One of the most versatile tools for creating fabulous visuals is Photoshop. You can easily generate a handsome amount of money through it if you know how to use it in the right manner. Be a beginner or a seasoned designer, the ways to monetize with Photoshop are numerous. In this article, our industry experts have listed the most popular ways to make money with Photoshop with tips.
What is Photoshop?
Photoshop, developed by Adobe was first launched in February 1990. It became a must-have photo-editing software in a very short period. Presently, it is the most popular picture editing software for new and as well as skilled web design experts.
With its precision and detailed manipulation, this software is very suitable for the enhancement, alteration, and modification of images. Its basic operations involve cropping, resizing, color correction, and others, which suit beginners and advanced users.
More complex functionalities like layering, masking, and retouching are available, along with the possibility of creating digital illustrations, mockups, and graphic designs through robust design tools. It supports a PSD file format that retains layers for future editing.
22 Ways to Make Money with Photoshop
1. Create Web and App Designs
Nowadays, creating web templates is gaining popularity among Photoshop experts. If you’re familiar with UX/UI design, Photoshop is a great tool to create mockups for websites or apps. You can sell a web template and earn more than $100 and it requires less than 12 hours for a 3-4 page website.
- Design wireframes and layouts.
- Create icons and visual elements.
Pro Tip: Learn basic web design principles to offer more value to clients.
2. Design T-shirts and Merch
Photoshop is ideal for creating t-shirt designs or other merchandise. Use print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Teespring, which handle printing and shipping for you. There are plenty of POD products that have good demand in the market. It can be custom t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, engraved jewelry, phone cases, and so on. You can sell those products on platforms like RedBubble, Teespring, Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.
- Design catchy slogans or graphics.
- Create trendy designs based on pop culture or niche interests.
Pro Tip: Try to focus on niches like pets, hobbies, or seasonal events to attract targeted audiences.
3. Create and Sell Digital Products
If you’re good at creating designs, selling digital products can be a great way to earn money. Some examples include
social media templates, presentation slides, or resume designs.
- Wall Art: Design printable artwork people can download and frame.
- Mockups: Provide Photoshop mockups for products like t-shirts, mugs, and more.
Pro Tip: Set up an online store on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad to sell your designs.
4. Make Album Covers and Posters
Musicians, bands, and event organizers always look forward to professionals who can create creative artwork. You can use Photoshop to design:
- Album covers.
- Event posters.
- Digital promotional materials.
Pro Tip: Reach out to local musicians or use platforms like Behance to showcase your work.
5. Create a YouTube Channel
If you enjoy sharing your knowledge, think of starting a YouTube channel with Photoshop tips and tricks.
- Make tutorials for beginners.
- Share your time-lapse videos of designs.
- Review the Photoshop tools and plugins.
Pro Tip: Make money from your channel through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise.
6. Design Logos and Branding Materials
One of the most popular Photoshop-related work ideas is the business of logo design. As more and more business owners are focussing on online space to increase their market presence, the need for logo designers is on the rise. Every business needs a logo and branding, and Photoshop is perfect for creating them. Offer services like:
- Logo design.
- Business card and letterhead designs.
- Social media banners.
Pro Tip: Build a portfolio and reach out to small businesses or startups.
7. E-Book Cover Design
There is a good demand for design covers from authors and publishers for their upcoming e-books. The Photoshop tool is one of the best in the market for creating book designs.
- Design covers for authors on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
- Create pre-made covers for sale.
Pro Tip: Offer affordable packages for indie authors to build your client base.
8. Sell Stock Photos and Graphics
There are many websites that you can contact to sell your photographs. You need to sign up with them and pass the quality test. Some websites are shutterstock.com, istockphoto.com, fotolia.com, depositphotos.com, 123rf.com, and so on. If you have a passion for photography and the required skills, stock photography is the career you must consider.
- Create unique, editable vector files.
- Design abstract backgrounds or patterns.
- Edit and enhance photos to make them stand out.
Pro Tip: High-quality and niche-specific graphics often sell better on stock platforms.
9. Teach Photoshop
If you are a Photoshop expert, you can make good money by teaching students. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or even YouTube allow you to upload courses and make money online. You can create step-by-step guides for specific skills, such as photo retouching, graphic design, or creating marketing materials.
Some of the popular ways of tutoring Photoshop are:
- Create Tutorials: Post-step-by-step tutorials on YouTube or your blog.
- Host Online Classes: Use online tutoring platforms like Skillshare or Udemy to teach Photoshop techniques.
- One-on-One Coaching: Offer personalized lessons to beginners.
Pro Tip: Start with free tutorials to attract an audience and build credibility.
10. Graphic Design
Why not earn money from graphic design? Many companies need freelance graphic designers for short-term projects. Services you can offer include:
- Brochure and flyer design.
- Web graphics and banner ads.
- Infographics for businesses.
Pro Tip: Start with small gigs on platforms like Upwork or reach out to local businesses.
