So you’re a craft painter who loves creating beautiful designs on plates, woodwork and glass. You feel such fulfillment creating these little masterpieces that you think there has to be a way to make some money at the same time. Besides, your own home and the homes of all your friends are just crammed full of your artwork.

So how do you make the leap from craft painter to getting paid for painting? Here are 4 simple tips to get you going in the right direction:

1. Pick up some design and painting books for decorative painting. Donna Dewberry’s books are perfect for this using her One Stroke painting technique which is a faster way of tole-painting requiring fewer strokes.
2. Start by painting your designs on larger flat surfaces such as floor cloths or placemats. Create larger designs than you would on smaller pieces. Start timing yourself to see how long a piece takes you to paint. This will help you when you need to calculate how much to charge per square foot. While you practice, don’t turn your projects when you paint. Instead try to paint your projects like you would paint a wall, turning your wrists to complete each stroke.
3. Take on a small, simple room project such as a child’s room. If you can’t paint on your own walls ask a friend if they’ll let you paint on theirs. Working with a friend to decide on the completed look will help give you experience in consulting with customersyou could try this out. Listen to what you’re friend has in mind and make suggestions based on your experience. Bring design books along to show what you can do.
4. Paint on as many different surfaces as you can and keep practicing your paint strokes. Make sure you take lots of pictures of all your projects for your portfolio (which can take the form of a physical photo-album type portfolio or an online photo album).

While you are practicing your painting skills, read as much information as you can get on interior designing, paint finishes, paint types and business start up information. You can gather a lot of this type of information from books or by surfing online. Knowledge gives you confidence and confidence will lead to your success.