How to sell art on Etsy: The complete guide

Selling art on Etsy is a fantastic way to showcase creativity and reach a global audience. Most artists want to focus on creating rather than managing logistics like sales and shipping. Successful Etsy sellers earn an average of $43,000 to $46,000 annually, with top sellers making more than $65,000 per month. 

Although the profit potential of selling art online on Etsy is enormous, you need the right preparation to stand out in a competitive market.

This insightful blog post will walk you through every step, from setting up your Etsy shop to effectively marketing your artwork. You'll learn about pricing strategies, shipping tips, and how to provide top-notch customer service. 

By the end, you'll be equipped with the necessary knowledge needed to make your art business on Etsy successful.

• Conduct thorough market research to understand your audience and identify market gaps before starting your Etsy store.

• You can choose between selling physical art prints, which require shipping and packaging, and digital prints, which are instant and have no shipping costs.

• For a successful Etsy shop, focus on clear policies, optimizing product listings, and effective marketing strategies.

• Consistent branding and a recognizable style will help you build a loyal customer base and stand out in the market.

• Use Gelato's on-demand printing services to produce high-quality prints of your artwork effortlessly.

When selling art on Etsy, it's essential to understand and follow the platform's guidelines. The main rules for selling art on Etsy focus on what you can sell and how you present it. 

Here are the key rules you must bear in mind:

• Handmade or designed by you: Everything on Etsy must be handmade, vintage, or a craft supply. This means your art prints or originals must be designed or created by you.

• Accurate representation: Be honest about your artwork and how it's made. Clearly communicate if it's a one-of-a-kind original or a reproduction.

• High-quality listings: Use clear, professional photos and detailed descriptions to represent what buyers are purchasing accurately.

• Transparency in business practices: Clearly outline your shop policies on returns, exchanges, and cancellations. Additionally, be upfront about where you ship your products, your shop's language, and the currency you use.

Beyond these core rules, Etsy also has general policies you should familiarize yourself with:

• No illegality or discrimination: Etsy prohibits items that promote violence, hate speech, or discrimination of any type in the Etsy marketplace.

• Taxes: The platform clearly states that you're responsible for collecting and paying any applicable taxes on your sales.

• No copyright infringement: Don't sell artwork that infringes on someone else's copyright. This includes using characters or designs from popular media without permission.

Adhering to these rules will help you create a trustworthy online presence and foster positive relationships with your customers.

Simply put, prints are reproductions of original artwork. A print is often more affordable than an original piece of art, making it more accessible to a wider audience. There are two main types of art prints for sale on Etsy; physical prints and digital prints.

Physical art prints

Physical art prints are hot sellers on Etsy. They allow customers to own the artwork they love without spending drastically more money on an original. For artists, prints help their art reach a wider audience. It's a way to profit without having to wait for someone with deep pockets to purchase the original.

Physical art prints can take many forms. A quality POD service can transfer your art onto canvas, posters, wood, aluminum, acrylic, and more. They can even ship your artwork in a quality, ready-to-hang frame.

Digital prints

You may also choose to sell your digital art on Etsy. In this case, you're selling digital downloads. The buyer can then print the digital images on paper, canvas, or other surfaces they desire.

Physical prints are excellent Etsy products because they arrive at the buyer's home ready for display. Shoppers don't have to spend more money and time printing the product.

This article will walk you through the process of selling prints and other custom art products on Etsy using a print on demand service.

There's no better time to start selling art on Etsy than now. All you need is a passion for creating art, ambition, and our expert guidance to create your Etsy store and start making money online.

1. Conduct market research

Research is an essential part of creating a profitable Etsy business. Etsy is a competitive online marketplace with thousands of artists already using the platform. Thorough market research is a step toward joining the long list of successful Etsy shops.

Market research involves learning about your target market to understand what they seek and how your products can fulfill demand. The many aspects of market research include the following:

• Where your potential customers live or shop

• The age range of your customer base

• What's currently trending in the industry

• What influences customer purchases

• Needs the customer base feels are underserved

• And numerous others

Market research is growing in popularity, meaning there are several online tools available to help you perform your market research from home on your computer. Google Trends, Google Keyword Planner, and Ahrefs are all helpful for discovering the most popular search terms. You can search the most popular art keywords within a certain region and time frame to find out what's trending, where, and when.

