1. Monetizing art through print on demand services

15 best print on demand sites for artists in 2024

Looking to monetize your art in the digital era? You're in the perfect spot. As an artist, it's important to keep your focus on creating, but it's equally important to find outlets that help you generate income from your passion.

Print on demand platforms provide a great opportunity to sell your artwork on a global scale without any upfront costs of building your own store or buying inventory.

Get ready to explore where you can showcase your masterpieces to the world!

Main takeaways from this article:

  • Print on demand companies offer independent artists a platform to monetize their artwork globally without upfront costs.

  • Print on demand websites like Gelato, Printify, Redbubble, Society6, and Printful provide various products for artists to print their designs on.

  • Gelato stands out for its eco-friendly approach and global network of print partners.

  • Artists can choose platforms based on product range, integration with ecommerce, and customization options.

  • Some platforms allow setting your own prices, offering greater control over earnings.

  • It's essential to consider the target audience, platform usability, product range, profit margins, and other artists' reviews when selecting a platform.

Start selling your artwork with Gelato. Sign up for free and get started today!

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Monetizing art through print on demand services

Print on demand services offer an incredible way for artists to monetize their creativity. Imagine easily transforming your artwork into merchandise like framed prints, t-shirts, or mugs and then selling them worldwide without handling the stock or shipping. Sounds great, right? 

So, if you're looking to turn your passion into profit, these print on demand platforms could be exactly what you need!

Top 15 print on demand platforms for artists

From marketplaces to standalone platforms, let's delve into the top 15 sites that bring your artwork to life without requiring a huge upfront investment.

1. Gelato

Gelato logo

As an artist, look no further than Gelato for your print on demand needs. This global platform delivers something special to the table. Apart from offering a wide variety of products to print your artwork on, what sets Gelato apart is its eco-conscious approach.

Gelato is committed to minimizing waste and carbon emissions by printing orders close to the delivery location through a network of 130+ print partners in 32 countries. Besides, Gelato offers 24/7 customer support, making it easier for you to resolve any issues. 

With Gelato, you not only share your art but also contribute to a more sustainable planet.

2. Printify

Printify logo

Printify acts as a mediator between you, the artist, and the top printing companies, allowing you to focus primarily on your art. Their broad catalog features over 250 products, which means you can dabble in various merchandise forms, from t-shirts to home decor.

Notably, Printify offers a mockup generator, allowing you to see how your design would appear on a product before making a final decision. An added perk? Their transparent pricing structure helps you navigate the financial aspect of print on demand, which helps in strategizing your pricing model.

3. Printful

Printful logo

Boasting seamless integration with popular ecommerce platforms, Printful has managed to carve a name for itself in the print on demand realm. This site shines for its wide assortment of products to print on, ranging from apparel to homewares. Artists appreciate Printful's commitment to high-quality products and printing techniques.

Another distinctive feature is their white-label service, letting you brand your art merchandise professionally. They also offer a mockup generator, where you can preview your art on various products and backgrounds.

4. Fine Art America

Fine Art America stands out as a one-stop-shop platform dedicated specifically to artists and photographers. This platform is unique as it allows you to set your own prices for your artwork. It offers a vast range of product types, from prints to home decor, greeting cards, and even phone cases.

An exceptional feature it offers is it allows custom framing and matting, which gives customers a chance to get a 'ready-to-hang' delivery. They also offer an Artist Website, separate from the Fine Art America site, for artists to showcase their portfolio.

5. Redbubble

redbubble-logo

Redbubble is a platform that speaks to the free-spirited artist. When you bring your creativity here, you are venturing into a vibrant global marketplace teeming with art enthusiasts. Distinguished by its artist-friendly features, Redbubble allows you to set your profit margins. This means more control over how much you earn.

A key draw for many creatives is Redbubble's diverse range of over 60 customizable products, from t-shirts to wall art and even home decor. An added benefit is the international reach of Redbubble grants, shipping your art in print form to customers worldwide.

6. Society6

Society6 logo

Society6 stands out as an online marketplace with diverse artwork from artists worldwide. It offers a simple and seamless process for artists to sell their art. Once you upload your design, Society6 takes care of everything else, from printing to shipping.

What truly sets it apart is the massive array of products you can print your art on - we're talking everything from wall art and home decor to lifestyle products and even furniture! Plus, its artist compensation structure is refreshingly transparent - you set your retail price and pocket the difference after the base cost.

7. Zazzle

Zazzle logo

As an artist, you'll love the flexibility Zazzle offers when it comes to customizing your products. This platform lets you set your own royalty rates, giving you more control over your earnings than most other POD sites.

It not only supports a variety of product types for you to print your art on but also allows extensive customization on the customer's side. This feature enhances the customer’s engagement while shopping, resulting in more personalized products and heightened customer satisfaction. When uniqueness matters, Zazzle checks all the right boxes.

8. Etsy

If you're an artist seeking a platform with a community-oriented feel, Etsy could be just the ticket. Its unique benefit lies in its market, which is beyond print on demand products. Etsy customers are often looking for special, one-of-a-kind items crafted by artists. This can give your artwork a spotlight and allow it to stand out amongst a sea of mass-produced items.

Another unique feature is that Etsy allows artists to open their own shops, giving artists complete control over how their products are presented and marketed. Additionally, Etsy's integration with Gelato makes printing and selling your designs a breeze.

