Soaring Above the Waves: How much do successful artists really make?

Art has always been a journey of exploration for me, and my latest creation, the Flying Fish, plays with this spirit of discovery. This piece is a celebration of the freedom and creativity that art allows. With its vivid green body and rainbow-hued wings, the Flying Fish glides through a sky filled with possibilities. The goal was to make this flying fish feel free, as if it’s soaring above the waves and into the sky, full of energy and imagination.

Creating this artwork took me to new heights, blending my fascination with uncommon animals from my kids’ book Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet with bold, street art-inspired colors. The fish’s wings drip with vivid hues, each blending into the next, evoking a sense of movement and life. It’s a piece that not only captures the imagination but also symbolises the creative freedom that art provides.

But let’s be real—art isn’t just about expression. It’s also about making a living, and that’s a topic many artists shy away from. Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, even taboo, in the art world. But let’s break that silence and discuss what’s on everyone’s mind: How much do successful artists really make?

The truth is, the income of an artist can be as varied as their art. Some artists might soar above the waves of financial success, while others struggle to keep afloat. In Australia, the average income for fine artists is around AUD 75,000 per year, but this number doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, many artists earn far less than that. Here’s a closer look at the income distribution among artists:

• Less than AUD 20,000 per year: This bracket encompasses about 50% of artists. Many in this group are either emerging artists or those for whom art is a part-time pursuit. These artists often supplement their income with other jobs to make ends meet.
• AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year: Approximately 30% of artists fall into this range. These artists might be making a modest living from their art but still face financial challenges. They often rely on a mix of income streams, including direct sales, teaching, and grants.
• AUD 50,000 to AUD 100,000 per year: Roughly 15% of artists earn within this bracket. Artists in this range are typically more established, with a solid portfolio and a growing audience. They often diversify their income with sales of original art, prints, merchandise, and commissioned work.
• More than AUD 100,000 per year: Only about 5% of artists earn over AUD 100,000 annually. These are the top earners, often well-known in their field, with strong sales, licensing deals, and other revenue streams. These artists have managed to build a sustainable business around their art.

For many artists, making a sustainable income involves more than just selling paintings. Like myself, artists often diversify their income streams—selling prints, creating merchandise like t-shirts and mugs, running workshops, and even monetising their presence on social media platforms. The top earners in the art world can make millions, but they are the exception, not the rule. Most artists find themselves working hard to achieve a balance between passion and profitability.

In my own journey, I’ve found that success isn’t just about how much money I make from my art, but also about how I can sustain my creative practice. Selling art prints, designing products, and engaging with my community through blogs and podcasts are all part of my strategy. These activities not only help to promote my work but also provide additional revenue streams that will hopefully one day keep my creative business afloat.

Successful artists, the ones who truly soar, are often those who have learned to navigate the financial realities of the industry. They understand that while talking about money might feel uncomfortable, it’s a necessary part of sustaining a creative life. They’ve mastered the art of balancing creativity with commerce, and in doing so, they’ve learned to ride the waves of financial success.

So, while discussing money might not be every artist’s favorite topic, it’s essential for anyone who wants to make a living from their art. And just like my Flying Fish, which soars above the waves and into the sky, successful artists learn to rise above financial challenges, finding ways to make their passion a sustainable career. In the end, success is not just about the dollars earned but about the ability to keep creating and growing as an artist.