Art Prints Business

3 Art Prints Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

•

Updated: October 8th, 2024

Turn your creativity into a sustainable business with an art prints venture. The core idea is simple: create or commission artwork, print it on high-quality materials, and sell them online or through local markets.

The demand for unique wall art is consistently strong, driven by home decorators, office spaces, and art enthusiasts. By curating a diverse portfolio and marketing through platforms like Etsy or your own e-commerce site, you can build a loyal customer base.

Expect some upfront costs, including the purchase of printing equipment or contracting with print shops. The real work involves continuous marketing efforts, networking with artists, and maintaining an engaging online presence.

If your passion lies in the visual arts and you enjoy connecting with people through your work, starting an art prints business offers both creative fulfillment and a viable income stream.

In this list, you'll find real-world art prints business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a art prints business that makes money.

1. DXFforCNC.com ($78K/year)

Ahmed Nassar, a freelance designer with a passion for digital arts, started his online business, DXFforCNC.com, in 2016. Inspired by his friend's request for silhouetted designs for metal cutting CNC machines, Ahmed saw an opportunity to provide unique and special designs to CNC machine owners and DIY enthusiasts. With a starting revenue of only $140, his business has now grown to generate around $6.5k per month, offering over 600 products containing more than 3000 unique designs.

How much money it makes: $78K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30
How many people on the team: 1

How I Started A $6.5K/Month Business Selling Digital Files For CNC Machines

This case study is about a freelancer turned founder who started an online business selling unique 2D digital designs for CNC machines, with only basic design knowledge and part-time work, and now has a standalone running business with revenues of up to $7K per month.

Read this case study

Read by 9,924 founders

2. Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka ($14.4K/year)

Tiffany started her custom pet portrait business after experiencing loss and wanting to create a specific style of artwork to remember her furry friend. She launched on Etsy but eventually moved to her own website to have more control over her marketing and customer communication. Through trial and error and a strong presence on social media, Tiffany has been able to attract and retain customers, and she plans to focus on scaling her brand in the future by partnering with celebrities and influencers.

How much money it makes: $14.4K/year
How much did it cost to start: $473
How many people on the team: 0

I Run A $1.2K/Month Custom Dog Portrait Business With A Mission To Rescue Lost Dogs

Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka has seen massive growth since starting in 2021, with yearly revenue doubling year after year and an average of $1,200 a month in sales, and founder Tiffany's 2021 goal is to scale by teaming up with celebrities and influencers.

Read this case study

Read by 2,142 founders

3. Periwinkle Greetings, LLC ($12K/year)

Candace McGinn, the founder of Periwinkle Greetings, came up with the idea after surviving cancer and embracing her passion for photography. Inspired by the beauty of a full moon reflecting over the ocean, Candace used a unique printing technology to create stunning metal greeting cards. With a focus on artistry and sustainability, Periwinkle Greetings aims to revolutionize the greeting card industry.

How much money it makes: $12K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 1

A Cancer Diagnosis Motivated This Founder To Quit Corporate & Build A Business

Periwinkle Greetings uses Dye-sublimation to create unique metal greeting cards that can be displayed as art, with an average monthly revenue of $1000, and plans to pivot to B2B sales in 2023.

Read this case study

Read by 2,972 founders