Artists, you have a golden opportunity to take your creativity to new heights and connect with an even broader audience by diving into the world of digital products for artists.
Whether it’s offering digital art prints, online courses, or tutorials, there are countless ways to turn your talents into income and share your unique vision with the world.
Let’s start by breaking it down: What are digital products, anyway?
Simply put, digital products are goods that exist only in a digital format. Unlike traditional physical items, you won’t find these in a store or need to ship them—they’re files that can be downloaded or accessed online.
This gives artists a huge advantage, removing the need for physical inventory and all the headaches that come with it.
So, why should you, as an artist, get on board with digital products? There are plenty of reasons.
First off, digital products are super convenient. Your customers can download a digital art print or sign up for an online course with just a few clicks, gaining instant access to your work and expertise.
Another big plus? Passive income. Once you create a digital product and put it up for sale, it can keep earning money for you without needing much upkeep. That means you can make money while you sleep, giving you more time to focus on your art.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Digital products allow you to reach a global audience. Unlike physical items that might be restricted by shipping or location, digital products can be sold to anyone, anywhere. This opens up a world of possibilities for you to connect with people who love your art, no matter where they are.
Plus, creating digital products gives you the freedom to explore new mediums and styles.
Whether you’re putting together an online course or crafting a set of digital art prints, you can experiment and push your creativity in ways you might not have considered before.
In the next sections of this guide, we’re going to dive deeper into the types of digital products for artists, how to create and sell them, and the incredible benefits they offer.
Options Artists Should Consider for Digital Products for Artists
Digital products are a broad category of creative assets that exist solely in a digital format. Unlike traditional physical goods, digital products are intangible, making them easy to access and share with a global audience.
They can include digital art prints, brushes and tools, Photoshop actions and presets, online courses and tutorials, and e-books and guides.
For example, digital art prints let artists showcase their work in high-quality digital formats, making it easy for art lovers and collectors to admire and purchase their pieces.
On the other hand, digital brushes and tools offer a wealth of resources—think digital brushes, textures, and more—that can enhance your creative process and help you experiment with new techniques.
If you’re savvy with digital tools, Photoshop actions and presets can be a game-changer, letting you create stunning effects and adjustments with just a few clicks. These tools can save you time and help you produce professional-quality results effortlessly.
Online courses and tutorials are another powerful way to share your skills. With comprehensive video lessons and step-by-step instructions, you can teach others what you know, helping them grow while adding a new revenue stream to your own business.
And let’s not forget e-books and guides.
These can be treasure troves of tips, techniques, and insights from seasoned pros, offering invaluable advice and inspiration for artists at any stage of their journey.
Why Artists Should Consider Digital Products
Stepping into the world of digital products can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
1. Expand your artistic reach: With digital products, you’re no longer limited by location. The internet lets you showcase your work to people around the globe, opening up exposure and opportunities that were once out of reach.
2. Diversify your income streams: Selling digital products is a smart way to build a steady, sustainable source of passive income. Once you’ve created a product, you can sell it over and over without worrying about inventory or shipping. This frees you up to do what you love—making art—while your products work for you in the background.
3. Flexibility and freedom: Digital products give you the creative freedom to try new things without the constraints of physical materials. You can experiment with different styles, techniques, and ideas, all from the comfort of your studio (or your couch, no judgment here). This kind of freedom fuels artistic growth and keeps the creative juices flowing.
4. Build a supportive community: Selling digital products isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a community. Your customers and fellow artists can become a source of support, feedback, and collaboration. It’s a chance to connect with people who share your passion, creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Next up, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of creating and selling digital products. We’ll cover the tools you’ll need, how to price your work, setting up an online store, and getting the word out there to maximize your success.
Get inspired with our digital product ideas.
Types of Digital Products for Artists
Creating and selling digital products is one of the most profitable paths you can take as an artist. Not only do these products highlight your unique artistic style, but they also offer art lovers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy your creations.
Let’s explore some of the most popular types of digital products for artists:
Digital Art Prints
Digital art prints have changed the game for art collectors. No more dealing with physical prints and limited editions.
With digital art prints, you can create high-quality reproductions of your work and make them available to a much broader audience. Your customers can download and print your art in whatever format they like, giving them the flexibility to enjoy your work in their own way.
Digital Brushes and Tools
For digital artists, digital brushes and tools are must-haves.
These assets can take your creative process to the next level, allowing you to achieve amazing results. Whether you’re offering a set of custom brushes, unique texture overlays, or specialized plugins, these tools give you—and your customers—the creative flexibility needed to produce stunning work.
Photoshop Actions and Presets
Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse, and Photoshop actions and presets are a digital artist’s secret weapon.
Actions are a series of tasks recorded and applied to multiple images, while presets offer predefined settings that transform the look of your work with just one click. These tools save time and ensure consistency, making them invaluable for any artist looking to streamline their workflow.
Online Courses and Tutorials
Sharing your skills with others can be incredibly rewarding. Online courses and tutorials let you teach your techniques, share insights, and inspire other artists. Whether you’re creating video tutorials, step-by-step guides, or interactive workshops, these digital products offer a valuable learning experience for art enthusiasts everywhere.
E-books and Guides
If you have a deep well of knowledge or a unique perspective on art, creating e-books and guides is a fantastic way to share what you know.
These digital publications can cover anything from art theory and techniques to inspiration and career advice. By putting your expertise into a well-designed e-book or guide, you can establish yourself as an authority and generate extra income.
