Merchandise has become one of the most practical ways for illustrators and designers to diversify income and showcase their creativity beyond client work.
The concrete answer is this: by producing affordable, scalable, and visually appealing items, designers can turn their art into tangible products that build brand recognition, strengthen community engagement, and create recurring revenue streams.
Unlike one-off commissions, merchandise allows creators to earn from the same piece of art multiple times, with relatively low overhead thanks to print-on-demand and bulk production options.
1. Art Prints
Art prints are a cornerstone for any illustrator entering merchandise. They let fans own and display a piece of your work at home or in their workspace. Prints can be simple open editions or special limited runs signed and numbered to increase their value. High-quality paper, matte or glossy finishes, and giclée printing add a professional touch.
The advantage of prints is scalability: once a design is ready, it can be reproduced indefinitely with minimal extra cost. Prints also work well across different formats, from postcard-sized mini prints to large wall pieces. They appeal to art collectors, fans, and even people just looking to decorate a blank wall with something unique and affordable.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Low to medium; bulk printing reduces per-unit cost |
| Retail Price Range | $10–$80 depending on size and finish |
| Scalability | Very high; print-on-demand makes global fulfillment easy |
| Profit Margin | Moderate to high; higher on limited editions |
| Best Audience | Art collectors, fans, home decorators, gift buyers |
| Practical Tip | Offer bundles (e.g., three mini prints for a discount) to increase sales volume |
2. Stickers
Stickers are the ultimate entry-level product. They are cheap to make, lightweight, and appeal to all ages. People love using them to personalize laptops, water bottles, sketchbooks, and phone cases. For illustrators, stickers are an easy way to share work with a wide audience because they are low-cost impulse buys, often under $5 each.
Designers can sell stickers as singles, themed packs, or subscription bundles. Holographic, vinyl, and waterproof finishes increase durability and perceived value. Since they’re inexpensive to ship, stickers are also great as freebies added to larger orders, helping strengthen customer loyalty.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Very low; bulk printing keeps costs around a few cents per sticker |
| Retail Price Range | $2–$15 depending on size and packs |
| Scalability | Extremely high; easy to restock and ship |
| Profit Margin | High, often over 70% |
| Best Audience | Students, casual fans, stationery lovers |
| Practical Tip | Create packs around a theme (seasons, characters, moods) to encourage multiple purchases |
3. Tote Bags
Tote bags are both functional and stylish. They appeal to eco-conscious buyers who want to replace plastic bags with something reusable, but also to students and professionals who use them daily. The large flat fabric surface makes them ideal for bold illustrations.
Unlike small items like stickers, tote bags carry your artwork into public spaces, which also acts as free advertising. They’re popular at conventions, gift shops, and online because they combine utility with personal style. Higher-quality totes with thick fabric and reinforced stitching can be sold at premium prices.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium; varies by fabric type (cotton canvas vs polyester) |
| Retail Price Range | $15–$40 |
| Scalability | High bulk orders make sense once demand is steady |
| Profit Margin | Moderate; better when sold as limited designs |
| Best Audience | Eco-conscious buyers, students, urban shoppers |
| Practical Tip | Offer seasonal or themed tote designs and pair them with smaller items like stickers in bundles |
4. T-Shirts and Apparel
Apparel is one of the most popular categories in designer merchandise. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and caps let fans wear your art, turning them into walking billboards. Clothing is versatile; you can produce small runs for exclusivity or use print-on-demand to minimize upfront costs.
The challenge is sizing and inventory management. For small creators, starting with unisex T-shirts in popular sizes can keep things simple. Offering apparel allows you to reach not just art collectors, but people who might never hang a print but still love to express themselves through clothing.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium to high; depends on fabric and printing method (screen vs DTG) |
| Retail Price Range | $20–$70 |
| Scalability | Very high with print-on-demand |
| Profit Margin | Moderate |
| Best Audience | Fashion-conscious fans, streetwear lovers, and younger demographics |
| Practical Tip | Release apparel in limited seasonal drops to create excitement and urgency |
5. Enamel Pins
Pins are small, collectible, and highly appealing. They have developed a strong subculture among fans who enjoy collecting, trading, and displaying them on bags, jackets, and boards. For illustrators, pins are a way to turn characters or motifs into small but premium-feeling products.
