12 Proven Ways to Make Money with Canva AI (2025 Guide)

Ever thought you could turn a free design tool into a real income stream?

I get it – when I first heard about people making money with Canva AI, I was skeptical too. But after digging in, testing ideas, and seeing what’s working for others, I realized Canva AI is a goldmine for creative side hustles and even full-time businesses.

You don’t need to be a designer, and you don’t need a big budget. You just need a laptop, an internet connection, and a willingness to try something new.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 practical, proven ways to make money with Canva AI. I’ll break down each method, show you how to get started, and answer the questions people are searching for right now.

If you’re ready to turn your creativity into cash, let’s get started!

1. Create and Sell Dot-to-Dot Activity Books

Let’s start with something fun and surprisingly profitable: dot-to-dot books.

These are those puzzle books where you connect the dots to reveal a hidden picture. They’re popular with kids, parents, and even adults who want a relaxing activity.

And here’s the wild part – some sellers are making thousands every month on Amazon with these books.

How to do it with Canva AI:

Open Canva and start a blank page. Use Magic Media to generate a simple outline image: think animals, vehicles, or anything that’s easy to trace. For example, type “outline of a cute cat” and let Canva’s AI create a clean, simple drawing.

Next, use the shapes tool to add small circles along the lines of your image. These become your dots. Make them small and evenly spaced, and use a bright color so you can see them clearly.

Once you’ve placed all your dots, number them in order. This is important as dot-to-dot books need numbers so users know where to start and finish.

Now, erase the original lines so only the dots and numbers remain. You can leave some details in the middle for context, just like real dot-to-dot books do. Repeat this process for 15–20 pages to create a full book.

Export your pages as a PDF, upload to Amazon KDP, and set your price. Once your book is live, it can keep selling with no extra work. You can even hire a virtual assistant to help you make more books and grow your income.

Tips:

• Use Canva’s “duplicate page” feature to speed up your workflow.
• Research what’s selling on Amazon by searching for “dot-to-dot books” and checking the bestsellers.
• Make books for different age groups, e.g., simple shapes for young kids, more complex images for older kids and adults.

2. Publish “Would You Rather” Books for Kids

If you want something even quicker, try making “Would You Rather” books. These are packed with silly, funny, or thought-provoking questions. Kids love them, and they’re selling like crazy on Amazon.

How to do it:

Start by asking ChatGPT (or any AI writing tool) for a list of “Would You Rather” questions. For example, “Give me 50 funny ‘Would You Rather’ questions for kids.” Copy your favorites into Canva, pick a fun template, and add your questions to each page.

You can use Canva’s AI image generator to create cute illustrations for each question. For example, if your question is “Would you rather sneeze glitter or fart confetti?” you can generate a cartoon of a kid sneezing glitter. This makes your book more engaging and visually appealing.

Once you’ve got enough pages, export as a PDF and publish on Amazon KDP. These books are easy to make, and you can create a whole series in different themes – animals, sports, holidays, and more.

Tips:

• Use bright, bold colors and playful fonts to appeal to kids.
• Add a few blank pages at the end for kids to write their own questions.
• Check Amazon for “Would You Rather” books to see what’s popular and how you can stand out.

3. Design and Sell Funny Slogan T-Shirts

T-shirts with clever slogans never go out of style. With Canva AI, you can whip up catchy designs in minutes, even if you’ve never designed a shirt before.

How to do it:

Use Canva’s “Magic Write” tool to brainstorm funny or trending slogans. For example, “Parenting pro, juggling kids since forever.”

Pick a t-shirt template, add your text, and use the AI image generator to create simple graphics or illustrations. For a parenting shirt, you might add a cartoon of a parent juggling kids.

Once your design is ready, upload it to print-on-demand platforms like Printify, Redbubble, or Etsy. They’ll handle the printing and shipping, so you just focus on creating new designs.

Tips:

• Keep your designs simple – bold text and a small graphic work best.
• Watch for trending topics and memes to inspire new slogans.
• Use mockup generators to show your shirts on real people for your product listings.

