- Rebecca Tomasis
- Mar 10
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
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In the ever-expanding world of eCommerce and creative entrepreneurship, print on demand (POD) has emerged as a lucrative opportunity for individuals seeking to turn their artistic talents into a profitable venture. Entrepreneurs are drawn to print on demand for its potential to blend creativity with business acumen, allowing them to showcase unique designs on various products and generate income.
Whether you're looking to supplement your income, establish your POD business or pursue a full-time career in the eCommerce space, understanding how to make money online with print on demand is the first step toward transforming your passion for design into a thriving business.
Need help thinking of other money-making opportunities? Use the Wix Business Launcher to discover more ideas based on your skills and hobbies. Chat with AI and get set up with a full market analysis, earning strategies and launch kit right out of the gate. Quickly take any idea from concept to reality.
How to make money with print on demand
Thriving in the print on demand business isn’t just about great designs—it’s about smart marketing, staying on top of trends and managing your time like a pro. Quality and creativity are a key because standout products keep customers coming back. A strong online portfolio can showcase your work and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Looking to level up? Build a dedicated website or use popular POD platforms (like Printful) to drive traffic and grow your brand. Focusing on a niche can boost visibility and attract loyal customers who value unique, high-quality products. If you have a print on demand business idea or want to start making money as a freelancer in the digital printing world, turning your passion into profit is all about aligning it with market demand.
Before starting to sell, make sure that your business plan is safe from intellectual property infringement.
12 ways to make money with print on demand
01. T-shirt design
Dive into the world of T-shirt design by crafting unique and eye-catching designs tailored for various audiences and occasions. Utilize your artistic flair to create visually stunning and engaging T-shirts that resonate with different tastes and preferences. Whether it's witty slogans, intricate illustrations or bold statements, infuse your designs with creativity to capture the attention of diverse customers. Explore this T-shirt design website for inspiration on this print on demand product.
Learn more:
02. Hoodie and sweatshirt design
Explore the realm of comfort and style with hoodie and sweatshirt design. Develop cozy and stylish designs that offer a perfect blend of warmth and fashion. Consider seasonal trends and consumer preferences to create designs that not only keep wearers snug but also make a fashion statement. This can also be a great way to make money online.
Learn more: How to start a clothing business
03. Mug and drinkware design
Embark on a journey of personalized and themed drinkware design. From mugs to water bottles, unleash your creativity to design items that add a personal touch to people's daily routines. Think about themes that resonate with individuals, creating a connection between your designs and the users' preferences.
04. Phone case design
Combine aesthetics with functionality by creating visually appealing and protective designs for phone cases. Consider the latest trends, materials and consumer needs to craft designs that not only enhance the look of mobile devices but also provide the necessary protection. Strive to create designs that users would proudly showcase.
Be inspired by our guide to print design.
05. Home decor and art prints
Transform living spaces with your artistic touch by designing art prints, posters and home decor items. Explore a variety of themes, from contemporary to classic, and create pieces that resonate with different interior design styles. Your designs can become a focal point in people's homes, expressing their unique taste and personality. Explore Shira Barzilay’s website, Koketit, to give you inspiration on how to springboard your career.
06. Customized stationery
Merge functionality and creativity in customized stationery design. Create craft notebooks, planners and notepads that stand out with personalized touches. Consider incorporating unique patterns, illustrations or even customizable features that allow users to express their individuality through your stationery designs.
07. Apparel for pets
Capture the hearts of pet owners by designing clothing and accessories for pets with unique and playful designs. Consider the comfort of the animals while infusing your designs with elements that reflect the joy and personality of pets. Your creations can become a delightful extension of the bond between pets and their owners.
Learn more: Pet dropshipping
08. Face masks and accessories
Address the contemporary need for stylish and comfortable face masks by designing unique patterns and accessories. Blend fashion with functionality to create face masks that make a statement while providing the necessary protection. Consider complementary accessories that enhance the overall experience of wearing face masks.
