As a graphic designer, you know that creating artwork is a time-consuming process requiring much effort and creativity. However, not all of your artwork will be used by your clients, and some may end up sitting on your hard drive, collecting digital dust. But what if I told you that you could turn those unused artworks into a source of passive income? In this article, I’ll explain how to repurpose your unused artworks and package them as digital products.
Why Repurpose Your Unused Artworks?
Repurposing unused artwork is a great way to monetize your creative skills and generate a passive income. Packaging your artwork as digital products allows you to sell them multiple times without creating new designs every time. This means you can earn money while sleeping, traveling, or working on other projects. Moreover, repurposing your unused artwork can also help you attract new clients. When you sell your digital products on your website or online marketplaces like Creative Market or Etsy, you expose your work to a broader audience. This can lead to more visibility, followers, and potential clients who may be interested in hiring you for custom design projects.
I started this process after realizing my peers were making money by repurposing their unused designs. Although it may seem intimidating at first, once you publish one product, you’ll get used to the process. If you’re interested, you can check out my Etsy Store.
How to Repurpose Your Unused Artworks?
Repurposing your unused artwork is easier than you think. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Create Digital Papers and Patterns
If you have a collection of unused illustrations, icons, or graphics, you can turn them into digital papers and patterns. Digital papers are high-resolution images that can be used as backgrounds for websites, social media posts, or digital scrapbooking. Patterns are seamless designs that can be used for textiles, wallpapers, or wrapping paper.
To create digital papers and patterns, you need to:-
i). Choose a color palette that matches your artwork
ii). Arrange your artwork in a seamless pattern using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
iii). Export your pattern as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file
Design Printable Artworks
Printable artworks are digital files that the buyer can download and print. They can be anything from wall art, greeting cards, invitations, or calendars. If you have a collection of unused illustrations or graphics, you can turn them into printable artwork.
To design printable artwork, you need to:
i). Choose a theme or style that matches your artwork.
ii). Create a layout using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva.
iii). Export your artwork as a high-resolution PDF file.
Create Social Media Templates
Social media templates are pre-designed graphics that can be used to create consistent and visually appealing social media posts. If you have a collection of unused illustrations or graphics, you can turn them into social media templates.
To create social media templates, you need to:
i). Choose a social media platform and its dimensions (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
ii). Create a layout using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Canva
iii). Export your template as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file
Include a Clause in Your Agreement
Before repurposing your unused artwork, include a clause in your agreement with your clients that any unapproved artwork will be repurposed. This will protect you from any legal disputes in the future and ensure that your clients are aware of your intentions.
In conclusion, repurposing unused artworks is a smart way to monetize your creative skills and generate a passive income. By creating digital products like digital papers, printable artwork, or social media templates, you can sell your artwork multiple times and attract new clients. Remember to include a clause in your agreement, and have fun repurposing your unused artwork!
In conclusion, you have a great opportunity to repurpose your unused artworks and turn them into a source of passive income. Just make sure you don’t repurpose any of your clients’ artworks without permission. Doing so could land you in legal trouble.
