How to Sell Sketches Online: Turn Old Art into New Income

Make Money with Your Sketches Using These Easy Online Strategies

Got Old Sketchbooks? Time to Cash In

If you're an artist, chances are you have piles of unused sketchbooks collecting dust. Maybe they’re filled with half-finished ideas, forgotten characters, or freestyle drawings that never saw the light of day. But what if I told you those unused sketches could actually make you money?

Many artists don’t realize that their old work can be repurposed, digitized, and sold online. In fact, turning those forgotten sketches into digital products or print media is one of the easiest ways to generate passive income for artists.

Wondering how to sell sketches online or how you can make money with your sketches? I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned from doing it myself—no gatekeeping.

Can You Really Sell Your Sketches Online?

Yes, and I’m proof that it works.

I created a stream of passive income as an artist using my old, unused sketches by compiling and editing them into my very first artbook: DIZZY! Sketch Collections. I didn’t redraw anything from scratch—just scanned, edited, and packaged the art with love and intention.

The result? An authentic artbook that not only showcases my growth but continues to earn me money online.

DIZZY! Sketch Collections Original Artbook

This method has very low overhead and high creative freedom—especially if you already have sketchbooks full of content. If you're thinking "can I really sell my sketches online?" the answer is a clear and confident yes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell Sketches Online

1. Organize & Digitize Your Old Sketches

Start by gathering your favorite pieces. Scan them at high resolution, clean up smudges or stains in Photoshop (or free apps like Photopea), and save them as high quality printable or web-optimized files. This step was key when I prepped content for DIZZY!

2. Decide How You Want to Sell

Do you want to sell your original sketches, downloadable digital files, or create print-on-demand books or zines?

Whatever your style, there’s an audience for it. Many artists choose digital-only products because they’re easier to distribute and scale, but keep in mind many customers prefer to have the actual physical product. So, if you're thinking "I want to sell my sketches online but don’t know where to start", just pick one format first and test it.

3. Choose Your Selling Platform

Here are a few great options to sell your sketches online:

• Etsy – Great for art prints and handmade products

• Gumroad or Ko-fi – Perfect for digital files and books

• Redbubble or InPrnt – Print-on-demand, zero inventory

• TikTok Shop - Promote and sell your work and finished product for free (TikTok is where I have gotten most of my sales and with no paid advertising involved!)

• Your own site – Like I did with Anitoku.com

Having your own website gives you full control and lets you build a long-term brand.

4. Price Your Sketches with Confidence

Don’t undercharge! You’re not just selling drawings—you’re selling your unique vision, energy, and style. Base your pricing on:

• Time spent

• Rarity (originals vs. reproductions)

• Format (physical vs. digital)

• Value to your niche

Offering bundles or collections (like DIZZY!) can also help boost perceived value.

Creative Ways to Monetize Unused Sketches

If you want to sell your sketches online, think beyond just “posting old art.”

Here are creative formats to try:

• Artbooks (physical or digital)

• Coloring pages

• Printable zines

• Stickers or sticker sheets

• Mobile wallpaper packs

• Framed vintage sketches

• Patterned wallpapers

For more inspiration, check out my article: 12 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Sketchbooks and Unused Sketches

Promote Your Sketches Like a Pro

Even the best product won’t sell without promotion. Use SEO keywords in your listings like:

• "How to sell sketches online"

• "Sell your sketches online"

• "Monetize your sketchbook"

Also:

• Share behind-the-scenes clips on Instagram or TikTok

• Promote your product launches through email

• Join online art communities or contests (like on Anitoku!)

That’s exactly how I promoted DIZZY! —by sharing progress, offering sneak peeks, and inviting people into my process.

Common Mistakes When Selling Sketches Online

Avoid these beginner mistakes:

• Poor quality scans or photos

• No clear niche or branding

• Underpricing your work

• Ignoring copyright or licensing details

• Not promoting your work on social media

• Giving up too soon!

Remember, you're building a business. Stay consistent and intentional.

How Much Money Can You Make Selling Sketches Online?

It varies, but the potential is real. I enjoy the process of creating the physical books, so I include the price of my labor when selling my books. However, selling a PDF artbook should be sold for much less since there isn't much labor involved. For example, my physical copies go for $24.99 and my first few sales from DIZZY! covered the initial costs of paper, cutting tools, packaging and shipping. Everything after that? Pure profit. And all digital sales require no tools or paper, so I keep earning from it over time—even while I sleep.

Final Thoughts: Your Sketches Are Worth Something

If you’ve been asking yourself, “how do I sell sketches online?” or “can I really create passive income as an artist with old drawings?”—this is your sign to start!

✅ Proof: I did it with DIZZY! Sketch Collections.

✅ You can do it with your work, too!

Join the Anitoku artist community, enter contests, and share your creations with an audience who values original art. Whether you’re just starting out or have books full of unseen sketches, the opportunity to sell your sketches online and build something meaningful is real.