New Delhi, Oct. 11 -- Making money from art can feel difficult when success seems linked to fame. Many artists believe they need millions of followers before earning a steady income. The '1,000 True Fans' theory offers another way to think about earning.

Instead of chasing audiences, it focuses on people who value your work deeply. These supporters buy your creations and help you continue making them. For independent artists, that relationship can become the foundation of a sustainable career.

Kevin Kelly introduced the idea in 2008 through his essay, '1,000 True Fans'. He was the founding executive editor of Wired magazine. His argument was simple: creators could earn without depending on companies or fame.

A true fan does more than l...