Do you have a talent, a passion, or just a hobby that could allow you to earn money as a teen artist?
You may dream of life after school, college, or perhaps you just need some cash to take your crush on a date every now and then. Your art can help you with this depending on your skill, commitment, and ability to hustle. The big question remains – How to Become a Teen Artist, and where do you start?
So, let’s get straight to it and find out how you can become the next teen art sensation!
Contents
Deciding On Your Niche
What can you do? You may draw, paint, do graphic design, do computer animation drawing, pottery, knitting, sewing, mosaics, custom crafting, and so much more. However, being able to do the basics is one thing.
Identifying a niche, something that will set your work apart from others, is the hard part. You can draw a face, but can you capture someone’s complete likeness and soul in their eyes? You can mix paint, and you know the techniques, but what do you paint? Landscapes? Abstracts?
Be flexible in your field…
You will get clients who may commission the basic art piece. Some may be what most artists in their field can manage. But other commissions could be out of your comfort zone.
You will have to decide on a case-by-case basis what you are willing and capable to work on. Having a specific niche will help you create an identity as a teen artist, whereas work outside your niche will provide supplementary work.
Learn How To Create Better Art
There are many ways to skin, or in this case, draw a cat. This does not mean that you need to draw a thousand cats until you have perfected your technique. You can very well achieve this with a mere 500 attempts.
The trick is to learn as much as you can about your specific artistic practice. Watch tutorials, attend classes, browse Pinterest and follow as many social media accounts as you can, pertaining to your art. You will often gain new perspectives, learn things you did not know before, and get inspired to create and present your art in a new and exciting way.
The Cost Of Your Art Supplies vs. Your Asking Price?
It is easy to undervalue your art if you already have your supplies. Do not only think of this in terms of materials like paint or pencils. Think about the other things too, the cleaning materials, other equipment, etc.
Some create digital art. Think about what your software licensing costs or your monthly payment on the iPad or stylus you are using. Even when these things may be paid for already, you need to think of insurance, upkeep, and the possible need to replace the items if they get damaged or lost.
If you choose to upgrade for quality…
You may use cheaper equipment now, but if upgrading your equipment means that you are putting out higher quality work, you may very well be entitled to better compensation for your work.
In the beginning, you may be doing some work for free or at a low cost until you have made a name for yourself. Once you have become seasoned in your skill and can provide quality art, you may need to do some pricing research. For a good idea of what your art is worth, speak to other artists. Read up online and decide on a price per hour of your labor, plus what it physically would cost you to create the art.
Marketing Your Skills
Using social media and clever edits can include followers in your creative process without giving away too many “trade secrets.” You can use TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms available to create a following.
Spending money on advertising may be a good idea later when you have some profit to re-invest in yourself. However, there are other ways you can get the word out while your means are limited. You can host competitions, with the prize of a free, simple creation, in exchange for likes and shares.
Get your art out there…
Alternatively, to find, buy and sell your art, you can use other related groups in your area. Perhaps ship your work to other areas or even post as social media content. Content shared, and word-of-mouth efforts will be a huge leg-up in getting your art sold. Many followers may even be willing to support Patreon accounts and other avenues of revenue.
Consider Your Commitment
For some, art is just their self-expression, as a hobby. Others would like to pursue it as a full-time career, or at the very least, pursue it to make money for another goal. You need to consider how committed you would like to be. How much you want to create in a period, and remember to be realistic.
It will do you no good to pursue hours of hard work to the detriment of your schoolwork. It is possible to go the extra mile – many teens can achieve their goals and still excel in other areas. Just be sure to not stretch yourself too thin or work yourself into burnout.
Awesome Art Info And Advice For Teens!
Whether you want to learn how to do art or maybe improve your technique, we’ve found these amazing art books that are a must-read! So, check out The Easy Drawing Book for Teens: 20 Step-by-Step Projects to Improve Your Drawing Skills, or my favorites, The Cute and Simple Drawing Book for Teens and the Art for Kids: Drawing Book.
But that’s not all! We also have the How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students, the Drawing Prompt Book for Teens, Sketchbook With 201 Creative Ideas To Draw, or how about How to Draw Cool Things, or How to Draw Anime, and The 15-Minute Artist: The Quick and Easy Way to Draw Almost Anything all available online in 2023.
Lastly, every artist has to have the right equipment such as a Personalized Artist Sketchbook: Sketching, Drawing and Creative Doodling, the MEMX 8”X11.5” Spiral Bound Artist Sketch Pad, the or even this cool 18 cm Dragon Book of Shadows Spell Book Leather Sketchbook for Artists to help you draw like a pro!
Final Thoughts
Depending on your age, you may need your parents’ permission or help with some of the steps mentioned. Their experience will be a great help in negation tips with clients, identifying scams, and even the management of your money.
They don’t have to be in charge, but they can assist with opening a banking account. There are many ways they can be an asset to your career as a teen artist without overstepping boundaries. And ensuring that you remain safe and not taken advantage of.
Once you have followed these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a teenage artist!
So, why not get started on creating something beautiful!