19 Profitable Ways to Get Paid to Color

Creativity is intelligence having fun. Coloring isn’t just a childhood pastime anymore, it’s evolved into a serious, profitable venture for artists, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs alike. In today’s digital age, what once started as doodles in a coloring book can now become a source of income, creative freedom, and even a full-time business. Whether using colored pencils, markers, or a stylus and tablet, your love for coloring can get you paid.

There are countless ways to turn your coloring passion into profit, from designing custom pages to teaching techniques or publishing your books. Companies are looking for fresh designs. Parents are buying digital downloads for their kids. Adults are turning to coloring as a form of therapy, and are willing to pay for high-quality artwork.

In this article, I’ll share 19 profitable and creative ways you can start getting paid to color, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to monetize your skills.

19 Profitable Ways to Get Paid to Color

1. Sell Your Own Coloring Books on Amazon KDP
2. Offer Custom Coloring Pages on Etsy
3. Work as a Freelance Illustrator
4. Design for Coloring Apps
5. Create a Patreon for Coloring Fans
6. Start a YouTube Channel Featuring Coloring Content
7. Create a Digital Coloring Membership Site
8. Teach Coloring Techniques Online
9. Enter Coloring Competitions with Cash Prizes
10. Work with Greeting Card Companies
11. Contribute to Magazines or Activity Books
12. Sell Printable Coloring Pages on Your Website
13. License Your Art to Print-on-Demand Companies
14. Create a Coloring Blog with Affiliate Links
15. Get Paid for Commissioned Work
16. Join Stock Illustration Websites
17. Start a TikTok or Instagram Page for Coloring Videos
18. Make and Sell Coloring Kits
19. Offer Digital Downloads on Creative Market or Gumroad

19 Profitable Ways to Get Paid to Color

1. Sell Your Coloring Books on Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the most accessible platforms to turn your coloring skills into passive income. You can create your coloring book, whether it’s for kids, adults, or niche audiences like pet lovers or mindfulness seekers, and self-publish it without any upfront printing costs.

Start by designing 20–50 unique coloring pages using tools like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, or even hand-drawn scanned artwork. Once your pages are ready, compile them into a PDF, create an eye-catching cover, and upload everything to KDP. You set your price, and Amazon handles the printing, shipping, and customer service.

What makes KDP powerful is its reach. Your coloring book will be listed on Amazon globally, giving you access to millions of potential buyers. You earn royalties for every copy sold, typically around 60% of the list price minus printing costs.

2. Offer Custom Coloring Pages on Etsy

Etsy is a fantastic platform for selling personalized, one-of-a-kind coloring pages. Unlike mass-market coloring books, custom pages cater to individual preferences, making them ideal for gifts, party favors, classroom activities, and even therapeutic tools.

You can offer to create coloring pages based on customer-provided photos, names, messages, or themes. For example, parents love ordering name-based coloring pages for their kids, while couples may request wedding-themed designs or portraits turned into line art. Teachers and therapists also look for engaging, tailored material they can print and use with students or clients.

All you need is a digital drawing tablet or a scanner if you’re working by hand. Create clean, high-contrast black-and-white designs and deliver them as downloadable PDFs or high-resolution JPEGs. Since you’re selling digital files, there’s no shipping involved, and your work can be automated after the design is approved.

3. Work as a Freelance Illustrator

If you have solid drawing and coloring skills, freelancing as an illustrator can open the door to a wide range of paid opportunities. From children’s books to comic panels, from marketing materials to product packaging, clients are constantly on the lookout for illustrators who can bring their vision to life with creativity and personality.

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and 99designs allow you to showcase your portfolio and offer coloring-related services such as:

• Coloring book page design
• Character illustrations
• Line art to colored versions
• Vector or digital painting commissions

You can work with authors, educators, entrepreneurs, or brands that need engaging, hand-colored or digitally colored illustrations. Whether you’re creating assets for print or digital use, clients typically pay per project or per hour depending on your skill level and reputation.

To get started, build a small but professional portfolio with a few polished examples of your coloring work. This can be digital or traditional, as long as it’s high quality. Clear communication, timely delivery, and consistent style will help you stand out in the competitive freelance space.

