If you visit the art subreddit or any other social media platform where anit-ai people gather, you will be told countless times that you won’t make any money with your designs. They say AI art is soulless and it has too many errors.
But what most of these haters do not know is that AI art works really well for some product illustrations such as stickers. This market is not just for kids or scrapbookers anymore.
With the rise of print-on-demand (POD) services and online printers, anyone with a dash of creativity can jump into this fun and profitable venture. So, if you are looking for a new side hustle, and you’re wondering who would buy AI designs as stickers, this article is for you. I will dive into the details of the sticker world to give you a better understanding of the limitless possibilities in this seemingly simple niche.
Get to know your sticker designs
Stickers can be anything from whimsical illustrations to catchy phrases, or even personalized designs tailored to specific niches. But all sticker designs fall into one or more of these categories; which are:
Illustrative Stickers
Think cute animals, quirky characters, or beautiful scenery. These are perfect for personalizing laptops, water bottles, and more.
Text-Based Stickers
Text-based stickers with motivational quotes, witty sayings, or affirmations are popular for personal empowerment and inspiration. They are often used in personal spaces, diaries, or planners to provide encouragement and positivity.
Functional Stickers
These are your labels and organizational tools. They are Ideal for spice jars, planners, or educational purposes.
Sticker sheets
This refers to a collection of different stickers on one sheet. Customers love sticker sheets because it makes them feel like they are getting more value for their money. You can create four to ten different ai deisgns with a specific theme on one sticker sheet and charge higher prices which means more profit for you.
Type of sticker buyers
Most people use stickers in their everyday life without even knowing it. That’s because this product is not exclusively meant for only creative people. Many small businesses use stickers in their operations.
In the world of business, when you sell directly to a customer, it is known as B2C. Selling to other businesses, on the other hand, is known as B2B.
Let’s have a look at how people use stickers differently.
B2B Stickers
B2B stickers are designed for use by businesses in their operations such as labeling and compliance. Stickers like “Contains Nuts,” “Gluten-Free,” “Vegan,” or “Cruelty-Free” are used on product packaging for compliance with regulations or to inform customers.
These stickers serve as important communicative tools, especially for food businesses, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.
Business owners also use stickers for branding and marketing. Customized stickers for packaging, like “Handmade with Love” or company logos, help in branding. These stickers enhance brand recognition and offer a personal touch, which is especially valuable for small businesses or artisanal products.
Lastly, small businesses use stickers for operational efficiency. Stickers used for organizational purposes, such as inventory labels, are common in B2B contexts. They help in streamlining processes, making inventory management and product handling more efficient.
B2C Stickers
B2C stickers are aimed directly at the end consumer for personal use. Illustrative stickers, such as those with cute animals, characters, or artistic illustrations, are popular for decoration. They are used for personalizing items like laptops, water bottles, phone cases, and notebooks.
People also use stickers for personal organization, like labels for planners, journals, or home organization (e.g., spice jar labels). These are in demand as they add both aesthetic value and functional organization to everyday items.
You can make themed stickers around holidays, events, or specific interests that cater to personal expression and are used for decorating gifts, cards, or personal items.
Examples include Christmas, Halloween, birthdays, or stickers related to hobbies and fandoms.
The similarities and differences between B2C and B2B stickers
When you are creating your ai art for stickers, you need to keep in mind your target buyer. For instance, B2B stickers are often more about branding and compliance; requiring specific information about the business. In contrast, B2C stickers are all about personal expression and aesthetics.
B2B sticker orders might be larger, catering to business needs, while B2C orders are generally smaller and more varied. Also, B2B stickers may require less intricate designs but more specific information, whereas B2C stickers are often more creative and visually pleasing.
Plus, B2B sticker design requires an understanding of business needs and industry standards, while B2C stickers require insight into consumer trends and personal preferences.
How to market your ai stickers?
Marketing is the key to all business success. For ai stickers, social media is your friend. Showcase your stickers in action like on laptops, notebooks, or packaging. If you decide not to make them yourself, you can order some of your stickers online and take pictures of them for social media.
But if you don’t want to do that, you can use Mock-up sites like Placeit. The price is affordable and the sticker mock-ups are very realistic.
Plus, you should engage with communities in your niches, leverage hashtags, and even collaborate with influencers to amplify your reach.
If you choose to sell locally, you can attend any events where you think people would be interested in buying your stickers.
Wrapping Up
Selling ai art designs on stickers is an exciting, creative, and potentially profitable side hustle.
Make sure to keep an eye on current trends and events. Seasonal or event-themed stickers can be big hits. And most importantly, listen to your customers. Their feedback can help you come up with your next bestseller.
With the right designs, platform, and strategy, you can turn little pieces of adhesive art into a long-term cash machine
Hi, I’m Blessing, a pro writer and graphic designer turned AI EXPERT! My passion is helping you unlock the full potential of AI tools to elevate your skills and create a successful side hustle or brand.
I skip the hype and focus on what truly works, bringing you the best tools to 10x your creativity.