Artificial intelligence has opened up a whole new creative universe. Suddenly, anyone can produce incredible images without knowing how to draw, without expensive equipment, and without spending years studying digital techniques.
But after the initial enthusiasm, the same question always arises: Can you really make money with AI-generated images?
After several months of experimenting, creating products, and learning about licensing, here's an honest and helpful answer for anyone starting out or looking to make the leap into selling digital content.
Yes, you can make money… but not in the way many people think
AI-generated images can generate revenue, but not as a standalone product. The "I upload hundreds of images and hope someone buys them" approach rarely works today.
What does work - and what I'm implementing - is this:
Create complete digital products, not just isolated images
For example:
- Themed packs
- Resources for teachers
- Social media templates
- Illustrated children's notebooks
- Printable books, stories, and activities
- Ready-to-use design kits
People don't just buy "a pretty picture". They buy utility, clarity, purpose, and time saved.
The key lies in an ethical and transparent approach
Many creators are ruining the market because:
- They don't disclose licensing information.
- They don't explain what can and can't be done with the images.
- They sell AI-generated content as if it were traditional original art.
- Or worse: they copy other people's prompts without permission.
This breeds distrust. If you want to build something stable - as I'm trying to do with my own store - you must base it on:
- Transparency
- Clear license explanations
- Real ownership of the prompts
- Aesthetic consistency
- Responsible use of models
This ethical approach makes a huge difference for customers
How much can you earn? A realistic view
Here's what no one wants to say but everyone needs to know:
- ❌ With one or two images, nothing.
- ❌ With a small package, a few one-offs.
- ❌ With a growing and well-organized catalog, steady income.
Money doesn't come from a spectacular image, but from systems:
- ✔️ Regular posting
- ✔️ Product diversity
- ✔️ Clear niches
- ✔️ Useful content
- ✔️ Basic SEO
- ✔️ An active email list
- ✔️ Use of appropriate platforms
Little by little, you start to see income that, although modest at first, grows over time. And it grows proportionally to your catalog, not to your hours worked.
This is where digital assets shine.
Where selling AI-generated images does work
👉 Your own stores like Payhip ⧉
Perfect for selling digital resources directly, without intermediaries, and with full license control.
👉 KDP / Ebooks
Not individual images, but notebooks, children's books, coloring books, planners, etc.
👉 Other online stores (if you do it right)
Customers are looking for very specific products: templates, posters, social media assets, bundles. But, personally, I prefer to focus on Payhip here: it's free and I don't spread my efforts too thin.
👉 Educational products
Teachers constantly need visual resources (one of my specialties).
👉 Very specific niches
For example:
- Children's
- Fantasy
- Botany
- Collage
- Vintage
The mistake is trying to be a "generalist". In my case, they're essentially educational resources: images, ebooks, etc., from the world of software development, landscape art, and motivational products.
In short: self-development. It's true, I admit, I don't follow every point I mention in this article to the letter, but there's a reason: I still have few products in my shop. And that's because I have to dedicate a significant amount of time to ensuring that everything is of high quality.
What NOT to do if you want to make money with AI
- ❌ Don't copy prompts from others without modifying them.
- ❌ Don't sell images you don't have the rights to use commercially.
- ❌ Don't mix inconsistent styles in the same product.
- ❌ Don't use AI to "have more," but to create better.
- ❌ Don't publish without a clear structure.
And above all: ❌🛑 Don't rush. AI accelerates creation, not results 🛑❌.
What you should do to create sustainable income
- Define a clear niche (or several, but distinct ones).
- Create products that solve a problem.
- Use a unique and recognizable style.
- Explain your licensing terms.
- Build an email list.
- Publish regularly.
- Provide value beyond just the visuals.
- Always think in terms of the "complete product," not just an isolated image.
AI is a tool, not a magic shortcut.
My own path (and what I'm learning)
I've been exploring how to combine the following for some time:
- AI
- Creativity
- Ethics
- Digital Products
- Teaching
- Personal Experience
And the most important thing I've discovered is this:
When you create valuable and honest content, sales will come. Sometimes slowly, sometimes late, but they will come.
This blog is part of that journey: sharing what I learn so that others can find a clearer direction.
And what about the person writing this?
I suppose you'd imagine that the person writing this is a high achiever who's going to retire young.
The answer is no. I started late in this, I'm not young, in fact, I'm very close to retirement age. I'm a single person, I do everything myself (and I rely on software tools). Also, I earn very little. But, not too long ago, I wasn't earning anything at all. As I've applied the points outlined in this article, my income has gradually increased.
And I realize that with each additional step (the 1% rule), I'm getting closer to my goal.
Thank you for reading this article, which I hope you found helpful. I'm leaving a small gift here in case I can still help you further.
Here's a small gift that might help you 🎁
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