The creative industry is in a quieter moment right now. Commissions are slower, clients are cautious—and yet, artists are still out there doing brilliant work. So, if you’re in a position to support them, why not treat yourself (or someone else) to a print this summer?
Think about it. When you buy directly from independent artists, your money goes straight to the maker. No middlemen, no algorithms, just cash going into the pockets of fellow creatives.
It’s also a way to own something genuinely special. The work you’ll find in independent shops has a personality that mass-produced prints simply can’t match. These pieces carry stories, techniques perfected over the years, and the distinct voice that only comes from an artist following their own vision.
So whether you’re looking for something to transform a blank wall or searching for a meaningful gift, buying from independent artists means your home becomes a gallery of authentic voices. Here’s a round-up of some of the best creators selling work directly online.
Maisy Summer
Bright, playful prints with charm to spare
Maisy Summer is an illustrator, animator, and educator who creates layers of delightful textures, bold colour combinations, and joyful compositions using everything from paper cutting and drawing with scissors to pastels, paints, and digital drawing programs. Her projects have been shortlisted in the V&A Illustration Awards and the AOI World Illustration Awards, and she has collaborated with clients such as Google Arts and Culture, the V&A, TOAST, and the Financial Times.
Maisy’s prints feel like a summer holiday in itself: vibrant, full of character, and rooted in everyday magic. Her shop features risographs, postcards, and zines with a joyful twist that celebrates heritage, community, food, and culture.
Fancy one of her prints yourself? You might be interested to learn that they mostly come from Maisy’s Drawing Diaries series: short videos that “serve as a canvas to capture my travels and experiences alongside the illustration process,” as she puts it. We’re talking London, Vietnam, Paris, and Greece. Now the only issue is: which one to buy?
Vietnam by Maisy Summer
New York by Maisy Summer
Paxos Beach by Maisy Summer
Maisy Summer
Daniel Ryan
Bold, graphic energy from a true print-lover
Danial Ryan has gained a following for his distinct and often humorous art, which typically features cats in unusual or surreal situations. His work blends various influences to create a unique and recognisable aesthetic that plays on popular culture and memes.
These pieces frequently incorporate comedic elements with a touch of the bizarre, resonating with those who appreciate a playful, slightly offbeat artistic sensibility that brings character to any space. They’re also full of impact: think vivid colours, strong lines, and a little bit of attitude. Perfect for anyone who wants their walls to make a statement.
Tell Someone Who Gives a Sh*t by Daniel Ryan
Carla Llanos
Character-rich worlds that feel like animated daydreams
Carla brings stories to life with her lush,