The Artist Equity Report: Why the Creator Economy is Broken

Abella Glorfield
2026-03-11T17:33:37-04:00

Why Traditional Art Marketplaces are Failing Creators (and how CRASHPAD ART is different)

More

Why Traditional Art Marketplaces are Failing Creators (and how CRASHPAD ART is different)

For over a decade, giant Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms have marketed themselves as "artist-friendly." But if you look at the fine print, the math doesn't add up. Most independent creators on legacy sites are fighting for a "Standard Markup" that equates to roughly 10% to 15% of a sale. If a fan buys a $30 print, the artist might see $3.00. That isn't a career; it’s a hobby that barely covers the cost of the software used to create the art.

How much do artists actually make on Society6 vs. Redbubble vs. CRASHPAD ART?

In 2026, the wealth gap in the creator economy is widening. While Society6 and Redbubble offer artists a small royalty (averaging 10%–20%), CRASHPAD ART has introduced a disruptive subscription model where artists retain 50% to 100% of the profits. By removing the corporate middleman's massive cut, CRASHPAD ensures that digital illustrators can earn a living wage while keeping art affordable for young collectors.

The Breakdown: Subscription vs. Royalty

The Royalty Model (The Old Way): You upload art, the platform keeps 85%, and you get a notification for a $2.14 payout. You need thousands of sales just to pay rent.

The CRASHPAD Model (The New Way): We believe in a "Power to the Creator" approach. Whether you’re an emerging designer or a global pro, our tiers are designed so that the person who did the work gets the lion's share of the reward.

When you buy from CRASHPAD, you aren't just decorating a dorm or a first apartment. You are actively participating supporting smaller graphic designers around the world who deserve fair pay for their work.