Selling AI Patterns: Lessons from Jensen Tung’s 30-Day Etsy Challenge

Jensen Tung recently documented his journey to sell AI-generated patterns on Etsy in his video, “I Tried The Easiest AI Side Hustle For 30 Days”. His goal was to test the potential of creating and selling repeatable art designs—commonly used for digital paper, packaging, and print-on-demand products.

Tung used MidJourney to generate patterns, employing the “–tile” command to create seamless designs. After upscaling images using GigaPixel AI to meet Etsy’s resolution requirements, he packaged his patterns into bundles. Tools like Etsy’s search suggestions and eRank helped him identify niches such as floral or tribal designs.

 

To maximize visibility, Tung optimized his listings with attractive thumbnails and keyword-rich descriptions. He priced his packs affordably, leveraging a 50% discount and Etsy Ads to boost exposure.

Despite creating over 100 listings with 800 individual patterns, Tung faced significant hurdles:

 

• Oversaturated Market: The simplicity of AI tools has led to a flood of competition.

 

• Low Price Points: Digital patterns often sell for as little as $1-$5, requiring high volumes to make meaningful profits.

 

• Marketing Costs: Etsy Ads added expenses without guaranteeing returns.

By the end of the 30 days, Tung sold only two pattern packs, earning $7.47. After accounting for expenses—MidJourney subscription, Etsy Ads, and listing fees—he recorded a net loss of $61.79.

Selling AI patterns on platforms like Etsy might seem lucrative, but Tung’s experiment highlights critical realities:

 

1. Saturation: Standing out requires unique niches and exceptional presentation.

 

2. Profitability: Low pricing demands high volumes to offset costs.

 

3. Alternative Strategies: Leveraging patterns for physical products like mugs or pillows could offer better margins.