9. Merch by Amazon

Amazon Merch on Demand logo

Merch by Amazon offers a unique and lucrative opportunity for artists. As an artist, you can create and upload your designs directly to the platform free of charge. Then, Amazon takes care of everything else - production, selling, shipping, and even customer service. This ensures you can focus purely on your art and creativity.

What sets it apart is the broad customer reach you gain access to. Leveraging Amazon's extensive global network, your artwork gets unparalleled visibility, translating into greater sales. Furthermore, artists retain rights to their artwork and can set their own royalty rates, ensuring you get your fair share from every sale.

10. Teepublic

TeePublic logo

Teepublic is more than just a print on demand site. It provides an online hub for artists to share their work and build a fanbase. As an artist, you'll appreciate Teepublic's automated system, which diverts control of desired product types and color options straight into your hands. There's no limit to design uploads, enhancing your profit potential.

Plus, Teepublic offers great royalties – with higher margins compared to many competitors. This platform also collaborates directly with notable brands, offering exclusive opportunities for chosen artists. Ultimately, it's a great platform for artists eager to expand their reach while reaping quality benefits.

11. Threadless

Challenging the conventional, Threadless is a go-to platform that reels in the creative population. It thrives on community spirit, making artists feel a sense of belonging. The uniqueness of Threadless lies in its crowd-sourcing model.

Artists submit their designs for voting by the Threadless community. Winning designs are then printed on apparel, home decor items, and other products.

With a strong and supportive community coupled with artist-centric policies, Threadless is the perfect platform for artists who like to experiment and seek an interactive platform for sharing their creativity.

12. Shopify

Shopify logo

Shopify is more than just a marketplace; it's a complete ecommerce platform that allows you to start, grow, and manage a business. It stands out among other sites due to its seamless integrations with POD services like Gelato.

Shopify also offers you unparalleled control over your business's visual branding, customer experience, and more. The platform's SEO and analytic tools are noteworthy, too, giving you access to crucial data for business decisions. All these unique features make Shopify an excellent choice if you're seriously considering taking your art to the next level commercially.

13. WooCommerce

WooCommerce logo

WooCommerce is a tinkerer's dream, a truly customizable platform catering to your unique creative portrayal. Hosting your print on demand shop using WooCommerce gives you unlimited control over your artistic enterprise. As an open-source plugin for WordPress, it enables comprehensive integration possibilities. You're not confined to a standard product presentation; you can customize every tiny detail.

Additionally, WooCommerce does not charge additional fees per sale. This feature makes it ideal for artists who are ambitious about scaling up their businesses. However, WooCommerce's flexibility might require some tech-savviness or assistance from a web developer.

14. CafePress

CafePress logo

CafePress steps into the spotlight as a pioneer in the print on demand arena with an impressive history stretching back to 1999. This platform shines with its vast product catalog featuring more than 250 different types of merchandise, including apparel, home decor, and novelty gifts - giving artists a massive canvas to express their creativity.

CafePress also stands out for its global reach, offering international shipping options that can help artists broaden their customer bases. The platform's friendly user interface and comprehensive resources for design tips and marketing strategies make it a solid choice for both novice and experienced artists alike.

15. Spring

Spring logo

Spring, formerly known as Teespring, is a powerful tool for artists who want a minimalist, no-fuss platform to monetize their creativity. Its streamlined interface makes it easy to upload your work, with customizable options including realistic mockups that let you visualize your design on a broad range of products.

What sets Spring apart is its merch shelf integration feature with YouTube, providing a unique opportunity for artists with a significant online presence. This feature allows you to showcase your merch directly under your YouTube videos, thereby improving visibility and potentially boosting sales considerably.

How to choose the right platform for your art

Choosing the right platform for your art is crucial to reaching your valued audience and maximizing your earnings. To assist you in this essential step, here are five invaluable tips: 

1. Integration capabilities

Platforms that offer integration allow you to manage your portfolio and sales directly from your own website, providing a streamlined experience for both you and your customers

2. Evaluate the platform’s user interface

Consider how user-friendly the platform is. As an artist, you want to spend most of your time creating, not wrestling with a complex interface. Some platforms, such as Gelato, are more artist-focused and intuitive. 

3. Check the product range

Not all platforms offer the same range of products. If you're trying to sell prints of your work, make sure the platform you choose specializes in this aspect. 

4. Evaluate the profit margin

Ultimately, you want a platform that offers a good return on your efforts. Look into the cut each platform takes and the pricing freedom you'll have. 

5. Read reviews from other artists

Take into account the experiences of other artists using that platform. Reviews and feedback can provide insights into areas like customer service, printing quality, and overall satisfaction.

By considering these aspects, you can select a print on demand company that not only showcases your art beautifully but also suits your individual needs and goals as an artist.

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Design stunning art prints and more with Gelato

With Gelato's print on demand business model, you can transform your art into a range of high-quality products. From vibrant t-shirts and custom mugs to elegant wall art, canvas prints, and stylish phone cases, there's a product for every artist's style.

Beyond that, Gelato even offers customizable photo books, a perfect fit for photographers or those wanting to create curated collections of their work under their own brand. 

Thanks to advanced DTG printing techniques, Gelato ensures vivid, rich colors and sharp details, true to your original designs, turning your artwork into something tangible and functional. 

Ready to bring your art to life? Sign up for Gelato today and start creating!

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