How to Create and Sell Coloring Pages (Even If You’re Not an Artist!)


Coloring books are more popular than ever, and thanks to AI, it’s easier than ever to create them—even if you can’t draw. Whether you want to sell printables on Etsy, physical books on Amazon KDP, or commercial-use designs, AI can help you generate unique coloring pages fast.

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how to create and sell coloring books


But AI-Generated Designs Aren’t Always Perfect.

If you’ve tried making coloring pages with AI, you’ve probably noticed some weird issues. The linework might be messy, there’s too much shading, or the design just looks off. AI can get you started, but it usually takes some tweaking to make the images actually usable.

That’s why simply downloading AI-generated images and trying to sell them doesn’t work. The best-selling coloring pages are polished, professional-looking, and print-ready. The good news? Once you know how to create better AI images and fix common issues, you can turn them into a passive income stream with minimal effort.

Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed—at the end of this post, I’ll share a course that will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easier to start creating and selling your AI-generated coloring pages.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:

Let’s get into it!

Why AI-Generated Coloring Pages?

Before AI, creating coloring pages meant either drawing everything by hand or buying stock artwork—both time-consuming and sometimes expensive. Now, AI tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, and Bing Image Creator can generate detailed designs in seconds.

This means you can:

  • Create unique artwork without needing drawing skills
  • Experiment with different styles (mandalas, animals, patterns, etc.)
  • Save time and money compared to hiring an artist or buying stock images

And because AI allows you to generate designs quickly, you can test different niches and styles to see what sells best.

Want to Get Started Right Away?

If you’re eager to dive into creating your own AI-generated coloring pages, I’ve got something to help you get started quickly! You can grab a free coloring book prompt guide that includes examples for both Midjourney (paid) and Bing Image Creator (free). This guide will show you how to generate coloring page designs on any topic you choose—just swap out the subject matter to fit your desired coloring book theme. It’s a great way to get a feel for AI art creation before diving deeper into the process.

The Biggest Problems with AI Coloring Pages (And Why They Need Fixing)

AI is an incredible tool, but it wasn’t made specifically for coloring pages. That’s why a lot of AI-generated designs need some work before they’re actually usable.

Here are the most common issues:

1. Too Much Gray Shading
AI often adds shading or gradients, which is fine for regular artwork but not for coloring pages. Buyers want clear, black-and-white line art, not a bunch of grays that make it harder to color.

2. Messy or Inconsistent Linework
AI outlines can be blurry, uneven, or broken. Sometimes, lines don’t fully connect or randomly fade out, making the design look sloppy.

3. Weird Distortions and Mistakes
AI is infamous for odd details—extra limbs, distorted faces, or patterns that don’t quite repeat. These mistakes can make an image completely unusable.

4. Low Resolution (Not Print-Ready)
Many AI tools generate low-resolution images, which look terrible when printed. If you upload a low-quality image to Amazon KDP or Etsy, customers will notice, and bad reviews will follow.

Because of these issues, raw AI images aren’t ready to sell as-is. The best sellers take the time to refine their designs so they meet buyer expectations and look professional.

Profitable Niches for AI Coloring Pages

Not all coloring pages sell well. The most successful ones fit into popular, high-demand niches that people are actively searching for.

Some of the best niches include:

  • Mandalas and geometric patterns (always in demand)
  • Fantasy creatures (dragons, unicorns, mermaids)
  • Animals (especially unique or detailed designs)
  • Positive affirmations and inspirational quotes
  • Hobbies and interests (gardening, travel, musical instruments)
  • Kids’ educational themes (alphabet, numbers, simple shapes)

Picking the right niche is key to standing out in the crowded coloring book market.

How to Stand Out in the AI Coloring Page Market

With so many coloring pages available, it’s important to find ways to make your designs stand out from the competition. Here are some strategies to make your AI-generated coloring pages more unique and appealing to potential buyers:

1. Combine Multiple Themes
Instead of focusing on just one niche, try merging different themes. For example, combine animals with positive affirmations, create a series of fantasy creatures with inspirational quotes, or pair mandalas with nature elements. This can create a more interesting and unique product that appeals to a broader audience.

2. Offer Special Bundles
Instead of selling individual pages, consider creating themed bundles that target specific customer needs. For example, you could offer a “Relaxation and Mindfulness” bundle with calming patterns and affirmations. Bundles can increase the perceived value of your products and make them more attractive to buyers looking for variety.

3. Target Underserved Niches
Focus on niches that have less competition but still appeal to a passionate audience. For example, while fantasy creatures are popular, you could explore more specific themes like obscure mythological creatures or folklore from different cultures. This allows you to offer something distinctive that larger, more general markets may overlook, giving you a chance to build a loyal customer base.

How to Sell Your AI-Generated Coloring Pages

Once you’ve created and refined your designs, it’s time to start making money! There are several ways to turn your coloring pages into passive income.

1. Sell Printable Coloring Pages on Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers

Printables are one of the easiest ways to start selling AI-generated coloring pages. You don’t have to worry about printing or shipping—just upload your designs, and buyers download and print them at home.

