Print on demand design ideas include glitchcore scenes, gaming, plant prints, doodle art, music, animal-inspired, fitness, and more that are trending.
Trends change fast. Customer tastes shift every few weeks. To stay ahead, you must keep your designs fresh and relevant. That is the only way to hold your audience’s attention and make your work stand out.
We’ve put together the top 14 design ideas for print on demand to make your work easier.
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Trending Print on Demand Design Ideas
Here are some of the most popular print on demand design ideas. We have taken all these templates from the Mockey AI mockup generator.
1. Glitchcore Scenes
AI art still shapes the POD market, but buyers in 2026 are far more choosy. They know when a design is straight out of Midjourney with barely any edits. It may have worked earlier, but today it simply feels lazy.
This year, Glitchcore scenes have turned into one of the strongest AI-art trends. They work especially well on poster prints and oversized T-shirts.
The real difference comes from what creators do after generating the art. Many sellers use tools like Kittl to add layers, refine details, and build something original.
The shops doing well are the ones treating AI as a starting point and pairing it with well-designed mockups, not using raw AI images as they are.
2. Gaming
Gaming is no longer just a pastime. It has grown into a vibrant culture that brings millions together and leaves them with memories they carry for years.
As more people look for gaming gear that feels personal, this is a great moment to design for the games they enjoy.
From old classics to new hits, the right design can turn a simple product into a memorable and unique one.
3. Vintage
Vintage designs have a charm of their own. They take you back in time and remind you of simple, familiar moments. Many people love that feeling of nostalgia.
Bold retro fonts and classic patterns are making a strong comeback. Retro-inspired styles are gaining attention across the print-on-demand sites and attracting buyers everywhere.
4. Plant Prints
The green wave is no longer limited to gardens. Plant illustrations are now a strong trend in home decor. It’s not only about leaves and flowers anymore.
Even “artichoke art” is seeing a sharp rise, with searches growing by nearly 50% year on year. It could be a fresh idea for your next T-shirt design, too.
5. Comic Strips
Comic strips offer a bright and playful way to show your creativity. They mix simple drawings with light, engaging stories.
Anyone who enjoys novels or comics will connect with them instantly. These design ideas for print on demand also make thoughtful gifts for teenagers, especially those who follow comic books or admire a favourite character.
6. Doodle Art
Doodles bring a light, cheerful touch to everyday products. Their hand-drawn style feels creative.
This is simple sketch art with playful shapes. People connect with that. It fits well on planners, journals, and canvas prints. Think of small flowers, easy faces, or clean line sketches.
Once your doodle art design is ready, choose a product template that represents the doodle style. Mockey AI’s mockup collection has some templates with doodle-themed backgrounds. You can check them out.
7. Music
If you enjoy music or love the festival vibe, you probably already wear a t-shirt or have a phone case with your favourite band on it. But you can take it further.
Create a custom design that captures the joy people feel for music. You can draw ideas from famous band logos and create designs that people recognise at once.
8. Animal-inspired
Pets are part of the family, and that’s why animal-inspired designs are getting so much attention today. A custom design is a simple and warm way to honor a pet or bring fun. Bold animal graphics or cute illustrations can instantly lift any product, whether it’s a T-shirt or a poster.
Pet lovers, children, and anyone who likes a playful look connect well with these designs.
9. Fitness
A fitness-themed design motivates and energizes folks who love being active. Modern visuals give workout gear a fresh burst of energy and style.
10. Groovy Patterns
The ’70s are making a strong return. Groovy designs stand out for their bright colours, smooth ombres, bold swirls, and playful psychedelic art.
Peace signs, daisies, sun motifs, and soft, rounded letters are popular icons. When you use these print on demand design ideas, your designs gain a fresh lift in t-shirt printing.
11. Minimalist Text
Bold text continues to sell well. Affirmations and short quotes catch the eye in seconds. Neutral colors or a black-and-white look give it a premium touch.
It’s all about simple phrases set in clear fonts. They read quickly and connect instantly. They work well on T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. Think of lines like “Keep on Keeping on” or “Do better” in large serif letters.
12. Optical Illusions
Optical illusion designs are now a big trend. Big brands and small creators both use them. These visuals do more than make a bold style statement. Their detailed patterns and clever twists create a fresh look that easily stands out and starts conversations.
13. Floral
Florals always feel right in summer. But 2026 gives them a bold new turn. The colors go darker, the tones feel moodier, and the designs sit on black or grey backdrops.
These print on demand design ideas, like this, usually do well in any store. Try new ideas and don’t hesitate to build collections inspired by popular characters or high-fashion labels. Many of these concepts work smoothly for hoodie and T-shirt designs, too.
14. Moon Motifs
Lunar designs are gaining popularity fast in print-on-demand. Whether it’s a soft T-shirt showing the moon’s phases or a star-patterned blanket that feels warm and familiar, the love for the night sky is clear. This trend reminds us that ideas can come from anywhere, even from the quiet glow of the cosmos above us.
Top Design Tools to Use for Your Print on Demand
Staying on trend needs speed, but it also needs a good finish. Look at this curated list of design tools for your POD store.
- Mockey AI for mockups, including 3D mockups and video mockups
- Midjourney for AI visuals
- ChatGPT for market research
How can Mockey AI Help You?
Mockey AI is a free AI mockup generator built for eCommerce brands and print-on-demand. It cuts down the long hours spent on creating product previews. You get quick results without any extra effort, so you can focus on the work that truly matters. Here’s what makes Mockey AI’s product mockups truly stand out:
- 12,500 mockup templates
- 45+ products
- AI design tools
- A free plan (No watermark)
- Easy navigation
- High-quality results
Conclusion
Print on demand design ideas in 2026 come with fresh creativity. The year encourages designers to try new styles, blend striking visuals, and revisit old favourites.
But remember, every trend begins with a simple idea. Take inspiration from modern styles, your taste, or any creative spark you have. Keep your work original. Once your design is ready, you can use Mockey AI to preview it on product templates.
Your design is only as strong as the product it sits on. Some items consistently perform better in the POD market. If you want to see which ones are worth targeting, check out the list of the best selling print on demand products.
FAQs
What are the current trends in print-on-demand?
T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, sweatshirts, and kids’ clothing are also doing well. Trends shift fast, so it helps to keep an eye on social media. They make it easier to stay updated and plan your next move.
How do I find new design ideas for my POD store?
Follow Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy, and Google Trends. Look at what buyers are searching for, and check what is trending in your niche.
Are seasonal design ideas worth trying?
Yes. Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and graduation season bring high sales. Buyers search for themed apparel and gifts. Once your design is ready, upload it to Mockey AI’s seasonal mockups for preview.
