From Gallery to Stores: How to Start Selling Your Art

All Tyler Wallach products start with .

Print-to-order has become a lucrative business or side job for many artists.

However, figuring out where to start, choosing the right printer, and deciding how to market your new business can seem like a daunting task.

We received some advice from two different artists working in two very different styles on how they transfer their paintings to housewares and clothing and how it improves their business.

likes to call herself "Keith Haring and Lisa Frank's love child of 1988". From his inspiration, he drew his characteristic use of wild, colorful patterns in his almost psychedelic paintings. Tyler's eclectic style, a lover of magic and jumping rope, permeates both his work and his life.

We had the opportunity to speak with Tyler about his colorful line of wearables.

HOW DID YOU GO TO CREATING FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS FROM YOUR PICTURES?

It felt so natural. My personal style has been greatly influenced by the ability to use sublimation printing, which is a fancy term for a printing process commonly referred to as "all-over printing" where the design covers 100% of the garment.

I'm fascinated by the printing process. I'm pretty tech savvy, so I did all the design, patterning, and file formatting myself - it was a fun challenge. It started with sublimated T-shirts, then I created four bags, four leggings, eight more T-shirts, two T-shirts, storage bags, 3D printed nylon necklaces, precious metal jewelry, shoes, magazines and stickers. I will be happy if you can buy a Tyler Wallach Studio backpack and lunch box for your beloved child.

CAN YOU SHOW US WHAT PROCESS TO CREATE, TELL THIS AMAZING LEGGINGS?

Everything I print on clothing always, ALWAYS begins with a freehand drawing or painting. I created 100% of the work with my own blood, ink and tears. The first part of my creations is 100% organic, not planned in advance and made by hand.

I then either take high resolution photographs of the painting or scan the drawing into a computer. I then manipulate the artwork in 100 different ways and format it into templates to send it to sublimation printing. Then I order samples, check the quality and place an order, so that I can then photograph the clothes on the model and start selling them!

great for the gym, city walks and yoga classes.

HAS YOUR PRACTICE CHANGED AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WEARABLE LINE?

Business is better than ever! The best thing about my work is that everyone will find something for themselves. You may not want to wear a rainbow t-shirt, but you can get a reasonably priced painting to enhance your home space.

I have products from five bucks to 500 bucks. This is directly in line with the philosophy of Keith Haring: "ART BELONG TO THE PEOPLE". It's not something that belongs exclusively to a museum or stuffy art gallery on the Upper East Side. Art should make you feel something, everyone deserves art to disturb them and make them live a little.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO OTHER ARTISTS WHO WANT TO START SELLING THEIR WORK?

Stay humble and don't sign anything until your dad looks first.

be sure to steal all the attention in the room.

We received some advice from Artwork Archive artist Robin Pedrero on how other artists can start creating functional work from their paintings.

has also found a steady source of income through her ability to translate her paintings into functional pieces such as pillows, shower curtains and duvet covers. With her whimsical aesthetic, Robin has won a worldwide client base.

HOW DID YOU GO TO CREATING FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS?

I have always loved fashion. However, I never liked using a sewing machine. Social media has also offered up a lot of ideas - I'm often asked if I have certain images on, say, a shower curtain or pillow. This is what prompted the creation of functional products. I needed to cater to the needs of my clients who requested these items and this led me to research how to place my designs on other wearable items such as silk scarves, dresses and leggings.

CAN YOU SHOW US THE PROCESS TO PRODUCE YOUR PICTURES?

There are so many ways an artist can create products. One way is to be a published and licensed artist in places like , where I'm licensed. Another way is to find companies that print on fabric or find print-on-demand products. Today, the ability to do this is in the hands of the artist.

I recommend finding reliable companies with good product quality and excellent customer service. Each company has different rules for submitting your work and projects. All of them will require a high-resolution image of the artwork.

Art archive note: To get started, visit these websites: , , and 

Robin transforms his paintings into a range of functional objects,

HAS YOUR PRACTICE CHANGED SINCE THE HOME PRODUCTS LINE IS RELEASED?

Absolutely! Now I only present and create art for certain products. Interior designers and home decor buyers are looking for specific color and product trends. When creating artwork, I know sizes are important as some sizes work better on certain products than others. Images or objects must not fall too close to the edge or they will be cut off in printed versions. I have to use Adobe and my Surface pen a lot more often. I also need to include décor and accessories in my marketing.

It's nice to know that I have options for my clients and it's interesting when they share photos of how they decorate these items.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO OTHER ARTISTS WHO WANT TO START SELLING THEIR WORK?

Artists looking to get into selling their work can contact a publishing/licensing company or look for print-on-demand options. Research the companies to make sure they meet your expectations and are right for your business. Learn how to take great pictures of your art or hire a professional.

“Be sure to keep an inventory of all your artwork. I use Artwork Archive and it's a great database that helps me organize and grow my business." — Robin Maria Pedrero

Do you want to start selling your paintings and need somewhere to organize it all? to keep your business running.