Can I Use AI Images For Print On demand?
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Yes, you can absolutely use AI-generated images for Print On Demand.
But, wait - don't go opening your AI-store just yet. Read along to learn the caveats.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are printed as they are purchased, eliminating the need for inventory.
So, no need for large capital to buy products in bulk and store them in your garage - or worse, pay rent on a warehouse to store your inventory.
Instead of printing a certain amount of items and waiting for them to sell, POD products are created on demand.
This way - you can focus more on creating high-quality designs and marketing rather than inventory management and logistics.
Once you create your amazing designs, you can print them on endless product categories like - t-shirts, posters, backpacks, blankets, phone cases, and more.
What Can Artificial Intelligence Do For Your E-Commerce Business?
AI tools like ChatGPT can help you find top-selling product ideas within your niche.
And, Mid Journey can generate images based on your prompts, which you can then use to create products for your print on demand business.
It's like having a super-smart artist helping you at a reasonable cost - even for free based on some tools I share below.
But, what's the catch?
Related reading: How to Start Your Print On Demand Business with Amazon
What's The Caveat To Using AI Tools?
The first and very important caveat is - for using AI-generated images for your commercial business you need to ensure that you have the necessary rights and permissions to use the images.
It's important to verify that the images generated by AI tools do not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks.
But, you know the good news - almost all the AI-generation tools offer images that can be used commercially.
Isn't that great? Yes, but not so much.
Because, there are many players in the market like you and me, who know about this.
Therefore, if you want to set up a profitable print-on-demand business through AI art - you need to focus on the quality and uniqueness of the AI-generated images.
Best AI Art Tools for Print On Demand
We will focus on three most popular AI art generation tools that are particularly well-suited for print on demand businesses.
Canva Text to Image
Canva has been a widly-used design tool by e-commerce business, that has recently introduced a text-to-image feature. While it may not be as advanced as some of the other tools we will discuss, it is worth mentioning due to its popularity.
With Canva's text-to-image generator, users can input a text prompt and generate an image based on that prompt. However, the results may not always be ideal for print on demand purposes, because, the generated images often lack a white background, which is important for easy removal and use on various products.
Even with these limitations, Canva can still be a useful tool for those already familiar with the platform.
DALL·E 2
DALL·E 2 is an AI art generation tool that offers more advanced capabilities compared to Canva. Users can input a text prompt and generate high-quality images based on that prompt.
DALL·E 2 provides a variety of options, including different styles and poses for the generated images. It also allows users to edit and customize the generated images with further prompts.
My most favorite feature of DALL·E 2 is its ability to generate variations of a specific image, which can be useful for finding the perfect design for print on demand products.
On top of it, DALL·E 2 provides the option to download high-quality images for further editing in design software. So, you can use images generated in DALL·E 2 and edit it on Canva easily.
Mid-Journey AI
Mid-Journey is another powerful AI art generation tool that has grown tremondously popular due to its exceptional features for customizing AI-generated art.
Unlike the previous tools, Mid-Journey operates within the Discord platform. Users can input a text prompt starting with /imagine and generate stunning images based on that prompt.
Mid-Journey offers several prompts specifically tailored for print on demand, such as "sticker art," which produces images with a sticker-like appearance. The generated images from Mid-Journey can easily be used for print on demand products. Additionally, users can even upscale their chosen image and download it for further editing and use.
How Using AI Art Can Boost Your Sales?
AI art generation tools have opened up new possibilities for print on demand businesses. Many successful Artificial Intelligence art POD businesses are generating consistent recurring revenue.
But, they have one thing in common - they design products for a specific group of people, by choosing a highly profitable niche.
To recreate the success of these stores, we can leverage AI tools as below:
Use ChatGPT to find your product ideas for that highly specific niche
Use ChatGPT to generate text prompts for slogans or funny quotes that would go on your designs.
Use MidJourney AI, to create an outstanding AI design based on the above information - about your niche, your product ideas, and the style that would resonate with your audience.
Once you have your product ideas and AI-generated designs, you will need a print-on-demand service like Printful or Printify.
Printful and Printify, both, offers a free plan that takes care of fulfillment, packing, and shipping.
How To Use Printful And Printify?
You can easily sign up using your Google account or email password.
Both of these service providers are my favorite - because, they also offer additional features like design makers, logo makers, white-label packing slips, and 24/7 customer support.
Related Reading: How To Use Printful With Etsy? Simple Guide
To design your products, you can use their product templates.
There's a wide range of product templates you can choose from - such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, wine tumblers, hoodies, and stickers.
You can select different styles, colors, sizes, and printing methods.
Once you have selected the product template - you can upload your Artificial Intelligence-generated designs and position them on the product template.
Both, Printful and Printify, also provide mockups for your products, saving you time and money.
Then, all you need to do is generate mockups in PNG or JPEG format and upload them as products on your store.
Future of AI Art in Print-On-Demand
Every week there is a new groundbreaking development in the field of print-on-demand AI.
From free access to D3's image generator to Amazon's own AI image generator, the possibilities seem endless.
Access D3 for Free
Microsoft has recently added D3's AI image generator to their free app, Microsoft Paint.
Previously, access to D3 required being a Windows Insider and joining a waitlist. However, now it is available to the public, providing a cost-effective alternative to D3's paid version, ChatGPT Plus.
This is especially beneficial for individuals who are unable to pay the $20 monthly fee or have had a negative experience with Bing chat.
Amazon's Unique AI Image Generator: Titan
Amazon doesn't want to be left behind. It is released preview version of their own AI image generator called Titan.
What sets Titan apart is its ability to create consistent results with text prompts. In comparison, other AI image generators like ChatGPT and DALL·E struggle to make specific edits, often redrawing the entire picture - which may not look like anything you'd imagined orginally.
All in all, with free access to D3's image generator and Amazon's unique AI image generator, creators have more options than ever before. But, as the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between going crazy with AI generated art and intellectual property rights.
Final Thoughts
AI art generation tools have opened up ample new possibilities for print on demand businesses.
With tools like Canva Text to Image, DALL·E 2, and Mid-Journey, users can easily generate high-quality and unique art pieces for their products - and can help you create a successful and money-making online business.
The key is to master the knack of finding trending niches, feeding AI tools the correct prompts, generating viral product designs, and going all in on marketing strategies.
Start using AI to make money today!
Further Resources We Recommend
- Can I Use AI Images For Print On demand?
- How to Start Your Print On Demand Business with Amazon
- How Much Does It Cost to Start and Sell on Etsy?
