Seven Proven Ways Artists Are Earning More Now

The Thriving Christian Artist

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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Episode Artwork Seven Proven Ways Artists Are Earning More Now 25:26 Episode Artwork The Humility Trap 12:40 Episode Artwork 5 Steps to Rewire Your Brain for Creativity 13:10 Episode Artwork 5 Biblical Declarations To Break Shame And Build Unshakable Identity In Christ 12:44 Episode Artwork Why Your Art Makes God Smile Every Time 12:11 Episode Artwork 5 Encouraging Bible Verses Every Christian Artist Needs 40:22 Episode Artwork Why the Great Masters Never Worried If Their Art Was 'Christian Enough' (And Why You Shouldn't Either) 14:48 Episode Artwork 5 Steps to Create Art With The Holy Spirit (My Exact Process) 15:51 Episode Artwork 5 Signs God Is Calling You As An Artist 11:20 Episode Artwork Jesus The Artisan: Five Creative Principles For A Faithful Life 31:23 Episode Artwork How Nature, Faith & Art Bring Healing and Hope - An Interview with Nancy Thygesen 34:58 Episode Artwork 3 Ways to Overcome Creative Block (with Christ) 22:38 Episode Artwork Textile Artist Creates Works that Inspire Connection: An Interview with Pamela Loewen 30:08 Episode Artwork 3 Ways Seeing God as Artist Changes Everything 16:26 Episode Artwork Unlock the Secrets of Your Right Brain: An Interview with Karen DeLoach 30:33 Episode Artwork 5 Simple Steps to Creating Your Art With God 30:55 Episode Artwork Western Landscape Artist Paints God's Glory in the Sky: An Interview with Phil Bob Borman 38:43 Episode Artwork What Feels Like Delay May Be Divine Direction 21:36 Episode Artwork From Pain to Purpose through Creative Healing: An Interview with Karen Bulbuk 36:29 Episode Artwork 5 Ways to Honor God with Your Art 18:02 Episode Artwork Artist Reveals Secrets to Creating with Purpose in Multiple Genres: An Interview with Rob Dinwoodie 33:22 Episode Artwork Your Supernatural Calling as an Artist 22:51 Episode Artwork Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Confidence in God: An Interview with Denise Clark Weston 34:40 Episode Artwork How to Trust God's Plan in Your Creative Journey 25:34 Episode Artwork How to Overcome Resistance to Your Creative Calling: An Interview with Sherridean Carmichael 29:44