Introduction
In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable shift from traditional art sales methods to digital platforms. This digital revolution has transformed the way artists showcase and sell their work, opening a world of possibilities that were once unimaginable. Artists no longer need to rely solely on physical galleries or local art shows to get their work noticed. Now, they can reach a global audience from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the rise of digital platforms for selling art.
Among the numerous digital platforms available, print on demand sites have emerged as a popular choice for artists. These platforms offer an attractive, user-friendly solution for artists seeking to monetize their creativity without the logistical hassles associated with traditional art sales.
However, with the myriad of options available, identifying the best print on demand sites for artists can be a daunting task. The right platform can make the difference between getting your art seen by a wider audience and having it lost in the crowd. Therefore, understanding the significance and unique offerings of the best print on demand sites for artists in today’s digital era is crucial for any artist looking to expand their reach, increase their income, and take their art career to new heights.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 best print on demand sites for artists to sell their work, helping artists make an informed decision about where to sell their art online.
Table of Contents
What Are Print on Demand Sites?
Print on demand (POD) is an innovative business model that allows artists, designers, and creators to sell their work on a variety of products without having to deal with inventory, printing, and shipping. In essence, POD services are platforms where artists upload their digital artwork, customers order products featuring this artwork, and the POD service prints the artwork onto the product and ships it directly to the customer.
When a customer purchases a product, the order is sent to the POD service, which then prints the artist’s design onto the item, whether it’s a t-shirt, mug, poster, or any other item the platform offers. This process takes place for each individual order, meaning products are created only when a customer orders them, hence the term ‘print on demand’.
POD services present numerous benefits for artists. Here are a few key advantages:
- No Inventory Required: With POD, artists don’t need to worry about maintaining inventory or dealing with unsold stock. The product is created only after it’s been purchased, eliminating the risk of overproduction.
- Ease of Use: Most POD sites have user-friendly interfaces and straightforward processes for uploading and adjusting designs, making it easy even for those who aren’t technologically savvy.
- Product Variety: POD services offer a wide range of products that artists can print their designs on, from clothing to home decor items, providing artists with numerous avenues for expressing their creativity and reaching different customer segments.
- Global Reach: POD sites often have worldwide shipping, meaning artists can reach an international audience without worrying about logistics.
- Passive Income: Once the design is uploaded and the product listing is set up, artists can earn revenue each time a customer purchases their design, providing a source of passive income.
Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that more and more artists are turning to the best print on demand sites to sell their work. These platforms offer a unique blend of creativity, convenience, and commercial potential that can help artists thrive in the digital age.
Why Artists Should Consider Selling on POD Sites
In the world of art, reaching a broad audience and generating a consistent income can be challenging tasks. However, print on demand (POD) sites are changing the game, offering artists numerous advantages that can significantly impact their career growth and revenue. Here’s why artists should seriously consider selling on POD sites:
- Greater Reach and Exposure: The internet has billions of users worldwide, and these platforms help artists tap into this vast audience. As POD sites typically ship internationally, artists are no longer confined to their local market. This allows their work to gain global exposure, potentially increasing their fan base and customer base exponentially.
- Increased Revenue Possibilities: With POD sites, artists can earn money every time a product featuring their design is sold. This opens up a stream of passive income that can grow over time as the artist adds more designs and gains more exposure. While traditional selling methods often involve upfront costs and risks, the POD model minimizes these, providing a more stable and scalable income opportunity.
- Flexibility and Ease of Use: One of the key benefits of POD sites is their simplicity and convenience. Artists can upload their artwork, choose which products to sell, set their price, and the POD service handles the rest. This flexibility allows artists to focus on what they love doing most: creating art.
- The Importance of Choosing from the Best Print on Demand Sites for Artists: Not all POD sites are created equal. The best print on demand sites for artists offer higher quality products, better printing techniques, larger customer bases, and more competitive profit margins. Some platforms also offer more customization options, promotional tools, and artist communities for networking and learning. Choosing the right platform can therefore greatly affect an artist’s success.
