So you’ve been making digital art — maybe for fun, maybe for years — and now you’re wondering if it’s time to turn that talent into actual income. You Google things like “how to sell digital art” or “do digital artists make good money?” and get hit with a flood of vague advice, endless platform lists, and the occasional “just start a shop!” post.

Here’s the thing: making money as a digital artist is totally doable, but there’s a lot people don’t say upfront. Like how long it can take to see your first sale, or which platforms are actually worth your time, or the fact that your art doesn’t have to go viral to make an impact (or an income).

In this guide, we’re answering the internet’s most-searched questions — from how much digital artists earn, to where they sell their work, to whether the career is even worth it. Spoiler: it can be. And if you’re ready to get started, we’ll show you how to license your work and let us handle the print sales for you.

Here’s what no one tells you about making money as a digital artist.

How do digital artists make money?

Digital artists make money through all kinds of income streams:

Selling prints (physical or digital)
Taking commissions
Licensing artwork to brands, games, or media
Freelance gigs (illustration, design, animation)
Selling design assets (like brushes, icons, templates)
Creating content (YouTube, Patreon, tutorials)
Monetizing their art blog

Honestly, most artists mix a few of these.

What apps or platforms can I use to sell digital art?

Here’s a quick tour of popular platforms where artists make money:

Etsy – Ideal for selling digital downloads and printables
Creative Market – Great for design assets and resources
Society6 / Fine Art America / Saatchi Art – Print-on-demand for wall art and home goods
DeviantArt – Still active for digital prints and fan art, though controversial
ArtStation – Strong for game/entertainment art portfolios
Artsy – More traditional fine art + galleries
Your own website – Ultimate control, but more setup
DAB (that’s us!) – Curated prints and licensing to help digital artists reach new collectors

How do I sell digital art online and actually make money?

Start small and focused. You need one strong listing and a place to promote it. Here’s the simple breakdown:

Create a product (wall art, sticker pack, iPad wallpaper, etc.)
Upload it to a platform like Etsy or our print shop
Write a solid title + description (use keywords people search for!)
Share it on social (or with your email list if you have one)
Learn from your first few sales, or your first flop. It’s all part of it.

How much money do digital artists make per year?

Totally depends on how you're earning. Here’s a rough idea:

Hobby artists: $500–$5,000/year
Side hustlers: $5,000–$25,000/year
Full-time freelancers or sellers: $30,000–$100,000+
Educators, influencers, top-tier creators: six figures and up

Digital artists can charge more for their work depending on their experience, skill level, and the type of art they create.

Ultimately, success comes from combining skills with consistency — not overnight viral hits.

How do I create digital art to sell?

Think about what people want to buy. Some ideas:
Home decor: minimal posters, moody landscapes, abstract shapes
Fandom art (with original takes — be mindful of copyright!)
Design assets: brushes, textures, UI kits
Custom portraits or pet art
Digital downloads: wallpapers, calendars, planners
Look around platforms like Etsy or Society6 to see what’s trending, but always add your own spin.

What does Reddit say about making money with digital art?

Reddit can be a goldmine of honest feedback and useful tips. Try these subs:

r/ArtBusiness – Business tips for artists
r/ArtistLounge – Real talk, pricing convos, encouragement
r/Freelance – If you’re working with clients
r/DesignJobs – Where paid gigs get posted

Look for threads like “How I made my first $1K selling art online” — there are plenty of success stories and hard lessons.

How do I make money selling digital art on Etsy?

Etsy’s crowded, but it still works when done right.

Niche down: “Cyberpunk printable wall art” will work better than just “digital art”
Use all 13 tags with relevant keywords
Show your work in mockups (frames, walls, etc.)
Offer bundles or upsells
Promote outside Etsy (Pinterest works great!)
Also, respond quickly to messages and reviews — it builds trust.

Do digital artists get paid well?

They can! The ones who treat their art like a business, build an audience, and adapt tend to do best. That doesn’t mean selling out — it means being strategic and showing up consistently.

How much do digital artists make an hour?

If you're freelancing: rates range from $20–$150/hr depending on experience and niche. If you're selling downloads: it’s not hourly — your time investment pays off over time, sometimes months or years later.

Think of digital art as building assets. A file you spent 5 hours making might earn you $500 over two years.

Is being a digital artist a good career?

If you love creating, enjoy learning new tools, and don’t mind a little marketing — it can be an amazing path. You get creative freedom and control over your schedule.

That said, it takes time. It’s a long game, not a fast track.

Is becoming a digital artist worth it?

Definitely — if you’re in it for more than just the money. The digital art world is growing, and there's space for all kinds of voices and styles.

You’ll learn a ton (about art and business), and every dollar you earn from your creativity feels extra satisfying.

Ready to make your first bucks with your digital art?

License your work with us, and we’ll sell your prints! No audience or following needed. No storefront to manage. No customer emails. Just focus on creating — we’ll take care of the rest.

Apply to license your work with DAB