Papinka Collaborating with Artists: Turn Paintings into Merchandise
A guide for painters, illustrators, craftspeople, and communities who want to turn their work into merchandise: full-print mugs, DTF tote bags, bookmarks, and engraved tumblers.
A painting or illustration can usually be owned by only one person. Printed as merchandise, the same work can reach many more people, and become an extra source of income for the artist.
Papinka Galeria is open to collaborations with painters, illustrators, craftspeople, photographers, and creative communities.
Who is a good fit
- Painters who want their work on everyday objects.
- Illustrators and designers who want to sell their own merchandise line.
- Textile artisans working with songket, jumputan, or tapis who want their patterns on other products.
- Photographers with landscape or city photos suited to travel souvenirs.
- Communities, galleries, and small businesses that need merchandise for exhibitions, events, or shops.
Products that suit artwork
| Type of work | Suitable products | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Colorful paintings | Full-print mugs, tote bags | Full print, full-color DTF |
| Line art | Tumblers, metal mugs | Engraving |
| Traditional textile patterns | Mugs, tote bags, bookmarks | Full print, DTF |
| Simple logos or lettering | Tote bags, bottle bags | Single-color screen printing |
Bookmarks also work well for paintings: they are small, affordable, and easy to sell at exhibitions or bookshops.
How to collaborate
- Digitize your work. Scan paintings at 300 dpi or higher, or photograph them in even light with no shadows or glare.
- Choose products and techniques. Talk to us about which products best suit your work.
- Ask for a mockup before production, so colors and placement match your expectations.
- Start small. Test demand with a few designs first.
- Grow the collection with the designs people like most.
Ideas to make merchandise more valuable
- Limited editions. Print a set quantity and number each piece. Collectors love items that are not produced endlessly.
- Story cards. Include a small card with the artwork title, artist name, and the story behind the painting.
- One theme, several products. One painting can become a mug, tote bag, and bookmark as a single collection.
- Tie it to exhibitions. Merchandise lets visitors take your work home even if they do not buy the original.
About copyright
Make sure the artwork you print is your own or that you have permission from its owner. When collaborating with another artist, agree on revenue sharing and usage rights from the start, ideally in writing.
Start collaborating
Send us samples of your work and tell us about your merchandise plans on WhatsApp. We will help you choose the products and techniques that suit your work best. See also our guide to engraving, screen printing, and full print.
