5 PaSSIVE INCOME IDEAS
FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
I've been super lucky to have been able to stay very busy as a freelance graphic designer (shoutout to my amazing clients)! But the longer I do this, the more I come to terms with the fact that even if I’m amazing at marketing and project management, there will inevitably be these slivers of downtime when I’m just waiting on a client's feedback or I’ve finished up a design project a bit early and I have some time before the next discovery call.
I use these times for things like website edits, updating my portfolio, blog writing and setting up passive income streams. I love the idea of using my downtime to start developing some passive income streams that will continue making money as I get on with other design projects. Some of these options might generate small amounts at first, but once they're set up I don't have to touch them. Here are 5 passive income ideas for graphic designers.
I use these times for things like website edits, updating my portfolio, blog writing and setting up passive income streams. I love the idea of using my downtime to start developing some passive income streams that will continue making money as I get on with other design projects. Some of these options might generate small amounts at first, but once they're set up I don't have to touch them. Here are 5 passive income ideas for graphic designers.
1. SELL UNUSED DESIGN ELEMENTS ON SITES LIKE CREATIVE MARKET
We’ve all been there. We develop a robust package of assets for a brand identity kit, or a set of illustrations for a book. Many times those are presented as one option in a set of 2-3 design concepts for a client to choose from. And what happens with the unused assets when the project is over? Instead of letting them die in the graveyard of rejected designs, give them new life by selling them on sites like Envato Market and Creative Market.
2. INVEST
Set up an investment account through companies like Betterment or Wealthfront. These options are super user-friendly for beginners and need virtually no maintenance once set up. Do your research on the risks and customize the account for your passive income objectives. Whether your goal is saving for retirement or establishing an emergency fund for your creative agency, just $20/week is a great place to start.
3. WRITE & ILLUSTRATE A BOOK
I’m currently brainstorming a kids Christmas book idea. I’ve seen other logo designers write books about their design career, sharing logo design case studies, and stories about how they got to where they are in their graphic design careers. These types of projects are a great option for designers who already have some name recognition or a large social media following. Once you’ve been in this field for a while, be bold and believe in your own projects just as much as you do your clients’! Stepping outside your comfort zone and working on self-driven projects that you’re passionate about can have a variety of benefits, including helping you land more projects like that in the future, and establishing you as an expert in your field.
Once you’ve been in this field for a while, be bold and believe in your own projects just as much as you do your clients’!
4. SELL DESIGNS ON APPAREL OR CUSTOM MERCH
You can use rejected, unused concepts or designs you’ve worked on for your portfolio or social media as elements on printed apparel or custom branded merchandise. Sites like Society6, Printful, and Etsy are great options for producing and selling your items. Printful is a DTG (direct-to-garment) company with a huge selection of blanks for custom apparel. They print and ship your products one at a time as orders come in so there’s no risk to you. This works great for larger cost items like shirts, hats, canvas prints and tapestries. But for items with a lower cost like stickers and enamel pins, I’ve found that doing one bulk order through companies like Sticker Mule or Monterey Companies is the most cost-effective and high-quality.
5. RENTAL INCOME
This one’s a bit of a pipe dream for me, but I think as creatives, we can think outside of the box when it comes to business ideas that would both benefit our community and generate revenue. In the future, I’d love to start a co-working space for creatives/freelancers in my city. As a graphic designer who also has interior design experience, I would design the interior to be an inspiring workspace with an inviting vibe, one you want to leave the house for.
AUTHOR
Hi! I'm Tiffany Kelly, owner of The Honest Pixel, an independent graphic design studio in Winter Garden, FL. I've been a creative professional all my adult life. I have a Master's Degree in architecture from RISD and over a decade of experience in graphic design. I've learned so much about design, freelance, and owning a business since starting The Honest Pixel in 2022.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.
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