Welcome to Open Studio Podcast – Episode 168!
Are you a lettering artist, illustrator, or graphic designer wondering how to turn your skills into a steady income? Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your revenue streams, there are many ways to make money with your lettering—beyond just client work.
In episode 168 of the Open Studio Podcast, I share 10 smart ways to monetize your lettering skills, including traditional and non-traditional income streams. In this post, I’ll break them down for you and show you how you can start implementing them today!
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Before we dive in, don’t forget to listen to episode 168 of the Open Studio Podcast for the full breakdown. You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube!
👉 Download the FREE Lettering Success Secrets Guide for more tips on building a thriving creative career.
💰 10 Ways to Make Money with Your Lettering
Traditional Income Streams
These are the methods most lettering artists think about when considering how to make a living from their work.
1️⃣ Client Work
This is the most common way to earn money as a lettering artist—working with brands, businesses, or publishers to create custom artwork for logos, book covers, packaging, and more. While it's a great way to start, relying solely on client work can be unpredictable.
2️⃣ Licensing Your Work
Licensing allows companies to use your artwork for a fee. Unlike client work, you can sell the same design multiple times, making it a passive income stream.
3️⃣ Working with an Agent
An illustration or lettering agent can find high-paying projects for you and handle contracts and negotiations in exchange for a commission. This can lead to more consistent income and better opportunities.
4️⃣ Selling Art Prints & Products
Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and print-on-demand services allow you to sell your lettering as prints, stickers, mugs, and more. If you want to build your own online shop, this can be a great long-term business strategy.
5️⃣ Selling Digital Downloads
Lettering artists can sell custom brushes, textures, templates, and worksheets as digital products. Once created, these can be sold repeatedly, generating passive income with minimal effort.
Non-Traditional Income Streams
Now, let’s explore creative ways to monetize your lettering that go beyond selling artwork.
6️⃣ Teaching & Workshops
If you have lettering skills, you can teach others through live workshops, online courses, or even private coaching. Teaching not only generates income but also builds your reputation as an expert.
7️⃣ Corporate Training
Many companies are willing to pay premium rates for lettering and design workshops tailored to their teams. This is an untapped market that can provide high-income opportunities.
8️⃣ Coaching & Mentorship
Aspiring artists are always looking for guidance and feedback. Offering one-on-one coaching or group mentorship programs can be a great way to share your expertise while generating consistent income.
9️⃣ Brand Partnerships & Sponsored Content
If you have an engaged audience, brands may pay you to promote their products through social media or blog content. Collaborating with brands you truly love can create authentic sponsorship opportunities.
🔟 Public Speaking & Writing Books
Speaking at conferences, writing books, or even offering consulting services can help you establish yourself as a leader in the lettering world while generating revenue through royalties and speaking fees.
📌 Start Monetizing Your Lettering Today
The key to making money with your lettering—without hustling 24/7—is to diversify your income streams. Start by choosing 2-3 revenue sources that align with your skills and interests, and build from there.
If you want to dive deeper into these strategies and learn how to build a successful lettering career, download my FREE guide: Lettering Success Secrets.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Open Studio Podcast now! 🚀
💡 Free Resource: Lettering Success Secrets
Want to learn practical strategies for building a career in lettering? Download Martina’s free guide, Lettering Success Secrets, at martinaflor.com/guide.
📌 Mentioned in This Episode
The importance of finding your own niche instead of following trends.
Success stories of lettering artists making a living in different industries.
Why brands and businesses are constantly looking for unique lettering work.
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To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: https://martinaflor.com/podcast