10 Tips for artists to succeed in print-on-demand

Breaking into the world of print-on-demand (POD) can feel overwhelming, but it's one of the most powerful ways to transform your art into products that sell. Whether you're an aspiring artist or an experienced creative ready to monetize your work, print-on-demand can help you reach a global audience without requiring a hefty upfront investment.

This guide will walk you through 10 actionable tips to set you up for success, grow your artistic brand, and ensure your creations thrive in the POD space.

What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand is a way to sell artwork where designs are printed only after a customer places an order. This means there's no need to keep inventory, and you avoid the risk of unsold stock. Whether it's canvas prints, posters, or merchandise, POD gives artists an incredible opportunity to share their work with the world, in a way that's flexible, risk-free, and scalable.

Why artists should consider print-on-demand

• No upfront inventory cost - Only print when you sell.
• Reach a wider audience - Easily sell and ship to several countries.
• Focus on the art - The logistics of production and shipping are handled for you.

Printumo, a specialized POD platform, makes it easy for artists to turn their work into beautiful, high-quality canvas and poster prints—perfect for showcasing your creativity to your customers.

Now, let's explore how to succeed in the world of print-on-demand.

1. Define your niche

Success begins with understanding your audience. Not all art resonates with everyone, so it's important to focus on a niche or style that attracts a specific group of buyers. Ask yourself:

• Do I specialize in abstract art or detailed illustrations?
• Is my work suited for home décor lovers or pop-culture enthusiasts?

Having a defined style or niche will make it easier for customers to recognize and connect with your brand.

2. Create high-quality Artwork

Your art is the heart of your business, so ensuring high-quality designs is key. Digital art should be uploaded in formats with high resolution (150 dpi or higher) to ensure sharp, professional results. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate can help enhance your designs.

For traditional artists, scan or photograph your work with a professional camera or scanner to maintain detail and color integrity.

3. Choose the Right Print-On-Demand Partner

Your POD partner is critical to your success. A platform like Printumo offers premium-quality canvas and poster prints, broad customization options, and seamless order management. Here's what a great POD partner should provide:

• Exceptional print quality for your art.
• Easy-to-use interface for uploading and managing designs.
• Reliable shipping and production times.
• Support for professional framing and sizing options.

Printumo stands out as a trusted choice for artists, offering specialized services tailored to showcasing canvas art.

4. Build Your brand identity

Your brand is how customers perceive you and your art. Start by choosing a memorable name, designing a professional logo, and curating an aesthetic that reflects your creative vision. Consistency matters—use the same color scheme, fonts, and tone across your online shop and social media.

Think of your brand as an extension of your art. What story do you want to tell?

5. Set up an online shop

A professional and user-friendly online shop builds credibility and drives sales. Use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or a dedicated shop on Printumo to showcase your artwork. Make it easy for customers to browse your designs, understand product details, and place orders seamlessly.

Include the following features in your shop:

• High-quality images of your art on canvas or posters.
• Clear descriptions with engaging storytelling about the inspiration behind your work.
• Pricing that reflects the quality and value of your art.

6. Share the story behind your art

Share the story behind your art to help customers connect on a deeper level. Talk about your inspiration, the creative process, or the emotions behind each piece. Sharing these personal details invites customers into your world, making your art more meaningful and encouraging them to take it home.

7. Market through social media

Social media is your best friend when it comes to reaching new audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing visual art. Here's how to use them effectively:

• Post consistently with high-quality content (behind-the-scenes process videos, lifestyle shots, etc.).
• Use relevant hashtags like #PrintOnDemandArt and #CanvasArt.
• Engage with your audience through comments, stories, and polls.
• Collaborate with influencers in your niche to increase visibility.

Social media not only boosts your visibility but also strengthens the connection between you and your followers.

8. Price strategically

Pricing your art is an art in itself. You want to ensure your prices cover production and shipping costs while still making a profit. Consider these guidelines:

• Research competitors' pricing to understand market rates.
• Account for the quality and exclusivity of your work—custom art deserves to be priced higher than mass-produced designs.
• Periodically offer discounts or promotions to attract buyers while maintaining value.

With Printumo, you can easily calculate pricing based on production costs, so you’ll always stay in control of your profit margins.

9. Engage with your community

The best way to grow in the POD world is by building a loyal community. Share your story, respond to feedback, and make customers feel part of your artistic journey. A few ways to build brand loyalty:

• Send handwritten thank-you notes with orders.
• Host social media Q&A sessions or behind-the-scenes tours.
• Run limited-time sales, contests, or giveaways for your followers.

Connecting with your audience transforms buyers into lifelong supporters.

10. Watch your metrics and iterate

Finally, keep track of your performance. How are certain designs performing? Which platforms drive the most traffic? Use tools like Google Analytics or Shopify stats to monitor sales trends.

Don’t be afraid to adapt. If a certain style is trending or you notice your audience craves specific themes, evolve your strategy to meet demand while staying true to your artistic vision.

Build your print-on-demand success story with Printumo

Turning your creativity into a thriving business doesn’t have to be daunting. With a focus on your art, a sense of community, and the right tools like Printumo, you can build a successful, sustainable brand.

Printumo simplifies the process of transforming your art into high-quality canvas and poster prints, allowing you to focus on your passion while we handle the rest.