4. Design for Coloring Apps

With the growing popularity of digital coloring apps like Pigment, Recolor, Happy Color, and Lake, there’s a consistent demand for fresh, original artwork. Many of these platforms rely on freelance or contract illustrators to supply coloring pages, themes, and seasonal packs that keep users engaged.

As a designer, you can create clean line art that fits the app’s requirements typically vector-based, scalable, and high-resolution images with bold outlines. Popular themes include animals, florals, mandalas, fashion, fantasy characters, and motivational quotes.

You can either:

• Apply directly to app developers or platforms that feature independent artists.
• License your work so you earn royalties every time your pages are downloaded or colored.
• Get paid per collection or page, depending on the agreement.

Some apps even let you build a profile, allowing users to follow and support your work. This not only gives you exposure but also recurring income if your designs are consistently popular.

5. Create a Patreon for Coloring Fans

If you enjoy creating original coloring content regularly, launching a Patreon can be a great way to build a community and earn consistent monthly income from your most dedicated fans. Patreon allows creators to offer exclusive perks in exchange for a small monthly subscription, perfect for artists who want to share printable coloring pages, behind-the-scenes content, or early access to designs.

You can set up different membership tiers, such as:

• $3/month: One new coloring page every week
• $7/month: Access to a monthly themed bundle + bonus content
• $15/month: Custom requests or voting rights on upcoming designs

This model rewards consistency. As you build trust and rapport with your followers, they’ll support you not just for your art but also for the value you provide. Plus, Patreon lets you post updates, create community polls, and even offer physical rewards like printed coloring books or stickers.

Over time, your Patreon income can grow into a steady, scalable revenue stream while allowing creative freedom and direct interaction with your audience.

6. Start a YouTube Channel Featuring Coloring Content

YouTube is a powerful platform for artists who want to showcase their coloring process while building a personal brand and earning money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. A well-run coloring channel can attract thousands of subscribers, especially as more people look to relaxing, creative content for stress relief and entertainment.

You can create a variety of video content, such as:

• Time-lapse videos of you coloring intricate pages
• Tutorials on blending techniques, color theory, or digital coloring
• Product reviews of markers, colored pencils, or digital tablets
• Challenges like “color with me” or themed series (e.g., Halloween pages)

Once your channel meets the YouTube Partner Program requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), you can start earning ad revenue. You can also promote your coloring books, Etsy shop, or Patreon through your videos.

7. Create a Digital Coloring Membership Site

If you want full control over your content and income, launching your own digital coloring membership site is a powerful way to monetize your art. Instead of relying on third-party platforms, you create a dedicated space where subscribers pay a monthly or yearly fee to access exclusive coloring pages, bundles, and themed collections.

Using platforms like Kajabi, Podia, Teachable, or even a WordPress site with membership plugins, you can offer:

• Weekly or monthly downloads of high-quality coloring pages
• Access to an exclusive design archive or seasonal bundles
• Bonus perks like video tutorials, live coloring sessions, or printable planners
• A community forum or private Facebook group to build connections among members

The key to success with a membership model is consistency and value. If members know they’ll receive fresh, beautifully designed content each month, they’re more likely to stay subscribed long-term.

This model is ideal for creators who already have an audience (from YouTube, Instagram, or an email list) and want to offer premium content in a private, curated environment.

8. Teach Coloring Techniques Online

If you have a strong grasp of shading, blending, color theory, or digital coloring tools, teaching online is an excellent way to get paid for your expertise. Many people want to improve their coloring skills but don’t know where to start, and they’re willing to pay for step-by-step guidance from someone with experience.

You can teach through platforms like:

• Skillshare – where you earn royalties based on watch time
• Udemy – where you set your prices and get paid per enrollment
• YouTube – offering free content and monetizing through ads or promoting premium courses
• Your website – where you can sell one-time classes or offer coaching sessions

Your classes can cover topics like:

• How to choose the right color palette
• Mastering pencil pressure and gradients
• Digital coloring techniques for Procreate or Photoshop
• Fixing common mistakes and improving overall technique

The great thing about teaching is that once your course is created, it can become a source of passive income selling over and over again while you continue to create new content or improve existing lessons.

