Turning artwork into physical products can bring a whole new audience to your creative designs and ideas. But how do you go about turning something on paper or canvas into a mug or a t-shirt, and ensuring a high-quality finished result?
Traditional paintings can make a statement, but they are not editable works, however, there are ways to ensure you get the best possible results. When it comes to preparing artwork for print, though, Neil feels Photoshop is the way to go. “I utilise Photoshop for final touches," he explains."One of the key aspects of my process involves playing with textures and colours in Photoshop to add depth and richness to my designs. Whether it’s enhancing the vibrancy of hues or adding intricate textures to evoke nostalgia, Photoshop serves as a versatile tool in bringing my vision to life.
A 3D printer is another tool in the arsenal, with a relatively low upfront cost, but you’ll need the space, and to factor in the cost of maintenance and materials. With either option, Sarah advises that “it’s something that you need to have a keen interest in, and enjoy using and experimenting with, otherwise it can become a burden and frustration.”Online operations such as Red Bubble and Society 6 are often a starting point for artists looking to sell their designs.
Sarah adds “If you already have a fan base for your designs, POD sites can be a good place to show off your work. I think it suits artists that already have a following, or design specifically to current trends and with a high turnover of designs.”If you want to scale up your business then a printing company that sends products to you to sell could be the way to go. Positives include access to high-quality machinery, choices of finish and materials to suit your budget, and free design tools.
"You soon discover producing a bespoke, or only a few of any items to sell is very expensive and difficult to make a profit so printing multiple of a design is advantageous. Many online printing companies offer sample packs allowing artists to touch different paper finishes, or see sample printed products to help you decide what you’re looking for."