How can I add print-on-demand merchandise without cheapening my fine art brand?

Do limited edition, special collector items. Release a limited run - say 10 calendars or 10 puzzle boxes - and sign them. Instead of selling them for the standard $50, sell these special signed editions for $199 or $249 because they’re unique and collectible. This works even for very high-end artists. If you sell $20,000 originals and think you’re too high-end for merchandise, you can still do it in an exclusive way. Release 10 signed phone cases once a year for $1,000 each. Make them true collector’s items - sign them on the inside, make them exclusive. You’ll probably sell all 10 in one day for $20,000 in your pocket, and it won’t cheapen your brand at all. There are ways to do gifting and a gift shop in a very high-end, exclusive manner. Think about adding value and exclusivity rather than mass-market accessibility.

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Asked by a fine art seller concerned about brand dilution · Answered by Nick and Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2021-03-06