Coloring books and pages have seen a huge resurgence in popularity among adults in recent years. Many adults are using coloring as a way to relax, unwind, and de-stress from the pressures of everyday life. This growing popularity has created a lucrative opportunity for artists and creatives to make money by selling original coloring pages and books. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can monetize your artistic talents by selling coloring pages online or in print.
Selling Digital Coloring Pages
One of the easiest ways to make money from coloring pages is to sell digital downloads online. Here are some popular platforms for selling downloadable coloring pages:
Etsy – This site allows you to set up your own online shop to sell instant downloads of coloring pages. You can upload your pages as PDF or JPEG files that customers can purchase and download directly. Etsy attracts millions of buyers looking for unique handmade and vintage items.
Creative Market – Similar to Etsy, this is a marketplace for creative digital assets. You can upload your coloring page designs and set your own prices. Creative Market takes a commission on sales.
TeachersPayTeachers – This site caters to teachers and parents looking for educational resources. Coloring pages make great supplementary learning materials.
When selling on these kinds of platforms, focus on setting competitive prices for your designs. Offering themed bundles and packages can help increase average order value. Make sure to use relevant keywords and optimize your listings for discoverability.
Publishing Coloring Books
In addition to selling individual pages digitally, you can also make money by publishing full coloring books. Here are some options:
Self-Publishing – Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble Press allow you to self-publish paperback and ebook coloring books. This involves higher upfront investment and effort, but allows you to sell your book across multiple channels and keep a higher royalty percentage.
Collaborating with Established Publishers – You can pitch your coloring book ideas to traditional publishers. Working with a publisher means less financial risk, wider distribution, and leveraging their marketing resources. However, royalty rates are lower.
Hybrid Approach – Self-publish first to build an audience and prove sales potential. Once established, you’ll be in a better position to get a publishing deal.
When creating coloring books, consider a focused theme or niche, consistent art style, quality paper, and price point. Promote your books through social media, author platforms, and local bookstores.
Selling Coloring Book Products on Ecommerce Platforms
In addition to digital and printed books, you can also make money by selling coloring-related products on ecommerce sites. Some ideas include:
– Coloring books with your designs
– PDF printable coloring pages
– Coloring page downloads bundled with physical coloring pencils, markers, pens, etc.
– Framable prints of your coloring pages
– Coloring-themed apparel, mugs, stationery, etc featuring your designs
– How-to guides or books about making and selling coloring pages
Popular platforms like Etsy, eBay, Amazon Handmade, Redbubble, and Zazzle allow you to easily set up shops to sell your custom coloring products online. Make sure to research each platform’s fees, shop policies, and target customer base.
Licensing Your Coloring Page Designs
If you want to monetize your coloring pages without dealing with production or fulfillment, you can license your designs to other companies for a royalty fee. Some examples include:
– Coloring book or activity kit publishers
– Craft and activity subscription boxes
– Coloring app developers
– Print-on-demand merchandise creators
– Brick-and-mortar colorware companies
Approach companies that seem like a good fit for your style. Send samples of your pages and outline proposed royalty terms. Make sure to request references and do some research first. Reputable companies will offer fair compensation for licensing your work.
Offering Custom Coloring Page Services
One creative way to generate coloring page income is to offer customized or commissioned designs. People may request pages featuring themselves, loved ones, pets, homes, events, businesses, hobbies, and more.
You can promote custom coloring services through your website, social media, craft marketplaces, and art platforms. Set clear pricing, policies, and turnaround time expectations. Require deposits for orders.
While time-intensive, custom work allows you to charge premium rates. Offer package deals for multiple pages. Upsell framing, printed copies, and other products featuring the custom art.
Teaching Coloring Page Creation Skills
Leverage your expertise by teaching others how to make coloring pages. Offering instruction can diversify your income streams. Ways to teach include:
– In-person or online classes and workshops
– Video tutorials on platforms like Skillshare and YouTube
– “How-to” ebooks and printable guides
– One-on-one coaching and mentoring
– Guest posts and interviews on creative blogs
Promote your educational offerings through social media groups, craft communities, and small business resources. Bundle products like ebooks with other merchandise in your shop for passive income.
Making Money with a Coloring Page Affiliate Site
An affiliate website with coloring pages and book reviews can earn commissions by promoting related products. Here are some tips:
– Publish high-quality coloring page samples to attract an audience.
– Monetize with Google AdSense banners and product links using affiliate programs like Amazon Associates.
– Build email lists with lead magnets like free printable pages.
– Promote affiliate coloring books, art supplies, online classes, merchandise, etc.
– Start a YouTube channel featuring page walkthroughs and reviews. Monetize with ads.
– Write reviews of coloring books and products in exchange for free items to try out.
The key is providing engaging content and consistently promoting relevant affiliate offers. Over time, page views and conversions will drive growing commission income.
Selling Coloring Page Advertising Space
If your coloring pages get lots of views and downloads, you may be able to generate income by selling advertising space. Some options include:
– Sponsored page takeovers i.e. a company purchases exclusive rights to a page.
– Logo/brand placements on the pages.
– Back-page ads on printed coloring books.
– Website banner ads on blog and download pages.
– YouTube video sponsorships.
– Social media promotions.
Approach businesses that sell complementary products like art supplies, craft tools, creative services, etc. Make sure ads align with your audience and aesthetics. Published advertising rates help attract sponsors.
Crowdfunding a Coloring Book Project
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow you to raise funds for coloring book projects from your audience. Offer backer rewards like digital pages, printed copies, merchandise, etc. at different pledge levels.
Benefits of crowdfunding include:
– Gauging interest and validating your ideas
– Raising money for production costs
– Building an audience of engaged backers
– Marketing and publicity from the campaign
Make sure to set a compelling but achievable funding goal. Plan premium rewards to incentivize backers. Maintain communication and transparency throughout the campaign.
Starting a Coloring Subscription Service
A coloring subscription box is a unique model that provides ongoing value and predictable income. Subscribers pay a monthly or annual fee to receive curated coloring deliveries. Products may include:
– Printed coloring pages, zines, or mini books
– Coloring tools like markers, pencils, and sharpeners
– DIY craft supplies related to coloring
– Merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and stationery
– Access to digital bonuses like online learning resources, video tutorials, etc.
Promote subscription options through your website, social channels, and craft communities. Offer tiered pricing like basic, premium, and deluxe monthly packages. Automate fulfillment as you scale.
Conclusion
Selling coloring pages offers multiple creative ways to generate income doing something you love. With persistence and smart business practices, artists can build coloring into a steady and rewarding career path. Leverage your unique skills and interests to determine the best options for monetizing your coloring pages, whether through digital files, printed books, licensing art, teaching others, affiliate marketing, advertisements, crowdfunding, subscriptions, or a mix of everything. The possibilities are endless to turn your artwork into profit!