11. Offer Photo Editing Services
There is a huge demand for professional photo editing worldwide. If you have the required skills, consider offering photo retouching services and make money. The cost per image is totally up to you. Here’s where you can step in:
- Retouching: Fix blemishes, enhance colors, or smooth skin for clients.
- Background Removal: Help businesses or individuals remove or replace backgrounds.
- Restoration: Restore old or damaged photos.
Pro Tip: Advertise your services on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or your social media.
12. Create Social Media Content
Social media creators look for professionals who can create eye-catching visuals for their posts. You can offer your Photoshop skills to create:
- Instagram posts and stories.
- Facebook banners and ads.
- Pinterest pins.
Pro Tip: You can put together your services as a social media graphics package to attract clients.
13. Sell Photoshop Presets and LUTs
Presets are a combination of edits. It is recorded as a batch and in a single click can be added to an image or multiple images. with just one click. On the other hand, LUTs correspond to the Look-Up Table. It is a feature in Photoshop that is generally used as a color grading tool. These presents are brought by photographers and artists on a large scale and the profit margin is also high.
- Make presets on a specific style of photography such as portraits, landscapes, or weddings.
- Create LUTs for color grading videos, suitable for YouTubers and filmmakers.
- Sell your presets and LUTs on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or even your website.
Pro Tip: First, offer customers a free sample pack and try to build trust. Once people like your style, they’ll be more inclined to purchase your full packs.
14. Create and Sell Photoshop Brushes or Actions
Photoshop users frequently look for tools that make their work easier. You can create your own Photoshop resources and sell them. These resources include brushes, actions, patterns, gradients, etc. You can create and sell:
- Custom brushes for specific effects.
- Photoshop actions that automate tasks like retouching or color grading.
Pro Tip: You can sell these tools on your website or marketplaces like Creative Market.
15. Comic Books
If you’re a storyteller with artistic skills, creating comic books using Photoshop can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. Photoshop’s tools are ideal for crafting detailed illustrations, adding text, and refining your comic panels. As a beginner, it is advisable to focus on a niche genre. It can be superheroes, sci-fi, or fantasy, to attract a specific audience.
- Write and illustrate your comic books or graphic novels.
- Sell your comics on platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Gumroad.
- Partner with authors to bring their comic book ideas to life.
Pro Tip: Promote your work through social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, where visual storytelling thrives.
16. Sell Real Estate Photo Editing Services
Real estate agents need high-quality photos to sell properties. Some of the services you can provide are:
- Improving lighting and colors.
- Remove unwanted objects
- Virtual staging in empty rooms.
Pro Tip: Contact local real estate agents and offer your service.
17. Collaborate with Influencers
Influencers often need professionally edited images for their content. As a Photoshop expert, you can offer services like:
- Photo editing and retouching.
- Creating promotional graphics.
- Designing Instagram story highlights.
Pro Tip: Reach out to micro-influencers, as they are more likely to need affordable services.
18. Earn Money through Custom Fonts
The demand for custom fonts for branding, design, and marketing is growing. You can make unique modern, playful, or vintage-style fonts using Photoshop and sell them on Creative Market, Envato, or MyFonts. Depending on the creativity you can have up to $500 or even down to $50 per download of the font. Font bundles generally sell better.
Pro Tip: Try various font styles and trends to attract a wider audience.
19. Membership Site for Photoshop Freelancers
A membership site can provide premium Photoshop resources such as premium tutorials, downloadable presets, and templates, along with a community where freelancers can connect and share ideas. Membership fees can become a source of regular income; each subscriber could pay $10 to $100 per month.
Pro Tip: You can create exclusive valuable content and advertise your membership website in Photoshop communities and other related communities.
20. Sell Digital Art on Paper or Digitally
The digital art market is thriving. You can use Photoshop to create original work that you can sell as prints or digital downloads on Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble. You can earn a potential amount of anywhere between $10 and $100 per piece depending on the complexity of the art and market appeal.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on trending themes and styles for your artwork.
21. Start a Begin a Photoshop Blog
A Photoshop-focused blog can include tutorials, design tips, and industry trends. Blogging is a great way to share your expertise and earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. Blogs can earn $500 to $10,000+ monthly with consistent traffic and monetization strategies.
Pro Tip: Use SEO techniques to rank your blog and attract a steady audience.
22. Create Animated GIFs
Animated GIFs are popular for social media and marketing. With Photoshop, you can design custom GIFs for brands or individuals who want unique content. Freelance GIF designers can earn $15 to $100+ per project, depending on complexity.
Pro Tip: Consider offering packages for multiple GIFs to increase your earnings.
FAQs
Do I have to be a Photoshop wizard to make money?
No, you can start small by providing simple services such as photo editing or background removal.
How much money can you earn with Photoshop?
Earnings depend on your skills and services. Freelancers can charge from $10 to $100+ per hour.
Where do I sell my designs?
Sell on Etsy, Creative Market, Shutterstock, your website, wherever!
How do you find clients?
Start building a robust portfolio. Your social media presence where your work showcases the best way possible, and services you offer also in freelance and platforms.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.