Spend some time browsing Etsy to find out which types of art are most popular. You'll get a good idea of which styles of artwork and products are most popular.

Remember that your passion will keep you motivated to create and update your Etsy shop. Choose a niche that will inspire you to keep creating the art your customers love.

2. Create/collect artwork

Finally, it's time to do what you love: create your original art. Buyers want high-quality artwork that is eye-catching but not overwhelming. Here are a few simple tips to remember when creating your artwork to sell on Etsy.

• Keep it simple and try not to overwhelm the viewer with difficult or confusing designs.

• Create original art that stands out from other artists on Etsy.

• Consider what your audience is already purchasing when creating new artwork. Are they really into abstracts? Watercolors of animals? Landscapes?

You don't have to be an artist or designer to sell art prints on Etsy. Your unique ideas can also be made into art by professional artists or designers. A quality print on demand service like Gelato will also provide resources to help you create eye-catching designs affordably.

3. Create a Gelato account and connect to Etsy

Setting up a Gelato account is a straightforward process that opens up a range of possibilities for artists looking to streamline their fulfillment and explore new product offerings. 

Here’s how you can get started with Gelato and integrate it with your Etsy shop: 

• Sign up for Gelato: Visit Gelato’s website and click on the 'Sign Up' button. Fill in the required details, such as your name, email, and password. You might also be prompted to verify your email address. 

• Choose an Artist Plan: Once your account is set up, you'll be guided to select a plan. Although Gelato offers multiple plans, starting with the basic plan can be beneficial to familiarize oneself with the platform before scaling up. 

• Integrate Gelato with Etsy: This is a simple, five-step process:

  1. Log in to your Gelato dashboard.

  2. Navigate to the ‘Integrations’ section from the sidebar menu.

  3. Select Etsy and click on the ‘Connect’ button.

  4. You will be redirected to Etsy to authorize the integration. If prompted, log in to your Etsy account and grant Gelato the necessary permissions to access your store.

  5. Once authorized, you’ll be redirected back to Gelato, and your Etsy shop should now be connected.

• Create products: In the Gelato dashboard, go to the ‘Products’ tab and click on ‘Create New Product’. Choose from a variety of offerings, such as prints, posters, or canvas art. You can easily upload your artwork, customize the product details, and set pricing. 

• Sync products to Etsy: After creating your products, you can sync them directly to your Etsy shop. Gelato automates this process, ensuring your product listings are consistent and professional. Any changes made in Gelato will be updated in your Etsy store as well. 

Integrating Gelato with your Etsy shop simplifies the entire fulfillment process and allows you to offer a broader range of products to your customers. By taking care of the logistics, Gelato empowers you to scale your art business seamlessly.

4. Design your products

Designing products is another exciting part of the process. This is when you decide how you want to sell your artwork. You can create physical prints of your art for shoppers to buy and display immediately.

At Gelato, our ready-to-hang print options include the following:

• Canvas

• Acrylic prints

• Aluminum prints

• Foam prints

• Wood prints

• Traditional posters

• Posters with hangers

• Wooden framed posters

• Metal framed posters

We can also print your artwork on various other high-quality products like phone cases, mugs, tote bags, t-shirts, and hoodies.

Gelato's design maker is the easiest way to upload your designs or images, edit them, and view mockups of the products you create. You may also choose to order a sample to see your product in person before uploading it to your Etsy store.

5. Establish your brand

You need your fans to be able to find you quickly and easily. Much of your notoriety comes from having a memorable brand name and logo that customers can remember. Creating a strong brand is especially important on Etsy, where there are so many artists selling their unique products.

Fortunately, you're an artist! Creating your business name, logo, and banner is part of the fun. It's important to remember that your brand identity is how your customers will view you, so be open about your mission, unique story, and other aspects that reflect your niche, artwork, and you as the artist.

6. Create an Etsy shop

You can't start selling art on Etsy without creating your Etsy store. The thought of opening a store may sound overwhelming, but we're here to walk you through the process and prove it's much easier than it may seem.

