If you're an artist looking to make more money, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we're going to share 10 smart ways you can unlock passive income. These ideas are all about helping you make money without constantly being "on the clock." We'll break down what each option requires in terms of skills and experience, so you can pick the right fit for you.
But that's not all. We'll also dive into an important part of the equation—marketing. You'll learn how to turn your fans into real buyers, boosting your income in ways you might not have imagined.
Get ready to discover some exciting opportunities and start building your financial freedom today.
The Importance of Unlocking Passive Income for Artists
As an artist, you're probably no stranger to the ups and downs of income. One month, you're riding high with commissions and sales. The next, things slow down, and it feels like the money has dried up. But, what if there was a way to make that rollercoaster a little less extreme?
Why should you consider passive income streams?
Let's face it—relying only on commissions or one-time sales can be a bit of a financial gamble. There are moments when you're in demand, and then... well, there are those stretches of time where it feels like crickets. That unpredictability can make planning ahead feel impossible.
But here's the game-changer: passive income. What if you could set something up once and keep earning while you're busy creating your next big piece or experimenting with new ideas? That's the beauty of passive income—it gives you more freedom to do what you love, without constantly worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from.
Are you ready to explore different passive income ideas for artists?
There's a whole world of passive income ideas just waiting for you to dive in. Think digital prints, online courses, or even print-on-demand services. Sure, it'll take some work up front to get everything in place, but once those income streams are running, they'll keep flowing—even while you sleep. Pretty cool, right?
The best part? You get to keep doing what you love while letting your income grow in the background. Sounds like the dream, doesn't it?
10 Ideas to Unlock Passive Income for Artists
Selling Customized Products
Print on demand (POD) services allow you to create and sell products like t-shirts, mugs, posters, and phone cases with your artwork. Once you upload your designs, the POD service, like PrintKK, handles printing, packing, and shipping. You don't need to keep inventory or manage logistics.
Required skills or experience: Graphic design, marketing
Pros:
- No need for inventory
- Low upfront costs
- Automated production and shipping
Cons:
- Dependent on third-party services
- Limited control over quality
Print on Demand Posters (2:3) - Wall Decor - PrintKK
Selling Digital Brushes and Textures
If you create digital art, consider selling your own custom brushes or texture packs for programs like Procreate or Photoshop. These are in high demand among fellow digital artists who need tools for their designs.
Required skills/experience: Experience with creating custom brushes or textures.
Pros:
- One-time creation, ongoing sales
- High demand among digital artists
- Can be priced at a premium
Cons:
- Needs good marketing
- Some artists may offer similar products
Create and Sell eBooks
If you enjoy writing, creating and selling eBooks can be a great way to generate passive income. You can write about anything from art techniques to personal stories or even guides on building an art career.
Required skills or experience: Writing, self-publishing platforms (e.g., Amazon KDP)
Pros:
- High profit potential
- Minimal ongoing effort after creation
- Global audience access
Cons:
- Requires initial time investment to write and edit
- Need marketing strategies to increase visibility
- Royalties may be lower on some platforms
Offer Art Tutorials and Online Courses
Teaching is a fantastic way to earn passive income. You can create pre-recorded art tutorials, video courses, or workshops that provide valuable knowledge to aspiring artists. Once created, they can be sold on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Required skills or experience: Teaching experience, video recording/editing, content creation
Pros:
- Can be sold repeatedly
- Opportunity to build a personal brand
- High-demand for art education content
Cons:
- Requires effort in creating high-quality content
- May need initial promotion to build audience
- Some platforms take a commission
Create an Art Subscription Service
If you have a dedicated audience, consider setting up a subscription service where customers pay a recurring fee to receive exclusive art, prints, or behind-the-scenes content. Platforms like Patreon allow artists to earn monthly income from their supporters.
Required skills or experience: Content creation, social media marketing
Pros:
- Steady monthly income
- Direct interaction with your audience
- Flexibility in the type of content offered
Cons:
- Requires consistent content creation
- Need a loyal fan base
- Can be challenging to keep subscribers engaged
Selling Photography or Videos to Stock Websites
If you are a photographer or videographer, you can sell your work to stock websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Every time someone downloads your image or video, you earn a royalty.
Required skills/experience: Photography or videography skills.
Pros:
- Continuous income from past work
- High-demand market for quality content
- Passive revenue generation
Cons:
- Small payout per sale
- Competitive market
Licensing Your Artwork
You can license your artwork to be used on products, advertisements, or other commercial projects. Licensing deals can bring in royalties or lump sums, depending on the terms. It's a passive way to monetize your existing work.
Required skills or experience: Understanding licensing contracts, business knowledge
Pros:
- Potential for large earnings
- Passive income after securing the deal
- Widely applicable across industries
Cons:
- Negotiating deals can be time-consuming
- Hard to get started without a strong portfolio
- Limited control over how your work is used
Create Art Printables
If you create art that people would like to print for home décor, you can offer printable downloads. These could be anything from motivational quotes to illustrations or abstract designs. Customers simply purchase the digital file and print it themselves.
Required skills or experience: Graphic design, file formatting for printing
Pros:
- No physical inventory or shipping
- High profit margin
- Easy to set up on platforms like Etsy
Cons:
- May require frequent updates to keep things fresh
- Some platforms charge transaction fees
- You're competing with a lot of other designers
Custom Printed on Demand Canvas Prints Wall Art (2:3) (Made in USA) - Wall Art - PrintKK
Sell Merchandise with Your Artwork
Merchandise such as branded apparel, bags, or accessories featuring your artwork can be sold through POD services or by partnering with local businesses. This allows you to sell physical products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment.
