r/Design • u/Character-Handle-800 • 1d ago
Asking Question (Rule 4) Freelance Designer Passive Income
To my fellow freelance designers out there. What and where are some great passive income streams/setups you have created for yourself that keep you stable, especially in between client search and projects? Appreciate any tips and advice.
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u/SirPlus 1d ago
I sell prints and merchandise of my work online and it can be a nice little earner, especially between commissions. When I set up my first online shop back in 2002, I woke up one morning to find I'd sold enough t-shirts during the night to finance my rent and food for a month. However, it hasn't taken off as much as I'd hoped and I spend an inordinate part of my day trying to flog my stuff on social media.
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u/NecessaryMeringue449 1d ago
That's super inspiring, just starting and trying something and to find out it could support your expenses. I'd like to sell prints like on Etsy maybe. I enjoy making patterns and maybe applying them to different things? like a rug or a scrunchie or things lol
But yeah I haven't thought as much about marketing. Do you also work a day time job while doing this on the side?
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u/drakensang7 11h ago
It's been a long road, but as a website designer I've slowly been building up to around 100 clients paying a monthly fee for maintenance and updates over 8 or so years. The update requests are pretty infrequent, and I'm now able to take breaks knowing that the passive income will keep me going. It's been a tough learning experience starting off with 0 knowledge except for graphic design, but I'm confident anyone could do it if they fall in love with the process.
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u/DesignerAnnual5464 1d ago
Creating design templates or selling design assets on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market can bring in steady passive income. You could also look into offering online design courses or tutorials.
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u/Comfortably-Sweet 1d ago
okay, buckle up because here comes the real tea on so-called "passive income" for designers. first off, spoiler alert: passive income is not totally passive. surprise, right? it's like a unicorn you chase but never find. selling digital products, like stock vectors or templates, on places like Creative Market or Etsy can work, but guess what? people have to KNOW you exist. you'll need to do social media promotions, manage customer service, constantly update your product lines, and compete with a zillion other designers. or try starting a Patreon with exclusive content for your 'fans'. good luck with that, too, cuz even getting people to support you there takes an army. the truth is, there's no magic stream of money. you've got to hustle forever. passive schmactive, baby!