09. Customized bags and totes
Explore the world of bag and tote design with fashionable and functional designs that cater to the diverse needs of individuals. Consider trends in sustainable fashion and design products that align with eco-friendly preferences while offering practical solutions for daily activities.
10. Tech accessories
Enhance the digital experience by designing skins and accessories for laptops, tablets and other tech devices. Explore innovative designs that not only protect devices but also add a touch of individuality. Consider collaborating with tech enthusiasts to create designs that resonate with their passion for gadgets.
11. Sticker and decal design
Bring joy and self-expression to everyday items with fun and expressive sticker and decal designs. Explore a variety of themes and styles that cater to different age groups and interests. Consider creating themed collections or collaborating with artists to expand your range of designs.
Learn more: Sticker dropshipping
12. Special occasion merchandise
Contribute to memorable events by designing custom merchandise for special occasions like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Capture the essence of these moments with personalized designs and custom merch that become cherished keepsakes. Consider collaborating with event planners or individuals to create unique and meaningful designs for their special celebrations.
Explore the LemonMerch website featuring a wide range of print on demand merchandise, from hoodies and t-shirts to bento boxes and mugs.
Creative print on demand examples
Subscription box merchandise: Exclusive printed items like themed T-shirts, mugs and posters designed for niche subscription boxes, adding value for collectors and fans. Learn more: brochure ideas.
Personalized board games and puzzles: Custom jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board game sets featuring unique artwork, family portraits or branding for small businesses.
Reversible bucket hats: Trendy double-sided designs that let customers switch up their style with different patterns, colors or brand logos on each side.
Car sunshades and accessories: Fun windshield covers with eye-catching designs, personalized license plate frames and standout car decals.
Printed yoga mats: Custom mats with motivational quotes, bold patterns or eco-friendly messaging, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and wellness brands.
Custom sneakers and slides: Unique footwear with bold patterns, pop culture references or personal touches, great for sneakerheads and streetwear fans.
Personalized journals and planners: Custom covers and inserts with artistic designs, business branding or goal-tracking templates for students, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Embroidered patches and pins: Cool collectible designs for fandoms, streetwear brands or businesses looking to stand out with unique branded accessories.
Travel accessories: Printed passport covers, luggage tags and travel pouches with maps, travel quotes or monograms for globetrotters and travel influencers.
Gaming mousepads and desk mats: High-quality prints with gaming artwork, sci-fi themes or custom designs for gamers and office setups.
Custom aprons and kitchenware: Printed chef aprons, oven mitts, cutting boards and recipe journals for home cooks, restaurants and food influencers.
Outdoor gear: Printed camping mugs, waterproof stickers, picnic blankets and foldable chairs with nature-inspired designs or adventure branding.
Wedding and event merchandise: Personalized wedding favors, bachelorette party T-shirts, banners and welcome signs designed for special occasions.
Limited edition collector’s prints: Numbered exclusive pieces featuring original illustrations, digital artwork or photography, perfect for collectors and fans.
Print on demand trends
Personalized and trend-driven designs are dominating print on demand as customers look for unique, made-for-them products. AI-generated art is making it easier to create bold, eye-catching designs while eco-friendly options like organic cotton tees and biodegradable phone cases are growing in demand. Niche branding is on the rise too, with print on demand companies leaning into viral aesthetics, pop culture references and social movements to build loyal communities.
Social media is a major driver of print on demand success, turning viral moments into best-selling products almost overnight. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram make it simple for creators to showcase merch, and AR tools let customers preview designs before buying. Subscription-based POD is also expanding, offering fresh designs monthly in categories like apparel, home decor and accessories.
How to get started making money with print on demand
Begin by honing your design skills and identifying your preferred niche within the print on demand market. Make sure to stay informed about design trends and continuously improve your skills.
Next, think about how to make a website or a portfolio showcasing your best designs and product offerings. Utilize social media platforms and POD marketplaces to reach a wider audience and attract potential customers.
Learn more:
Set up a professional profile on POD platforms and eCommerce websites to connect with potential clients, collaborators and industry professionals.
Understand the basics of how to start a business, including setting competitive pricing, optimizing product listings and managing customer orders.
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