In conclusion, the best print on demand sites for artists provide an innovative, scalable, and convenient way for artists to share their work with the world and earn revenue. Given the digital age we live in, leveraging these platforms can be a game-changer for artists seeking to expand their reach, increase their income, and ultimately, transform their passion for art into a thriving career.
The 10 Best Print on Demand Sites for Artists to Sell Their Work
Society6
Society6 is a California-based print on demand platform that has been consistently recognized as one of the best print on demand sites for artists. It’s renowned for its high-quality prints and a wide range of unique, customizable products, which include everything from wall art and apparel to home decor and lifestyle products.
There are several reasons why Society6 stands out among the best print on demand sites for artists:
- Artistic Community: Society6 is more than just a sales platform; it’s a vibrant community of artists, designers, and customers who appreciate creative and original designs. This supportive and engaging atmosphere makes it a great place for artists to showcase their work, gain exposure, and interact with like-minded individuals.
- Diverse Product Range: With over 30 different product categories, Society6 offers artists a wide array of options to display their designs. This variety can help artists reach different customer segments and expand their income opportunities.
- Control Over Profits: Artists on Society6 set their own retail prices for art prints, framed prints, and canvas prints, allowing them more control over their potential earnings. For other products, artists earn a standard commission.
- Non-Exclusive Rights: Artists retain the rights to their work when selling on Society6, meaning they can also sell their designs on other platforms if they wish.
- High Print Quality: Society6 is known for its high-quality prints and durable products, which enhances customer satisfaction and repeat purchases.
- Global Shipping: Society6 ships products worldwide, helping artists reach an international customer base.
Given these features, it’s clear why Society6 is a top choice among the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re an artist just starting out or one looking to expand your online presence, Society6 offers a platform that balances creativity, community, and commercial opportunity.
Redbubble
Redbubble is an Australia-based print on demand platform known for its vibrant, creative community and diverse product offering. It’s become a favourite among artists and customers alike, making it a stand-out in the list of best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s why Redbubble is a great choice for artists looking to sell their work:
- Extensive Product Range: Redbubble offers over 70 product types ranging from apparel and stickers to home decor items and phone cases. This vast selection allows artists to adapt their designs to various products, attracting a wider audience and generating more sales opportunities.
- User-Friendly Interface: The site is easy to navigate and uploading designs is straightforward, allowing artists to spend less time on technicalities and more time on creativity.
- Artist Margin Control: Artists on Redbubble set their own profit margins, offering the flexibility to determine the price of their artwork.
- Artist Rights: Like Society6, Redbubble allows artists to retain rights to their work, enabling them to sell on multiple platforms.
- Global Reach: Redbubble ships internationally, expanding the potential reach for artists’ works beyond local markets.
- Community Engagement: Redbubble fosters a community of artists and buyers. It encourages interactions, collaborations, and mutual support, offering artists an opportunity not only to sell their work but also to connect with others in their field.
- Quality and Satisfaction: Redbubble is committed to delivering high-quality products and ensuring customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat customers and better exposure for artists.
By offering a supportive community, diverse product range, and global reach, Redbubble proves itself to be a favourite among the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your journey, Redbubble provides a welcoming and rewarding platform to showcase your creativity and grow your art business.
Fine Art America
Fine Art America stands as one of the world’s largest online art marketplaces, making it a distinguished platform among the best print on demand sites for artists. With a specific focus on wall art and home decor, it caters to artists specializing in photography, painting, digital art, and more.
Here’s why Fine Art America has made its mark on the list of best print on demand sites for artists:
- Specialization in Fine Art: Unlike some other POD platforms, Fine Art America specifically caters to the fine art market, making it a top choice for artists who specialize in this area.
- Wide Variety of Wall Art: With a plethora of options including canvas prints, framed prints, metal prints, acrylic prints, and more, artists have numerous ways to present their artwork to potential buyers.
