Geometric designs are not usually my thing. I like them, but I tend not to create them. One winter day, I was feeling out of sorts and unmotivated. Trying to turn my mood around, I promised myself I would do a quick watercolour. One geometric design later, I was inspired to try it on Redbubble. I loved the result. So, my reflection today is on the place of print on demand for my work.

This is the 5 minute watercolour painting, now called ‘Spring Green Stripes’

How Print on Demand Sites Sit with My Art

I want to start by saying that I mainly use print on demand design sites for my own use. Operating on my own, without much in the way of budget, I can just order one item. If I’m attending an art market and I want to test out responses to a pattern, or a product, it works. It also allows me to have samples of products in my studio. Visitors to the studio can see the quality and the colours first hand.

This short video shows ‘Spring Green Stripes’ on some Redbubble products.

Figuring Out The Details

Putting my artwork, surface designs and fabric designs on print on demand products has enabled me to learn. The size, orientation and shape of products is key when deciding what works. Some designs just don’t work on some products.

After a few years putting my designs on platforms like Redbubble and Spoonflower is teaching me about their benefits, but also their restrictions. Mostly, there is no choice about the materials used. The basic product design might be OK, but if there are aspects I want to change, it can‘t be done.

The Next Step is Small – and HUGE

I think I am approaching the stage where I want to commission small runs of products I create. My list of criteria is being refined, and I’m in the phase of research. What do I want to produce, and how do I want to do it?

The range of options is huge. Narrowing down to what is affordable and manageable is also a big task. However I have made a few decisions. This feels empowering and exciting. Stay tuned by following me.