Making money online by selling stickers created on Canva and uploaded to Redbubble is a straightforward process that combines creativity with a print-on-demand business model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and maximize your earnings:
1. Set Up Your Accounts
- Create a Canva Account: Sign up for a free Canva account at canva.com. For more advanced features like transparent backgrounds (crucial for stickers), consider upgrading to Canva Pro, which costs $14.99/month or $119.99/year as of early 2025. The free version can still work for basic designs, though.
- Sign Up on Redbubble: Go to redbubble.com, click “Sell Your Art,” and register as an artist. It’s free to join, and Redbubble handles printing, shipping, and customer service, leaving you to focus on designing.
2. Design Stickers on Canva
- Choose the Right Size: Redbubble recommends sticker designs be at least 2800×2800 pixels to ensure they’re eligible for all four sticker sizes (small to extra-large). In Canva, set your custom dimensions to 9.33 x 9.33 inches at 300 DPI (dots per inch) to meet this requirement.
- Create Original Designs: Use Canva’s library of fonts, shapes, and free elements to craft unique stickers. Avoid using Canva’s pre-made templates or standalone Pro elements as-is, since their Content License Agreement requires your designs to be original (not just reselling their assets). Combine elements creatively—think bold illustrations, witty quotes, or niche-specific graphics (e.g., fandom art, pets, or trendy phrases).
- Transparent Backgrounds: For kiss-cut stickers (Redbubble’s default), remove the background in Canva (available with Pro) and save your file as a PNG with transparency. This ensures the sticker cuts to your design’s shape.
- Sticker Packs: Boost earnings by creating sticker packs—multiple designs on one 2800×2800 canvas, spaced at least 0.7 cm apart. Customers buy these at larger sizes, increasing your profit per sale.
3. Upload to Redbubble
- Add Your Artwork: Log into Redbubble, go to your artist dashboard, and click “Add New Work.” Upload your PNG file(s). Adjust the placement if needed, though stickers usually require minimal tweaking compared to other products.
- Enable Stickers: In the product selection menu, ensure “Stickers” is checked. You can also enable other products (e.g., t-shirts or phone cases), but stickers are a top seller and low-effort option.
- Add Titles, Tags, and Descriptions: Use descriptive, searchable keywords like “cute cat sticker,” “funny quote sticker,” or “holographic sticker pack.” Redbubble’s search relies heavily on tags, so include 10-15 relevant ones per design.
4. Set Your Pricing
- Understand Base Prices: Redbubble sets a base price for each product (e.g., $1-$3 for stickers, depending on size). You earn an artist margin on top of this, which you control.
- Adjust Your Margin: The default margin is 20%, but for stickers, you can increase it to 50%-100% since they’re low-cost items (e.g., a $2 sticker with a 100% margin nets you $2 per sale). Go to “Account Settings” > “Product Pricing” to set this. Higher margins work well for stickers without deterring buyers, unlike pricier items like apparel.
- Sticker Packs Pay More: A large sticker pack might sell for $10+, earning you $5-$10 per sale at a 50%-100% margin.
5. Promote Your Designs
- Leverage Social Media: Share your Redbubble shop link or individual sticker listings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. Post mockups (Canva can generate these) showing your stickers on laptops or water bottles to attract attention.
- Niche Targeting: Research trending topics or underserved niches (e.g., “retro gaming stickers” or “plant mom vibes”) using Google Trends or Redbubble’s own search bar. Tailor designs to these audiences.
- Organic Traffic: Redbubble’s 40 million monthly visitors can drive sales passively, but good tags and consistent uploads (aim for 5-10 designs to start, then add weekly) boost visibility.
6. Get Paid
- Payment Process: Redbubble pays out monthly around the 15th, via PayPal or bank transfer, as long as you’ve earned at least $20. You’ll receive a remittance email detailing your sales.
- Earnings Potential: Profits vary—individual stickers might earn $0.50-$2 each, while packs can net $5-$10 per sale. Successful sellers with 50+ designs report $100-$500/month passively, with top artists hitting thousands by scaling to hundreds of listings.
Tips for Success
- Quality Matters: High-resolution, eye-catching designs sell best. Test your PNGs by zooming in to ensure no pixelation.
- Stay Legal: Don’t use copyrighted material (e.g., Disney characters) unless you own the rights—Redbubble removes infringing designs.
- Experiment: Offer glossy, matte, transparent, or holographic sticker options to appeal to different tastes. Monitor sales analytics in your Redbubble dashboard to see what works.
By designing unique stickers on Canva and leveraging Redbubble’s platform, you can build a passive income stream. Start small, refine your process, and grow your portfolio over time—consistency and creativity are key!