Beyond One Paycheque: Building Multiple Income Streams as an Artist

A full calendar does not always mean a sustainable creative career. Each opportunity takes time, energy and resources—and the income it brings in is only part of the picture.

That question sits at the heart of Revenue Stacking, a practical Artist Enterprise Incubator session led by Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, founder and Executive Director of Tune In Foundation. Through examples, guided exercises and participant discussion, Dejehan explores how artists can build an income portfolio that protects their creative practice.

Start with the income you already have

Before adding another project, map what is already supporting your work. The session explores different sources of creative income, including direct audience relationships, skills and services, rights and assets, and institutional support. Looking at them together helps make the shape of a creative business easier to understand.

Look beyond the headline payment

A fee is not the same as the amount an opportunity contributes after its costs. The workshop introduces cash contribution alongside a broader assessment of opportunities. For an artist balancing paid work with creating, rehearsing or developing new ideas, those trade-offs deserve attention.

Give each stream a role

The session uses anchor, core and growth streams to examine how different kinds of income can work together. The aim is a thoughtful mix that supports the practice, with room to assess what is working and what needs to change.

Try a focused 30-day test

You do not need to resolve your entire business model in one sitting. The accompanying workbook invites artists to map current income, assess an opportunity and plan a 30-day test. It is a tool for experimentation and decision-making, to revisit at your own pace—not an assignment with a deadline.

Watch Revenue Stacking and access the workbook and slides →

The recording includes the presentation, guided workbook exercises and Q&A.

Learning through community

The Artist Enterprise Incubator is led by McMaster University’s Reframery Incubator at CRCE and Hamilton Artists Inc. Tune In Foundation serves as a community partner. Read the partnership story or explore The Blueprint for more artist-development opportunities and resources.