Home studio painter selling online and at art fairs

Art buyers, decorators and gift shoppers who find you online or at local events, plus people who follow your work on social media.

Sales of original paintings, plus lower-priced prints and cards. Your income depends on how many pieces you finish and the prices you set.

• Solid painting skills and a recognizable style
• Photographing your work well
• Basic social media and online selling

• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for selling art
• Check HOA, lease or home occupation rules before using your home as a studio
• Ventilation and safe storage if you use solvents or oil paints
• Art fair booth fees and travel costs can eat into profit, so track your sales per event
• Only sell work you made or have the rights to; be careful with reference photos and copyrighted images

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your materials, photography setup and how you sell. Art fair booth fees and travel costs can eat into profit, so track your sales per event.

Monthly revenue is typically around $150 to $1,500, depending on your style, how much you paint and where you sell. The estimates start at about 6 hours a week, so this can begin as a part-time business.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for selling art. Also check HOA, lease or home occupation rules before using your home as a studio, and plan ventilation and safe storage if you use solvents or oil paints.