Local Artist Merchandise: Sell Art on Physical Products
Entrepreneurs without their own artwork collaborate with local artists and sell products featuring their designs โ no warehouse needed, using print-on-demand.
The business model rests on three pillars: finding an artist willing to license their work, integrating with a print-on-demand supplier, and selling through your own online store or marketplace. The artist provides high-resolution artwork, you apply it to physical products โ caps, wallets, tote bags, T-shirts or other items โ and the product ships directly from the printer to the customer. The foundation of the entire model is a written licence agreement that clearly defines rights, royalties and exclusivity. Without it, everything else is built on uncertain ground.
Customers are saturated with generic products from large online retailers. They seek goods with a story and a distinctive visual identity they won't find on the high street โ yet local artists rarely have the capacity or e-commerce know-how to sell their work as merchandise.
๐จDemand for authentic merchandise is rising
UK consumers increasingly favour products with a story and visual identity over anonymous mass-market goods. Local artists are perceived as authentic and trustworthy โ a trend reinforced by the growth of platforms like Etsy and Not On The High Street.
