Getting Started in Print-on-Demand Using Digital Art from Digital Artists
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🎨 By Old Hippy
The print-on-demand (POD) revolution has made it easier than ever to turn digital creativity into income. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, AI artist, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful artwork, using digital art in POD is a low-risk way to launch your own online shop or side hustle.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get started using digital art—either your own or licensed from digital artists—to build a business that brings your vision (and your products) to life.
🛍️ What Is Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-demand is a business model where products (like T-shirts, mugs, posters, tote bags, and more) are only printed when a customer places an order. There’s no need to keep inventory, buy bulk materials, or handle shipping yourself. POD companies like Printful, Gooten, Gelato, and Printify do all the heavy lifting.
All you need to supply is the artwork.
🎨 Why Digital Art Is Perfect for POD
Digital art—especially from modern tools like AI, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator—is already optimized for high-resolution printing. When you use digital art in your POD business, you get:
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Scalability (PNG/SVG files work across many product types)
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Speed (create or source new art quickly)
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Endless Creativity (no physical limits or materials)
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Low startup costs (no warehouse, no inventory)
🤝 Use Your Art or Partner with Digital Artists
You don’t need to be an artist yourself to succeed. Many digital artists—including us at Old Hippy—license artwork specifically for POD and commercial use. Whether you're into:
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Boho animals
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Psychedelic dreamscapes
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Fantasy forests
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Retro cartoons
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Western cowgirls
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Faith-inspired quotes
...you can find licensed art that fits your brand and customers.
💡 Tip: Always check if the art you're using is covered by a commercial use license. At OldHippys.com, we provide POD-ready downloads with licensing included.
🧰 How to Get Started in 6 Simple Steps
1. Choose Your Niche
Think: Who are you selling to? Dog lovers? Hippies? Christians? Musicians? Boho moms?
2. Collect Your Artwork
Use your own digital illustrations or license art from a trusted digital artist or platform.
3. Choose a POD Platform
Popular options include:
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Printify
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Printful
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TeeSpring
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Zazzle
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Redbubble
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Shopify (integrated with POD apps)
4. Design Your Products
Upload your digital artwork to mockups like:
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T-shirts
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Hoodies
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Tumblers
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Wall art
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Phone cases
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Tote bags
Most POD platforms include a drag-and-drop product editor.
5. Set Up Your Store
You can sell through:
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Shopify (most control)
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Etsy (built-in audience)
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Amazon Merch (limited design control, huge traffic)
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Your own website
6. Promote Your Products
Use social media, Pinterest, and email marketing. Bonus: Post lifestyle mockups of your products in real-world settings to increase engagement.
💬 Why Support Digital Artists?
When you purchase or license digital art, you’re supporting a creative community. You’re helping independent artists and creators share their passion—and you’re turning their art into wearables, wall art, and home décor others can enjoy.
POD and digital art are a match made in heaven—and the opportunities are endless.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative dreamer, or someone looking to make a little extra income, print-on-demand gives you the tools. Digital art gives you the soul.
If you're looking for high-quality, commercial-use-ready digital art—from psychedelic hippie scenes to faith-based quotes to fantasy coloring pages—check out the collection at https://oldhippys.com/collections/digital-arts We're always adding new designs for your creative projects.