• Log onto Etsy and create a traditional buyer account. You'll then click over to Etsy.com/sell to get started building your Etsy storefront.

• Customize your storefront by adding your business name, logo, and banner.

• Add your Etsy profile picture and compelling bio. Remember to choose a photo that fits within Etsy's size and shape requirements so it doesn't become distorted on the website. Include information about your brand mission and what makes you unique in the bio section.

• Establish shop policies for returns, exchanges, and cancellations. Etsy is a global marketplace, so you must determine where your products can ship, your shop language, and your currency.

7. Price your art

Pricing your art can be challenging, but understanding several critical factors can help set a fair and profitable price.

• Start by considering material costs—these include the expenses for canvases, paint, prints, and any other supplies you use.

• Next, factor in the time spent creating the piece. Your time is valuable, and it's essential to account for it in your pricing.

• Moreover, market demand plays a pivotal role; research similar artists and their pricing strategies to gauge the average market price for art like yours. 

Another key element in pricing is perceived value. This is the worth that customers associate with your art, which can often be influenced by your brand, presentation, and reputation. High-quality photos and professional presentations can elevate perceived value, allowing you to set higher prices. 

To price your art competitively and avoid undervaluing it, 

• Calculate all your costs, including fixed and variable costs. 

• Then, add a margin that fits your business goals. Avoid setting prices too low, as this can reduce the perceived value of your art and hurt your business in the long run. 

• Check similar artworks on Etsy and see what they sell for. Consider how your unique style and skills can justify a higher price point.

• Finally, be prepared to adjust your prices based on feedback and sales data. 

If your pieces are selling quickly, it might be a sign you can increase your prices. Conversely, if sales are slow, consider any feedback you've received and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly.

8. Optimize your product listings

Uploading your products to your Etsy store is just the beginning. Make your listings stand out by adding high-quality product images. You can use photos of sample products you've ordered or leverage Gelato's Mockup Studio tool, available to Gelato+ subscribers. This tool allows you to view product previews, save them, and easily upload them to Etsy.

Next, write detailed product descriptions to ensure customers know exactly what they're buying. Accurate descriptions, including material and available sizes, reduce the likelihood of dissatisfied customers and returns. Optimize your product titles and descriptions with relevant Etsy keywords. Use research tools like Ahrefs, Google Trends, and Google’s Keyword Planner to identify the best terms.

Properly categorize your products to ensure they appear in the right search results and effectively use tags and attributes to enhance discoverability.

• When categorizing your products on Etsy, it's crucial to think like the buyer. 

• Choose categories that are a natural fit for your art. For instance, if you're selling watercolor prints, place them under "Art & Collectibles" followed by "Prints" and then "Watercolor." 

• Create detailed categorization to ensure your products show up in relevant searches.

Don't forget to make full use of Etsy tags and attributes to enhance discoverability: 

• Tags allow you to include search terms that potential buyers might use. Use all 13 available tags, incorporating varied terms such as styles, themes, and colors.

• Attributes are another layer to ensure your products appear in specific searches. In the attributes, include details like the subject matter, dimensions, and medium.

If you're unsure which tags and attributes to use, look at similar successful listings for inspiration.

9. Market your Etsy art business

It's time to get your Etsy listings out in the world for your customers to see. Unfortunately, just creating an Etsy store doesn't immediately draw thousands of customers. You need to promote your art business via other outlets.

The Etsy platform is always eager to help you market your shop. Their promotional tools, like Etsy Ads, sales, and coupons, can help promote your business within the Etsy platform. Etsy Plus costs $10 per month and offers new ways to make your shop stand out, sends email reminders to customers, and includes advertising credits.

Social media is also an effective and affordable way to market your art and Etsy shop. We recommend streamlining your social media pages so all your usernames relate to your Etsy store name. Remaining consistent across multiple platforms, like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, makes you easier to find. Paid advertising can help you reach a wider audience without making a hefty investment.

You may have already sold your art at art shows, festivals, and other events. Update your existing communities and forums to inform them about your new Etsy store. Always promote your Etsy shop at any in-person events you attend with your art. Customers who didn't bring enough cash to the art show may head home and purchase on their card.

