When I started looking for ways to make money online, I wanted something creative, flexible, and low-risk. I stumbled upon the idea of selling digital art prints on Etsy—and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
In this article, I’ll break down how I made my first $50 selling digital art prints, step-by-step. I’ll show you what tools I used (including a clever little secret weapon called Artistly AI), how I set up my Etsy store, and exactly how I got my first sales. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what worked, what didn’t, and how you can start your own digital print side hustle—even if you’re not a professional designer.
Why Digital Art Prints?
Digital art prints are downloadable artworks—things like motivational quotes, wall art, abstract designs, printable calendars, and even nursery art. Buyers purchase the file and print it themselves.
Here’s why this model works:
- No inventory: You create the design once and sell it unlimited times.
- Low startup costs: All you need is a laptop and some creative tools.
- Passive income: Once your listings are live, they can keep earning money for months or even years.
- High demand: People love decorating their homes, offices, and dorm rooms with unique, affordable art.
Step 1: Finding My Niche
The first mistake most new sellers make is trying to sell everything.
I wanted to avoid that, so I spent a few hours researching successful Etsy stores. I searched terms like “motivational wall art,” “printable quotes,” “abstract digital art,” and “boho wall decor.” Then I used Etsy’s auto-suggest feature to see what people were actively searching for.
Eventually, I landed on minimalist quote prints—clean, modern designs with empowering or humorous text. They’re trendy, easy to make, and appeal to a wide audience.
Some niche ideas that are still hot right now:
- Boho aesthetic wall art
- Afrocentric inspirational quotes
- Nursery and kids’ room decor
- Zodiac and astrology-themed designs
- Self-care and mental health art
- Christian and faith-based artwork
Pro Tip: Stick to one or two styles at the beginning. It helps build a cohesive brand.
Step 2: Creating the Artwork (Without Being an Artist)
Here’s where I’m going to put you on game…
I didn’t use Photoshop. I didn’t go to art school. And I didn’t spend hours drawing.
Instead, I used Artistly AI—an AI-powered design assistant that helped me generate beautiful, high-resolution art in minutes.
This tool is honestly a lifesaver for non-designers. It gives you access to ready-made prompts, style libraries, and quick customization features so you can create art that looks like it came from a professional studio.
Here’s what I did:
- Picked a style (e.g., modern minimalist or vintage aesthetic).
- Typed a short prompt like “empowerment quote for women” or “black and white botanical print.”
- Adjusted the layout, font, and elements in the preview.
- Downloaded the final image in high resolution.
I made 10 different print designs in under 2 hours. No stress, no skill gap.
And yes, Artistly AI gives you full commercial usage rights, so you can sell the designs legally on Etsy or anywhere else.
Step 3: Setting Up My Etsy Shop
This part was straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Shop name: I chose something simple and niche-friendly.
- Logo & banner: I used Canva to design a quick logo and header image.
- About section: I wrote a short intro about the kind of art I create and who it’s for.
- Policies: I kept it simple—no returns (since it’s a digital product), instant download, and support via Etsy messages.
What I focused most on were my listings:
- Title: Must be keyword-rich. Example: “Minimalist Empowering Quote Printable | Black & White Digital Wall Art | Motivational Poster for Office or Bedroom”
- Description: I explained what the buyer gets (e.g., high-res JPGs), how to print, and included SEO keywords naturally.
- Tags: Used all 13 tags. Tools like eRank or Everbee helped me find the best keywords.
- Images: Uploaded mockups showing the artwork in a real setting—bedroom walls, office space, etc. Canva mockups are perfect for this.
Step 4: Pricing and Packaging
I kept the pricing simple:
- $3.50 per print
- Occasional bundle deals like 3 for $8 or 5 for $12
Each listing included multiple file sizes (5:4, 4:5, A4, A2, etc.) so buyers could print at home or in a studio.
This added value without extra effort—just resize your files once and upload them in a ZIP folder.
Step 5: Getting Traffic and My First Sales
This was the part I was most nervous about.
At first, I didn’t run any ads. Instead, I used these organic traffic tricks:
1. Etsy SEO
I optimized my titles, tags, and descriptions with keywords that matched actual buyer searches. Over time, this helped my listings show up in search results.
2. Pinterest Marketing
Pinterest and Etsy go together like Jollof and chicken.
I created vertical pins using Canva, added keyword-rich descriptions, and linked them back to my Etsy listings. My “Empowering Quotes for Women” pin got over 1.2k views in the first week.
3. Social Proof
Even though I had no reviews, I made sure my store looked professional and trustworthy. Clean branding, good mockups, and clear communication made all the difference.
By the end of week two, I got my first sale—then another a few days later. Within a month, I crossed the $50 mark.
Lessons I Learned (The Hard Way)
- Mockups matter: People need to visualize your art in their space.
- Niche = clarity: Don’t try to be everything for everyone.
- SEO takes time: Consistency is key.
- Offer value: Bundles and multi-size options boost perceived value.
- Don’t sleep on tools: Artistly AI saved me HOURS and made my designs stand out.
Can You Do This Too?
Absolutely.
You don’t need to be a graphic designer or social media expert. With the right niche, some SEO effort, and a tool like Artistly AI, you can start selling digital prints within days.
What worked for me may not work for everyone, but if you’re consistent, creative, and willing to learn, Etsy can become a real source of income—even passive income if you scale it right.
And unlike many side hustles, this one doesn’t require you to deal with shipping, suppliers, or customer returns. It’s just you, your art, and your audience.
Final Thoughts
Making my first $50 on Etsy wasn’t a get-rich-quick scheme—but it proved that with the right tools and mindset, making money online is very real.
Whether you want to earn a little extra cash or build a full digital art brand, now’s the best time to start.
👉 Ready to design your first digital print?
Use Artistly AI here and start creating high-quality, sellable art in minutes.
Your first sale might be just one upload away.