Offering a variety of digital products allows you to cater to different audience interests and needs. Whether you’re specializing in digital art prints, providing tools like brushes, offering educational content, or sharing your expertise in e-books, the possibilities are wide open.
In the next section, we’ll walk you through the process of creating and selling these digital products. From picking the right tools to pricing, setting up your store, and marketing effectively, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned!
For more inspiration, check out this article.
Creating and Selling Digital Products
Ready to bring your digital products to life and start selling? This section will guide you through the process, helping you make the most of your artistic talents.
Choosing the Right Tools and Software
Before you dive into creating digital products, it’s crucial to choose the right tools and software that match your artistic vision. Whether you’re a digital painter, graphic designer, or photographer, having the right software can make a huge difference in the quality and efficiency of your work.
The options out there are vast—from industry standards like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to niche tools tailored for specific styles. Take your time to research and experiment until you find the software that enhances your creative process and meets your needs.
Creating High-Quality Digital Art
When it comes to digital products, quality is everything. To make your digital art stand out, focus on producing high-quality work that captures your audience’s attention. Experiment with different techniques, explore bold color palettes, and push your creative limits.
Don’t forget the details—resolution, file formats, and color accuracy all play a big role in how your work is perceived. By putting in the effort to create top-notch digital art, you’ll build a reputation as a trusted artist and attract a loyal following.
Pricing Your Digital Products
Pricing your digital products can be tricky. You want to set a price that’s accessible to buyers but also fair to you for the time and effort you’ve invested.
Consider the value your digital products offer, how much time and skill went into creating them, and what similar products are selling for. Doing some market research can help you find the right balance and set a price that reflects the worth of your work.
It’s also important to offer pricing options that fit different budgets. Think about offering a range of products at various price points or even creating bundles and discounts to encourage more sales. Being flexible with your pricing can help you attract a wider audience and boost your overall sales.
Setting Up an Online Store
To start selling your digital products, you’ll need to establish an online presence—specifically, an online store. This is your showcase, where you present your creations, offer product descriptions, and handle transactions securely.
There are plenty of platforms designed just for artists, like Shopify, Etsy, and Gumroad. These platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces, customizable templates, and secure payment options, making it simple to set up your store and start selling your digital products.
When setting up your online store, make sure your branding and design reflect your artistic style. A cohesive and immersive experience will help customers connect with your work on a deeper level.
Marketing and Promoting Your Digital Products
With your store up and running, it’s time to spread the word about your digital products and attract buyers. Marketing and promotion are crucial for reaching a wider audience and driving sales.
Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to showcase your artwork, engage with your audience, and build a loyal following. Collaborate with other artists, join online art communities, and look for opportunities to display your work in digital spaces that matter.
Creating content like blog posts, videos, or tutorials that highlight your artistic process can also be a game-changer. Not only does it establish you as an expert in your field, but it also drives traffic to your online store.
Remember, marketing is a continuous effort. Stay consistent, experiment with different strategies, and keep refining your approach to maximize your reach and sales.
By following these steps and channeling your artistic talents, you’ll be well on your way to creating and selling successful digital products. Embrace the freedom and limitless potential of the digital world, and watch your artistic journey thrive.
Benefits of Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products as an artist comes with a ton of benefits that can take your creative career to new heights. Not only can it provide a steady stream of passive income, but it also allows you to reach a global audience. Plus, digital products give you the freedom to experiment with your art while building a supportive artistic community.
Passive Income
One of the biggest perks of selling digital products is the potential for passive income. Unlike traditional art sales, where you’re tied to physical inventory and constant production, digital products offer a sustainable revenue stream. Once you create and upload your digital products, they can sell over and over without much additional effort. That means your work can earn money while you sleep, freeing you up to focus on new projects and creative exploration.
Wider Reach and Global Market
Selling digital products breaks down the barriers of physical distribution, allowing you to connect with a global market of art lovers, collectors, and fellow creatives. Whether you’re offering digital art prints, brushes, or online courses, your products can reach people from all over the world. This global reach not only broadens your customer base but also exposes you to new perspectives and influences, enriching your own artistic journey.
Freedom to Express and Experiment
Digital products give artists the freedom to express their vision in innovative ways. With digital art prints, for instance, you can play with different styles, color schemes, and compositions without worrying about wasting materials. Digital brushes and tools open up endless possibilities for experimentation, allowing you to push the boundaries of your creativity. By embracing digital products, you can explore new techniques and showcase your growth as an artist.
Building an Artistic Community
Selling digital products doesn’t just connect you with buyers—it helps you build an artistic community around your work. As you share your digital creations, you’ll engage with fellow artists, enthusiasts, and students who are passionate about your craft.
This community offers collaboration, support, and inspiration, creating a vibrant space where artists can learn from each other and grow together. Online platforms, forums, and social media groups are great places to nurture these relationships and forge lasting connections.
In short, selling digital products as an artist unlocks a world of possibilities.
You can enjoy consistent passive income, tap into a global market, and freely experiment with your art, all while building a thriving artistic community. Embrace the digital shift and discover the full potential of your artistic journey.
To wrap it all up, digital products have completely transformed the way artists can share their work and make money. By diving into the digital world, you can open up a whole new realm of opportunities.
As you continue to explore the potential of digital products, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, writer, or any other type of artist, there are countless digital products that can enhance your artistic journey.
If you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to check out our article on digital product ideas for artists. And if you’re interested in learning more about the process of digital product creation, our guide is packed with valuable tips and insights.
