How I Made $10,000 in Just Two Days Selling a T-Shirt Design

Imagine making $10,000 in just two days. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. And the best part? I didn’t spend a single dollar on ads.

Instead, I relied on a strategy that many overlook because of its simplicity: following trends.

I know it sounds too good to be true. You're probably thinking, “If it’s that simple, why isn’t everyone doing it?” But the truth is, most people overcomplicate things. If you can identify the right trend and execute it well, success can follow—and I’m here to walk you through exactly how I did it.

What Is a Trend (and Why Do Trends Work)?

First, let’s define what a “trend” actually is. If you Google it, you’ll find definitions like:

1. A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
2. A fashion.
3. To change or develop in a general direction.

While these definitions are technically correct, they’re not helpful when it comes to spotting trends you can capitalize on.

Here’s my definition:

A trend is anything that’s gaining rapid attention or traction across a wide audience.

It could be:

• A viral meme or moment.
• A significant world event.
• A new product or style that’s taking social media by storm.
• Gossip, celebrity news, or even scandals.

The key is this: if everyone’s talking about it, it’s a trend.

Take, for example, the infamous moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. That event was everywhere—on social media, in memes, and in conversations. If you had created a clever t-shirt design related to that moment, you could have ridden that wave of attention to significant sales.

How to Find Trends in Real Time

Spotting trends isn’t hard. They’re right in front of you if you know where to look. Here’s how I do it:

1. Twitter: Check the “Trending” tab. It’s constantly updated with the most talked-about topics.
2. TikTok: Browse the “For You” page. TikTok’s algorithm serves you what’s trending almost instantly.
3. Instagram: Look for viral posts, reels, or hashtags.

These platforms are goldmines for finding what people are buzzing about.

The Idea That Changed Everything

This time, I didn’t even have to search for a trend. My brand manager, Sergio, gave me the idea.

When Queen Elizabeth passed away, it sparked massive global attention. Sergio pointed out that when a cultural icon like Michael Jackson or Kobe Bryant passes, people rush to buy memorabilia to honor their legacy. He suggested I create a t-shirt design commemorating the Queen.

At first, I was hesitant. Capitalizing on someone’s passing is a sensitive topic. Done poorly, it could be seen as disrespectful. But Sergio reassured me that if we approached it thoughtfully and tastefully, it could resonate with people looking to honor her memory.

Creating the Design

Once I decided to move forward, the real work began. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Brainstorming the Concept
   The design had to strike a balance. It needed to feel respectful and elegant while also being visually appealing enough for people to want to wear it. I sketched out a few ideas and worked with my team to refine them.

2. Feedback
   Before finalizing the design, I showed it to my wife and Sergio. They loved it, which gave me the confidence to move forward.

3. Choosing the Right Printing Partner
   I used Shopify to set up my store and integrated it with Apliiq, a print-on-demand service. Apliiq handles everything—from printing to shipping—and offers private labeling, which makes the product feel premium.

4. Picking the Perfect Shirt
   For the shirt itself, I chose Bella+Canvas 3001 blanks. Why? Because they’re soft, durable, and produce high-quality prints. A softer fabric means the ink lays smoother, resulting in vibrant colors and a longer-lasting design.

Launching the Campaign

With the design ready, it was time to promote it. I chose TikTok as my primary platform. Why TikTok? Because it’s currently one of the best places to sell products, thanks to its massive, engaged audience.

I spent hours creating a short, impactful video showcasing the design. The goal was simple: grab attention quickly and make the audience feel emotionally connected to the design.

The Results

The moment I posted the video, the orders started pouring in. Within 20 minutes, I was seeing three to four orders per minute. It was surreal.

Here’s a breakdown of the sales:

• Shopify Store: Over $6,000 in sales.
• Etsy Store: Another $6,000 in sales.

In just 48 hours, we had made over $10,000.

Why This Worked

1. Capitalizing on a Trend
   The Queen’s passing was a global event that resonated deeply with millions. Creating a tasteful, commemorative design allowed us to connect with that audience.

2. High-Quality Products
   The use of Bella+Canvas shirts ensured customer satisfaction. People loved how soft and comfortable the shirts felt, and the vibrant print quality made the design stand out.

3. Streamlined Fulfillment
   Apliiq handled all the production and shipping, which allowed me to focus on marketing and design.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you want to replicate this success, here’s what you need to do:

1. Spot Trends Early
   Use social media to stay ahead of the curve. Trends don’t last forever, so timing is everything.

2. Create with Purpose
   When creating products based on trends, ensure they resonate with your audience. The design should be meaningful, not just a cash grab.

3. Invest in Quality
   High-quality products lead to happy customers, which increases the likelihood of repeat business and positive reviews.

4. Leverage the Right Platforms
   TikTok and Instagram are powerful tools for reaching large audiences quickly. Invest time in learning how to create engaging content.

Final Thoughts

Making $10,000 in two days wasn’t luck—it was a combination of spotting the right trend, creating a high-quality product, and using the right tools to market and fulfill orders.

If there’s one piece of advice I want to leave you with, it’s this: don’t overthink it. Trends are opportunities waiting to be seized. Be bold, be creative, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Now, go out there and create something amazing!