4. Create Surreal or Artistic T-Shirt Designs

Want to stand out even more? Try making surreal or artistic t-shirt designs using Canva’s AI image generator. Think goldfish swimming in light bulbs, cats in space, or anything your imagination can dream up.

How to do it:

Ask ChatGPT for unique image ideas, then use Canva’s AI to generate high-quality, eye-catching artwork. For example, “A goldfish swimming inside a light bulb, psychedelic style.” Place your design on a t-shirt template, and upload to your favorite print-on-demand site.

These kinds of shirts are super popular on Etsy and Redbubble, and you can charge a premium for truly original art.

Tips:

• Use Canva’s “psychedelic” or “hand-drawn” styles for unique looks.
• Offer your designs on different products – hoodies, mugs, tote bags, and more.
• Bundle related designs into collections for higher sales.

5. Sell Printable Planners, Guides, and Trackers

Printables are a goldmine. People are always searching for planners, trackers, and guides they can download and print at home. Canva AI makes it easy to create professional-looking printables in minutes.

How to do it:

Pick a niche – budget planners, vacation guides, meal trackers, party planners, you name it. Use Magic Write to generate the content, then choose a stylish template and customize it with your own branding and images.

For example, to make a vacation guide, use Magic Write to create an outline and fill in the details. Add images of destinations, packing lists, and travel tips. Export as a PDF and sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.

Tips:

• Research what’s selling on Etsy by searching for “printable planner” or “vacation guide.”
• Offer editable versions so customers can personalize their printables.
• Bundle related printables together for higher-priced packages.

6. Grow and Monetize Instagram Accounts with AI Art

Instagram is full of accounts posting nothing but AI-generated art, and some of them have hundreds of thousands of followers!

If you love creating visuals, this is a great way to build an audience and make money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products.

How to do it:

Pick a niche (like fantasy landscapes, cute animals, or motivational quotes), use Canva’s AI to generate stunning images, and post consistently.

Engage with your followers, use trending hashtags, and reach out to brands for collaborations once your account grows.

You can also sell your AI art as digital downloads or prints.

Tips:

• Use Canva’s “Instagram post” template for the perfect size.
• Post regularly – consistency is key to growing your audience.
• Collaborate with other creators to reach new followers.

7. Offer YouTube Thumbnail Design Services

YouTube thumbnails are a big deal. A great thumbnail can make the difference between a video going viral or getting ignored. Many YouTubers are willing to pay for eye-catching thumbnails, and Canva AI makes it easy to deliver professional results.

How to do it:

Reach out to YouTubers and offer your services. Use Canva’s background remover, Magic Eraser, and AI image generator to create custom thumbnails that pop. Add bold text, fun graphics, and unique backgrounds to match each video’s theme.

Once you’ve built a portfolio, you can charge more and even offer monthly packages for regular clients.

Tips:

• Study popular YouTube channels to see what kinds of thumbnails get the most clicks.
• Use bright colors and high-contrast images to grab attention.
• Offer a quick turnaround to attract busy creators.

8. Design Pitch Decks and Presentations for Businesses

Pitch decks are essential for startups and entrepreneurs looking to raise money. But not everyone has the time or skills to make a polished presentation. That’s where you come in!

How to do it:

Use Canva AI to generate the structure and content for pitch decks. Just enter the business details and let the AI suggest layouts, slides, and talking points. Customize the design, add graphics, and make sure everything looks sharp.

You can offer this service on Fiverr or Upwork, charging anywhere from $100 to $900+ per deck, depending on the complexity.

Tips:

• Ask clients for their branding guidelines to keep everything consistent.
• Use Canva’s “presentation” templates for a professional look.
• Offer revisions to make sure clients are happy with the final product.

9. Create Custom AI Art Portraits for Etsy

Personalized art is always in demand. With Canva AI, you can turn ordinary photos into stunning digital portraits in all kinds of styles – cartoon, anime, vintage, and more.

How to do it:

Set up a shop on Etsy offering custom portraits. When a customer sends you a photo, use Canva’s photo editor to remove the background, adjust the colors, and apply different artistic effects.

You can even generate new backgrounds or add fun elements to match the customer’s preferences.

Deliver the finished portrait as a digital download. You can offer different styles or packages for families, pets, or couples.

