Turning Your Art into Products
Turn Your Art into Illustrations for Prints and Merchandise
Have you ever thought about turning your artwork into something people can take home, wear, or display? Whether you’re interested in prints, apparel, or home decor, transforming your art into products could be a great way to expand your reach. This not only opens up new avenues for sharing your creativity, but it also offers the chance to connect with a wider audience who may not have the space or budget for original pieces. Plus, turning your art into products can help diversify your income and make your work more accessible to people everywhere.
Creating a painting or sculpture is one thing, but transforming that art into something people can wear, hang on their walls, or use every day is a whole new adventure. Think about it—your art has the potential to reach so many more people, even those who might not have the space or budget for an original piece. By turning your designs into products and prints, you open the door to new opportunities, all while diversifying your income.
As someone who’s been in the art world and the business side of things for years, I can tell you: expanding into products and prints doesn’t mean losing your artistic identity. It’s about adapting your work in a way that fits both you and your audience. Let’s see how you can turn your art into illustrations and use those illustrations to create prints and products.
Embracing the Illustration Process
Turning your art into illustrations for products can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re used to traditional media. But the truth is, it can be easier than you think—and it doesn't require you to change your style. Think of illustration as a way to adapt your artwork for things like posters, T-shirts, mugs, and other products.
The first step is figuring out which parts of your art work best in this new format. If your art includes abstract shapes or fluid compositions, your illustrations might lean toward more graphic interpretations of those elements. For instance, a bold pattern or color blocking could make for a great print design or fabric pattern. If your art is more realistic or detailed, consider simplifying elements or focusing on one subject or motif that will stand out when reproduced on products like notebooks or home decor.
Once you identify the parts of your work that lend themselves well to illustration, it’s time to think about how to adapt your process. If you're a traditional painter, you can scan your work and use digital tools to refine it. Programs like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate allow you to clean up, simplify, and even add new colors to make it ready for products. For digital artists, the process might be as simple as tweaking your existing design to make it versatile for different uses.
Focusing on Versatility
One of the most important things to remember when turning your art into products is versatility. Some pieces may translate perfectly into prints or products, while others might need a little adjustment. For example, a painting with a lot of intricate detail might not work well on a small pin or T-shirt design, so simplifying the image could make it more effective on a variety of products.
Experimenting with different variations of your art is a great way to find what works. You could start by adapting a favorite painting into a simpler version for a print, and then adjust that design for various products like tote bags, phone cases, or even pillows. The goal is to make sure your illustration still captures the essence of your original artwork while fitting the practical needs of each product. A bold pattern might look fantastic on a large poster, but you might need to tweak it for something smaller, like a coffee mug or notebook cover, to make sure it stays recognizable and effective.
Building Your Product Line: Print-on-Demand vs. DIY
Once your illustrations are ready, the next step is deciding how to turn them into actual products. The beauty of online platforms today is that they make it easier than ever to create and sell your designs without worrying about upfront costs or inventory. Websites like Redbubble, Society6, and Teespring let you upload your artwork and have it printed on everything from T-shirts and hoodies to wall art and accessories. They handle all the production and shipping, so you can focus on creating.
However, if you’d like more control over the process, you can explore print-on-demand services or even work directly with local manufacturers. For example, you might want to create limited-edition prints or hand-printed T-shirts that feel more personal. In this case, you'd be more involved in the production, but you’d get to offer unique products to your customers. Either way, once you have your illustrations, you’re ready to create products that reflect your style.
When building your product line, don’t feel the need to go overboard right away. Start small, offering just a few products that showcase your art in different ways. Maybe a set of prints, a few T-shirt designs, or accessories like tote bags or mugs. This will help you keep things manageable while you figure out what your audience loves. As you get a feel for what works, you can begin expanding your offerings.
Print-on-Demand: Letting Someone Else Handle the Logistics
Print-on-demand (POD) is a great option if you’re just starting out or don’t want to deal with the physical side of things. With POD, all you have to do is upload your artwork, choose the products you want it printed on, and the platform takes care of printing, packaging, and shipping to your customers.
The biggest advantage of POD is that there’s little to no upfront cost. You don’t need to worry about bulk orders or shipping logistics. Companies like Redbubble and Teespring make it easy to turn your designs into a wide range of products—from T-shirts to phone cases—without the risk of unsold inventory. The best part is you can focus entirely on the creative side of things, adding new designs or tweaking existing ones while the platform handles everything else.
However, POD does come with some downsides. You might have less control over production quality, and shipping times can sometimes be slower than you'd like. Your profit margin is also lower, as the platform takes a cut of each sale. Still, POD is an excellent way to get your art out there without too much risk or effort.
Doing It Yourself: Full Control and Higher Margins
On the other hand, producing your own products gives you complete control over the entire process. From sourcing materials to managing inventory and shipping, this method requires more time and upfront investment, but it offers a lot of flexibility.
When you produce your own products, you get to choose everything—from the materials used to the design options. If you prefer eco-friendly packaging or organic cotton for T-shirts, you can make those decisions yourself. You'll also enjoy higher profit margins since you're not paying a third party for production. Plus, producing your own items allows you to add a personal touch, like hand-signing prints or offering custom designs.
That said, managing everything yourself can be a lot of work. You’ll need to invest in materials, production, and storage space for inventory. And fulfilling orders—packing, shipping, and customer service—can be time-consuming, especially if you’re balancing this with your art practice. But if you have the resources and time to commit, it can be a rewarding way to create a more personalized experience for your customers.
Which Is Right for You?
Whether you choose POD or DIY depends on your goals and the amount of time and effort you're willing to invest. If you’re just starting out or want to test the waters without committing to a large investment, POD is a great choice. It allows you to experiment with different products and designs without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. As demand grows, you can gradually scale your business.
If you have the resources, time, and desire for more control, producing your own products can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to create a more personalized, custom experience for your customers and offers higher profit margins.
You could also take a hybrid approach, starting with POD to see what sells, then transitioning to producing your own products for your best-sellers. Offering limited-edition, hand-produced items alongside POD designs could provide your customers with something special.
Marketing Your Products
Now that your illustrations are on products, it’s time to market them. Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are key to showcasing your products and getting the word out. Post photos of your products in action—someone wearing your design on a T-shirt or carrying your tote bag. This gives potential customers a glimpse of how your art can be part of their everyday life.
Engage with your followers, ask them what products they’d like to see, or run polls on Instagram Stories to get feedback. The more you connect with your audience, the more they’ll feel invested in your work, which can lead to more sales and a loyal following.
Building a Brand Around Your Art
As you start selling products, you’ll also be building your personal brand. A brand is more than just a logo or slogan—it’s the story behind your art, the connection you create with your audience. Take some time to think about how you want people to perceive your work. What message does your art convey? Once you have a clear vision for your brand, apply it to everything from your website and social media to the products you create.
By treating your art as a product for prints and merchandise, you're opening doors to new opportunities and creating a sustainable creative career. So, dive in, experiment, and see where your illustrations can take you. Your art is already special—now it’s time to share it in exciting new ways.
Final Thoughts (for now! Fret not I always have more on this topic!)
Turning your art into illustrations for prints and products is a great way to expand your reach and grow your creative career. Whether you're creating prints for the wall, designing T-shirts, or offering other merchandise, your art has the potential to reach a wider audience and generate consistent income.
Remember, it’s not about compromising your creativity—it’s about adapting your work for new contexts and exploring fresh ways to share your art with the world. So, take the leap, experiment, and watch your art shine in new and fun ways!
