What's the best way to use merchandise items like t-shirts, tote bags, and mugs?

Treat merchandise as walking advertisements and relationship-builders, not primary revenue generators. When someone can’t afford a print right now, they can buy a mug or tote bag and stay connected to your work. Every time they use that item—sipping coffee from your mug or carrying your tote bag around town—you stay top of mind. When they get a raise or find wall space, they’ll think of you first. Merchandise extends your reach through everyday use, and people will ask your customers where they got that cool bag or mug, creating organic word-of-mouth marketing.

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Asked by an artist evaluating merchandise pricing · Answered by Juan · Office Hours · 2026-07-23