9. Enter Coloring Competitions with Cash Prizes

If you love a challenge and want to earn money for showcasing your skills, entering coloring competitions with cash prizes can be both fun and profitable. Many art organizations, websites, and social media pages host competitions specifically for coloring artists, offering attractive rewards to the best submissions.

Some examples of coloring contests include:

• Online community competitions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and DeviantArt, where you can submit your colored artwork based on a specific theme or prompt.
• Industry-sponsored contests, which often provide cash prizes, recognition, and sometimes even opportunities for future paid work.
• Local and international art exhibitions or contests, which may include coloring categories or artistic challenges.

While the competition can be stiff, entering these contests can boost your visibility, allowing you to expand your network and gain recognition in the coloring community. Even if you don’t win, participating is a great way to get exposure and possibly connect with potential clients or collaborators.

10. Work with Greeting Card Companies

Greeting card companies are always on the lookout for fresh, unique designs to make their products stand out. If you have a knack for illustration and coloring, this could be an excellent opportunity to get paid for your art. You can collaborate with these companies to create artwork for greeting cards, holiday specials, or even stationery.

Here’s how you can break into the greeting card market:

• Submit to established greeting card publishers: Companies like Hallmark, American Greetings, and smaller boutique card companies often accept submissions from freelance artists. While it’s competitive, if your designs fit their brand, they may hire you for commissioned work.
• Work with independent or niche greeting card businesses: Many independent card companies are actively looking for unique, custom designs. These businesses tend to appreciate artists who can add a personal touch or offer a fresh perspective, such as quirky or hand-drawn illustrations.
• Create and sell your greeting cards: If you prefer full creative control, you can design your cards and sell them on Etsy or Redbubble. This allows you to capture a niche market, such as cards for specific occasions or for specific types of recipients (e.g., pet lovers, birthday cards for teens, etc.).

This type of work can be both creative and profitable, as greeting cards are evergreen products that see consistent demand, especially during holidays, special events, and milestones like weddings or anniversaries.

11. Contribute to Magazines or Activity Books

Magazines and activity books often need new content, and coloring pages are in high demand. By contributing your designs to these publications, you can gain exposure while earning a fee for your work. Many popular magazines and niche publications feature art from independent artists, and activity books are continually looking for fresh illustrations to feature.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Submit to coloring magazines: Many magazines dedicated to art or leisure activities often include a section for coloring. Some even run calls for submissions where they pay artists for their designs.
• Collaborate with publishers: You can work directly with publishers who produce activity books or workbooks, providing them with a set number of designs to include in their publications.
• Online publications: Digital magazines and e-books also need fresh designs. You can find opportunities on platforms like Behance, Creativepool, or even submit to calls via social media groups where publishing professionals seek new artwork.

This is a great opportunity to increase your visibility and build a portfolio while getting paid for your contributions. Whether it’s for a seasonal issue or a one-time activity book, your designs could reach thousands of readers.

12. Sell Printable Coloring Pages on Your Website

Selling printable coloring pages directly from your website allows you to have full control over pricing, marketing, and customer interactions. This is an excellent way to generate a steady income stream, especially if you have a dedicated audience or can attract traffic through SEO, social media, or email marketing.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Create high-quality designs: Ensure your coloring pages are professional and unique to appeal to your target market.
2. Set up an online store: Use website builders like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress with an eCommerce plugin to create a simple store where customers can purchase and download your pages.
3. Offer bundle deals: Consider selling your pages in themed bundles (e.g., seasonal designs, animals, mandalas) at a discounted rate to encourage customers to buy more.
4. Set up a subscription model: Another option is to offer a monthly subscription for new coloring pages, providing a recurring revenue stream.
5. Promote your site: Use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic to your site. You can also optimize your content for search engines to ensure that your website ranks well for relevant keywords.

Having your own website means you won’t have to rely on third-party platforms, and you can build your own brand. Plus, you keep 100% of the profits, which is a great benefit.

