Exploring Four Ways to Earn Passive Income as a Digital Designer

If you are searching for passive income opportunities online you can find an infinite amount of ways to earn passive income. It's a bit more difficult tough if you get more specific and e.g. want to earn passive income as a digital designer. But there are many ways to do that as well.
But since I'm doing this since 2008 here at Digidesignresort I have you covered. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, or artist, your talents can translate into various income streams that can provide financial stability and independence.
In this blog post, we'll delve into four intriguing avenues for generating passive income as a digital designer. For the first three ways you don't have to be a creative but way number four will be just lucrative for you if you are a creative.
And, in my eyes, it is one of the best ways to create passive income. Last but not least because it doesn't involve any upfront investment.

The Promise of Passive Income

Many people dream of passive income, envisioning a scenario where money flows into their bank accounts without requiring constant effort. While this notion sounds appealing, the reality is often different. Passive income typically involves upfront work and maintenance, but when done right, it can provide financial security and even pave the way for financial freedom.
Although it will never be completely passive it can definitely give you financial freedom while working time and place independent.

I recently read an article in the TIME and I was surprised about the the possibilities for passive income the author came up with. Sure, there were the classic ideas like stock and real estate but then the author talked about affiliate marketing and, even more interesting, digital products. And here at Digidesignresort we have something to say about digital products, don't we? So let's explore this further!

Don't worry if you don't have the money for the first two passive income options I mention here. You don't have to start with stock investments or real estate.
If you start with a blog (affiliate marketing) and creating digital products you can make a good amount of money. We explore this further in this article but I want you not to worry too much about stock and real estate - these are just two ways, mostly for people who already have money.

1. Stock Investments

Investing in stocks is a classic path to wealth accumulation. It involves purchasing shares of companies and holding them with the expectation that their value will increase over time. The goal is to eventually sell these stocks at a higher price, realizing a profit. While stock investing carries inherent risks, it can be a viable way to grow your wealth when the market is stable.

Benefits of Stock Investments

• Potential for substantial returns.
• Opportunity to earn dividends from certain stocks.
• Accessible with various investment amounts.

I started investing in stocks in 2021 when the Pandemic kicked in. I got really interested in all things about the stock market and I am still. It's an interesting place to make money, mostly passive, but it also involves risks and you can lose your money when any crisis comes up. Still, getting dividends is really nice! Even if I just get a small amount of dividends I get really excited because I believe that is nearly passive income.
But let's move on and see if there are other ways with less risk and less upfront investment.

2. Real Estate Investments

Real estate offers another avenue for passive income. You can invest in properties like houses or apartments and rent them out to tenants. While there may be occasional maintenance and tenant-related responsibilities, real estate investments can generate a consistent stream of income.

Advantages of Real Estate Investments

• Steady rental income.
• Potential property value appreciation.
• Tax benefits for property owners.

The disadvantage is that this is something you can just do if you already have some money in your hands. If not it's hard to get started. You need to get a loan first and then invest the money with the hope to get it back. Risky in my eyes! In case you live in your financed home things turn to your advantage tough.

But for us creatives, there are better ways, I promise!

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a relatively lesser-known passive income method, particularly in some regions like Germany. Although there are many companies which do it for many years it's not in our "heads" and we (here in Germany) mostly believe that it's a shady way of earning money. Thinking deeper about it though we might figure that insurance companies and many others are doing affiliate marketing for years - just in person and not line.
Explained in short: It involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale generated through your referral. By creating content like blog posts or videos with affiliate links, you can earn money when your audience makes purchases through those links.

Key Aspects of Affiliate Marketing

• Write informative and persuasive content.
• Select relevant affiliate products or services.
• Build a strong online presence to attract traffic.

As you can see Affiliate Marketing involves nearly no risks. You need a website (blog) and time to write content. As a digital designer there are so many ways you can write about your profession that it is easy to find products and therefore Affiliate Programs you can promote.

4. Digital Products

For creative individuals like graphic designers and illustrators, creating and selling digital products is a lucrative path to passive income. These products can range from seamless patterns to Procreate brushes, color palettes, and more. By offering your creations on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or Design Cuts, you can earn money from each sale.

Advantages of Selling Digital Products

• Creative freedom to design unique products.
• Passive income with minimal ongoing maintenance.
• Opportunity to reach a global customer base.
• No risky upfront investment necessary

I know that this way to create passive income works. I actually do it here at Digidesignresort since 2008. I know that I had designers who made a living alone from selling here at Digidesignresort while others just made pennies. So yes it totally depends on your skills and the effort you are willing to put in. 
But let's pretend that you treat creating digital products for other creatives like a business and really create let's say one product per week this can be pretty lucrative. 

I know it was in 2008 and beyond but I didn't for sure know if it still is so I tried it myself and I also "talked" to ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence. 
My personal experience: Yes, I still make money from my products I created in 2008 and later. I make more if I put up new products regularly and it really sucks if I don't care about them. ChatGPT who gathers the knowledge of millions of people is pretty sure that selling digital graphic sets still works and that you can make a good amount of money from them.
So let's pretend we both (ChatGPT -haha- and I) are right it definitely is my recommendation for you and it was also the recommendation from the TIME.

Building Your Passive Income Portfolio

Embarking on the journey of generating passive income requires careful consideration and strategic planning. It's essential to assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the available resources at your disposal. As a digital designer, your artistic skills are your greatest assets, enabling you to create digital products that resonate with your target audience. The biggest difficulty you have to master here is not paying for advertising but finding your ideal customer and you can, again, do that for free - when you leverage social media.

While these four methods offer potential avenues for passive income, it's crucial to remember that passive doesn't always mean hands-off. Some level of effort, especially during the initial setup, is usually required. However, with dedication, persistence, and a well-thought-out strategy, you can build a portfolio of income streams that offer both financial stability and creative fulfilment.
I highly recommend to combine the mentioned streams (I know there are more but I believe those are more or less the best you can use to create an independent lifestyle). 
For example, if you are just starting out you could start with a blog, apply to some affiliate programs and add links while providing great content. At the same time you can start creating digital products you can sell on various platforms. Once this is working and money is coming in you could easily use some of this money to invest in stock because you know that this source of income won't dry-out once set up.

If you're interested in exploring these passive income opportunities further, consider joining Safari Lounge Designer Classes. My membership program provides valuable insights and a blueprint for creating a successful creative business. Start your journey towards financial independence and artistic entrepreneurship today!

Btw - just to make this article complete: No, you don't have to be an artist, illustrator or designer to create digital products. Authors can also be digital product creators when they e.g. sell their books on Amazon (and, again, other platforms). Musicians and actors can also sell digital products. So you see - you do not have to be a digital designer. But I believe that as a creative this is one of the best and most lucrative ways to make passive income.