The 5 Best-Selling Print-on-Demand Products for Fine Artists & Illustrators

I’ve tested a bunch of print-on-demand products and today I’m breaking down the five best-selling POD products for fine artists and illustrators—things that people actually want to buy and that showcase your art in the best way possible.

Now, I’ll be referencing Gelato a lot. I took a hiatus from selling my artwork because I didn’t want to handle printing and shipping, and the POD companies I’d used previously are.. fine? I wanted more than fine. So discovering Gelato got me excited all over again. I even put art prints back into my online shop for the first time in YEARS—because Gelato’s quality is solid, and they make this whole process stupidly easy (plus, they ship from local printers worldwide, so your customers won’t have to wait three weeks for their order to show up 🥱).

So, if you, too, have been pouring your soul into your art—whether it’s dreamy landscapes, bold abstract pieces, or those chaotic yet somehow perfect scribbles from your sketchbook, and you’re ready to turn it into something people actually buy, let’s talk more about print-on-demand (POD)—aka, the secret weapon for selling your art without dealing with inventory, shipping, or the existential crisis of “Do I really want 500 unsold T-shirts in my garage?” (No, you don’t.)

Here are the tried and true top selling print-on-demand products:

1. Wall art (because cool gallery walls aren’t going anywhere)

Let’s be real: Everyone wants to level up their space, and your art could be the thing that makes their living room 87% cooler.

Why art prints sell:

People love decorating their homes with unique, statement-making art.
It’s a great entry-level purchase—someone might not be able to afford an original, but a high-quality print? Easy yes.
Perfect for gifts!

Let’s be real: Everyone wants to level up their space, and your art could be the thing that makes their living room 87% cooler.

Why art prints sell:

People love decorating their homes with unique, statement-making art.
It’s a great entry-level purchase—someone might not be able to afford an original, but a high-quality print? Easy yes.
Perfect for gifts!

Design tips:

✔️ Stick to high-res files (300 DPI or higher) so your artwork prints crisp and clean.

✔️ Consider offering different size options—some people want a big statement piece, others prefer a cute mini print.

✔️ Think about timeless trends in your unique style: Abstracts, nature themes, and line art are all super popular right now and always.

✨ Real-life example: I tested Gelato’s fine art quality prints on different paper types, and the results were chef’s kiss 🤌 (is this still something people say? or has the moment passed?). Seriously though—vibrant colors, rich blacks, and a weight to the paper that makes prints feel extra premium. Check out my unboxing video below! 👀

2. Print-on-demand greeting cards

Why greeting cards sell:

Small and affordable, making them a great impulse buy.
People love supporting independent artists, especially for special occasions.
You can sell them in sets for extra value!

Design tips:

✔️ Play with typography—hand-lettered elements add a personal touch.

✔️ Think sets! Thank you & holiday cards do especially well.

✔️ Don’t be afraid to be funny—quirky, relatable messages sell like crazy.

✨ Real-life example: I printed some test greeting cards with Gelato, and once again, the quality is wonderful. It’s got a premium-feel cardstock with vibrant prints. Plus, they offer foil and matte options for extra ✨ luxurious ✨ vibes.

3. Print-on-demand calendars

Calendars aren’t just purchased for “functional” reasons—more and more, they’re used as mini art collections that change each month.

Why calendar art sells:

Super practical, yet also decorative
An easy way for people to collect multiple artworks from you in one purchase
Great for seasonal promotions—people actively look for calendars at the end of the year

Design tips:

✔️ Theme it! (Botanical illustrations? Cute animal sketches? Moody landscapes? Go all in on your calendar (or calendars)

✔️ Design your art to extend past the fold, for designs that blend the calendar layout with illustration

4. Print-on-demand phone cases

Phone cases are the perfect mix of functional and fun. They’re protective, personal, and let people show off their style—aka, a great canvas for your art. Not to mention, some people like to change them as often as they change outfits.

Why phone case art sells:

Everyone has a phone, meaning a massive potential customer base.
Easy to switch out, making repeat purchases likely.
Great for bold, graphic designs that pop.

Design tips:

✔️ Use high-contrast designs so the art stands out.

✔️ Keep important elements away from edges/camera cutouts.

✔️ Offer multiple color backgrounds—some people love bright, others want minimal.

✨ Real-life example: Gelato’s phone cases feel sturdy (not those flimsy ones that crack if you breathe wrong). The colors are vibrant, and the print wraps around for a seamless finish.

5. Apparel

T-shirts, hoodies, and even accessories like tote bags—wearable art is always in demand. The trick? Good designs + quality printing = happy customers.

Why print-on-demand apparel sells:

People love repping artists they admire.
Fashion is personal—someone gets to relate to your art and wear it!
Even simple line work can look amazing.

Design tips:

✔️ Keep it simple—bold, clean graphics often work better than intricate, super-detailed illustrations (aka just because you love adding texture, aim for less texture on apparel, me… 😅*)*

✔️ Think about placement. Small chest logos, full-back prints, you’ve got options.

✔️ Stick to quality brands—Gelato’s apparel holds up well, with soft fabrics and vibrant prints.

Final thoughts: start here & experiment

If you’re new to POD, these five products are a perfect starting point—they sell well and showcase your art beautifully. You don’t need to buy any inventory upfront—so you can test different products risk-free and only pay when you make a sale.