Why this works:

  • No inventory or shipping costs
  • Instant downloads mean no extra work after listing
  • You can sell themed packs (animals, fantasy, seasons, etc.)

How to get started: Create packs of 10-30 pages and sell them as PDFs. Pricing usually ranges from $3 to $10 per set.

2. Sell Physical Coloring Books on Amazon KDP

If you want a more passive, print-on-demand approach, Amazon KDP lets you sell real paperback coloring books without handling printing or shipping.

Why this works:

  • Amazon handles printing and shipping for you
  • You earn royalties on every sale
  • Books can sell for years with no extra work

How to get started: Format a book with 30-50 pages and upload it to Amazon KDP. Most coloring books are priced between $6.99 and $12.99.

3. License Your Designs as PLR (Private Label Rights)

Another great option is selling commercial-use versions of your coloring pages. Many content creators and small business owners are looking for high-quality designs to use in their own products.

Why this works:

  • You can charge more for commercial-use licenses
  • Buyers can modify and resell the pages
  • A great way to make passive income with multiple packs

How to get started: Create bundles of 20-100 coloring pages with commercial rights. PLR coloring pages typically sell for $15-$50 per set.

Each of these options can be profitable, and you can even mix and match—selling printables on Etsy, books on KDP, and PLR bundles for commercial buyers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A lot of new sellers struggle because they make these common mistakes:

  • Selling raw AI images without fixing them → Customers expect clean, professional designs
  • Choosing an oversaturated niche → Go beyond basic “adult coloring” and find a unique angle
  • Using low-resolution images → Always make sure your files are at least 300 DPI
  • Not creating a brand or shop theme → A professional, cohesive shop builds trust and repeat buyers

Avoid these, and you’ll have a much better chance of making consistent sales.

Simple Marketing Strategies to Get Sales

Once you’ve created your AI-generated coloring pages, it’s time to get them in front of potential buyers. Here are some simple, effective marketing strategies to help you start generating sales:

1. Use Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the best platforms for promoting printable products like coloring pages. Create visually appealing pins showcasing your designs and link them directly to your Etsy shop, KDP listing, or website. You can even create boards around specific niches, like “Relaxing Mandala Designs” or “Seasonal-Themed Coloring Pages,” to attract targeted traffic.

2. Leverage Social Media
In addition to Pinterest, consider sharing your designs on Instagram, Facebook, or in relevant Facebook groups. Post sneak peeks, time-lapse videos of your AI art process, or behind-the-scenes content to engage potential customers. Hashtags related to coloring and hobbies can help you reach a broader audience.

3. Create Bundles or Limited-Time Offers
Offer discounts for bundled designs or run time-limited promotions to create urgency. For example, you could bundle 10 coloring pages on a popular theme and offer it at a lower price than if they were bought individually. This can help increase your sales volume.

4. Ask for Customer Reviews
Once you make a sale, encourage buyers to leave reviews. Positive feedback can help build your reputation and trustworthiness, especially on platforms like Etsy and Amazon KDP. High-quality reviews will boost your visibility and attract more potential buyers.

5. Collaborate with Influencers or Content Creators
If you have the resources, try reaching out to influencers or content creators who cater to audiences interested in crafts, DIY, or coloring. They could help promote your coloring pages in exchange for a commission or free product.

With these marketing tips, you can start getting the word out and attracting sales for your AI-generated coloring pages.

Ready to Start Making and Selling AI-Generated Coloring Pages?

If you’ve ever been curious about selling coloring books but felt overwhelmed by all the tech, tools, and AI weirdness—this course is made for you.

Coloring Book Design teaches you how to create gorgeous, high-quality coloring pages using free and budget-friendly AI tools like Midjourney, Bing Image Creator, and DALL·E. But it goes way beyond just generating images. You’ll also learn how to fix those awkward AI quirks (like too much gray or mismatched styles), how to edit and upscale your designs, and most importantly—how to sell them confidently on platforms like Etsy and Amazon KDP.

This isn’t one of those generic courses that leaves you with half-finished ideas. It’s a complete roadmap with step-by-step tutorials covering everything from generating beautiful pages to formatting them for print and digital sales. You’ll even get tools like mockup images, prompt guides, and file delivery templates to make your workflow easier and more professional.

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start creating coloring books you’re actually proud of, this course will show you how—one step at a time. No fluff, no overwhelm—just clear guidance, practical tools, and everything you need to go from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to “I can actually sell this.”

Check out Coloring Book Design

Other Resources to Help You Get Started

Creating digital products doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Check out my Online Business Resources Page for tools, templates, and trainings to help you design high-quality products faster and more efficiently.

Get 40 free listings when you open an Etsy shop. To qualify, your account should be a buyer-only account before using the link. If you’ve already started setting up a shop (even if it’s not open yet), the promo won’t apply. Please be sure to open your shop directly from this link because if you click away or switch browsers, it might not track properly.

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