A Kansas artist’s animal drawings have attracted millions of social media followers, helping turn his creative hobby into a family-run business selling books, colouring products and merchandise. Trent Landreth, known online as Drawings by Trent, has 2 million followers on Facebook, 1.3 million on Instagram and 3 million on TikTok. His popularity began with a video of him drawing animals on a trampoline with chalk, shared by his mother around ten years ago. His parents now help record his videos, manage the business and sell products featuring his artwork, including colouring books, stickers, T-shirts and mugs.
How did a Kansas artist’s animal drawings become an online sensation
Landreth first went viral around ten years ago, when his mother shared a video of him drawing animals on a trampoline with chalk. The video showed him sketching animals including an elephant, an alligator and a gorilla, while cicadas could be heard in the background. According to KMUW, a National Public Radio member station based in Wichita, Kansas, he gained his first million followers over the following four months. His parents, however, say that he is not aware of the extent of his online popularity and does not draw to entertain other people.His family has continued sharing his drawings through social media, where viewers can watch him respond to drawing requests. Away from the camera, Landreth produces more detailed artwork using black ballpoint pens, with phone books serving as his preferred drawing surface. His mother explained that the soft pages allow the pen to leave a groove that he can feel as he draws. She also suggested that he enjoys the busy appearance of phone book pages, which differ from the cleaner surfaces of conventional sketchbooks.
What products does Drawings by Trent sell featuring his animal artwork
Landreth’s online following has helped his family establish a business selling products featuring his artwork. Drawings by Trent offers colouring books, stickers, T-shirts, mugs and three published books. His parents help manage the operation, using space in their family home to store merchandise, prepare orders and package products for customers. When Landreth packs an order himself, the package receives a special sticker so that customers can identify his involvement.The business is also intended to help provide for Landreth in the future, when his parents may no longer be able to care for him. According to KMUW, the family’s wider mission is to demonstrate the value of including people with different needs in everyday life. His father, Corey Landreth, said: “When we share our lives, we are not just helping those ‘poor’ special needs individuals. We actually grow and become better people.” The family has also spoken about the importance of representing Landreth carefully, rather than assuming how he feels about his experiences.
What is Trent’s View of the Zoo, and why is it a best-selling colouring book
One of Landreth’s most successful products is Trent’s View of the Zoo, his first colouring book, which remains a best-seller for the business. His artwork has also led to collaborations with companies and other creators. KMUW reported that he helped design artwork for the children’s menu at the restaurant chain Old Chicago. He also collaborated with Tanner Smith, known from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, on a T-shirt collection with Vineyard Vines for Autism Acceptance Month.The family is preparing to expand its publishing work with a new activity book expected early in 2027. According to KMUW, the book is planned to be available at Walmart stores nationwide. Landreth also travels with his parents for meet-and-greet events, where he interacts with fans from across the United States. His family says he enjoys these trips, particularly staying in hotels and exploring new accommodations. Alongside his drawing and business activities, he frequently visits his local public library and spends much of his time with his family.