- Additional Home Decor Products: Beyond wall art, Fine Art America also offers a range of home decor products, such as throw pillows, duvet covers, and shower curtains, allowing artists to extend their designs to various aspects of home living.
- Pricing Control: Artists on Fine Art America set their own prices for their artwork, allowing them to control their profit margins.
- Community and Networking: Fine Art America hosts online discussions and contests, providing a platform for artists to interact, learn, compete, and showcase their work.
- Global Reach: With 16 fulfillment centers across five countries, Fine Art America offers a vast reach, allowing artists to sell their work to a global audience.
- Quality Assurance: Known for its high-quality prints and commitment to customer satisfaction, Fine Art America ensures that the products featuring artists’ designs meet high standards.
By catering specifically to the fine art market and offering a rich variety of product options and community activities, Fine Art America has distinguished itself among the best print on demand sites for artists. It’s an excellent choice for artists looking to reach a wide audience with their artwork and to become part of a thriving online art community.
Zazzle
Zazzle is a robust print on demand platform based in the U.S. Known for its extensive product range and customization options, Zazzle is an attractive choice for artists seeking to sell their designs on more than just standard apparel and home decor items.
Here’s why Zazzle ranks among the best print on demand sites for artists:
- Extensive Product Catalog: Zazzle boasts one of the most extensive product catalogs in the print on demand industry, with over 1300 product categories. This wide range gives artists an unmatched opportunity to apply their designs to a vast array of products.
- High Customization: Zazzle stands out for the high level of customization it allows. Not only can artists upload their designs, but customers can also adjust and personalize these designs to their liking, which can enhance the appeal of the products.
- Design Your Own Store: Artists on Zazzle can create their own online storefronts, giving them a personal space to showcase their work and brand. This feature helps artists build their identity and customer loyalty.
- Royalty Rates: Artists on Zazzle have control over their royalty rates, with the ability to earn anywhere from 5% to 99% in royalties per sale. This flexibility allows artists to set their profit margins based on their specific needs and strategies.
- Quality and Variety: Zazzle is committed to high-quality products and a wide variety of options, enhancing the customer experience and increasing the chances of repeat purchases.
- Global Presence: With international shipping and websites tailored to various markets worldwide, Zazzle provides artists with the opportunity to reach a global audience.
With its unique features, Zazzle proves why it’s one of the best print on demand sites for artists. Its extensive product catalog, high customization options, and the ability to design one’s own store make Zazzle a compelling choice for artists aiming to maximize their creativity and profitability.
TeeSpring
TeeSpring, rebranded as Spring as of 2021, is a U.S.-based print on demand platform that initially focused on custom apparel. Over time, it has expanded its product offering to include a wide range of items, making it a versatile choice among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here are a few reasons why TeeSpring stands out:
- Wide Range of Products: Though known for its custom apparel, TeeSpring offers a wide variety of items, from home decor to accessories, providing artists with several avenues to showcase their designs.
- Boosted Network: One of the unique features of TeeSpring is its ‘Boosted Network.’ This feature allows artist’s designs to be listed on major online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, providing increased visibility and reach.
- Ease of Use: TeeSpring offers an intuitive interface for uploading designs and managing products, making it accessible and easy to use even for those new to the POD industry.
- Profit Margin Control: Artists on TeeSpring set their own prices for products, allowing them control over their profit margins.
- Quality Assurance: TeeSpring is known for its high-quality prints and products, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Global Reach: With international shipping, TeeSpring offers artists the ability to sell their work to customers all over the world.
Standing out with its ‘Boosted Network’ feature and a wide range of products, TeeSpring holds its own among the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re an artist focusing on apparel designs or exploring a wider product range, TeeSpring offers a platform that combines quality, reach, and ease of use.
