Online art classes and courses

Teach drawing or painting through live video classes and short courses for students anywhere.

Startup costA$300 to A$2k
Monthly revenueA$200 to A$3k
Time needed5+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Live video classes and structured short courses in a specific skill, such as watercolour, portrait drawing or digital illustration, taught from your home.

Your first three steps

  1. Choose one narrow topic and level, such as beginner watercolour, and plan a four-week course
  2. Set up a camera over your desk, good lighting and a booking and payment platform
  3. Run a low-priced pilot class with friends or a local group and collect feedback and testimonials
Who pays

Adult hobbyists, beginners wanting guided learning, and parents of children who prefer learning at home.

How it makes money

Fees per live class or per course block, with optional recorded lessons or a small monthly membership for ongoing students.

Skills that help
  • Clear teaching and demonstration on camera
  • A strong skill in one art style
  • Basic video and sound set-up
  • Building an audience online
Watch out for
  • Public liability or professional indemnity insurance, check what suits online teaching
  • A Working With Children Check may be needed if you teach under-18s, check your state's rules
  • Competition from free online tutorials, so offer feedback and personal attention
  • Use only images and music you have the rights to

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: online art classes and courses

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start teaching art online?

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your camera, lighting, sound equipment, course platform and insurance. These are estimates, so begin with the gear you already have and upgrade as needed.

How much can online art classes earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $3,000, depending on student numbers, pricing and how many classes or courses you offer. These are estimates only. It typically takes at least about 5 hours a week.

What should I check before teaching art online?

Check which public liability or professional indemnity insurance suits online teaching. Check Working With Children Check rules in your state if you teach under-18s. Use only images and music you have the rights to, and expect competition from free tutorials.

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