Trent Landreth Builds Art Business From Family Home
The Kansas artist uses ballpoint pens and phone books to create viral animal illustrations for fans.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Painting
Live Poll
Do you prioritize supporting local, family-run businesses when purchasing gifts or merchandise?
Since gaining viral attention in 2016, Kansas artist Trent Landreth has built a successful family-run business selling merchandise featuring his unique animal artwork. Operating from his family home, the enterprise has expanded to reach millions of followers across social media platforms.
Why it matters
The business provides financial security for Trent Landreth's future while highlighting the importance of inclusion for people with different needs. His success demonstrates how creative pursuits can foster both economic independence and social engagement.
Trent Landreth creates his signature illustrations using black ballpoint pens on repurposed phone book pages. His merchandise line currently includes colouring books, stickers, T-shirts, and mugs sold through his family-managed operation.
The players
Trent Landreth
An artist based in Kansas who creates animal drawings using black ballpoint pens on unconventional paper surfaces like phone books.
Tanner Smith
A collaborator who partnered with Landreth on a T-shirt collection for the clothing brand Vineyard Vines.
The details
Trent Landreth's parents assist in recording his creative process and managing day-to-day operations at their home in Kansas. The artist has previously collaborated on designs for the Old Chicago restaurant chain and partnered with Tanner Smith for a Vineyard Vines T-shirt collection.
Timeline
Trent Landreth first gained viral social media attention in 2016.
Landreth acquired his first million followers over a four-month period in 2016.
A new activity book is scheduled for release in early 2027.
Culture Shift
Landreth's career path follows the rise of creator economy businesses managed within family homes by leveraging digital audiences to drive retail sales. This model marks a departure from traditional art gallery representation, showing how independent creators can bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Fans can expect easier access to Landreth's work following the planned 2027 retail expansion into national chains. Currently, customers continue to receive items hand-packed at the family home, identifiable by a specific sticker added by the artist.
The takeaway
Supporting independent artists through direct merchandise purchases helps provide long-term financial stability for creators and their families. Readers interested in similar projects can look for unique collaborations that bridge local artistry with broader retail markets.
What happens next
The Landreth family plans to release a new activity book in early 2027, which is expected to be sold at Walmart stores across the United States.
Further reading
Discover more artists and creative trends in the Painting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize supporting local, family-run businesses when purchasing gifts or merchandise?
