How to Become an Art Tutor and Build a Successful Business

Art and creativity have resounding effects on individuals, cultures, and societies. They shape the way we think, interact, and express ourselves. With access to creative outlets, communities can experience exceptional growth.

Individuals need creativity to learn more about themselves. Engaging in creative activities such as art therapy, crafting, and writing can have a positive impact on mental well-being. It also paves the way toward personal and professional development. In fact, research suggests that 72% of business leaders claim creativity to be the top skill they search for when hiring.

These are some of the factors that make teaching art a fulfilling experience. You get to witness everyone’s unique journey toward self-expression. Inspiring creativity by sharing your artistic passion with the people around you can be its own reward.

If you’re ready to walk down this path, there are a few nuggets of wisdom we can share. Follow this quick and easy guide on how to become an art tutor to light your way!

Art Teacher vs. Freelance Art Tutor

Many of us tend to use the terms “teacher” and “tutor” interchangeably. However, the two professions are quite different.

Here’s a look at the key factors that differentiate art teachers from freelance art tutors:

Setting

Art Teacher

• Works in schools, colleges, and other educational institutes
• Teaches in structured settings e.g., classrooms and art studios

Freelance Art Tutor

• Works outside of formal settings
• Might tutor online, in a personal studio, or at the student’s home  

Class Size

Art Teacher

• Teaches a large group of students, typically 20+
• Class sizes are defined by their institution

Freelance Art Tutor

• Tutors individual students or small groups at a time
• Sets their own class sizes based on personal preferences

Working Hours

Art Teacher

• Works within normal school hours
• Follows a schedule set by their institution

Freelance Art Tutor

• Conducts lessons based on their schedule and the student’s needs
• Sessions are often held after school hours and during weekends and holidays

Curriculum

Art Teacher

• Typically follows a predetermined curriculum set by the institution or state standards

Freelance Art Tutor

• Offers personalized lessons tailored to the student’s needs, interests, and skill sets

Techniques

Art Teacher

• Incorporates various art mediums based on the predetermined curriculum (painting, sculpting, etc.)
• Uses traditional and contemporary techniques to cater to a diverse skill set

Freelance Art Tutor

• Often specializes in specific art mediums based on their expertise and student demands
• Tailors their teaching techniques to meet individual student needs and skill levels

Income

Art Teacher

• Stable income with a fixed salary depending on experience and credentials
• Enjoys benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans

Freelance Art Tutor

• Charges per hour or session
• Sets rates based on class size and needs
• Income varies depending on market demands

Flexibility

Art Teacher

• Typically follows a structured school calendar and timetable
• Adheres to schedules, breaks, and holidays determined by the institution

Freelance Art Tutor

• Enjoys autonomy in setting teaching schedules
• Schedules are subject to personal availability, student needs, and peak demand times

Professional Development

Art Teacher

• Has opportunities for professional development via workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses offered by their institution

Freelance Art Tutor

• Can pursue professional development opportunities independently, such as attending workshops and courses

Certification

Art Teacher

• Must have teaching credentials or certifications, subject to the jurisdiction and education level

Freelance Art Tutor

• Generally does not need formal teaching credentials
• May seek certifications to improve credibility

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How to Become an Art Tutor

Becoming an art tutor requires a combination of skills. You should possess the necessary artistic and teaching experience depending on the nature and complexity of your lessons. It’s also vital to have interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, empathy, patience, and attentiveness.

But let’s establish a few things before we get to those steps. 

• Are you passionate about sharing your expertise? 
• Are you fired up to teach individuals how to look deeper than what meets the eye? 

To be able to inspire others, you must lead by example. If you share these sentiments, you’re well on your way already!

Here are the key steps on how to become an art tutor:

• Develop Your Art Skills

To hone your artistic prowess, you need to have the right credentials. It’s good to undertake formal education to give your resume a boost.  

Education

Consider formal education in art, such as an undergraduate degree in fine arts, which can provide comprehensive training. Pursuing a degree that teaches you both art and education can be very beneficial. For example, you could opt for a major in art and specialize in education or vice versa.

However, unlike a teacher, formal education is not always necessary for a freelance career. If you have the skills and the support of your community, you’re at an advantage.

Practice

Practice, practice, practice. Work on your art skills and tutoring techniques regularly to keep improving. Reflect on your experiences, educational philosophy, and personality. This will help you develop a personal style. Being proficient in various techniques and mediums can make you a more versatile tutor. However, you must also be flexible and willing to adapt to the changing needs of new students. There’s always room to grow!

• Gain Teaching Experience

Like any other profession, you need a few years of experience before you start to “sell out” all your classes.  

Volunteer

Reach out to organizations, schools, and community centers in your area that accept volunteers. Communicate your passion and expertise and get yourself signed up. These will not only give you the necessary teaching experience but also expand your network.

Be flexible to different job descriptions and focus on building strong relationships with the faculty. You can also host free classes in public spaces to contribute to your community and gain art tutoring experience.

Assistant Teaching

Another fantastic way of acquiring work exposure is to get an art assistant job. You can observe teachers and learn new methods and techniques. It will help you build your portfolio and broaden your skill set. In addition, this hands-on opportunity will teach you how to properly manage a classroom.

• Develop a Teaching Philosophy

What are the words of wisdom you always go by? Everyone has a philosophy to help them navigate various aspects of life, including their profession. You need a sound teaching philosophy to guide your journey as an art tutor. It sets the foundation for how you approach teaching. It shapes your goals, methods, and interactions with students.  

