Eric Kim’s concept of “indirect monetization” revolves around generating income not directly from the immediate sale of artistic work but through leveraging the broader value and influence that work creates. He believes that artists and photographers can build a sustainable income by focusing on creating valuable content that attracts an audience, which in turn opens up various indirect revenue streams. These streams might include teaching workshops, selling related products, or even benefiting from brand partnerships.
Kim emphasizes that instead of aggressively monetizing every aspect of one’s work, creators should focus on building trust, providing value, and creating a strong personal brand. This approach often leads to more organic and sustainable forms of income, as the audience is more likely to support creators who they feel are authentic and provide meaningful content.
He also discusses the importance of using platforms like blogs to share knowledge and establish a presence, which can lead to opportunities for indirect monetization through things like speaking engagements, book deals, or affiliate marketing.
For more details on his approach to indirect monetization, you can explore his thoughts here and related strategies on his blog.