How Digital Artists Can Earn Money with Affiliate Marketing

Jan 11

Written By DAB

Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways for digital artists to monetize their blogs. And, unlike ads, you don’t need to have a certain amount of visitors on your website to be eligible, so you can start earning affiliate income today.

Essentially, it’s about recommending products you already use and love — and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link. The beauty of this approach is that it lets you share your expertise while generating passive income.

This article is part of a series dedicated to the ins and outs of blogging for digital artists. You’ll find links to the next steps in your journey — whether it’s deciding what to write about, learning how to monetize your blog, or growing your audience.

So, if you're ready to start a blog that makes money, here’s how you can utilize affiliate marketing to start earning from your art blog today.

How Digital Artists Make Money with Affiliate Marketing Digital Arts Blog

Types of Blog Posts That Work Best for Affiliate Marketing

1) Product Reviews
Write a detailed review of a product you’ve tried, like a drawing tablet, a specific stylus, or a software program. For example:

“Why I Switched to the Wacom Cintiq: A Hands-On Review for Digital Artists”
Include your honest thoughts, pros and cons, and tips for getting the most out of the product.

For your inspiration: Digital Art for Kids

2) “Best Products for Digital Artists” Lists
Curate a roundup of tools, such as:

“The 7 Best Drawing Tablets for Digital Artists in 2025”
Rank the options, briefly describe each, and link to their product pages with your affiliate link.

For your inspiration: 10 Must-Have Accessories for Digital Artists

Tutorials and How-To Guides
Create a guide that integrates affiliate products naturally. For instance:

“How to Create Stunning Digital Paintings: A Beginner’s Toolkit”
Mention products like brushes, styluses, or software, explaining how they can elevate the process.

For your inspiration: How to Make a Digital Collage (Free & Online)

Comparison Posts
Help your readers decide between products by writing comparisons, such as:

“Procreate vs Photoshop: Which is Best for Your Art Style?”
Break down the features, pricing, and benefits of each option, linking to both with affiliate links.

For your inspiration: One by Wacom vs. Intuos vs. Wacom One: Which one is best?

Affiliate Boxes to Boost Conversions

Affiliate boxes can be placed strategically within your post to make your recommendations pop. Here’s how to make them work:

Top Recommendation Box

Example: “My Top Recommendation: The iPad Pro with Apple Pencil”
Include a short description: “Perfect for illustrators who want portability without compromising on quality.”
Add a bold button: “Check Price on Amazon”

Comparison Tables

List multiple products side-by-side with key features, prices, and links.

Example columns: Product Name | Key Features | Price | Buy Now Button

Photos and Visuals

Use custom photos of the product if possible. Snap pictures of your actual setup or how you use the tool. Readers trust recommendations when they see you’ve used the product yourself.

Links to Useful Resources

Example: Create a “Best Tablets Ranked” article and link to in-depth individual reviews of each product.

Best Format for Affiliate Content

To maximize conversions, structure your posts like this:

1) Start with a Recommendation:

“If you’re looking for the best tablet for digital art, I highly recommend the Wacom Cintiq or the iPad Pro.”

Include underlined, bright links early in the post.

2) Things to Know:
Highlight features, specifications, and important considerations to help readers make an informed decision.

3) Highlight Your Pick (Affiliate Box):

Include a photo, one sentence explaining why it’s the best, and a button linking to the product page.

4) Comparison Table:
Summarize the pros, cons, and prices of each option in an easy-to-read table.

5) Who It’s For:
Use keywords like “best for beginners,” “ideal for professional illustrators,” or “great for digital collage artists.”

Popular Affiliate Partnership Platforms

Here are some of the most reliable platforms to join for affiliate marketing:

Amazon Affiliates: Great for almost any product, but keep in mind their commissions can be on the lower side.
Commission Junction (CJ): Connects you with brands in various industries.
Impact: Excellent for creative tools and tech products.
ShareASale: Popular for smaller companies and unique brands.
ClickBank: Focuses on digital products like software and online courses.
PartnerStack: Ideal for software and SaaS products that digital artists might use.