Create a newsletter to ensure your loyal customers are always up-to-date on available new art, products, and discounts. Using multiple advertising tools means reaching a wider audience and more potential customers.

Selling art online can open up opportunities for artists. Here are some essential tips to get you on the right track and maximize your success in the digital art marketplace.

Offer personalized customer service

Delivering personalized customer service can set your Etsy shop apart from the competition. Respond to inquiries promptly and thoughtfully. Address customers by name and tailor your responses to their questions or concerns. Offering a personal touch can lead to repeat business and positive reviews.

Don’t hesitate to send thank you messages after a sale or even a small, personalized note with their purchase. These small gestures show your appreciation, helping build a loyal customer base and enhancing your brand's reputation.

Collect and leverage reviews

Customer reviews can significantly boost your credibility on Etsy. Encourage satisfied buyers to leave positive feedback by sending a polite request after purchase. These reviews act as social proof, showcasing the quality and uniqueness of your artwork.

Don’t just collect reviews; showcase them on your store page to build trust with potential customers. Address any negative feedback professionally to demonstrate excellent customer service. Positive reviews can help convert browsers into buyers, so don't underestimate their power.

Provide clear policies

Transparency is vital when selling art on Etsy. Clearly outline your shop’s policies on shipping, returns, and exchanges. Doing this will build trust and help manage customer expectations. Include details about processing times, shipping fees, and packaging.

If you offer custom or personalized items with the help of Gelato's Personalization Studio, specify the terms and conditions. Having well-defined policies will reduce misunderstandings and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, it’s beneficial to update these policies regularly to reflect any changes in your business operations or shipping practices.

Secure your art

Protecting your art is crucial to maintaining its value and ensuring customer satisfaction. Consider using watermarks on digital images and securely packaging physical prints to avoid damage during transit. High-quality materials like acid-free paper and archival inks also help preserve your work. For added security, particularly for high-value items, offering shipping insurance can provide you and your buyers peace of mind.

Employing trusted services like UPS, which has Certified Packing Experts, can further safeguard your art. These measures will help build trust and credibility with your customers, making them more likely to return for future purchases.

Offer limited editions

When you offer limited editions, it creates urgency and exclusivity around your pieces, making them more appealing to potential buyers. Announce the limited number of prints available and highlight their uniqueness.

Moreover, you can even add a touch of uniqueness by employing Gelato's Personalization Studio to achieve unique designs for each customer. Doing this boosts sales and can also elevate your brand's perceived value.

There are customers around the world waiting to display your unique art prints and other products in their homes. They just don't know your art is out there yet. With your unique perspective, original ideas, and Etsy account, your artwork can reach its full potential.

The unbeatable combination of Gelato and Etsy accounts can increase your profits cost-effectively and efficiently. Our integration with Etsy allows you to create high-quality, custom art products that showcase your art. Simply upload your artwork and design your products, and we'll take care of not-so-fun stuff, like fulfillment and shipping.

Integrate your Gelato and Etsy accounts to get started today.

Is it hard to sell art with an Etsy store?

The Etsy online marketplace makes selling your art more convenient. However, according to Statista, there were 7.47 million Etsy sellers in 2022. You'll need a strong brand, high-quality product images, unique designs, and effective marketing to stand out and make sales.

Can I make money selling art on Etsy?

Yes! Selling art on Etsy can be a fun side job or a profitable full-time venture. Some sellers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others make thousands. Follow the sound advice above, and you'll be well on your way to creating a successful Etsy shop.

What kind of art sells the most on Etsy?

Art that resonates on Etsy includes unique, personalized, and customizable pieces. Popular categories encompass digital prints, watercolor paintings, and minimalist illustrations. Artwork that offers a distinctive personal touch or caters to specific niches, such as pet portraits or custom home illustrations, tends to draw more buyers.

How much does Etsy take from artists?

Selling on Etsy involves specific fees that artists should be aware of. Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee on the sale price (including the shipping fee you set). There’s a $0.20 listing fee per item and a payment processing fee, which varies by country. Although these costs can add up, they are relatively lower than fees charged by traditional galleries, which can be around 50% of the sale price.