We bet you’ve heard at least one of these names:

Luigi Mangione, Donald Trump, Jake Paul.

Luigi Mangione’s story alone has taken over headlines: the man became a viral hero (or villain, depending on who you ask) after being connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Context: Brian Thompson had publicly sparked animosity among UnitedHealthcare customers by allegedly blocking claims, leaving many unable to pay for treatment. To some, Luigi’s actions were justified—turning him into a controversial figure that the internet either glorifies or debates relentlessly.

This is where the opportunity kicks in. People latch onto trends, glorify them, laugh at them, or meme them to death.

And they’re ready to buy merch—t-shirts, mugs, hats, candles—faster than you can say “controversy sells.”

I mean…check this out:

Literally not even a month later:

Brian Thompson was shot by Luigi 2 weeks ago and we already have CANDLES for sale!

So how does all this merch come out so fast?

And how can you turn viral chaos into cold, hard cash without ever touching inventory?

Today:

😏 From Naughty List to Profit List

🖨️ What Is Print on Demand?

🚀 Best Print on Demand Services

🎨 How to Create Viral Designs Fast

🔗 Integrating POD With Your Own Site

📣 How to Get Customers Fast

💰 Why Print on Demand Is Genius

🔥 Trends You Can Monetize Right Now

😏 From Naughty List to Profit List

🖨️ What Is Print on Demand?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products—like t-shirts, mugs, or posters—are created only after a customer places an order.

You design the item, a POD service prints it, ships it, and you pocket the profits.

Here’s why it’s so awesome:

• No Inventory: No need to buy or store products upfront.

• Low Risk: You only pay after you’ve made a sale.

• Speed to Market: See a trend? Upload a design in minutes and start selling.

In short, you provide the creativity, and the POD platform handles the rest.

🚀 Best Print on Demand Services

Here are the top POD platforms to bring your viral-inspired ideas to life:

1. Printful

   • Perks: High-quality printing and seamless integration with platforms like Shopify and Etsy.

     

2. Teespring

   • Perks: User-friendly and built for creators looking to sell merch fast.

     

3. Printify

   • Perks: Competitive pricing and access to multiple printing partners worldwide.

     

4. Redbubble

   • Perks: Art-focused and easy to start—ideal for quirky or meme-inspired designs.

     

5. Zazzle

   • Perks: Perfect for personalized products and holiday-themed merch.

     

🎨 How to Create Viral Designs Fast

You don’t need to be a professional designer to cash in.

Here’s how to get ideas up and running quickly:

1. Leverage Design Tools:

   • Canva: Drag-and-drop simplicity for text-based designs and memes.

   • Adobe Express: Advanced tools for polished designs.

   • Placeit: Great for instant mockups and logo designs.

2. Find Trends:

   • Monitor X/Twitter hashtags, TikTok sounds, and Reddit threads for what’s trending.

   • Use Google Trends to find keywords gaining momentum.

3. Focus on Simplicity:
   Bold quotes, funny captions, and clean visuals stand out best. Think:

   • “Luigi Was Here” (minimalist text tee)

   • A mug that says, “Corporate Karma”

   • Meme-inspired candles or posters

4. Test Quickly:
   Upload designs to a POD service, generate mockups, and post them on social media immediately. Timing is everything —> if you’re one of the first sellers, you will have the most market share before the trend dies down.

Side Note: if you are REALLY unsure of yourself with design, you can always hire an affordable designer on a platform like Upwork

🔗 Integrating POD With Your Own Site

Want to have more control? And maybe build beyond just one trend?

Integrate POD services with your own website:

• Shopify + Printful: Perfect for automating sales and fulfillment.

• WooCommerce + Printify: A seamless solution for WordPress users.

• Etsy + POD: Start selling to a ready-made audience of trend enthusiasts.

If you’re curious about the pricing of a platform like Printful, here’s a guide;)

(the monthly memberships are very affordable and you still don’t pay until an order is actually made)

📣 How to Get Customers Fast

To capitalize on viral trends, you need eyeballs now 👀

1. Social Media Ads: Run quick ads on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok targeting trend-related audiences.

2. Organic Posts: Share mockups or a physical version of your product with trending hashtags and witty captions. TikTok, Instagram, and X/Twitter can make a design go viral overnight (just check out the Luigi candle reel above ⬆️ 🔥)

3. Influencer Partnerships: Send free samples to small influencers for shoutouts.

4. Communities: Post in Reddit forums, Facebook groups, or X/Twitter threads related to the trend. Some of these are SO MUCH bigger than you think.

💰 Why Print on Demand Is Genius

• Low Barrier to Entry: Anyone with a design idea can start selling.

• Quick to Market: See a trend, upload a design, and start earning within hours.

• Risk-Free: No wasted money on unsold inventory.

• Infinite Creativity: Trends come and go, but your ideas can keep flowing.

It’s honestly that simple 🤷‍♂️

🔥 Trends You Can Monetize Right Now

Here’s where to start today:

1. 🔫 Luigi Mangione: “Corporate Karma” designs, anti-corporate slogans, or subtle meme nods.

2. 🇺🇸 Political Soundbites: Trump quotes—love them or hate them—always sell.

3. 😆 TikTok Memes: Viral prompts or catchphrases like “Don’t do it girl…” or recent stunts.

4. 🎆 Holiday Humor: “My New Year’s Resolution is To Make It To Next Year” tees or sarcastic gift ideas. We also have Hanukkah. (can’t hurt to create designs for all holidays).

Since we won’t see each other until after Christmas…

Merry Christmas hustlers! 🎄