How to start making money from your writing or art, even with a small audience or budget

If you’ve ever sat with your words or artwork and wondered, “How can I start making money from this?” you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a fiction writer, poet, painter, illustrator, digital artist, or storyteller of any kind, the journey to monetizing your creativity can feel confusing at first. Especially when you’re still growing your audience or working with limited funds.

But here’s what I want you to know: you don’t need to be famous or have a perfect website to begin with. With a few free tools, a creative mindset, and a little consistency, you can start turning your art into income, bit by bit.

Let’s walk through a few realistic and budget-friendly ways to begin earning from your creative work.

1. Self-Publish What You Create

You don’t have to wait for permission. Whether you’re writing stories, painting portraits, or designing quote cards, you can package your work and sell it directly to your audience.

Consider creating:

• A digital poetry or story collection
• Printable art for walls, journals, or planners
• Quote cards, coloring pages, or themed bundles
• Illustrated zines or story-art hybrids

Platforms to try:
Gumroad, Payhip, Selar, Etsy, or Amazon KDP

Tools to help: Canva, Google Docs, or even your phone. No fancy software is needed.

2. Build a Digital Home (Even if It’s Just Something Simple)

You don’t need to start with a full website. A free page where people can read, view, or support your work is a strong first step.

You can try:

• WordPress.com (for blogs or portfolios)
• Carrd.co (for clean one-pagers)
• Linktr.ee (for adding all your links in one spot)

Add a donation button with Ko-fi or BuyMeACoffee, so readers or supporters can tip you when something resonates.

3. Share Consistently via Email or Membership Platforms

Platforms like Substack, Medium, and Patreon allow you to grow a creative newsletter or private community at no cost. You don’t have to be an expert. Just share your art, your process, or what inspires you.

Once you’ve built some trust, you can offer:

• Exclusive early access to your work
• Behind-the-scenes notes
• Monthly downloadable poems or art prints
• Personalized pieces for members

Let it grow naturally. You can keep it free or offer both free and paid options.

4. Use Social Media (Your Own Way)

You don’t need to go viral overnight, have thousands of followers, or dance on camera to make social platforms work for you, especially if you’re an introvert. Think of it as your personal gallery, a quiet open mic, or a visual journal where your creativity gets to breathe.

Post things like:

• Micro poems, mini stories, or visual snippets
• Quotes on calming backgrounds
• Journal pages, mood boards, or “a day in the life” sketches

Some good platforms to try:
Instagram, Threads, TikTok, or Pinterest

Tip: Use music, soft visuals, or even voiceovers if you’re up for it. Let your content reflect your tone.

5. Offer Commissioned Pieces

Your art can become someone’s favorite keepsake. Many people are willing to pay for something that feels deeply personal.

Here’s what you can offer:

• Poems for birthdays, anniversaries, or healing
• Short stories based on someone’s experience
• Personalized illustrations or digital portraits
• Quotes turned into wall art or love notes

You can start offering this through your social media, blog, or even WhatsApp status. Word of mouth is powerful.

6. Submit Your Work to Journals and Anthologies

There are countless literary magazines, creative journals, and collaborative anthologies that accept writing and art. Many are free to submit and some even pay.

Look out for calls on:

• ChillSubs
• Poets & Writers
• Submittable
• Duotrope (has free options too)

Even if there’s no payment offered, publication of your work gives you exposure and credibility too.

7. Collaborate or Co-Create with Others

If you’re not ready to teach a class or lead a workshop, that’s okay. You can still connect with others and grow your visibility.

Here are a few ideas:

• Co-host a themed writing or art session online
• Run a weekly or monthly Instagram challenge
• Partner with someone to release a joint project

It’s less about selling and more about building a presence, and that matters, too.

8. Apply for Creative Grants and Retreats

There are fellowships, grants, and residency programs designed for creatives, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or emerging in their field.

Many applications are free and open globally. You don’t need to be a household name, just be sincere and show your passion and process.

Search on:

• Instagram hashtags like #artistresidency or #writersgrant
• Local arts councils
• International creative platforms and newsletters

One Last Thought (From One Creative to Another)

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need to begin—where you are, with what you have.

Maybe your first sale is a poem for someone’s wedding.
Maybe someone tips you because your quote helped them through a tough week.
Maybe your subtle piece finds a home in a journal across the world.

Your creativity is not a side thing. It’s a seed. It’s part of your voice. And it has value.

So, keep sharing. Keep experimenting. Keep showing up for your art.

Even if it’s one creation at a time, you’re building something beautiful.

About the Author

Aisha Omotola Balogun is a creative writer, poet, and Cybersecurity Analyst based in Texas.
She’s the voice behind Tola Belva, a pen name through which she explores themes of self-reflection, transformation, and the beauty found in ordinary moments. With a deep love for books, words, and personal storytelling, Aisha uses her platforms to inspire others to live, feel, and write with intention.

Follow her journey on Instagram and Twitter: @aishaobalogun and @tolabelva, or explore more of her work at tolabelva.com.