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Tips for Making Money Online
How to Navigate the New York Art Scene as an Emerging or Immigrant Artist
as an Illustrator
From time to time, my creative friends turn to me with this question:
Where and how can you make money online, being away from your home country, the company you are used to working with, and the well-established clients?
Here's some advice for those who are into illustration and are ready to work with agencies on commercial projects, as well as for those who want to release their own merch but don't have the funds to do so.
There are enough agencies in the USA working with illustrators, and many artists find their clients through them. Fill out the application form on the website, attach your portfolio and resume, and I hope your talent will be appreciated:
There are enough agencies in the USA working with illustrators, and many artists find their clients through them. Fill out the application form on the website, attach your portfolio and resume, and I hope your talent will be appreciated:
https://itsme.biz
There are also companies that send your portfolio directly to the right agencies that match your style:
Regarding the production, sale, and delivery of your merch (stickers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, phone cases, and more), there are companies that produce and ship all this stuff BY THEMSELVES to people who want to buy it. You don't spend anything at all on production, only for the promotion. For this, the manufacturing companies add 30-50% to the desired cost of the product. You can sell all this stuff through Etsy, Instagram shop, your website... everywhere.
In conclusion, the digital landscape has opened up vast opportunities for illustrators seeking to make a living online, transcending geographical boundaries. Whether you choose to collaborate with agencies, leverage platforms that connect you directly with potential clients, or embark on a solo freelancing journey, the avenues are diverse and promising. Additionally, the prospect of launching and selling your own merchandise has become more accessible through print-on-demand services, enabling artists to focus on creativity while leaving the logistics to specialized companies. Remember, the key lies in leveraging the right tools and platforms that align with your goals and circumstances. So, whether you're connecting with agencies or promoting your unique style through freelancing platforms l, the digital realm is teeming with possibilities for illustrators to flourish and thrive, regardless of their location or origin. Embrace the opportunities, showcase your talent, and let your creativity become a global currency in the online marketplace.
In case you are in Belarus or another country whose banking system does not permit cooperation with international companies, you will need a European, American, or other bank card. You can order and get one by registering here:
For freelancers who want to work, find clients, and handle negotiations on their own, there are resources like these:
Develop your Instagram as a professional portfolio — collectors, curators, and galleries actively scout artists there.
2.
Apply for Grants and Residencies
- Sell and showcase your work globally on platforms like Saatchi Art and Artfinder.
Exhibit in non-traditional venues — cafés, bookstores, libraries, or community centers often welcome local art displays.
2.
Participate in Public Art Projects
- Apply to NYC public initiatives like Percent for Art for large-scale commissions.
Even without official work status, you can still build your presence, grow your community, and make art visible in NYC.
Unofficial Paths
(for artists without work authorization or permanent residency)
Final Thoughts
There’s no one path to success in New York’s art scene. For some, it begins in an MFA program or with a solo show in a small gallery. For others, it starts at a pop-up market or through an Instagram DM. The key is to stay visible, stay active, and stay connected.
Keep making, keep showing — and the city will eventually open its doors.
Keep making, keep showing — and the city will eventually open its doors.
Offer rewards like small prints or studio visits to backers.
2.
Crowdfunding and Donations
- Launch a project on Kickstarter or GoFundMe to fund exhibitions, materials, or studio space.
Prepare small-scale, affordable works that are easy to transport and display.
2.
Participate in Informal Art Markets
- Sell your work at weekend markets such as Artists & Fleas or Brooklyn Flea.
Accept payments via tools like PayPal, Venmo, or Ko-fi.
2.
Direct Sales via Social Media
- Use Instagram, Facebook, or your own website to sell work directly to collectors.
Join open studios and collective events where you can exhibit without going through formal institutions.
2.
Accept payments via tools like PayPal, Venmo, or Ko-fi.
- Keep an eye on platforms like Eventbrite for artist-run exhibitions in warehouses, apartments, or shared studios.
Collaborate with interior designers, architects, or brands looking for original artwork for their clients and projects.
2.
Collaborate and Network
- Attend art-focused meetups and community groups (check Meetup for “NYC Art Events” for “NYC Art Events” or “Crit Groups”).
Online Platforms
Markets and Informal Exhibitions
Resources & Organizations
Grants and Residencies
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