

20. Facebook

Facebook offers a large user base and targeted advertising options for artists looking to reach a wider audience. Create a dedicated Facebook Page or group to showcase your portfolio and engage with your audience.

Join relevant art-related groups and participate in discussions.

Offer exclusive content or discounts to your Facebook followers. Run targeted Facebook Ads to reach potential buyers based on their interests, demographics, and location.

Collaborate with other artists or local businesses to create co-branded content or host joint events.

21. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual search engine that can be an effective platform for artists to showcase their work and drive traffic to their online stores or websites.

Create eye-catching pins using high-quality images, descriptive titles, and relevant keywords.

Organize your pins into themed boards based on your art style, medium, or subject matter.

Collaborate with other artists or brands to create co-branded content or host joint giveaways.

Utilize Pinterest Analytics to track the performance of your pins and gain insights into your audience’s interests and behaviors.

Sell Stock Illustrations and Licensing

22. Shutterstock

Shutterstock offers a vast marketplace for artists to sell their images, illustrations, and videos.

To stand out, artists should focus on creating high-quality, unique content that caters to current trends and popular themes.

Engaging in keyword research can help optimize submissions, making them more discoverable to potential buyers.

Additionally, artists can create collections or themed portfolios to attract specific clientele.

23. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock provides artists with a platform to sell their creative assets, seamlessly integrating with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

This integration allows artists to upload and manage their work directly from apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, streamlining the submission process.

To maximize earnings, artists should focus on producing high-quality, versatile assets that can be used in various projects, such as marketing materials or social media content.

Participating in Adobe Stock’s promotional campaigns can also enhance visibility. Furthermore, leveraging Adobe’s user base by sharing work on social media and engaging with the community can lead to increased sales.

24. iStock

iStock is a well-established platform for selling stock images and illustrations, offering artists a chance to monetize their creativity.

To make the most of iStock, artists should focus on niche markets or specific themes that resonate with current trends.

Creating a diverse portfolio that includes various styles and formats can attract a broader audience. Artists can also participate in iStock’s exclusive collections or promotions to gain additional exposure.

Engaging with the iStock community through forums or social media can help artists build connections and increase their chances of being featured, ultimately boosting their sales potential.

Educational Platforms

25. Skillshare

Skillshare is an excellent platform for artists to get paid by teaching others to draw.

By creating engaging art classes, you can share your techniques and insights with a global audience.

Focus on niche topics or unique styles to attract students looking for specialized knowledge.

Promoting your classes through social media and your art portfolio can help you build a following and increase enrollment.

26. Udemy

Udemy offers artists a chance to monetize their skills by creating comprehensive courses on drawing and illustration.

With a vast audience, you can reach aspiring artists eager to learn from your expertise.

Consider breaking down complex techniques into easy-to-follow modules, and use engaging visuals to enhance the learning experience.

Marketing your courses through email newsletters and social media can also boost visibility and sales.

27. Teachable

Teachable allows artists to create and sell their own online courses, providing a platform to get paid to draw while sharing your passion.

You have complete control over your course content and pricing, allowing you to tailor your offerings to your audience’s needs.

Utilize engaging video lessons, downloadable resources, and interactive assignments to enhance the learning experience.

Promoting your Teachable courses through your existing audience and leveraging social media can significantly increase your student base.

Online Galleries and Exhibitions

28. Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art provides a vibrant marketplace for artists to get paid to draw and sell their original artwork.

By showcasing your pieces alongside a global community of artists, you can reach potential buyers who appreciate unique art.

Utilize high-quality images and compelling descriptions to captivate visitors and encourage sales.

Participating in Saatchi Art’s curated collections can also enhance your visibility and attract more attention to your work.

29. Artfinder

Artfinder is a platform dedicated to connecting artists with art lovers, making it an ideal space to get paid to draw.

By creating a personalized shop, you can showcase your artwork directly to buyers who value original pieces.

Engage with your audience through storytelling about your creative process, which can foster a deeper connection and encourage purchases.

Additionally, participating in Artfinder’s promotional events can help elevate your profile and drive more traffic to your shop.

Draw and Sell Comics

30. Webtoons

Webtoons is a fantastic platform for artists to showcase their webcomics and connect with a vibrant community of readers.

By sharing your unique stories and illustrations, you can captivate an audience eager for fresh content.

Focusing on engaging narratives and eye-catching artwork will help you build a loyal fanbase.

Plus, participating in community events and promotions can boost your visibility and open up opportunities for ad revenue and fan support.

31. Tapas

Tapas is another great space for artists to share their webcomics and illustrations while connecting with a diverse audience.

With its user-friendly interface, uploading your work is a breeze, allowing you to focus on what you love—creating!

Consider offering exclusive content or bonus episodes to entice readers to support you through subscriptions.

Engaging with your audience in the comments and on social media can also help you grow your following and enhance your creative journey.

Final Words

To wrap things up, there are plenty of awesome ways to get paid to draw online, and the potential to earn over $40k a year is definitely possible!

Whether you choose to sell your artwork, teach classes, or create engaging content, the key is to find what resonates with you and your audience.

Experiment with different platforms, stay consistent and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique style.

Remember, building a successful art career takes time and effort, but with passion and persistence, you can turn your creativity into a sustainable income.

So go ahead, explore these opportunities, and start your journey toward making a living doing what you love! Happy drawing!