How To Monetize Your Art Through Digital Copies
Are you a visual artist who is looking to make a living by selling your art?
With digital technology, it's become easier than ever for artists to reach new audiences and monetize their creations. From creating limited-edition prints or custom orders to launching an online shop or even streaming video tutorials, there are many different ways that you can use digital copies of your artwork to make money.
In this post, we'll be exploring different ideas that will provide insight into how you can start generating additional income from your talent by utilising digital copies of your artwork.
Image: Patrick TomassoSelling digital or physical artwork
Whether you work with a traditional medium like paint and canvas or prefer to create your artwork digitally, one of the biggest challenges for any artist is finding a way to monetize your work. Thankfully, the rise of the internet and digital media has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for both established and up-and-coming artists alike.
Selling digital copies of your artwork can be an incredibly lucrative way to make money from your creations, and with the right strategy and approach, you could turn your passion into a thriving business. Of course, physical artwork still has its place in the art world, and if you're looking to sell original pieces, there are plenty of avenues to explore there as well.
The key is to understand your target audience, identify your unique selling points, and craft a compelling marketing campaign that showcases your work in the best possible light.
Is selling digital art products profitable?
One question many artists have is whether selling digital art products is worth their time and effort.
The short answer is yes, digital art products can be very profitable. With a huge selection of online marketplaces and digital delivery systems, we have access to customers around the world.
Plus, creating digital copies of your art allows you to sell it multiple times without the need for expensive printing or shipping costs. Best of all, the upfront costs of creating digital art products are relatively low, making it an accessible option for artists just starting out or looking to supplement their income. With a bit of marketing know-how and determination, selling digital art products could be a lucrative way to monetize your artistic skills.
Popular Digital Products You Can Sell
You can create digital products that showcase your artwork, educate others, or help others with their art.
Creating digital copies of your work can open up a whole new world of possibilities for making money.
Here are some options you can explore to get started:
Art prints
Printables like calendars, journals, and planners
Online art courses
Phone cases
Laptop skins
Stickers
Magnets
Temporary tattoos featuring your designs
e-books for artists looking to share their knowledge
A simple, step-by-step “How to guide”
If you excel in digital art, selling digital brushes or graphic design assets can be a lucrative avenue. The possibilities are truly endless, and with the right marketing and drive, artists can turn their digital creations into a profitable source of income.
Image:Jennie RazumnayaDefining Your Niche And Marketing Strategy
You don't just want to sell your digital copies to anyone who comes across them. You want to attract customers who appreciate your unique style and subject matter. This is why it's important to define your niche and develop a marketing strategy that speaks to that specific audience.
Defining your niche and marketing strategy is crucial when it comes to making money from digital copies of your art.
Knowing your audience and what they like is the key to success.
Are you creating vibrant and colourful landscapes or abstract designs with bold contrasts?
Take the time to understand what makes your art unique and who would be interested in purchasing it. Once you have identified your niche, you can start building your marketing strategy around it. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for reaching a wider audience and showcasing your work. Consider offering limited edition prints or custom commissions to generate more revenue. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between creativity and business strategy.
Test Your Idea
Before you invest too much time and energy into creating your digital product, it's important to test out your idea to see if it's viable. One of the best ways to do this is to conduct surveys and gather data from potential customers. Use your social media accounts, mailing list, online forums or groups to find out what your target audience is looking for in a digital art product. Identify if your idea matches up with their needs and wants.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can create a beta version of your product and test it out with a select group of people. This will provide you with feedback and an opportunity to make necessary tweaks before launching it to a wider audience. By taking the time to test your product idea, you can increase your chances of success and make sure that you're creating something that people will want to buy and use.
Create Your Digital Product
Now that you’ve completed your research and tested your idea with members of your target audience, you can start to define your offer.
Will you offer individual pieces or collections?
Will you create an e-book, or is your audience asking you for step-by-step instructions on mixing oil paint?
How are you going to package your knowledge or product?
Once you have a clear plan, it’s time to start creating. This might involve scanning your physical art, digitizing sketches, or creating entirely new pieces on the computer.
Either way, ensure your final product is high-quality, visually appealing and packaged into an easily downloadable PDF file ready to be sold.
Where To Sell Your Digital Products
Once you've completed your digital art, you can package it into easily downloadable files and sell them through your website, social media channels, or online marketplaces. There are many platforms available to sell your digital products.
One popular option is Etsy, which allows artists to sell their digital prints as downloadable files. Another platform is Redbubble, which not only sells digital prints but also offers the option of selling physical merchandise such as phone cases and apparel. Other options include Society6 and Creative Market, which both cater to a variety of digital products and offer great exposure to artists.
Your Own Website
I believe, the best place to sell your work is through our own website.
If you sell through your own website you keep 100% of the sale.
No algorithm changes that keep your customers away.
You own the site so nobody can take that away from you.
You can present your work exactly how you want to, you are in total control.
If you don’t have your own website to sell your products, I would strongly recommend you set one up. A quick, affordable and easy platform to get started is Podia.
Podia is an affordable, all-in-one place to sell your digital products, teach aspiring artists your techniques, host drawing workshops, and so much more. With Podia, you can run your entire art business from one easy-to-use dashboard without breaking the bank.
Over the last few months, I’ve supported a number of artists in setting up and fine-tuning their Podia website and shop and I was truly impressed by the value for money and support system they have received. In addition, Podia offers a straightforward and super user-friendly interface that allows you to upload your digital products and sell them directly to buyers.
You can get started and create a full website on their FREE account!
How amazing is that?!
So, if you're ready to turn your digital art into profit, podia.com might be the perfect solution for you.
Click here to get started today. With a little hard work and creativity, you can turn your digital art into a profitable business.
Benefits of Selling Digital Products
One of the biggest benefits of selling digital copies of your artwork is the ability to reach a wider audience.
Selling digital copies of your artwork, or digital downloads can be a game-changer for your career as an artist. Not only does it allow you to reach a wider audience, but it can also serve as a passive income stream, generating revenue even while you sleep.
In addition, it eliminates the need for shipping and handling, making it a greener and more convenient option for buyers. Digital copies also enable buyers to customize the size and format of the piece to fit their specific needs, adding another level of accessibility to your work. So, if you haven't already, consider selling digital copies of your art to take advantage of these benefits and take your art career to new heights.
Photo: Tyler NixSelling digital products is a great way to get yourself out there and start making money from your art. Not only is this an efficient form of income that does not require physical materials, but it also can bring in more profit than other sales methods. It also, helps your reach a new audience who might end up buying an original of yours in the future.
Another great point is that you can create multiple products with just one design! From artwork to patterns, you have plenty of options when it comes to selling digital copies of your art. And if you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea – don’t worry. There are lots of helpful resources available to make this process easy. As mentioned with platforms like Podia you can set up shop today and start making money from your work quicker than you think.
So why wait?
Try out a free Podia account today and see what the wonderful world of digital art has to offer you!
Establishing your own art business isn’t as scary as it may seem – develop your online store, promote via marketing tools, and generate a passive income while you’re at it.