So you've created a digital artwork — or maybe dozens. Now what?

Whether you’re just starting out or have a portfolio with thousands of visuals, there’s often one big question artists run into: What do I actually DO with all this art?

Digital art doesn’t have to live and die inside your hard drive. From selling it as physical prints to using it in games, apps, and even book covers, your art has potential to travel far and wide, and earn you a living.

1. Share It on Social Media (Ugh, I know)

It might feel obvious and not charming, but this is still step one for a reason. Posting your digital art on Instagram, X, TikTok, or even LinkedIn gets eyes on your work — and that’s the gateway to everything else on this list.

Action Steps:

Choose 1–2 platforms to focus on. Don’t try to be a superstar on all of them at once.
Follow the accounts that you’d like to be followed by. For instance…
Write SEO-friendly captions that tell the story behind the piece. People will connect with why you made it, and the keywords will help them find you.
Show behind-the-scenes or process videos — people absolutely love seeing how an artist works.

2. Build a Website or Portfolio Hub

Social media platforms can change their algorithms any day, but your website is your space. It doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to showcase your work clearly.

Action Steps:

Use platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Cargo to create your site.
Include key pages: Portfolio, About Me, Contact, and optionally a Shop.
Include your email address or a contact form for commissions and licensing inquiries.
Link your website on all your social profiles.

3. Submit to Digital & IRL Exhibitions

Digital art is more accepted than ever in galleries and shows! Many exhibitions now include categories for digital illustration, animation, or NFT-based work. Online exhibitions are a growing field too.

Submitting to exhibitions helps build your CV, which is useful for residencies, grants, and collaborations. It makes you more legit.

Action Steps:

Search for “digital art open calls” or “online art exhibitions.” We share them here.
Submit high-resolution images, a short bio, and a short artist statement.
Follow us on Instagram to hear about new calls for art.

4. Sell Your Work as Prints

People love to buy art they can hold or hang. Selling prints is a tried-and-true way to monetize digital work.

Action Steps:

Set up a shop on Etsy or your own site using a print-on-demand service.
If you can’t deal with all the hassle, you can sell them at DAB Print Shop (our very own print hub!).
Always be on the lookout for local art events where you can meet potential buyers – and have prints ready to buy on the spot.

5. Create High-End Editions (Like UV Laser Prints on Acrylic)

Artist Kezleigh does this with UV-laser prints mounted on the back of acrylic glass and turns her art into sleek physical pieces for collectors.

Action Steps:

Research local printers that offer UV printing or acrylic mounting.
Prepare your files in high resolution, ideally CMYK format for accurate colors.
Start with a small limited edition run to test interest.

This kind of product appeals to collectors, galleries, and interior designers.

*Digital Artist Kezleigh creates UV Laser Prints on Acrylic*

6. Find a “Home Base” for Selling in Person

Yes everything is online now and you can find buyers an ocean away from you, but local connections are still the best.

If you stay rooted in one place where people are interested in art, your reputation builds. Word-of-mouth travels, and soon people might drive from far away just to buy from you.

Action Steps:

Scout local cafes, art fairs, or boutique shops open to displaying work.
Rent a booth at recurring markets or festivals.
Always bring small, affordable items (like $10–$20 prints) as impulse buys.

7. License Your Work for Commercial Use

Your art could be the next book cover, game backdrop, or app interface. Licensing means allowing companies or creators to use your art for a fee.

Action Steps:

Create an “Available for Licensing” section on your website.
Reach out directly to indie authors, game studios, or app developers.
Again, shameless DAB Print Shop plug, you can license your work with us and get a commission from each sale.

8. Create Digital Products for Passive Income

You don’t have to sell just finished art. You can package your process, tools, or resources into sellable downloads.

Ideas:

Photoshop brushes or Procreate stamps
Texture packs or LUTs
Tutorials and walkthroughs
Editable templates (like posters, social media carousels, etc.)

Platforms to Use:

Gumroad
Ko-fi
Etsy (digital downloads)
Creative Market

9. Launch a Patreon for Fan Support

If you’re building a following, some fans may want to support you regularly in exchange for exclusive content.

Action Steps:

Set up a Patreon with tiered rewards (like early access, process videos, downloadable wallpapers).
Keep it simple: offer 1–2 tiers at first to avoid burnout.
Post consistently (even small updates) to keep patrons engaged.

10. Get Into Streaming or YouTube

If you enjoy sharing your process and interacting in real time, this is a great way to build community.

Twitch or YouTube Live:

Stream your drawing sessions.
Chat with viewers about tools, inspiration, techniques.
Accept commissions or tips during streams.

YouTube (non-live):

Share speedpaints, tutorials, time-lapses, or even vlogs about your art journey.
Monetization can happen through ads, sponsors, or affiliate links.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path for digital artists. Some make a living selling prints, others license work for products, and some teach or stream full-time. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to pick a few things that align with your style, your personality, and your goals.

Checklist: 5 First Steps You Can Take Today

Post your most recent piece on Instagram with a thoughtful caption.
Create or update your portfolio website.
Join one online art community (Get featured on DAB!).
Research 2–3 print-on-demand options and upload a piece (I think you should apply to sell on DAB!).
Brainstorm 3 ideas for what you could offer exclusively to your patrons.