Passive Income for Designers & Creatives: Start With What You Already Have

Think you’re too busy for passive income? Not when it’s inside your business. If you’re a designer, consultant, or creative entrepreneur, you might already have untapped income opportunities inside your existing business. Here's how to unlock them — starting with the easiest wins.

1. High-Yield Business Savings Account: This is the easiest passive income stream you can tap into — no extra work required. Simply park your client retainers or deposits in a place where they can earn more while they wait to be used. Many banks quietly offer high-yield business savings accounts, but you often have to ask — they’re rarely promoted. Another solid option? Cashable short-term GICs that let your money grow without locking it away for years.

   No, this won’t make you rich — but it will help you earn more on money that would otherwise sit idle. Just be sure your cash flow can support it. If every dollar is already spoken for, tying up funds — even short-term — can create more stress than it's worth. Set it up right, and it’s all extra money in your pocket.

   
   

2. Referral Commissions: If you’re already recommending products, software, or vendors to your clients or peers — why not get paid for it? Start by signing up for affiliate or referral programs with brands you trust.

   And if it’s not a brand but a vendor you love working with, don’t be shy — reach out and suggest supporting each other through commission-based payouts on specific project collaborations.

   Not sure how to track or set that up inside your business? Make it fail-proof with our step-by-step here — read this. 

   
   

3. Pay to Download Tools or Templates: Have files you’ve built for your own workflow? Sell them. Think of what people ask you for or what you’ve already customized for a client and you love! Keep it simple and to the point. Add them to your website or link them anywhere clients or followers might click. And of course, promote it to reach your audience.

   Designers and Creative Entrepreneurs often monetize:

   • Pricing calculators

   • Style boards

   • Client questionnaires

   • Contract templates

   This is a semi-passive income stream: it may require some upfront time and a small investment (think: content writing, light graphic design, or help from a web or social media pro). But once it’s live, it can bring in consistent, low-effort revenue — even while you’re focused on client work.

   
   

4. Rent out your Office Space or Equipment: Got an office, studio, or gear you’re not using all the time? Rent it out!

   • Stylists rent out prop closets

   • Photographers rent out backdrops or lighting

   • Designers rent out workspace for meetings or shoots

   This option is the most involved as it requires more coordination — scheduling, contracts, and upkeep — but with the right setup, it can become a steady and meaningful income stream. Especially valuable if you're in a creative community or high-demand location.

   
   

In Conclusion...

You don’t need a second business to start earning passive income — you just need to look closer at the one you already have. Whether it’s interest-earning savings, commissions from trusted vendors, selling your go-to tools, or renting out underused assets, there are smart ways to create income that doesn’t require you to trade time for every dollar.

Start small. Pick the idea that feels easiest or most natural for your workflow — and build from there.

Found this helpful? Forward it to a fellow designer or creative entrepreneur who’s ready to work smarter, not harder.

You need help with your next passive income endeavour? Contact us.