Printful
Printful is a leading print on demand platform that’s well-liked for its excellent print quality, wide range of products, and robust integration options. With its roots in the U.S and Europe, Printful has expanded to cater to artists and customers worldwide, establishing it as a leading contender among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s why Printful is an excellent choice for artists:
- Wide Product Range: Printful offers over 260 products including apparel, accessories, and home & living items. This wide variety allows artists to apply their designs to numerous product types.
- Quality Printing and Fulfillment: Known for its high-quality prints and meticulous fulfillment process, Printful ensures that products featuring artists’ designs are top-notch and delivered efficiently.
- Robust Integrations: Printful integrates seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more, allowing artists to easily sync their online stores and manage products and orders.
- White-label Service: Printful offers a white-label service, meaning there are no Printful logos on the shipped products. This feature gives artists the opportunity to truly create a brand for themselves.
- Pricing Flexibility: Artists can set their own retail prices on Printful, offering control over their profit margins.
- Global Reach: Printful has fulfillment centers in North America and Europe, and ships worldwide, giving artists the opportunity to reach a global audience.
- Educational Resources: Printful also provides a wealth of resources, from tutorials to ecommerce tips, helping artists to navigate the POD industry and grow their businesses.
By offering high-quality products, robust integrations, and excellent educational resources, Printful has established itself as a top choice in the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re an artist just starting your ecommerce journey or looking to expand your reach, Printful offers a platform that can cater to your needs.
CafePress
CafePress is a long-standing player in the print on demand industry. Established in 1999, it’s well-regarded for its extensive product catalog and simple-to-use platform. These attributes make CafePress a unique and viable choice among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s what makes CafePress a worthy contender:
- Extensive Product Range: CafePress boasts a vast product catalog, with more than 450 items available, including apparel, home decor, stationery, and more. This variety gives artists ample opportunity to bring their designs to life on a multitude of items.
- Ease of Use: The CafePress platform is user-friendly, making it easy for artists to upload designs, set up a shop, and manage their sales.
- Marketing Support: CafePress provides various marketing tools, such as banner ad creator and promotional links, to help artists promote their shops and designs effectively.
- Global Reach: With shipping to over 180 countries, CafePress ensures artists’ designs can reach a broad audience.
- Fan Portals: Unique to CafePress is its fan portal feature, where artists can create merchandise for popular TV shows, movies, and comics. This feature can help artists attract a dedicated fan base and increase their sales.
- Quality Assurance: CafePress is committed to high-quality products and printing processes, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
With its extensive product catalog, ease of use, and unique features, CafePress stands out as a unique choice among the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re a newbie to the print on demand industry or an experienced artist looking to reach a broad audience, CafePress offers a comprehensive platform to help you achieve your goals.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt is a global print on demand platform known for its high-quality apparel and accessories. With a user-friendly platform and the ability for artists to create their own online storefronts, Spreadshirt holds a prominent place among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s what makes Spreadshirt special:
- Specialized Product Range: Spreadshirt’s primary focus is on clothing and accessories. This specialization allows artists who primarily create wearable designs to focus their efforts and reach a specific target audience.
- User-Friendly Platform: Spreadshirt offers an intuitive, easy-to-use platform. Artists can smoothly upload their designs, set their prices, and manage their products and sales.
- Create Your Own Storefront: Artists on Spreadshirt can create their own branded online storefronts. This helps artists build their brand, showcase their work effectively, and increase customer loyalty.
- Quality Assurance: Known for its high-quality prints and products, Spreadshirt ensures that each item featuring an artist’s design meets high standards of quality, resulting in customer satisfaction and repeat sales.
- Fair Commission Structure: Spreadshirt offers a volume commission in addition to a design price, making it a profitable platform for artists.
- Global Presence: Spreadshirt has a strong global presence with production facilities in the U.S. and Europe and delivers to over 150 countries, providing artists the chance to reach an international audience.
By focusing on wearable designs, providing a user-friendly platform, and allowing for individual storefronts, Spreadshirt establishes itself as a go-to in the best print on demand sites for artists. Whether you’re an artist looking to reach a specific target audience or to expand your brand globally, Spreadshirt offers a viable platform to meet your needs.
