From Pixels to Profit: How AI-Generated Images Became My Side Hustle

Avinash Bangera
3 min readSep 29, 2023
It feels great to read an email saying you made a sale.

Making some side Income using AI has always been a dream to me. I was very early in on AI-based Image Generation. I always believed that AI-generated art is here to stay. I was a DALL-E user for many months before accessing DALL-E 2. I have dabbled in Midjourney and used Stable Diffusion for a year.

In this article, I will share the methods I have used to earn extra money through AI.

Introduction to AI and Image Generation

AI has revolutionized many industries, including the field of image generation. By harnessing the capabilities of AI algorithms, it is now possible to create stunning visuals and artwork that were once only achievable by professional artists. With tools like Midjourney and LeonardoAI, anyone could generate stunning Images within seconds. Mark Zuckerburg has plans to get everyone hooked on AI-based Images and Sticker creation, as showcased in the recent Meta Connect 2023.

Fun Side Project: Reels

One of the ways I gained deep knowledge in AI-based Image Generation was by creating short videos using AI-generated visuals. I experimented with AI tools and techniques to generate moving images with music, which is a video. Short-form video is a quick, bite-sized way of knowing what’s new in AI in a fun way.

ArtStation Workflow

Artstation is an excellent marketplace for artists to showcase and sell their creations. By leveraging AI to produce unique and eye-catching artwork, I was able to attract buyers and generate a steady stream of income. The ability to automate certain aspects of the creation process using AI also allowed me to scale up my production and increase my earnings.

This is my typical workflow to publish a product on ArtStation

  1. Research on a Trending Artwork Topic: I usually browse ArtStation Marketplace to see what style of Image Packs people buy.
  2. Once I have a theme, I usually make initial images on Stable Diffusion. Browsing Civitai for ideas is a great way to further improve your image creation process.
  3. Next, I would generate hundreds of images with some variation. Since this process takes multiple hours, I usually turn the function on before sleeping. I wake up to amazing pictures generated by magic!
  4. The Editing Process is simple: Touch up images that need minor edits and discard those that do not fit in.
  5. Publishing on Canva: I use ChatGPT to generate descriptions and Canva to make attractive thumbnails.

Conclusion

Exploring the potential of AI for generating side income has been an exciting journey for me. If you are looking for new ways to earn extra income, explore the possibilities that AI has to offer.

Remember, success in this field requires continuous learning and adaptation as AI technology evolves. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and embrace the opportunities that AI presents. You might discover your unique path to generating side income using AI!

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Avinash Bangera

Product Manager by day; Gaming and Technology Enthusiast by night.