Artists are some of the most creative and adaptable professionals in today’s workforce. Yet one truth many artists quickly discover is that creative passion alone does not always provide steady income, especially in the early stages of a career. That is where day jobs for artists come in. A good day job does not kill creativity. In fact, the right one can fund your artistic growth, expand your skill set, and open doors you never expected.

Over the past decade working as a career specialist helping creative professionals land stable and fulfilling employment, I have seen artists thrive when they choose strategic day jobs. Some roles offer predictable income while still allowing time and mental energy to create. Others actually strengthen artistic skills, improve portfolio quality, and increase long term earning potential. Many successful full time artists, animators, and illustrators started this way.

If you are an artist looking for stability without sacrificing your creative future, this guide will show you the best day jobs for artists, their benefits, expected salaries, and exactly how to land them.

What Is a Day Job for Artists?

A day job for artists is a stable part time or full time job that provides consistent income while allowing flexibility to pursue artistic goals such as painting, illustration, animation, music, or design.

These jobs usually offer one or more of the following:

• Predictable income
• Flexible schedules
• Creative skill development
• Remote work opportunities
• Portfolio building potential

Many artists use day jobs as stepping stones toward full time creative careers.

Benefits of Having a Day Job as an Artist

Choosing the right day job offers powerful career advantages beyond income alone.

1. Financial stability

Art income can fluctuate, especially early on. A steady paycheck removes financial stress and allows you to create without desperation.

2. Skill development

Many day jobs strengthen valuable creative skills such as design, communication, storytelling, and visual problem solving.

3. Networking opportunities

Working in creative adjacent environments helps you meet clients, recruiters, and collaborators.

4. Portfolio building

Some roles allow you to create real projects that improve your portfolio and credibility.

5. Reduced burnout

Financial pressure can kill creativity. Stability gives you freedom to create from inspiration, not survival.

15 Best Day Jobs for Artists

Below are the best day jobs based on flexibility, income potential, and career growth.

1. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is one of the most natural day jobs for artists. It allows you to use your creativity while earning reliable income.

Average salary: $45,000 to $75,000 per year

You can work with marketing agencies, startups, or freelance using tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Where to apply:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Design agencies
• Freelance platforms

2. Illustrator

Illustrators work on books, websites, marketing materials, and digital products. This job directly aligns with artistic careers.

Average salary: $40,000 to $70,000 per year

Many illustrators find work on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

3. Art Teacher or Instructor

Teaching art provides stable income while reinforcing your creative knowledge.

Average salary: $35,000 to $60,000 per year

You can teach:

• Schools
• Community centers
• Online courses
• Private students

Teaching also builds authority and credibility.

4. Tattoo Artist Assistant

Tattoo studios often hire assistants who later become tattoo artists themselves.

Average salary: $30,000 to $50,000 per year

This role provides hands on experience and industry connections.

5. Social Media Content Creator

Companies need visual creators for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Average salary: $35,000 to $65,000 per year

Artists create:

• Graphics
• Short videos
• Visual campaigns

This role strengthens digital creativity.

6. Animator

Animation is one of the highest paying creative day jobs.

Average salary: $50,000 to $90,000 per year

Companies like Pixar and game studios regularly hire animators.

7. Freelance Artist

Freelancing allows artists to work flexible hours.

Income range: $500 to $5,000 per month depending on skill level

Freelancers sell:

• Portraits
• Character designs
• Book illustrations

8. Etsy Shop Owner

Artists sell digital or physical artwork on Etsy.

Income range: $200 to $5,000 per month

Popular products include:

• Prints
• Stickers
• Digital downloads

9. Video Editor

Video editing combines technical skill and artistic creativity.

Average salary: $45,000 to $80,000 per year

Video editors are in high demand due to YouTube and online content growth.

10. UI Designer

UI designers create interfaces for apps and websites.

Average salary: $60,000 to $100,000 per year

This role is highly in demand and artist friendly.

11. Art Gallery Assistant

Working in galleries connects you with art collectors and professionals.

Average salary: $30,000 to $50,000 per year

This role builds valuable industry connections.

12. Print on Demand Designer

Artists create designs for merchandise sold online.

Income range: $200 to $4,000 per month

Platforms like Shopify make it easy to start.

13. Concept Artist

Concept artists create visuals for games, films, and media.

Average salary: $55,000 to $95,000 per year

This is one of the best stepping stones to entertainment careers.

14. Marketing Designer

Marketing teams need creative professionals for ads and branding.

Average salary: $50,000 to $85,000 per year

This role offers stable income and creative growth.

15. Virtual Assistant for Creative Businesses

Creative businesses hire assistants for graphic design, content, and marketing tasks.

Average salary: $30,000 to $60,000 per year

Many remote opportunities exist.

How to Apply for Day Jobs as an Artist

Follow these proven steps used by successful artists.

Step 1: Build a strong portfolio

Use platforms like:

• Behance
• Personal website
• LinkedIn

Show your best work.

Step 2: Apply on job platforms

Best websites include:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Upwork
• Fiverr

Apply consistently.

Step 3: Optimize your resume

Include:

• Portfolio link
• Skills
• Software tools
• Projects

Employers prioritize proof of skill.

Step 4: Apply to remote jobs

Remote jobs provide flexibility and creative freedom.

Search for:

• Remote graphic designer
• Remote illustrator
• Remote animator

Skills That Increase Artist Job Opportunities

Focus on these high demand skills:

• Graphic design
• Digital illustration
• Animation
• Video editing
• UI design
• Marketing design
• Content creation

Learning digital skills dramatically increases income potential.

Best Remote Day Jobs for Artists

Remote jobs offer maximum flexibility.

Top remote artist jobs include:

• Freelance illustrator
• Graphic designer
• Animator
• Video editor
• Content creator

Remote work allows artists to work globally.

Career Growth Path for Artists

Typical career progression:

Beginner stage
Freelance work or entry level creative job

Intermediate stage
Full time designer, illustrator, or animator

Advanced stage
Full time professional artist or creative director

Many artists eventually work independently.

FAQ: Best Day Jobs for Artists

What is the best day job for artists?

Graphic design, illustration, animation, and UI design are among the best day jobs. They provide stable income while improving artistic skills. These jobs also offer remote work opportunities and strong long term career growth.

Can artists get high paying jobs?

Yes. Many artists earn over $70,000 per year in roles like animator, UI designer, and concept artist. Income increases with skill, experience, and portfolio strength.

What is the easiest job for beginner artists?

Freelancing, content creation, and graphic design are beginner friendly jobs. These roles allow artists to gain experience while building portfolios and earning income.

Can artists work remotely?

Yes. Many artist jobs are fully remote, including graphic design, animation, and illustration. Remote work allows artists to work with companies worldwide.

How can artists earn money while building their career?

Artists can work part time jobs, freelance online, sell artwork, teach, or work in creative industries. Combining stable income and creative growth is the best strategy.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Way to Balance Income and Creativity

The idea that artists must struggle financially is outdated. The modern job market offers more opportunities than ever before. With the right day job, artists can earn stable income, build powerful skills, and transition into full time creative careers faster and more confidently.

I have personally seen artists move from entry level day jobs to six figure creative careers simply by choosing roles that supported their growth instead of draining their energy. The key is to choose jobs that strengthen your creative skill set while providing financial stability.

Your day job should not limit your creative future. It should fund it, support it, and accelerate it. The question now is simple: which of these day jobs aligns best with your artistic goals and future vision?