As much as I love creative or unusual merch, there’s something to be said for simplicity – both for artists/bands, and for their fans!

If you make music and you sell merch, whether at shows or online, you’re most likely already printing the same designs across a few different mediums and accessories – why not honor the designs in their purest (not to mention most cost-effective) form?

Don’t get me wrong, CDs are amazing and a great band T-shirt can bring any outfit to life – but two of the biggest reasons to buy merch at a show are 1) to have a physical memento of the experience, or 2) to have something for the artist to sign. Smaller than posters and less involved than stickers, prints achieve both of these things!

They’re also small (or any size!), flat, and lightweight, which makes them that much more affordable and efficient, whether you’re selling online or bringing them across the country in the back of a tour van.

Below is our Q&A with Ziggy (they/them), a Queer, Disabled, Nottingham-based illustrator who also offers printing services!

Find them here:
• Website • Instagram • Etsy • Email •

Q&A with Ziggy Hayter

How long have you been making art, and — with understanding that it’s a difficult thing to summarize or do justice to — what does it mean to you?

I have been making art since I can remember! It became my main hobby when I was about 9 or 10! For me, art is a the only way I can unlock my true, unmasked self. To see my art is to see me. The process is just as important as the results for me for those reasons.

“To see my art is to see me.”

You’re admirably open about being queer and disabled — how does your identity play into your art-making?

One side is that I chose represent queer and disabled people in my art as I understand how important it is to see yourself as art.
But as my practise, and my sense of self has evolved, art is more a tool for me now – a physical way to ground and regulate. I started digital art in February and found it as an accessible way to create when I don’t have much energy.
I also illustrate my hyperfixations! My autism is why I am the artist I am; it’s how I see the world in all its details.
I also run workshops and events which are always queer disability and neurodivergent safe spaces. Art and community go hand in hand.

What’s your perspective on originals vs prints — do you feel that reprinting artwork devalues the original piece, makes it more special, or somewhere in between?

Some art I make is special because it’s a one-off, often it’s a very personal subject matter. This is the same for when I do commissions for people – they can always chose for it to never be sold as prints.
But on the flip side, prints are essential. Prints make art accessible, especially financially. My art is for everyone.
The most joy I get of being an artist is seeing people’s work in their homes. I’m getting emotional writing this. For someone to chose to see something I’ve created every day in their safe space…that’s what being an artist is.
Art is cavemen telling stories by carving. Art is sharing.
These pieces that sell for millions and some rich person hides in their mansion…that’s not why humans make art.

“Prints make art accessible, especially financially. My art is for everyone.”

What inspired you to start offering prints of other artists’ work?

I had the money to invest in a printer to make my own prints. Buying from companies was often too expensive, and you have to buy loads. I don’t sell that many. It was just a waste of money and resources, let alone bad for the environment.
I now offer printing services so fellow small businesses can buy affordable art prints at whatever quantities they need. Realising how important selling and sharing prints was to me, I wanted to share that love.
And to be transparent, it’s a great and low energy way I can earn some extra money. As a disabled artist, I don’t earn a lot and I can’t work a normal 9-5.

What are some of the benefits of working with an individual or small business instead of a larger company?

Everything can be tailored to your needs! I’ve had people ask me to edit images, print Cynoprinting negatives, all sorts. And I’m always happy to discuss ideas.
And the profit I make goes straight to funding my art. Instead of making a white man richer, you’re making a queer disabled artist more able to explore their art (and be a bit more financially stable).

How can people place an order from you?

My prints and T-shirts are on my Etsy. For printing services, and anything else, DM me on Instagram (@ziggyhayter) or email me at ziggyhayter@gmail.com.

You’re also an artist — can musicians commission art from you, and if so, how?

My commissions are open to everyone, but I love making art for TV, film, and music. Send me a message and we can talk ideas! For smaller artists etc., I’m always happy to discuss budgets.

What advice do you have for other freelancers in the art + music world?

Don’t define success by sales, numbers, likes, etc.
Capitalism loves to break artists.
For me, I have art I do for work and art I do for me.
Make sure you spend time reminding yourself why you love it.
If you can, do what you want, not what you think will be popular; a dedicated niche, cult following is just as – if not more – powerful than mass sales/listens from one-time fans.

Ziggy’s Links:
• Website • Instagram • Etsy • Email •