What Are the Easiest Products to Start Manufacturing as a Creative?
If you’re a creative who’s been dreaming about turning your artwork into products but don’t know where to start, this week’s post is going to get the wheels turning!
Manufacturing your own products can feel intimidating at first (factories, minimums, shipping- oh my). But, not every product requires a huge upfront investment or complicated production. There are plenty of beginner-friendly products that let you dip your toes into manufacturing without the overwhelm.
Here are some of the easiest products to start with and why they’re perfect for artists and small product-based businesses.
1. Art Prints
Art prints are one of the simplest ways to turn your work into a sellable product. You can start small with local printers or print-on-demand, then move into bulk manufacturing when you’re ready for better pricing.
They’re lightweight, easy to store, and great for testing which designs resonate with your audience. They also have fantastic margins!
2. Stickers
Stickers are small, affordable, and universally loved. The startup cost is low, the margins are high, and they’re perfect for experimenting with new designs.
Plus, many sticker manufacturers offer low minimums, making them an ideal entry point into manufacturing.
3. Tea Towels
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know tea towels hold a special place in my heart (and in my product lineup). They’re functional, giftable, and offer a beautiful canvas for your artwork.
Textile manufacturing can sound complex, but tea towels are one of the easiest ways to learn about fabric printing and production and the margins are fantastic.
4. Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is a fun and accessible product that gives you endless opportunities to showcase your patterns and color palettes.
You can start with small batch paper runs or manufactured rolls once you’re ready for larger orders. And since wrap often pairs with gift tags, cards, and tea towels, it’s a great bridge product to build cohesive collections.
5. Greeting Cards + Gift Tags
Cards and tags are low-risk, high-reward products that work well for both retail and wholesale. They don’t require complex assembly, and they’re a natural fit for artists who already have existing illustrations or designs.
If you plan ahead, you can easily create seasonal collections and bundle cards, tags, and wrap together for gift-ready sets.
6. Notepads + List Pads
Notepads are a stationery staple—and a great way to expand your product line while staying within a familiar printing category. They’re functional, lightweight, and can be produced domestically or overseas depending on your budget and timeline.
7. Calendars (Especially Desk Calendars Made of Postcards)
Calendars are another easy entry point into manufacturing and they double as marketing magic. I love the idea of desk calendars made of postcards: each month features a new design, and at the end of the month, the page becomes a mailable postcard. It’s functional, eco-conscious, and a great way to showcase 12 pieces of your artwork in one product.
8. Notebooks or Journals
Notebooks are timeless. You can start with simple saddle-stitched or spiral-bound formats before moving into more complex hardcover versions. They pair beautifully with other stationery items and make great bundle builders for retail or wholesale orders.
9. Washi Tape
If you want a small, colorful, high-margin product that customers love collecting, washi tape is it. The entry cost is low, factories are experienced, and the creative possibilities are endless.
This is one of my favorite beginner products to manufacture overseas! It’s easy to store, ship, and sell in bundles or collections.
10. Magnets, Keychains, or Acrylic Accessories
For artists looking to expand into lifestyle goods, small accessories like magnets or keychains are a fun way to see your artwork come to life. They’re inexpensive to produce, easy to display, and make perfect add-ons for wholesale buyers.
Pro Tips for Getting Started
Start small and scale. You don’t need to launch 10 product types at once. Choose one or two that align with your audience and your artwork. Think the number of designs you start with in each category vs. number of products you start with. Think about 6 tea towel designs compared to tea towels, wrapping paper, gift tags, cards and calendars.
Flat products = easy wins. Paper, textiles, and lightweight accessories keep shipping simple and margins higher.
Use your existing art. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Repurpose artwork or patterns you already have- it’s the fastest way to start.
Think in mini collections. Creating cohesive sets (like matching wrap, tag, and towel designs) helps your products look intentional and retail-ready.
Final Thoughts
The easiest products to start manufacturing are the ones that balance creativity, simplicity, and profit. Whether you begin with art prints, tea towels, or stationery, you’ll learn valuable lessons about production, pricing, and what your audience truly loves.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Join the Manufacture: Awesome waitlist- my comprehensive group coaching program and course that helps artists confidently create their first manufactured products. You’ll get my vetted factory list for all of these beginner-friendly items, plus hands-on support, community, and expert guidance as you take your next step.