How to Make Money from Drawing: 13 Ways to Get Paid for Drawing in 2024

In addition to being a creative hobby, there are several ways you can get paid to draw.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the arts and design industry is expected to increase by two percent between 2021 and 2031.

A two-percent growth doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a sign that the art niche isn’t disappearing.

Do you love to draw and want to turn your pastime into a side hustle or career?

Below are ways you can earn money drawing images.

How to Sell Your Drawings for Money

Here are methods you can use to make a living sketching pictures.

Careers that Pay You to Draw

Consider pursuing these art-based careers.

1. Illustration

Have you always wanted to draw pictures to accompany an author’s story?

Many writers either lack drawing skills or prefer to hire someone to do it on their behalf to save time.

Illustrators usually provide images for children’s fantasy books, but you could also draw pictures for nonfiction works like textbooks and dictionaries.

• Salary Range: $30,000 to $165,000

2. Technical Drawing

Someone who engages in technical drawing is called a drafting technician.

Drafting technicians sketch things like preliminary architectural and mechanical plans by hand, with a drafting table, or with a computer.

• Salary Range: $38,000 to $51,500

3. Graphic Novel/Comic Book Creation

A lot of people buy and sell comic books and graphic novels, so there is a huge demand for them.

In this career, you can be the author and the illustrator.

Write and draw your life story or anything else you like.

You’re also free to work for someone else to help tell their story if you wish.

• Salary Range: $16,500 to $137,500

4. Animation

If you’re a fan of cartoons, you might enjoy pursuing a career in animation.

Create 2D or 3D art for TV shows, movies, and/or public service announcements.

You could work for big-name companies like Disney or lesser-known independent businesses.

• Salary Range: $35,000 to $95,000

5. Graphic Design

Graphic designers typically work in the advertising industry, creating logos, images, and other related art.

They design marketing materials like pamphlets, e-newsletters, and/or postcards.

• Salary Range: $36,000 to $68,000

6. Art Instruction

As an art instructor, you combine your love of art with the enjoyment of teaching others.

You can open your own art school or become a private tutor for aspiring artists.

• Salary Range: $23,000 to $110,000

Sites that Pay You for Your Drawings

The following websites are ideal for freelance artists.

7. Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art saves you from opening your own art gallery since it’s the largest online gallery in the world.

Some of the benefits you receive from the website include:

• 65 percent cut on each piece sold
• A free account
• Social media promotion
• Paid advertising
• And more!

8. Artfinder

With Artfinder, you’ll get the attention of more than 450,000 art fans.

However, you’re required to go through a long application process to sell your art pieces.

Expect to wait a couple of months for a response after applying.

9. Etsy

Etsy is a popular site for buying and selling homemade arts and crafts, which gives you an opportunity to sell your drawings.

Each listing you post costs just 20 cents.

Plus, you can instantly create a shop to attract potential buyers.

10. RSVP

Like creating greeting cards?

Pitch to RSVP!

Every year, the company accepts everyday and holiday greeting cards, especially humorous ones.

Send RSVP your idea via email at rsp@rsvp.com or by mail to: Sellers Publishing, Inc., Attn: Stationery Dept, 161 John Roberts Rd, South Portland, Maine, 04106

11. Create My Tattoo

This website pays you for your tattoo designs.

You pay nothing to join Create My Tattoo, and you receive an 80 percent cut for every design you sell.

12. Upwork

Many clients on Upwork hire people to create graphics, sketches, and other types of artwork.

Sign up and apply for a few or several gigs.

13. DeviantArt

What’s interesting about DeviantArt is that it’s an art platform and social network rolled into one.

Members can post and sell original art as well as fan art of their favorite cartoon and literary characters.

Go ahead and showcase your drawings and chat with like-minded artists, too.

Paid Drawing FAQ

Do the listed occupations in the Career section require a college degree?

I know that graphic design, animation, and art instruction require at least a bachelor’s degree.

While you’re not required to possess a college credential for the rest, it’s highly recommended that you do to expand your job opportunities.

I love drawing, but I’m such a terrible artist! How do I improve my art skills?

Here are a few of my suggestions:

• Sign up for an art class at an art gallery or local community college.
• Buy an art instruction book.
• Use e-learning sites like Udemy and MasterClass.
• Find a mentor who provides one-on-one assistance.
• Search for drawing instruction videos on YouTube.
• If feasible, practice drawing each day.

Wrapping it All Up

It’s awesome that there are many career paths in the sketching industry.

You can work for someone else at an established company or opt for the freelancing route.

Whatever you choose, it’s great to know that you can earn money engaging in a cool avocation.

Do you have a portfolio of sketches locked away in a folder or dresser?

Consider taking them out so you can get paid to draw for a living!