They are more expensive to produce than stickers, but carry a much higher perceived value. Offering pins as part of a series or in blind boxes can drive repeat sales and create exclusivity. Their compact size makes them easy to store and ship.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium; usually $1–$3 per unit in bulk |
| Retail Price Range | $10–$20 |
| Scalability | Moderate; requires upfront investment |
| Profit Margin | High once demand is established |
| Best Audience | Collectors, convention-goers, pop culture fans |
| Practical Tip | Number pins in a series to encourage people to collect them all |
6. Custom Key Chain
The custom key chain is a timeless product. It combines everyday function with a personal touch of design. Key chains can be made from acrylic, wood, rubber, or metal, and each material brings a different price point and aesthetic. They appeal to almost everyone because they’re affordable, portable, and useful.
For illustrators, key chains work especially well at conventions or online shops as mid-tier items, more durable and valuable than stickers but still affordable compared to apparel. They also make excellent bundle add-ons. A well-designed key chain can stay with a buyer for years, constantly reinforcing your brand presence.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Low to medium; $1–$5 depending on material |
| Retail Price Range | $8–$25 |
| Scalability | High; easy to mass-produce and ship |
| Profit Margin | Moderate to high |
| Best Audience | Wide appeal, gift buyers, casual fans, general public |
| Practical Tip | Use different finishes (holographic, glow-in-the-dark, engraved metal) to increase desirability |
7. Notebooks and Journals
Notebooks and journals are practical products with lasting value. Illustrated covers turn a simple, everyday object into something special. For fans, these items serve a double function: they get a useful product for writing or sketching, and they get to enjoy original art every day.
Hardcover journals feel premium and can be sold at higher prices, while softcover notebooks are affordable and great for bundles. They appeal to students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys writing or drawing.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium; $2–$6 depending on format |
| Retail Price Range | $10–$30 |
| Scalability | Hi, bulk runs are efficient |
| Profit Margin | Moderate |
| Best Audience | Students, writers, professionals, artists |
| Practical Tip | Pair with stickers or pens as stationery bundles for higher-value orders |
8. Calendars
Calendars are time-sensitive products, but when executed well, they can generate strong seasonal revenue. They work best when themed, whether it’s characters, landscapes, or monthly design experiments. Because calendars expire, they also encourage annual repeat purchases.
They appeal to both individuals and businesses, making them a versatile option. Wall calendars, desk calendars, and even digital downloadable versions can all carry an illustrator’s style.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium; depends on size and finish |
| Retail Price Range | $15–$40 |
| Scalability | High; ideal for seasonal bulk runs |
| Profit Margin | Moderate |
| Best Audience | Gift buyers, home decorators, and office workers |
| Practical Tip | Launch calendars in September–October to maximize holiday sales |
9. Phone Cases
Phone cases blend practicality and fashion. Almost everyone owns a phone, and cases provide both protection and a way to showcase personality. Designers can sell their artwork on cases for iPhone, Samsung, and other popular models using print-on-demand services.
This product has strong everyday visibility, but it requires careful planning since phone models change frequently. Focusing on the most popular models ensures efficiency. High-quality cases with durable prints are essential, since customers expect them to last.
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium; varies by model and durability |
| Retail Price Range | $20–$50 |
| Scalability | High with print-on-demand |
| Profit Margin | Moderate |
| Best Audience | Tech users, fashion-conscious buyers |
| Practical Tip | Offer matching wallpapers as a free digital extra with each case |
10. Posters and Large Wall Art
For fans who want statement pieces, large wall posters, or canvas prints are ideal. These products showcase artwork in full detail and elevate it to the level of décor. They appeal to a slightly different audience: homeowners, interior decorators, or fans who want your art to be the centerpiece of a room.
Posters can be sold rolled for easy shipping, while framed or canvas options bring a premium price point. They require more space for storage but can yield significant profits for established illustrators.
You can use photos from traveling as a way to make your travel memories visible to everyone!
| Attribute | Details |
| Production Cost | Medium to high, depending on size and framing |
| Retail Price Range | $25–$120 |
| Scalability | Moderate; best for established audiences |
| Profit Margin | Moderate to high |
| Best Audience | Art collectors, home decorators, and office spaces |
| Practical Tip | Offer limited signed editions for exclusivity |
Final Thoughts
For illustrators and designers, merchandise offers a pathway to independence and long-term brand growth. Starting with small, affordable items like stickers, art prints, or custom key chains helps test demand while building recognition.
From there, creators can expand into higher-cost, higher-margin products like apparel, calendars, or posters. The key is to align merchandise with both your creative identity and your audience’s needs.