13. License Your Art to Print-on-Demand Companies

Print-on-demand (POD) companies offer a low-risk way to earn money from your artwork. Instead of investing in bulk inventory or handling shipping, you can license your designs to POD platforms, which will print your art on products such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases, and more. These platforms handle everything from production to fulfillment, while you earn a commission each time your designs are sold.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a POD platform: Popular options include Redbubble, Society6, TeeSpring, and Zazzle. Each platform has its own set of products and commission structure, so take time to research which best fits your art style and target audience.
2. Upload your designs: After creating your coloring pages or other artwork, upload them to the platform. Ensure your designs are high-quality and formatted according to the platform’s specifications.
3. Set your prices: While the platform determines the base price for each product, you can set your markup to determine your profit margin.
4. Promote your products: Drive traffic to your POD store through social media, email marketing, and your website. Sharing photos of products featuring your designs can encourage your followers to make a purchase.
5. License your designs: You can also offer your artwork for licensing on multiple platforms, allowing you to reach more customers and generate income from various products simultaneously.

Licensing your art to POD companies is an easy way to create passive income without worrying about inventory or order fulfillment. The more you upload and promote your designs, the more potential income you can earn.

14. Create a Coloring Blog with Affiliate Links

Starting a coloring blog is an excellent way to share your passion for coloring while generating income. A blog allows you to connect with a dedicated audience, share your knowledge, and showcase your artwork. By integrating affiliate marketing, you can monetize your blog without directly selling products.

Here’s how you can turn your coloring blog into a profitable venture:

1. Choose your niche: Focus on a specific aspect of coloring, such as adult coloring books, digital coloring, coloring tips, or reviews of coloring tools and supplies. A clear niche will help you attract a targeted audience interested in your content.
2. Create valuable content: Write posts about coloring techniques, product reviews, recommendations for coloring books, and tips for beginners. Offering valuable and engaging content keeps visitors coming back to your blog.
3. Use affiliate links: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or specific art supply companies to earn commissions on sales made through your affiliate links. When reviewing coloring books or supplies, you can link to the products using your affiliate links.
4. Add affiliate banners: Include affiliate banners in your sidebar or within blog posts to increase the chances of clicks. Many affiliate programs offer ready-made banners that you can use on your site.
5. Optimize for SEO: To drive more traffic to your blog, focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Use targeted keywords related to coloring in your blog posts, and optimize your titles, descriptions, and images to rank higher on search engines.
6. Build an email list: Offer a free coloring page download in exchange for email sign-ups. Once you have an email list, you can send newsletters with new blog posts, product recommendations, and affiliate links to generate additional revenue.

The more consistent and focused you are with your blog content, the more you can grow your audience and earn through affiliate links. Over time, your blog can become a passive income source as long as you continue to offer helpful and engaging content.

15. Get Paid for Commissioned Work

Taking on commissioned coloring projects allows you to work directly with clients who are willing to pay for personalized and original artwork. Whether it’s a custom coloring page, a themed illustration, or a full book, commissioned work can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Here’s how to get started with commissions:

1. Set up a portfolio: Showcase your best coloring designs or line art on a personal website or platforms like Behance, DeviantArt, or ArtStation. This helps potential clients see your style and quality of work.
2. Offer clear commission options: Define what you offer individual coloring pages, themed sets, family portraits in coloring style, etc., along with pricing, turnaround time, and licensing terms.
3. Use social media to promote: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are ideal for announcing that your commissions are open. Share samples and highlight past work to attract inquiries.
4. Collaborate with clients: Work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. Clear communication and a professional approach can lead to repeat business and referrals.
5. Use secure payment platforms: Accept payments through trusted platforms like PayPal, Stripe, or Ko-fi, and always use a simple agreement outlining the scope of work and usage rights.

Commissioned work not only pays well but can also help you grow a loyal client base and gain exposure. As your reputation grows, you can charge higher rates and even open up waitlists for future projects.

