Earn Online Selling Art Prints on Etsy + Photoshop Tutorial
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Untapped Potential of Making Money Online as a Graphic Designer
- Selling Canvas Art and Digital Design Prints on Etsy
- How I Made Four Racks in Over a Month
- The Expensive Nature of Craft Goods
- Tapping into the Market with Graphic Design Skills
- Printing Custom Designs on Canvas: The Profit Margin
- Blind Drop Shipping from China: Breaking Etsy's Terms of Use
- Creating Artwork that Sells: Motivational Themes, Street Art, and Landscapes
- Popular Themes and Subjects
- Using Photoshop to Create Simple and Profitable Designs
- Opening a New Document in Inches
- Choosing the Background and Adding Images
- Incorporating Grunge Effects for Visual Appeal
- Adding Motivational Phrases using Unique Fonts
- Design Refinement for a Solid Composition
- Taking the Design to the Next Level: Listing on Etsy and Incorporating Real Images
- Selling on Etsy: Bedroom Wall Art
- Using Real Images to Showcase Artwork
- Quick Techniques for Presenting Artwork on Etsy
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Making Money Online as a Graphic Designer: The Untapped Potential
If you're a graphic designer looking for new opportunities to make money online, there's more to explore beyond logos and digital file creation. In this article, I'm going to share a unique way in which I made over four racks (that's $4,000) in just a month and a half on Etsy by selling motivational canvas art and digital design prints. Not only will I guide you through the process, but I'll also show you how to create these designs using Photoshop. Stick around till the end to discover the secrets to my success.
Selling Canvas Art and Digital Design Prints on Etsy
How I Made Four Racks in Over a Month
When I stumbled upon the world of craft goods, homemade items, and digital files on Etsy, I realized the untapped potential of selling canvas art. This realization occurred when I came across high-priced items from renowned brands. As a graphic designer, I knew my skills could come in handy in this market. With further research, I discovered the rising popularity of street art and learned about influential designers like Alec Monopoly. However, the hefty price tags associated with these art pieces puzzled me, as I wasn't familiar with people willing to spend more than $50 on a single artwork to adorn their walls.
The Expensive Nature of Craft Goods
Nevertheless, this observation taught me a valuable lesson – not everyone is price-sensitive or looking for more affordable options. Some individuals have a higher purchasing power and are willing to invest in exclusive and impactful artwork.
Tapping into the Market with Graphic Design Skills
Determined to tap into this market, I delved deeper into my research. I began by exploring how much it would cost to print a custom design on a canvas. Unfortunately, the profit margin on printing them locally was minimal due to the high costs involved. That's when I decided to explore printing options in China. As soon as I switched to Chinese printers, my profits skyrocketed. However, it's worth noting that my approach of blind drop shipping - directly delivering the canvas art to customers from the Chinese printer - violated Etsy's terms of use, leading to my eventual suspension from the platform.
Creating Artwork that Sells: Motivational Themes, Street Art, and Landscapes
To succeed in the online market for canvas art and digital prints, it's crucial to create artwork that resonates with potential customers. Research has shown that themes like motivation, street art, landscapes, and specific subjects, such as lions, are incredibly popular among buyers. By understanding the market demand and combining it with your unique creative touch, you can create designs that have a higher potential to sell.
Popular Themes and Subjects
Motivational artwork is evergreen and resonates with individuals seeking inspiration and positivity. Street art-style designs have their own appeal, often attracting art enthusiasts who appreciate urban culture. Additionally, landscapes featuring serene natural settings like mountains, oceans, and trees can evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty. Animals, particularly the majestic lion, hold great symbolism and appeal in art. By incorporating these themes and subjects into your designs, you can cater to a wide range of potential buyers.
Using Photoshop to Create Simple and Profitable Designs
Now that we've explored the market and identified popular themes, it's time to dive into the creative process. I will guide you through using Photoshop to create simple yet profitable designs that have the potential to sell well.
Opening a New Document in Inches
When creating canvas art, it's essential to work with dimensions that align with the standard canvas sizes available in the market. Most canvas art is measured in inches, such as 11 x 14 or 20 x 30. By starting with the correct canvas size, you set yourself up for a hassle-free printing process later on.
Choosing the Background and Adding Images
The background sets the tone for your artwork. Depending on your chosen theme and subject, you can select a suitable background color or pattern. In this tutorial, I'm going to keep it simple by using a black background, but feel free to experiment with other options that complement your design.
