How To Sell Print On Demand Art

Introduction.

Selling art through print on demand (POD) is a fantastic way for artists to make passive income while reaching a global audience.

The beauty of POD lies in its simplicity: you create the art, and list it online, and a POD service handles printing, shipping, and fulfillment.

This model has exploded in popularity thanks to platforms like Printful, Redbubble, and Society6, which allow artists to focus on their creativity instead of logistics.

But if you’re wondering how to dive into selling POD art and what steps are needed to start, you’re not alone.

There are key considerations, from choosing the right platform to effectively marketing your work, and it’s essential to understand the advantages and potential challenges involved.

I’ll cover all of this in detail, breaking down each stage of the process so you can set yourself up for success.

How Do I Sell a Print On Demand Art?

1. Understanding Print on Demand.

Print-on-demand is a business model that lets you sell custom products without needing to hold inventory.

With POD, products are only made once a customer places an order, eliminating upfront costs and storage needs.

For artists, this means that you can offer various items – like posters, T-shirts, and mugs – without worrying about production or shipping.

This also gives you the freedom to experiment with designs and expand your offerings based on demand.

Pros of Print on Demand for Artists:

Low initial investment: No need to buy materials or equipment.
Passive income potential: Earn while you focus on creating.
Flexible product range: Adapt your catalogue based on trends or audience preferences.

Cons of Print on Demand for Artists:

Lower profit margins: POD companies take a cut, so you keep less per sale.
Limited control over product quality and shipping times: You rely on the POD service to handle fulfilment.
Highly competitive market: Standing out among thousands of other artists requires strategy and marketing.

2. Choosing the Right Print-on-Demand Platform.

Not all POD platforms are created equal, and each has its unique offerings, fee structures, and audience reach. Selecting the right one for your art depends on several factors:

Popular Print-on-Demand Platforms for Artists:

Redbubble: Known for its artist-focused community and broad range of products.
Society6: Appeals to a high-quality, art-centric customer base and offers exclusive artist stores.
Printful and Printify: Integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, allowing you to build your brand.

Platform Considerations:

Product range and quality – Some platforms specialize in specific items (like posters on Fine Art America), while others offer a broader selection.
Profit margins – Compare how much you’ll make after fees. Redbubble, for example, allows you to set your markup, while others have fixed profit margins.
Audience reach – Platforms like Etsy and Amazon Merch let you tap into established customer bases, which can be valuable for new sellers.

3. Creating Art That Sells.

The type of art you create has a big impact on your success in POD. Researching popular trends can be helpful, but it’s just as important to stay true to your style to build a unique brand.

Tips for Creating High-Quality, Marketable Art:

Design for your audience: If your art appeals to pet owners, consider designs that feature pets or nature scenes. Aiming for niche audiences can make your store more distinctive.
High-resolution images: POD companies typically recommend 300 DPI (dots per inch) for printing to ensure clarity.
Experiment with various styles and mediums: Minimalist, abstract, and vintage art are some of the most popular genres in POD. Consider offering different styles to appeal to a wider audience.

4. Setting Up Your Online Store.

Once you’ve selected a platform and created your art, it’s time to set up your store. This involves uploading images, choosing product options, and optimizing listings for search.

Tips for an Effective POD Store Setup:

SEO-friendly descriptions: Use keywords that potential buyers might search for, like “vintage flower print” or “abstract wall art.”
Detailed product listings: Include dimensions, materials, and care instructions if possible to answer common questions.
Professional mock-ups: Most POD platforms offer mock-up generators that display your art on products. Use high-quality mock-ups to give customers a clear idea of what to expect.

5. Marketing Your Art.

Marketing plays a crucial role in POD’s success, as the market is highly competitive. A few effective strategies can help you stand out and draw buyers.

Popular Marketing Tactics for Print-on-Demand Artists:

Social media marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok can showcase your art to a global audience. Visual content performs exceptionally well on these platforms, so try to share mock-ups, behind-the-scenes shots, or even time-lapse videos of your creative process.
Email newsletters: Building an email list lets you keep fans updated on new releases or special sales.
Paid ads: Running Facebook or Google ads can help you reach a targeted audience, although it requires an initial budget and understanding of ad targeting.

6. Managing Customer Relationships.

Building a good reputation with buyers can lead to repeat business and positive reviews, which are both essential in POD.

Tips for Customer Satisfaction:

Transparency on shipping times and return policies: Since POD can take a bit longer to ship, being upfront about estimated delivery times helps manage expectations.
Promptly respond to inquiries: Many POD platforms have messaging features that allow customers to ask questions. A quick response can make a positive impression.
Ask for reviews: Happy customers are often willing to leave reviews, which can increase credibility and visibility.

FAQs About Selling Print-on-Demand Art

Q: How much does it cost to start a POD art business?

A: Starting a POD business can be free or require minimal investment. Most platforms only charge after a sale is made, although some require fees for premium features or integrations.

Q: Can I sell the same design on multiple POD sites?

A: Yes, many artists list the same design on multiple POD platforms. However, some sites offer exclusivity programs with extra benefits, which may require exclusivity in return.

Q: Do I need a separate website to sell my POD art?

A: Not necessarily, though having your site can make your brand appear more professional. Platforms like Shopify can integrate with POD services if you prefer to maintain a personal website.

Q: How do I know if my art is popular?

A: Use tools like Google Trends, Etsy search, or POD platform analytics to track interest. Observing customer feedback and seeing what other successful artists are doing can also offer insights.

Conclusion

Selling art through print-on-demand offers a unique opportunity for artists to monetize their work without logistical headaches.

While it’s a competitive field, the right strategies – from choosing a fitting platform to marketing your work effectively – can help you build a steady income stream.

POD allows you to reach a wide audience and even test the waters with different styles to see what resonates most with buyers.

Ready to turn your art into a global business? What style or niche do you think would make the biggest impact in the POD world?