Education Philosophy

Define what you believe is the best way to teach art. Reflect on the balance between skill development and creative exploration. Think about ways to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all. Consider how you can inspire creativity and technical skills in your students. Ask yourself these questions:

• What does art mean to me?
• What do I want my students to gain from my art classes?
• What is the reason for providing art education? How does it affect society?
• How does art factor into an individual’s personal and professional development?

Answering these questions will help you shape a philosophy that articulates your beliefs, goals, and personal values. Use it to guide your way forward.

Curriculum Planning

Develop a basic curriculum to build a foundation for your philosophy. You can further adapt it to the skill sets and interests of your students to deliver a tailored experience. Define clear, measurable learning goals and the specific skills you want them to develop. Consider the diverse needs and preferences of your target student base.  

• Get Certified (Optional)

While not always necessary, obtaining a teaching certificate or credentials in art education can enhance your credibility. It can give you an edge, setting you apart from the competition. You can also pursue online courses on platforms such as Coursera and Udemy. They have a variety of art courses that offer certificates, diplomas, and specializations.

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How to Start Your Tutoring Business

Do you have the necessary teaching experience and artistic skills? If yes, then it’s time to think about starting your very own service.

Here are the starting steps to help you build a successful art tutoring business:

• Understand Your Audience

The first step to starting any business is narrowing down and understanding your audience.  

Identify Your Niche

Figure out the underlying message behind your artwork; your theme. Does it tackle a global issue, such as empowering women, or something as simple as celebrating creativity? Determine the style and medium you’re most comfortable with. Do you like creating contemporary 3D art, abstract oil paintings, artworks with natural objects, or something else? This will help you establish your target audience (e.g., children, teens, adults, etc.)

There’s a sea of possibilities — you have to narrow it down to your strengths and student preferences.

Tailor Your Lessons

When you have a good sense of your target audience, create lesson plans that cater to their average skill level and interests. Kids will enjoy hands-on, simple assignments while teens and adults might appreciate more complex projects. Incorporate themes that align with your specialization and the common interests of your audience.

• Set Up Your Business

Before you hang up your “open for business” sign, there are a few practicalities to address.

Legal Requirements

Research and fulfill any legal requirements for setting up a tutoring business, such as registering your business and getting insurance. Understand your tax obligations depending on the structure of your business (e.g., independent contractor or sole proprietorship). Develop clear contracts and agreements, including cancellation policies, payment terms, and expectations from both parties.   

Pricing

Your pricing structure depends on many factors. These include lesson length and complexity, group size, your level of expertise, market demands, and location. Figure out if you want to charge hourly, per package, monthly, or per project rates. You can also use a combination of these for a more customized approach.

• Choose a Teaching Venue

Decide whether you’ll teach in your studio, students’ homes, online, or rent a space. Each option has different considerations for class size, materials, and costs. At the start, it’s beneficial to work from your or the student’s home to cut costs. As your business expands, you can upgrade to rented spaces.  

• Market Your Services

Promote your classes by utilizing a variety of platforms and marketing strategies.

Online Presence

Create a website and social media profile to showcase your portfolio and advertise your services. Include art projects of your students from your volunteer experiences. Talk about your tutoring approach and use engaging visuals to attract attention.

Networking

Connect with local art communities, schools, and art supply stores. Attend art events and workshops to introduce yourself to the community. It can encourage collaborations and positive referrals. Remember, word of mouth can be a powerful tool!

• Invest in Teaching Materials

Ensure you have the necessary art supplies and teaching aids. If you’re tutoring online or utilizing digital media, you must invest in the right tools and technology. These include drawing pads, design software, and tablets.

• Start Teaching

Now you’re ready to start sharing your gift with your community. Begin with a few students to manage your workload and refine your teaching methods as you go.

Stay Motivated and Inspired

Staying motivated and inspired is essential for sustaining a fulfilling art tutoring career.

Balance Teaching and Personal Artistic Pursuits

Create an organized schedule, assigning times for tutoring, lesson planning, and personal artistic pursuits. It’s important to lay out the boundaries and schedule breaks to prevent burnout. Set aside time to engage in activities that refresh your creativity.

Seek Mentorship and Support from Fellow Educators

Explore art teacher associations and stay connected with local art communities. Engage with your fellow educators to share experiences and seek advice. Take part in workshops and conferences tailored for art educators’ professional development.

FAQ

How can I find my first students?

Start by leveraging social media platforms, local community boards, and art forums. Also, consider offering introductory discounts or free trial lessons to attract students initially.

What are the common challenges faced by art tutors and how to overcome them?

Common challenges faced by art tutors include:

• Student Engagement: Use interactive teaching methods and tailor lessons to individual student interests.
• Time Management: Set a clear schedule and use planning tools to manage lesson planning and student progress tracking.
• Skill Diversification: Continuously learn new art techniques and styles to offer a wider range of lessons.

Can I make a living solely from being an art tutor?

It’s possible to make a living, but it depends on factors like your pricing, the number of students you work with, and your teaching hours. Diversifying income sources, like selling art or hosting workshops, can supplement your earnings.

Can I teach art online without a degree?

Yes, you can teach art online without a degree. Success in online art teaching often depends more on your artistic skills, experience, and ability to engage and educate students rather than formal qualifications.

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