Best Side Hustles for Selling Digital Art
Digital art has become a versatile and profitable way to earn money while expressing your creativity.
Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, there are numerous ways to monetize your skills in Canada. This guide will explore the best digital art side hustles, including descriptions, income potential, tools and resources, and where to find opportunities.
Freelance Graphic Design
Freelance graphic design involves creating visual content for clients such as logos, marketing materials, social media graphics, and more. Businesses and individuals often outsource these services to freelancers, making it a lucrative side hustle.
Income Potential:
- $25–$100 per hour
- $500–$2,000 per project, depending on complexity
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva
- Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, 99designs
How to Get Started:
Selling Digital Prints
Selling digital art prints online allows you to earn passive income by creating art pieces that customers can download and print at home. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to set up a storefront and reach a global audience.
Income Potential:
- $10–$50 per download
- Potential earnings: $500–$5,000+ per month
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Procreate, Affinity Designer
- Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Shopify
How to Get Started:
Animation and Motion Graphics
Animation and motion graphics involve creating animated videos or elements for advertisements, social media, or websites. This niche is in high demand among businesses and content creators.
Income Potential:
- $30–$150 per hour
- $1,000–$10,000 per project
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Adobe After Effects, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony
- Platforms: Behance, Dribbble, LinkedIn
How to Get Started:
NFT Art Creation and Sales
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) allow artists to sell unique digital art pieces on blockchain platforms. This is an emerging market with significant earning potential.
Income Potential:
- $50–$1,000+ per NFT
- Potential earnings: $1,000–$10,000+ per month depending on sales
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate
- Platforms: OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation
How to Get Started:
Illustration for Books and Media
Illustrators create artwork for children's books, graphic novels, editorial pieces, and more. This side hustle offers the chance to collaborate with authors and publishers.
Income Potential:
- $50–$200 per illustration
- $500–$5,000 per project
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Adobe Fresco, Clip Studio Paint
- Platforms: Reedsy, ArtStation, DeviantArt
How to Get Started:
Creating Stock Art
Stock art platforms allow artists to upload and sell digital assets like icons, backgrounds, and illustrations that can be used for various purposes.
Income Potential:
- $1–$10 per download
- Potential earnings: $500–$2,000+ per month
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator
- Platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Creative Market
How to Get Started:
Social Media Content Creation
Creating digital assets like social media templates, animations, and graphics for influencers and brands can be a steady source of income.
Income Potential:
- $20–$100 per graphic
- $500–$3,000 per month
Tools and Resources:
- Software: Canva, Adobe Spark
- Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn
How to Get Started:
Digital art side hustles offer a unique blend of creativity and earning potential. With the right tools and platforms, Canadian artists can turn their passion into a profitable venture. Which of these side hustles excites you the most? Share your thoughts or explore more to find your niche!