Tips:

• Offer a range of styles – cartoon, watercolor, pop art, etc.
• Use Canva’s “apps” section to find new effects and filters.
• Provide clear instructions for customers on how to send their photos.

10. Launch a Faceless YouTube Channel

Don’t want to be on camera? No problem! You can create entire YouTube channels using Canva AI – no face, no voice required.

How to do it:

Start by using Magic Write to generate video scripts on popular topics (like “10 Scariest Places on Earth” or “Top 5 Life Hacks”).

Use Canva’s AI voice generator to create the narration, and add AI-generated images or stock videos to match the script. Edit everything together in Canva’s video editor, export, and upload to YouTube.

Once your channel grows, you can earn money from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

Tips:

• Focus on topics that get lots of searches – list videos, facts, and how-tos work well.
• Use Canva’s “video” templates for easy editing.
• Batch your content to stay consistent and save time.

11. Build Branding Packages for Local Businesses

Every business needs a strong brand, but most small business owners don’t know where to start. You can offer complete branding packages – logos, business cards, social media templates, and more – using Canva AI.

How to do it:

Start with the logo: use the AI prompt box to generate several options, then customize the winner. Move on to business cards, letterheads, and social media graphics, making sure everything matches the brand’s colors and style.

Offer your services to local businesses, or list them on freelance platforms. You can even create templates for clients to edit themselves.

Tips:

• Meet with clients (in person or online) to understand their needs.
• Use Canva’s “brand kit” feature to keep colors and fonts consistent.
• Offer a package price for all branding materials.

12. Manage Social Media Content Calendars for Clients

Social media is a headache for many business owners. They know they need to post regularly, but they don’t have the time or ideas. That’s where you come in!

How to do it:

Use Canva’s “Sheets” feature to create a content calendar, complete with post ideas, images, and captions. Use Magic Write to generate witty titles and engaging descriptions for each post. Design the visuals in Canva, and organize everything so your client just has to copy, paste, and post.

You can offer this as a monthly service, managing content for multiple clients at once.

Tips:

• Use Canva’s “bulk create” feature to make dozens of posts quickly.
• Offer to schedule posts for clients using social media management tools.
• Track results and suggest improvements to keep clients happy.

Bonus: Wedding Packages – Websites, Invitations, and More

Weddings are big business, and Canva AI makes it easy to offer a full suite of services to couples. Create custom wedding websites, invitations, RSVP cards, and even dinner place cards – all with beautiful, coordinated designs.

How to do it:

Use Canva’s website templates to build a simple, elegant site for the couple. Design matching invitations and printables, and bundle everything together as a package. You can sell these services on Etsy, your own website, or through local wedding planners.

Tips:

• Offer different styles – classic, modern, rustic, etc.
• Include extras like thank-you cards and seating charts.
• Provide digital and print options for every product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really make money with Canva AI?
Yes! People are earning real income by selling books, printables, t-shirts, art, and services created with Canva AI. The key is to pick a method, stick with it, and keep improving your skills.

Do you need to pay for Canva Pro?
While you can do a lot with the free version, Canva Pro unlocks more templates, AI features, and export options. If you’re serious about making money, it’s worth the investment.

How do you get started if you’re a beginner?
Pick one method from this list that sounds fun, watch a few tutorials, and start experimenting. Don’t worry about being perfect – just get your first product or service out there. You’ll learn as you go!

What’s the best way to find customers?
Platforms like Amazon KDP, Etsy, Fiverr, Upwork, and social media are great places to start. Build a portfolio, ask for reviews, and let word of mouth do the rest.

Conclusion: Make Money with Canva AI

There you have it – 12 creative, practical ways to make money with Canva AI in 2025. Whether you’re into books, art, t-shirts, social media, or helping businesses, there’s something here for everyone.

The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience. Just a willingness to learn, experiment, and have a little fun along the way.

So, which method are you going to try first? Don’t get overwhelmed – pick one, give it a shot, and see where it takes you. Who knows? This could be the start of your next big adventure.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who’s looking for a new way to earn online. And if you have questions or want more tips, drop a comment below – I’d love to help!