If you’re an artist, chances are you’ve been told at some point, “You should sell that!” But where do you even begin? Turning your artwork into products like stickers, prints, and other merch isn’t just a fun idea — it’s a genuine business opportunity. Thanks to platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Shopify, you no longer need to be represented by a gallery to earn money from your art.
This guide breaks down how to turn your art into stickers, prints, and more — covering the tools, platforms, tips, and marketing strategies you need to get started.
🎨 Why Turn Your Art into Sellable Products?
There are many good reasons to do this:
- Passive income: Once you design and list your products, you can earn money while you sleep.
- Reach more people: Not everyone can afford original art, but many will happily buy a $5 sticker or $20 print.
- Brand growth: Products like tote bags, mugs, and phone cases are great tools for promoting your brand.
- Creative control: You choose what art gets made, how it’s sold, and who you sell it to.
🧰 Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork Digitally
Before you can sell your art as a product, it needs to be digitized. Here’s how:
Scan or Photograph Your Art
- Use a scanner for flat art like watercolor or ink drawings.
- For canvas or textured art, take high-resolution photos in natural light.
- Aim for 300 DPI resolution, especially for printing.
Edit and Clean Up
Use programs like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or GIMP to:
- Clean the background
- Adjust brightness/contrast
- Resize for different formats (stickers, prints, mugs, etc.)
- Export in PNG (for transparent background) and JPEG (for prints)
🖼️ Step 2: Decide What to Sell
There are countless product possibilities. Choose what fits your art style and audience best.
Stickers
- Easy to produce and ship
- Popular with all ages
- Great entry point for beginners
Art Prints
- Can be sold as digital downloads or physical products
- Wide profit margins
- Options include posters, framed prints, and canvas prints
Other Product Ideas
- Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, hats
- Home Decor: Throw pillows, wall art, tapestries
- Stationery: Journals, notepads, postcards
- Accessories: Tote bags, mugs, phone cases
Tip: Start with 2–3 products and expand once you understand what your customers like.
🛍️ Step 3: Choose How You’ll Sell
You have two main options: print-on-demand or DIY production.
Option 1: Print-on-Demand (POD)
You upload your designs, and the POD platform prints, packs, and ships the product when someone buys.
Popular POD Platforms:
- Redbubble: Artist-friendly, no upfront cost
- TeePublic: Great for apparel and simple setup
- Printful + Etsy/Shopify: More control, higher profit potential
- Society6: Art-focused, ideal for prints and home decor
Pros:
- No inventory
- Hands-off fulfillment
- Scales easily
Cons:
- Lower profit per item
- Limited packaging/customization
- Payout schedules may be delayed
Option 2: DIY Production
You create the products yourself and ship them to customers. Ideal if you want full control and higher margins.
Tools and Materials for Stickers:
- Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine
- Inkjet printer with pigment-based ink
- Vinyl or waterproof sticker paper
- Laminator (optional) for durability
For Art Prints:
- High-quality printer (or outsource locally)
- Archival paper
- Protective sleeves or tubes for shipping
Pros:
- Higher profit margins
- Full branding and packaging control
- More customization
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Requires storage and shipping supplies
- Manual labor and inventory management
🖌️ Step 4: Design Your Products
This is the fun part — but remember, product design is different from fine art.
Tips for Designing Stickers:
- Make sure designs work at small sizes (2–4 inches)
- Bold lines and contrast help
- Humor, positivity, and niche appeal sell well
- Add borders or cut lines if you’re using a Cricut
Tips for Prints:
- Match sizes people commonly buy (5×7″, 8×10″, 11×14″)
- Consider offering digital downloads
- Sign limited edition prints to increase value
Don’t Forget Branding!
- Add your artist handle or logo subtly
- Use consistent fonts, color palettes, or design themes
- Create cohesive collections
🏪 Step 5: Set Up Your Online Store
You’ll need a place where people can view and buy your products.
Selling Platforms:
Etsy
- Great for artists, crafts, and small businesses
- Built-in audience
- Custom branding options
Shopify
- Full control and customization
- Great if you’re scaling or already have a fanbase
- Monthly fees, but higher profit potential
Redbubble/Society6
- Easiest to set up
- No fees or setup costs
- Best for passive income
You can also cross-promote on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to drive traffic.
💰 Step 6: Price Your Products
You want to cover your costs and make a profit. Consider:
- Production costs (materials, printing, shipping)
- Platform fees (Etsy listing fees, transaction fees)
- Packaging
- Time spent
Example pricing:
- Stickers: $3–$5 each
- Art prints: $15–$40 depending on size and format
- Mugs/Totes: $12–$25+
Start with competitive pricing and raise it as your brand grows.
📦 Step 7: Shipping and Packaging (If You DIY)
If you’re handling orders yourself, make your packaging part of the customer experience.
Shipping Tips:
- Use rigid mailers or cardboard to prevent bending
- Offer tracking for larger orders
- Consider offering free shipping and building it into your price
Packaging Ideas:
- Branded thank-you cards
- Stickers as freebies
- Eco-friendly wrapping
- Handwritten notes for a personal touch
Happy customers = repeat customers + word-of-mouth marketing.
📣 Step 8: Market Your Art Like a Pro
Just listing your products isn’t enough. You have to promote them.
Social Media
- Instagram: Post your designs, packaging videos, and behind-the-scenes content
- Pinterest: Great for driving traffic to Etsy or Shopify stores
- TikTok: Time-lapse videos, tutorials, packing orders — all perform well
- YouTube: Share your art journey or product reviews
Email Marketing
- Offer a freebie in exchange for email sign-ups (e.g., a free printable)
- Send updates, exclusive launches, and discounts to your list
Collaborate
- Partner with influencers or other artists
- Run giveaways to grow your audience
- Join art markets (both physical and online)
🔄 Step 9: Evolve with Feedback
Track what sells and what doesn’t. Listen to your customers.
Ask yourself:
- Which designs are most popular?
- Should I offer bundles or custom orders?
- Are customers asking for new sizes or product types?
Treat your art shop like a business — test, refine, grow.
✅ Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big
Turning your art into stickers, prints, and products can be both fun and profitable. Whether you want a full-time business or just extra income from your creativity, there’s room for your art in the marketplace.
Here’s your quick action checklist:
- Digitize and edit your art
- Choose what products to sell
- Decide between POD or DIY
- Set up an online shop
- Promote your work and engage with your audience
- Scale with new products, feedback, and smarter marketing
🙋♀️ FAQ: Turning Art into Products
Q: Do I need a business license to sell my art?
A: It depends on your country and sales volume. For small-scale selling, most places don’t require one initially — but it’s best to check your local laws.
Q: Can I sell fan art?
A: Selling fan art is risky. Some platforms allow it under fair use, but many companies protect their IP. It’s best to create original work to avoid legal issues.
Q: What’s the best product to start with?
A: Stickers are a great entry point — they’re cheap to produce, easy to ship, and highly sellable.
Q: How do I protect my art from being stolen?
A: Use watermarks on previews, sell low-res files for digital downloads, and consider copyright registration for your most valuable pieces.
If you’re an artist ready to monetize your passion, now is the perfect time. With low startup costs, endless tools, and global reach, the only thing you need is to get started.
Go turn your creativity into cash! 🎨💸
Would you like a printable version of this checklist or some free sticker design templates to get started? Let me know — I’d be happy to help!