16. Join Stock Illustration Websites

One of the most passive ways to get paid for your coloring artwork is by uploading your designs to stock illustration websites. These platforms allow artists to earn royalties or one-time payments whenever someone downloads or licenses their work. It’s a great long-term strategy to generate consistent income from artwork you’ve already created.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Select reputable platforms: Sign up for websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Creative Market, or iStock. These are among the most popular platforms where designers earn money for line art, illustrations, and coloring page-style graphics.
2. Upload high-quality, versatile designs: Submit clean, scalable vector art or high-resolution line drawings that are easy to color. Designs with popular themes (e.g., animals, floral patterns, mandalas, seasonal content) tend to sell well.
3. Tag and title your work effectively: Use relevant keywords, tags, and accurate titles so your work appears in search results. Think like your customer—what would they search for?
4. Stay consistent: The more content you upload over time, the better your visibility and earning potential. Some creators build entire portfolios with hundreds of designs and earn passive income monthly.
5. Understand licensing and royalties: Each site has different terms. Some pay per download; others offer subscriptions where earnings are pooled. Review the agreement so you know how you’ll be compensated.

Uploading to stock sites is ideal if you already have a large collection of artwork or if you want to make the most out of each design by reaching a global market.

17. Start a TikTok or Instagram Page for Coloring Videos

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are fantastic tools for showcasing your coloring skills and building a dedicated following. These platforms allow you to post short, engaging videos, which are perfect for showing off your art in a fun and creative way.

By sharing time-lapse coloring videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes footage of your coloring process, you can attract a wide audience interested in your artwork. Here’s how you can monetize your social media presence:

• Brand partnerships: As your follower count grows, companies may approach you for paid partnerships to promote their art supplies, products, or services.
• Affiliate links: Both TikTok and Instagram allow you to include affiliate links in your bio or within videos, earning commissions when your followers purchase recommended products.
• Sponsored content: Brands may pay you to feature their products in your coloring videos, such as new coloring tools or art supplies.
• Merchandise sales: Once you build a strong following, you can sell your own products—like branded coloring books, printables, or merchandise featuring your artwork.

The key to success on these platforms is consistency and engagement. Posting regularly and interacting with your followers will help you grow your audience and increase your earning potential.

18. Make and Sell Coloring Kits

Selling coloring kits is a creative and practical way to turn your artwork into a product people love. These kits bundle everything needed to enjoy coloring in one package, making them perfect for gifts, kids’ activities, relaxation boxes, or educational tools.

Here’s how to build and sell your own:

1. Choose your theme: Seasonal holidays, mandalas, mindfulness, animals—offering kits with a clear, fun theme makes them easier to market and more appealing to buyers.
2. Include the essentials: Add a selection of your printed coloring pages (or a mini book), coloring tools like pencils or markers, and small extras like stickers, erasers, or a guide with tips. Package it all attractively.
3. Sell through the right channels: Etsy, your personal website, Amazon Handmade, or local markets are all great options. Each platform lets you reach a different kind of customer.
4. Price it right: Consider the cost of materials and your time. Many kits sell for $15–$30, depending on the contents and presentation.
5. Make it memorable: Add your branding, offer personalization, or include a QR code to download bonus digital pages or watch a tutorial video.

Coloring kits are especially appealing because they feel like a complete experience, not just a product. They’re great for customers who want something fun and ready-to-use, whether for themselves or as a gift.

19. Offer Digital Downloads on Creative Market or Gumroad

Selling your coloring pages as digital downloads is one of the easiest and most scalable ways to get paid for your artwork. Platforms like Creative Market and Gumroad allow creators to upload, promote, and sell digital products to a global audience—no shipping or inventory required.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Prepare your files: Save your coloring pages as high-resolution PDFs or PNGs. Make sure the line work is crisp and clean—these will be printed and colored by others.
2. Choose your platform:
   • Creative Market is ideal for polished, professional-style designs and bundles.
   • Gumroad is beginner-friendly and perfect for launching quickly, with options for email list growth and tiered pricing.
3. Set up your shop: Create a seller account, write compelling product descriptions, and use eye-catching preview images so buyers can see what they’re getting.
4. Sell individual pages or themed bundles: Offering sets of 5, 10, or 20 designs gives customers more value and boosts your earnings per sale.
5. Promote across your channels: Share your digital downloads on Instagram, Pinterest, or in coloring Facebook groups. The more visibility you get, the more downloads you’ll sell.

The beauty of digital downloads is that they require the work upfront, but can continue earning you money passively for months or years.

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