How to create your own tshirt designs that sell (2020)

The Creatorpreneurs Academy combines strategic marketing with stunning design, giving you the tools to grow your business quickly!

Hey Creatorpreneurs! Want another income stream or a fun way to promote your brand? Designing and selling t-shirts is the perfect solution. And guess what? You don’t need a graphic design degree or deep pockets to get started!

As an online entrepreneur, you’re already building your digital presence through social media, websites, and blogs. But blending in an offline strategy—like custom t-shirts—can be a game-changer.

How to Create Your Own T-shirt Designs That Sell (2020)

Why Selling T-shirts is a Smart Business Move

You might be wondering, “Do people really make money selling t-shirts online?” Absolutely! And the best part? You don’t need a warehouse full of inventory, upfront investment, or a legendary marketing budget. Platforms like Teespring handle printing, shipping, and fulfillment for you.

• Zero upfront costs: No need to stock inventory. Your design is printed only when someone places an order.
• Unlimited earning potential: One design can sell hundreds (or thousands) of times.
• Easy passive income: Design once, sell repeatedly.
• Great for branding: Promote your brand by wearing your own designs or creating merch for your audience.

Are you convinced yet? Let’s dive into the process of creating your own awesome t-shirt designs.

How to Design a T-shirt That People Will Actually Buy

Step 1: Brainstorm Unique Ideas

Your design needs to stand out! Avoid generic text tees that say, “I love coffee” unless you add a clever twist. The goal is to tap into specific audiences or trends.

Here are some solid routes you can take:

• Niche-focused designs: Think inside jokes within dog-loving, fitness, or gaming communities.
• Trending phrases: Keep an eye on viral memes, pop culture, or inspirational quotes with a unique twist.
• Minimalist aesthetics: Simple, sleek, and clean designs tend to sell well.
• Bold typography: A strong font can make even a basic phrase look stylish.

Step 2: Use the Right Design Tools

If you’re not a pro graphic designer, don’t worry. The Graphics Creator makes designing professional-looking graphics super easy—even if you have zero experience.

You can add unique graphics, experiment with fonts, and customize colors effortlessly. Simply drag, drop, and tweak until your design looks just the way you want.

Step 3: Ask for Feedback

Before uploading your design for sale, run it by your online community or a trusted audience. Post it in groups like the Laughingbird Software Creatorpreneurs community for feedback.

How to Sell Your T-shirts Online

Step 1: Pick a Print-on-Demand Platform

Platforms like Teespring allow you to upload your design, set a price, and sell without handling fulfillment. These platforms print, pack, and ship your t-shirts directly to your customers.

Step 2: Price Your T-shirt for Profit

Simple math here—your profit is the difference between the base cost and your selling price. If a t-shirt costs $10 to produce and you price it at $25, you keep $15 in profit per sale! Sell 10 per week, and you’re pulling in $150 of extra cash.

Step 3: Upload & Optimize Your Listing

When listing your t-shirt for sale:

• Write a compelling title: Make it clear who the shirt is for (e.g., “Funny Coffee Lover T-shirt – Caffeine Addict Tees”).
• Pick strategic tags: Include descriptive terms like “funny t-shirt,” “fitness apparel,” or “geek merch.”
• Use high-quality mockups: Show off your shirt in different settings—on models, hanging up, or styled in flat lay photos.

Marketing Tips: How to Sell More T-shirts

1. Promote on Social Media

Use Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to showcase your designs. Create posts with product previews and behind-the-scenes content to engage and attract buyers.

2. Run a Giveaway

People love free stuff. Run a giveaway where users tag friends, follow your page, or share your post for a chance to win a t-shirt. This increases visibility and attracts potential buyers.

3. Sell Directly Through YouTube & Instagram

One great thing about Teespring is you can integrate it with Instagram Shopping and YouTube’s Merch Shelf, so followers can shop your designs directly from your content.

FAQs

Do I need artistic skills to design my own t-shirts?

Nope! User-friendly design tools like The Graphics Creator let you create professional designs without extensive design experience.

How much can I realistically make selling t-shirts?

Your earnings depend on marketing and demand. Some sellers pull in a few hundred dollars a month, while others make full-time incomes.

Where can I print my t-shirt designs?

Platforms like Teespring handle fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, so you don’t need to print or ship manually.

What kind of designs sell best?

Simple, bold, and niche-specific designs tend to perform well. Explore current trends and add your unique spin.

Should I order a sample of my t-shirt before selling?

It’s not required, but it helps you assess quality. Plus, you can take better custom photos for your product listings.

That’s it, Creatorpreneurs! Designing and selling your own t-shirts can become a fun side hustle—or even a full-time gig—if you put some creativity and marketing into it.

So start creating today! Head over to The Graphics Creator to design your first masterpiece and start selling.