5 Passive Income Side Hustles for Graphic Designers

Careers in the artistic industry can be a struggle financially, but it doesn’t have to be. 💗

As creative people, we have the capability to create something out of LITERALLY nothing! A pen and paper can turn into a beautiful sketch, and a blank document can turn into a beautiful illustration, and so on.

We can utilize our creativity to set ourselves up for success. 💪

Let’s discuss how we as graphic designers can optimize our skills to earn a little extra cash!



1. Vector Files

Turning your simple illustrations into SVG or ESP files to be sold on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market can be life-changing when done properly.

Keep in mind that people who use these files are usually crafty and most commonly have a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo. So, it’s wise to avoid details in your artwork that might be too small to cut!

Struggling to come up with vector file ideas that sell? Check out the Top 10 Digital Vector Files to Sell in 2024 blog for some great starting points. 💰

 

2. Printable Templates



I know you’ve probably come across countless videos on templates and you may even think this is a saturated market, but if you choose the proper niche then you can really capitalize on this! 👀

Some examples of niche-specific printable templates are budget trackers, school schedules, weekly meal plans, or small business bookkeeping sheets.

It's all about the demand and competitive market. ✍️


 

3. Redbubble Stickers



You may think making stickers doesn’t classify as passive income, and you’d be right if it wasn’t for print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble.

Making extra cash doesn’t have to be complicated. Redbubble is an incredibly user-friendly selling platform!

Now I’ll be honest, you probably won’t be able to quit your job or make bank by selling stickers on Redbubble… But if you’re an illustrator, why not utilize the illustrations that you’ve already created and make an extra buck? 🤑


 

4. Presentation Decks

There are COUNTLESS people working in an office setting who need a good presentation to pitch their ideas on a daily basis. Now that's a lot of demand for well-designed presentations! 🤩

Whether that’s to investors or clients, doesn’t matter. The point is these people are always looking for better ways to present their work and make their ideas stand out over others, so why not help them out with a sick design?

You can design decks optimized for Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva to sell on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market.


 

5. Instagram Highlight Icons

Finally, another great idea for passive income is Instagram highlight icons. 📸

Generally, these would be geared toward small businesses or influencers in any industry! It's a good idea to take note of what industries already have an abundance of icon choices, and which ones don't (again with the demand and competitive market talk ik).

Then simply design THEMED packages specific to those industries that could use more options, turn them into PNGs or JPGs, and sell them on (you’ve guessed it) Etsy or Creative Market! 💸


There are countless more passive income ideas for graphic designers or creative individuals in general. The list can really go on!

If you found this information useful, let me know in the comments below and I'll create more content like this. 🤌

Until next time,

~ Melody Elizabeth

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