It’s astonishing how far technology has come. Not long ago, creating beautiful, professional artwork was reserved for artists who spent years honing their craft. Imagine the days (or weeks) it would take to design illustrations or patterns from scratch. Back then, if you weren’t naturally gifted with artistic skills, side hustles like selling clipart or custom patterns felt completely out of reach.
But times have changed.
Today, we have tools like Leonardo.AI that can produce stunning artwork in seconds—art that rivals what professionals create. And the best part? It’s free to sign up and use. If you’ve been looking for a creative way to make extra income, these AI-powered side hustles are not just a dream; they’re achievable even for beginners.
In this post, I’ll show you 5 side hustles you can start today with Leonardo.AI, along with examples and tips to help you succeed.
1. Sell Clipart
Clipart is one of the simplest ways to make money with AI art. People love them because they’re cute, versatile, and perfect for so many creative projects. Whether it’s for scrapbooking, invitations, or teaching materials, the demand is massive.
Platforms like Etsy, Creative Fabrica, and Teachers Pay Teachers are great places to sell your clipart.
For example, I came across a seller on Creative Fabrica who uses AI to create their clipart. With over 400 followers and thousands of product favorites, they’re earning serious cash every month. On Teachers Pay Teachers, this same seller made $442.96 shortly after launching their shop.
And on Etsy—which attracts over 454 million monthly visitors—I found a shop selling AI-generated clipart bundles. With over 15,000 sales and prices starting at $1.24, this shop has earned over $19,000 just by selling clipart!
It’s easy to get started:
- Use prompts in Leonardo.AI to create themed clipart (e.g., birthday bundles).
- Remove backgrounds with free tools like Adobe’s background remover.
- Use an upscaler like Upscale.media to improve quality.
Once you’ve created a collection of 10–20 designs, you’re ready to list them online and start earning.
2. Create and Sell Patterns
If you’re someone who loves design, selling patterns can be a fun and rewarding hustle. Patterns are incredibly popular in industries like fashion, home decor, and crafting.
For example, you can design seamless patterns with Leonardo.AI, such as floral designs or geometric prints, and sell them in two ways:
- As digital downloads on platforms like Etsy.
- Through Print-on-Demand (POD) services like Zazzle.
With POD, you upload your patterns, and the print provider handles production and shipping. You don’t need inventory or upfront costs—just focus on creating great designs. Platforms like Zazzle, which gets over 14 million monthly visitors, can drive free traffic to your shop.
Start by asking ChatGPT for pattern ideas, then narrow them down to a niche you love. For instance, I generated a daisy flower pattern with Leonardo.AI using a specific prompt. The possibilities are endless!
3. Start a T-Shirt Business
Selling t-shirts online is a classic side hustle, but AI takes it to another level. With Leonardo.AI, you can create custom designs quickly, giving you a competitive edge.
Here’s how to do it:
- Research trending t-shirt ideas with ChatGPT (e.g., Vegan lifestyle, inspirational quotes, or niche hobbies).
- Use Canva to find t-shirt templates and pair them with AI-generated designs.
- Upload your creations to POD platforms like Teepublic, Society6, or Zazzle.
The beauty of this model is that the POD platforms handle production, shipping, and customer service. Your job is simply to create eye-catching designs and let the platform do the rest.
4. Sell Stickers
Stickers are everywhere. From laptops to water bottles to planners, they’ve become a popular way for people to express their personality. And guess what? Selling stickers is another side hustle you can start with AI.
I’ve seen sticker shops on platforms like Redbubble, Etsy, and even Pinterest making thousands of dollars monthly. With AI, you can generate unique sticker designs in minutes, focusing on low-competition niches.
Once you have a few designs ready, you can print them yourself or sell them as digital downloads. AI makes it simple to tap into this fun and profitable market.
5. Publish Recipe eBooks on Amazon KDP
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a published author, this idea might excite you. With the help of AI tools like Leonardo.AI and ChatGPT, you can create professional recipe eBooks and sell them on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
Here’s the process:
- Use ChatGPT to research popular niches (e.g., vegan desserts or quick weeknight dinners).
- Generate beautiful food images with Leonardo.AI (e.g., a Vegan Cake with Yogurt).
- Let ChatGPT handle the writing—everything from the book outline to the actual recipes.
Recipe eBooks are a hit because they appeal to busy people looking for quick, creative meal ideas. And once your book is published, it becomes a source of passive income.
Final Thoughts
The days when only professional artists could turn their creativity into cash are over. Tools like Leonardo.AI have leveled the playing field, making it possible for anyone—even beginners—to create and sell amazing artwork.
Whether you’re into clipart, patterns, t-shirts, stickers, or eBooks, there’s an AI-powered side hustle waiting for you. The only thing standing between you and extra income is getting started.
So why not take that first step today? Sign up for Leonardo.AI, play around with its features, and see where your creativity takes you. Your next side hustle might just be a click away.
