10 Passive Income Ideas for Artists That Aren’t Just Prints

Erin MacNab
Apr 24
3 min read

Introduction: What Is Passive Income for Artists?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make money from your art while you sleep, you’re not alone. Passive income for artists means setting up creative streams of revenue that keep flowing—without constant hands-on work.

It doesn’t mean “zero effort,” but once your systems are set up? It’s like planting a creative money tree 🌱

Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, or photographer—there’s a way to turn your art into income beyond just selling prints.

Key Takeaways: Passive Income for Artists

💸 Passive income = earning from your art with minimal ongoing effort after setup

🎨 There are tons of options beyond selling prints, like digital downloads, print-on-demand merch, and licensing

📸 Artists and photographers can monetize their skills, tools, and content with courses, stock media, and templates

🌐 Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, Skillshare, Redbubble, and Creative Market make it easy to get started

⚙️ Building passive income is about creating systems that work while you create—hello, art life freedom!

an artist painting a mural — The world needs your art XO

1. Sell Digital Downloads

Digital art is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income. You create once, upload to platforms like Etsy or Gumroad, and sell it endlessly.

Ideas include:

Printable wall art
Coloring pages
Digital planners
Clip art / icon packs

🖼 Especially good for: illustrators, calligraphers, graphic designers

2. Design Merch with Print-on-Demand

You don’t need to stock inventory or ship anything. Just upload your art to platforms like Redbubble, TeePublic, or Printful—and let the sales roll in.

Products that sell well:

T-shirts
Tote bags
Stickers
Mugs

👕 Great if you're wondering how to sell art in more casual, everyday ways.

Or you can just start your own printing business and print all the art haha...

3. Create an Online Course or Workshop

Teach others your creative process—painting techniques, iPad art, editing workflows, etc.

Platforms to try:

🎥 Passive income for photographers and visual artists alike—especially if you already share on social!

woman taking a photo of a mural — It will take some work, but it IS possible!

4. License Your Art

Sites like Society6, ArtLicensing.com, or Patternbank allow your art to be used on products. You earn royalties each time someone licenses it.

🖌 Bonus: This is true passive income once the deal is signed.

5. Sell Stock Photos or Mockups

Photographers—this one’s for you! Upload your images to sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Creative Market.

You can also create styled product mockups for other creatives to use in their marketing.

📷 Perfect passive income for photographers who already have a full portfolio.

6. Self-Publish an Art Book or Zine

Platforms like Blurb and Amazon KDP let you publish books on demand.

Ideas include:

A collection of your artwork
A visual journal or sketchbook
A themed coloring book

📘 Great if you’re exploring how to sell paintings in a narrative, curated way.

How to self publish a book...

someone holding a zine they self published

7. Offer Creative Templates or Resources

Think Procreate brushes, Lightroom presets, Canva templates, or font packs. These are low-effort to make (once) and in high demand.

🎨 Sell via your own site, Creative Market, or Etsy.

8. Create a Patreon or Membership

Offer behind-the-scenes peeks, early access to new art, or exclusive downloads.

Passive element? Use auto-scheduled content, recurring billing, and evergreen content to reduce upkeep.

✨ Bonus: Builds a loyal community around your art.

9. Turn Your Art into Digital Backgrounds

From Zoom backgrounds to phone wallpapers and Spotify canvas animations—people love customizable visuals.

📱 Platforms like Gumroad or even your own website can house these products.

10. Affiliate Marketing for Creative Tools

If you love talking about your favorite brushes, paints, tablets, or software—share affiliate links and earn commissions.

Some examples:

Amazon Influencer Program
Blick Art Materials
Creative Fabrica
Adobe or Canva Pro

🎯 Pro Tip: Create tutorials or gear lists to give context and boost conversions.

woman with tattoos on her arm looking at a photo of an elephant — Life is too short to work a crappy job you hate

Final Thoughts: Build Once, Sell Forever

You don’t need to rely on prints alone to build a sustainable creative income. With a little planning, a sprinkle of tech, and a whole lotta creativity—you can turn your passion into passive income.