The Thriving Christian Artist
Seven Proven Ways Artists Are Earning More Now
Jan 27, 2026
Matt Tommey: Artist, Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Artist Mentor
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Feeling buried under shifting algorithms and scattershot advice? We’re pulling back the curtain on seven strategies that actually generated income for artists this year—backed by hundreds of survey responses from our mentoring community. The theme is clear: simple systems, strong relationships, and consistent action beat hacks every time.
We start with teaching as a reliable income engine that builds trust and turns students into collectors—through weekly classes, small workshops, retreats, and Zoom. From there, we explore strategic partnerships that put your work in front of buyers without constant hustling: galleries, juried shows, exhibitions, and public art commissions with real budgets. You’ll hear why commissions remain a powerhouse when you lead with clarity—tiered pricing, letters of understanding, timelines—and how a healthy waitlist can raise your perceived value and stabilize cash flow.
The backbone of it all is referral-driven selling. Visibility tools help, but people close deals. We outline how to cultivate designers, builders, gallery owners, and peers so you’re the obvious recommendation when art is needed. Along the way, we unpack a counterintuitive win: small, high-touch experiences outperformed big events for profit and joy. Fewer seats, deeper connection, premium pricing—less burnout, better outcomes. We also make a case for the slow power of consistency over raw talent and show how deliberate skill development—critiques, classes, mentorship—translates directly into higher-value sales and a stronger portfolio.
If you’re ready to simplify, focus, and sell with integrity, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap you can start today. Pick two or three strategies, stack them with intention, and let relationships, structure, and steady practice compound your results. Subscribe for more artist business training, share this with a friend who needs clarity, and leave a review to tell us which strategy you’ll try next.
Learn more about the Created to Thrive Essentials Course at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/essentials
Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course
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