Design By Humans
Design By Humans is an artist-driven, community-focused platform that stands out for its commitment to supporting and promoting artists worldwide. Specializing in apparel and accessories, it has carved out a unique place among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s why Design By Humans is an excellent choice for artists:
- Community Focus: Design By Humans sets itself apart with its commitment to building an artist community. The platform fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among artists, which can be a valuable resource for networking and inspiration.
- Quality Assurance: Known for high-quality prints and products, Design By Humans ensures that each item featuring an artist’s design meets the highest quality standards, leading to customer satisfaction and repeat sales.
- Artist-Driven Platform: The platform hosts regular design contests and highlights artist shops on their homepage, giving artists opportunities to showcase their work and gain recognition.
- Charitable Cause Support: Artists on Design By Humans can choose to donate a portion of their sales to select charitable organizations, a feature that not only contributes to good causes but can also enhance the artist’s brand image.
- Unique and Trendy Products: Design By Humans offers a range of trendy apparel and accessories, providing artists the opportunity to see their designs on products that are in demand and in line with current fashion trends.
- Global Reach: Design By Humans ships worldwide, providing artists the chance to reach a global audience.
Design By Humans stands out for its commitment to artists and the community, offering unique opportunities for exposure and success. With its high-quality products, community-focused approach, and support for charitable causes, it has earned a unique place among the best print on demand sites for artists.
Threadless
Threadless is a Chicago-based print on demand platform that is cherished for its artist-centric approach and the wide range of unique, high-quality products it offers. This makes it a worthy inclusion to round out our list of the best print on demand sites for artists.
Here’s what sets Threadless apart:
- Artist Shops: Threadless allows artists to set up their own branded ‘Artist Shop’ for free. This gives artists the opportunity to showcase their work, build a brand, and create a unique shopping experience for their customers.
- Extensive Product Catalog: Threadless offers an extensive range of products for artists to print their designs on. This includes clothing, home decor, and accessories, providing artists with numerous options to showcase their work.
- Community Engagement: Threadless has a strong artist community and regularly hosts design challenges to encourage artist engagement and to provide artists with opportunities to gain exposure.
- Quality Assurance: Known for its high-quality products and printing processes, Threadless ensures customer satisfaction and repeat business for artists.
- Artist Earnings: Artists on Threadless have control over their pricing and can earn a significant margin on each sale.
- Global Reach: With international shipping, Threadless offers artists the ability to sell their work to customers all over the world.
Threadless, with its artist-centric approach, high-quality products, and supportive community, rightly concludes our list of the best print on demand sites for artists. Its commitment to empowering artists and providing a platform for their creativity makes it an excellent choice for artists looking to make their mark in the print on demand industry.
How to Choose from the Best Print on Demand Sites for Artists
Choosing the right platform can be a game-changer in the success of selling your art online. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting from the best print on demand sites for artists:
- Commissions and Pricing: Investigate the commission structure and pricing of each platform. Some sites may allow you to set your own prices, while others have fixed commissions. Consider how these factors will affect your potential profits.
- Site Traffic: Consider the site’s traffic and customer base. Higher traffic can mean more potential customers, but it can also mean more competition.
- User Interface: The ease of use of a platform is important. Uploading designs and managing your shop should be simple and straightforward. If the site is difficult to navigate, it may deter you from using it effectively.
- Product Range: Look for a platform that offers a wide range of products that match your art style and audience preferences. The more products you can print your art on, the more opportunities you have for sales.
- Quality Assurance: Quality is key in keeping customers satisfied and coming back for more. Ensure the platform you choose is known for high-quality prints and products.
- Marketing Tools and Support: Some platforms offer marketing tools and resources to help you promote your shop and products. These can be invaluable in growing your business.
- Community and Support: Some artists find value in the community and support offered by a platform. Design contests, forums, and networking opportunities can provide inspiration and valuable industry insights.
