How can an artist earn a regular and predictable income?

For many, making a steady income as an artist seems like an unattainable, elusive goal. You might be thinking how can I get a regular and predictable income when it takes so long to create, promote and sell my art? It's a lot easier than you think and doesn't require a $5,000 monthly art sale.

Interested? So are we, which is why we chatted with the brilliant Creative Web Biz founder Yamil Yemunia. Yamile started in 2010 to help her fellow artists dispel the myth of starving artists and become successful creative entrepreneurs. Her smart and simple answer to this pressing question is to create a subscription service for your art business. Read on to find out more about this brilliant idea!

WHY IS A SUBSCRIPTION A GOOD IDEA FOR ARTISTS?

The subscription idea is really old, but not many artists offer it yet. The concept of the subscription service comes from gym memberships, Netflix, magazines, etc. Artists using this subscription model get peace of mind because they will know exactly what predictable income they will earn each month. For example, you will know that you will receive $2,500 or $8,000 per month from a subscription. You can then focus on your art and not worry about your next sale.

HOW DO ARTISTS SET UP A SUBSCRIPTION?

There are websites that customize subscription services specifically for artists. You just create your page on the site like and send your customers there. You can create different tiers like $5, $100, or $300 per month. Then you give your subscribers something in exchange for their money every month. If you would like the subscription registration page to be hosted on your own website, you can embed the code so that you have a subscription registration button.

HOW DO YOU NEED A SUBSCRIPTION LEVEL?

Have at least three level options. I offer $1, $10, and $100 per month, or $5, $100, or $300 per month. Psychologists have proven that giving three choices is the best approach, as people like to have choices and tend to choose the middle level. Make sure you advertise and display all levels as soon as you start. Also describe what items come with each level. Don't start at a lower level first and add other levels later. And remember that you will most likely get more lower level subscriptions. But if you get a hundred $1 subscriptions, it's still $100.

WHAT PRODUCTS TO SEND TO SUBSCRIBERS?

The items you send must be sustainable. Figure out how much time, energy, and money you need to invest in the products you create to keep up with demand. Also make sure your elements are scalable. Downloadable apps are great because they are very easy to scale. You just create and upload an image once. You also don't have to worry about wasting time crafting additional items or submitting anything. You can provide low-level users with image downloads for their desktop or splash screen. The intermediate level could receive a printout to hang on the wall or give as a gift. The highest level could receive the seal of art. Your community of subscribers can also choose a print from all the work you have done this month. Other ideas could be making a video of you making your art, or a tutorial for other artists who follow you. You can also host monthly group video calls or webinars and ask your community to send in questions they want answered. You can subscribe quarterly and make a surprise box with multiple prints or an item with your design, such as a mug or a calendar. You can use Printful, RedBubble, and more to create products featuring your art, then have them delivered to your home and resend from there (this is also often discounted) or check out local options. There are many options that benefit your followers.

WHICH SYSTEM SHOULD YOU USE FOR THE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE?

I prefer it simply because Gumroad lives on your own website and you can also add a button. I am a fan of control and have the technical knowledge to add it to my own website. However, if you're less tech-savvy, this is a great option. Patreon already has an established community of people ready to support others. The downsides are that you don't have full control over your Patreon page and can't customize it. But this may be a small price to pay for convenience. If you are running a WordPress site, you can use a subscription. All these systems are much easier than receiving checks directly from subscribers. The websites have excellent customer service and tutorials to help you set up the service. You need to be a bit tech savvy, but it's very easy to learn.

WHAT SYSTEM COST DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Patreon and Gumroad work with PayPal and all major credit cards. Small fees associated with Patreon are listed. Gumroad takes 5% plus 25 cents on every sale and you can learn more about it. Both sites take care of the payment process, so you can sit back and wait for your money.

WHAT ABOUT THE SHIPPING COST?

I recommend giving your subscribers free shipping by including the shipping cost in the subscription price. The concept of free shipping is attractive and makes payments much easier. You can use to place orders for your clients and they will send them prints. If you and your fellow artist (local) have subscription items that you send out on a regular basis, you can send them together in the same box. This way you can save on shipping costs and consolidate your listings to reach more people.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE?

You can promote your subscription service the same way you promote the rest of your art. I suggest putting together a marketing plan so you can spread the word strategically. You can promote your subscription service on social media, including Facebook (your own page and art buyer groups), Pinterest, and Twitter. You can also collaborate with other subscribed artists and promote each other. You can also distribute information to your email list. Your email list is a great way to get subscribers since they are already interested in getting updates from you. Many people send out holiday newsletters to friends and family who will usually be happy to support you and your art business. The holiday newsletter is a great opportunity to share your subscription service with the people who care about you.

EXAMPLES OF ARTISTS USING SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES:

Do you want to know more from Yamile?

Yamile Yemunya has even more amazing tips on her website and in her newsletter. Check out informative blog posts, sign up for an invaluable consultation, join the CWB community, and check out her free crash course on . Creating a regular and predictable income is the lesson of the course and you will want to stay until the end! You can also follow her on .