To add visual interest and depth to your canvas art, incorporating relevant images is essential. You can source images from various platforms, keeping in mind copyright regulations and fair use policies. In my case, I stumbled upon an intriguing face image that caught my attention. I enlarged a portion of it, specifically focusing on the eye. By inverting the colors and reducing the opacity, I achieved a captivating effect.
Incorporating Grunge Effects for Visual Appeal
To give your artwork a distinct edge, adding grunge effects can work wonders. By simply searching for grunge textures online, you can find an array of options to choose from. Experiment with different blending modes to determine the best effect for your composition. Adjust the opacity and scale of the grunge texture to achieve the desired visual impact.
Adding Motivational Phrases using Unique Fonts
Motivational phrases are a powerful addition to canvas art, as they resonate with the viewers on a deeper level. Choose fonts that align with the theme and create a sense of visual harmony. While commonly-used fonts like Futura may work well, don't hesitate to explore unique fonts that stand out. In this tutorial, I'm incorporating a money-themed font to reinforce the motivational aspect.
Design Refinement for a Solid Composition
After adding the phrases, it's essential to refine the design and ensure its overall balance and aesthetic appeal. Experiment with the placement of the phrases, considering factors like alignment, overlap, and visual hierarchy. Refine the size and positioning until you achieve a composition that is visually pleasing. Stepping back and viewing the design as a whole can help you identify any adjustments needed for a more cohesive artwork.
Taking the Design to the Next Level: Listing on Etsy and Incorporating Real Images
Now that you have a solid design, it's time to take it to the next level by listing it on Etsy. Etsy is a popular platform for selling unique, handmade, and vintage items, making it an ideal marketplace for canvas art and digital prints. To enhance the appeal of your artwork and help buyers envision it in real-life settings, consider incorporating real images in your listings.
Selling on Etsy: Bedroom Wall Art
When listing your artwork on Etsy, it's crucial to understand the target audience and cater your product descriptions to their preferences. Highlight features like the suitability of your canvas art for bedroom wall decor, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the overall ambiance and atmosphere of a room. Craft compelling descriptions that resonate with potential buyers, enticing them to make a purchase.
Using Real Images to Showcase Artwork
Providing potential buyers with a visual representation of how your artwork looks on real walls can greatly influence their buying decisions. To achieve this, you can take images of actual rooms and digitally overlay your artwork, giving buyers a realistic preview of how it would enhance their living spaces. This technique adds a level of tangibility and helps potential buyers visualize the impact of your canvas art in their homes.
Quick Techniques for Presenting Artwork on Etsy
To streamline the process of presenting your artwork on Etsy, consider creating a separate layer for the background image. By using the option command shift + e, you can flatten this layer and easily drag it onto a template of a room image. This allows you to quickly create appealing visuals for your listings, increasing their chances of capturing buyers' attention.
Conclusion
Making money online as a graphic designer offers immense potential for those willing to explore unique avenues. By capitalizing on the growing demand for canvas art and digital prints, you can tap into an untapped market and create profitable designs. Utilize your graphic design skills, conduct thorough market research, and experiment with different themes and subjects to create artwork that resonates with buyers. With the help of Photoshop, you can bring your designs to life and list them on platforms like Etsy, expanding your reach and earning potential. Embrace the creativity within you, and let your artwork flourish in the digital realm.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use any image I find online for my canvas art?
A: It's essential to respect copyright laws and fair use policies when sourcing images for your canvas art. Ensure you have the necessary permissions or use images that are in the public domain to avoid any legal issues.
Q: How can I improve the visibility of my artwork on Etsy?
A: To increase the visibility of your artwork, optimize your Etsy listings by incorporating relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. Use high-quality images that showcase your artwork in the best possible way. Additionally, engage with the Etsy community, promote your listings on social media, and participate in relevant forums and discussions.
Q: Is it necessary to offer different sizes of canvas art on Etsy?
A: Offering a variety of sizes can cater to a broader range of buyers and their unique spatial requirements. While it's not mandatory, providing options for different canvas sizes can capture the interest of a wider audience. Consider the market demand, production feasibility, and shipping constraints before determining the sizes you want to offer.
Q: What other online platforms can I explore besides Etsy to sell my artwork?
A: While Etsy is a popular choice for selling handmade items, vintage goods, and digital files, there are other platforms you can explore as well. Websites like Shopify, eBay, Amazon Handmade, and Artfinder offer opportunities for artists and designers to showcase and sell their artwork to a global audience. Research these platforms to find the one that aligns with your goals and target audience.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