- Global Reach: If you’re looking to reach a global audience, ensure the platform you choose ships internationally.
Remember, what works best for one artist may not work best for another. It’s about finding the platform that aligns with your needs, your style, and your goals. Take the time to do your research and consider your options carefully before deciding.
The Impact of Using the Best Print on Demand Sites for Artists
Utilizing the best print on demand sites for artists can significantly impact an artist’s career. Here’s how:
- Success Stories: Numerous artists have found success using these platforms. For instance, Steven Rhodes, a graphic designer from Brisbane, saw his career skyrocket after uploading his designs to Redbubble. Similarly, artist Andy Westface started selling his cheerful, whimsical designs on Society6 and has since built a strong online following. These platforms have made it possible for many artists to reach global audiences and enjoy significant success.
- Revenue Growth: Selling art through print on demand sites can provide a substantial additional income stream. As your popularity grows, so too can your revenue. For example, many artists on Fine Art America have seen a steady increase in their income as they continue to add new works and gain more followers.
- Brand Building: These platforms offer artists an opportunity to build their brand. Artists like Bianca Green and Tobe Fonseca have been able to establish their unique artistic identities through their artist shops on Threadless.
- Expansion Opportunities: As your art gains more recognition, you might find opportunities to expand beyond print on demand. Some artists have seen their work featured in galleries, on album covers, and in physical retail stores after gaining initial recognition on POD sites.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Successful artists on these platforms often get opportunities to collaborate with other artists or brands. For instance, many Design By Humans artists have worked with major brands and entertainment franchises after gaining exposure on the site.
The potential for growth and expansion when using the best print on demand sites for artists is considerable. By harnessing the power of these platforms, artists can reach global audiences, increase their income, and take their careers to new heights.
Conclusion
As the world continues to move increasingly towards digital solutions, the value and importance of using the best print on demand sites for artists cannot be overstated. These platforms offer artists an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience, establish their brand, and generate significant income, all with the flexibility and ease that digital platforms provide.
Artists are no longer limited by geographical boundaries or the need for physical gallery space. With the best print on demand sites for artists at their disposal, they can reach potential customers anywhere in the world, at any time.
Each platform comes with its unique features and benefits, and the best choice will largely depend on an artist’s individual needs, style, and business goals. We encourage artists to explore these platforms, leverage their unique offerings, and find the best fit for their art business.
In the dynamic world of digital art sales, these platforms continue to evolve and grow, continually offering new features and opportunities for artists. In this ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant – the unparalleled opportunity these platforms provide for artists to share their creativity with the world.
In conclusion, the best print on demand sites for artists are more than just a place to sell art; they are a gateway to global exposure, brand building, and business growth. So, go ahead, explore these platforms, and take your art to the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I sell my art prints on demand?
There are numerous platforms where you can sell your art prints on demand. Some of the best print on demand sites for artists include Society6, Redbubble, Fine Art America, Zazzle, TeeSpring, Printful, CafePress, Spreadshirt, Design By Humans, and Threadless.
What platforms are best for print-on-demand advertising?
The best platforms for print-on-demand advertising often provide marketing tools and support to help promote your work. These may include platforms like Redbubble, Printful, and Zazzle. However, the "best" platform will largely depend on your specific needs and objectives.
How good is Redbubble for artists?
Redbubble is a popular platform among artists due to its user-friendly interface, global customer base, and broad range of products to print designs on. Artists on Redbubble can set their own profit margins and have control over their own storefronts, making it an attractive choice for many.
Is Etsy or Redbubble better for artists?
Both Etsy and Redbubble offer unique advantages. Etsy allows artists to sell handmade and vintage items, while Redbubble focuses on print-on-demand products featuring artists' designs. The choice between the two will depend on what you're looking to sell and your personal business goals.
Do artists get paid from Redbubble?
Yes, artists do get paid from Redbubble. Artists can set their own profit margins, meaning they control how much they earn from each sale. The total earnings are paid monthly into the artist's account