Required skills or experience: Graphic design, understanding of e-commerce platforms
Pros:
- Low overhead costs
- Wide variety of products to offer
- Expands your brand presence
Cons:
- Lower profit margins compared to direct sales
- Dependent on third-party fulfillment services
- Need to drive traffic to your merchandise store
Offer Art Licensing for Video Games or Apps
Game developers, app creators, and other digital media industries often seek licensed artwork for their projects. You can license your illustrations, backgrounds, and characters to be used in video games, mobile apps, or websites.
Required skills or experience: Understanding the tech industry, portfolio of digital art
Pros:
- Potential for high revenue
- Expands your reach to new industries
- Often results in long-term passive royalties
Cons:
- Competitive and niche market
- Requires networking and industry connections
- May need to adapt your work to fit specific project requirements
How Artists Can Find the Right Side Hustles
Start with Your Strengths
What are you already good at? Do you have digital art skills, or are you better at traditional paintings? By focusing on what you already know, you can find side hustles that require less learning time.
Think about how your artistic skills can be applied to other industries like design, merchandise, or tutorials. You might be surprised by how many opportunities are out there that match your talent.
When choosing a side hustle, consider how much time you can realistically dedicate. Some ventures, like creating digital products, may only require a few hours per week, while others, like teaching online, need more attention.
If you're already busy with other projects, start with low-maintenance options like selling digital products or licensing your art for passive income.
Research Potential Markets
Which side hustles have demand in your area of expertise? Look for markets that value your art, whether it's stock photography sites, print-on-demand platforms, or art licensing. Doing some research can help you find a hustle that has both low competition and strong demand.
Start Small and Scale Up
When testing a side hustle, start with small projects to see how they perform. If you're making prints or designing products, begin with just a few designs. Monitor what works and what doesn't. Scaling gradually allows you to adjust without taking too many risks.
Read More:
How to Turn Followers into Buyers: The Art of Marketing for Artists
As an artist, you might have many followers on your social media. However, they're likely following you because of your art style, not necessarily because they're ready to buy from you. They appreciate your creativity, but turning that admiration into sales takes a little more work.
The key is to build a relationship, so they feel personally invested in your journey, not just as fans, but as potential buyers.
Engage Like You're Making New Friends
Just because someone hits the "Follow" button doesn't mean they're your customer yet. Imagine going to a party, standing in the corner and saying nothing. Not very fun, right? The same goes for social media.
Respond to comments, ask questions, share your process. When you actively engage, people feel like they're getting to know you. And, people buy from people they trust—simple as that.
Use Effective Calls to Action
Always guide your followers towards buying. Whether it's asking them to check out your online store or signing up for your newsletter for special offers, make sure you have a clear call to action.
Don't assume people know what to do next—tell them. If you're offering something special, make it clear and easy for them to take the next step.
Let Others Do the Talking
The best marketing tool? Word of mouth. If someone buys your art and loves it, ask them to leave a review or share it on their social media.
Seeing others rave about your work is like getting a recommendation from a trusted friend. It builds credibility, and before you know it, people will start trusting you more and opening their wallets.
Do the Hard Work Upfront for Long-Term Income
A successful side hustle doesn't happen overnight. You may think that you can quickly get your products or creations online with just a few clicks and a few lines of code.
You can quickly share your creations through platforms such as social media, online marketplaces, or your own website to attract some attention. But have you ever thought about whether these quick setups can bring you sustained income?
To achieve long-term income, it is most important to build a foundation. For example, set up a high-quality online store and design works that will attract customers. You can also consider creating some digital products that you can sell over and over again, such as design templates, print art, or even audio or video courses.
Don't forget to continue to optimize. Over time, you may find some additional opportunities or adjustments to improve your income. These initial efforts will ultimately bring you higher returns.
Say Goodbye to Inventory: Why PrintKK's POD is the Perfect Solution for Artists
Managing inventory can be a real headache. If you've ever sold physical merchandise, you know the struggle—buying stock, storing it, and fulfilling orders. It can feel like a never-ending task, especially if you're only working on it in your spare time.
So, how can you avoid all that hassle while still earning money from your art? The answer is PrintKK's Print on Demand (POD) service.
PrintKK's POD solution helps you completely eliminate inventory management. Here's how:
- Low investment cost: No need to buy large amounts of stock upfront or pay for storage. You print only when a customer places an order, easing financial pressure.
- Free shipping for US products: PrintKK offers free shipping on US products, making it more affordable for you to purchase test samples and provide customers with competitive prices.
- Excellent customer service: As a beginner, you may have questions. PrintKK's support team is always ready to assist, so you can focus on creating rather than handling logistics.
Expert Tips
Choose the passive income idea that best suits you and start building your own revenue stream. Don't rush it—success comes with hard work in the early stages. Focus on turning your followers into real buyers by offering content and products they love. Build long-term relationships, not just short-term profits.
Every artist can find something that works from the 10 ideas we've shared. Whether through selling artwork, digital content, or membership plans, there are plenty of ways to create steady income. Stay consistent, and your influence in the creative space will grow.
PrintKK can help simplify the process, so you can focus on your art while they handle the rest. Start now and enjoy the passive income that comes from your creativity.
Global Shipping
