The 3 Passive Income Streams Every Artist Should Consider
The 3 Passive Income Streams Every Artist Should Consider
Firstly, before we get started I need to clear something up. And that is.. That passive income is kind of a big-fat-lie.
Hot Takes:
Selling digital products
Online courses & tutorials
Licensing Your Artwork
How to get started
Firstly, before we get started I need to clear something up. And that is.. That passive income is kind of a big-fat-lie.
I know you’ve heard it all before.. “Earn money while you sleep!” And while that’s partially true, the road to “passive” takes a whole lot of active work first.
Something you need to know is that there isn’t ONE MAGIC passive income stream that’s going to change your life as a creative once and for all. That’s another big-fat-stinky-lie.
Instead, passive income is a dance between four things - building a brand, setting up automations, building a team, and creating things like courses or products. Each of these will have their moment in the sun throughout your business journey, and it’s up to YOU to find the balance.
So, let’s talk about four ways to start building passive-ish income as an artist (without losing your mind in the process).
1. Selling Digital Products
You ever make something and think.. I wish I could sell this over and over again without lifting a finger? Enter.. digital products.
What you can sell:
Downloadable colouring pages from your sketchbooks or illustrations
Step-by-step tutorials for your signature techniques
Printable art for customers to frame at home
Digital planners or creative templates that help others get organized
E-books sharing your journey, process, or business advice
How to get started:
Create something once, upload it to an online marketplace, and let it sell while you focus on your art.
Bonus? No stock, no shipping, no stress.
2. Online Courses & Tutorials
If you’ve mastered something, why not teach it? Online courses let you package up your skills and sell them on repeat.
One student of mine created a course on how to become a live illustrator, turning their niche skill into an income stream that teaches others to do the same. Another built a course helping creatives go from passion projects to full time profitable businesses.
Whether you’re teaching others to create, guiding beginners on their first steps or helping established artists make more money, your knowledge has value. And it’s something you can sell again and again.
hyStart with what you know best. It doesn’t have to be a big, overwhelming course - just something specific and actionable that helps someone move forward. Keep it focused, clear, and practical.
The goal? A transformation your students can achieve, no matter how big or small.
3. Licensing Your Artwork
You know those brands, publishers, and companies that need creative and unique designs just like yours? They’ll pay you to use your art. Licensing is an incredible way to get paid for work you’ve already done.
Where to license your art:
Greeting card companies
Book publishers
Fabric and textile brands
Home decor companies
Stock image websites
How to get started:
Turn the art you’ve already created into passive income by licensing it through stock image websites or pitching directly to brands that align with your style. Some platforms pay per download, while others offer upfront fees… either way, it’s a way to make money from work you’ve already made - what a win!
Passive Income = More Freedom
You don’t have to do all the things to start making passive income as an artist and just one solid stream can make a big difference. The goal isn’t just padding your bank account (though, let’s be honest, that’s nice too).. It’s about building a business that works for you. So that you’re not stuck at your desk 24/7, constantly trading time for money and having a business that relies solely on you to do everything.
