Hey there, welcome to my blog! In this post, I’m excited to share with you how to design your own wedding invitation suite with Zazzle.
It was an incredible opportunity as Zazzle reached out to me to create a video for their YouTube channel, where I could showcase the process of creating my own wedding invitations that beautifully represent my wedding theme.
Join me as I walk you through the steps, tools, and inspiration behind this creative journey in the video below.
How to Design your own Wedding Invitation Suite
To get started, I made a list of all the items I needed to assemble my wedding invitation suite.
From the main invitation and RSVP cards to belly bands, custom envelopes, stickers, and more, Zazzle had everything I needed to bring my vision to life.
For design inspiration, I turned to my curated wedding Pinterest board, where I have been gathering ideas and inspiration for the overall theme and style I want for my wedding.
Items needed for the invitation suite:
All of the items I used for my invitation suite are linked below, with the exception of the return address labels which I creating using the “Design Transfer” option. This is demonstrated in the video above.
Using Zazzle’s Design Tool, I was able to customize every aspect of my invitations including the colors, fonts, and layouts to achieve the exact look I envisioned. Plus, I could select different paper types and sizes to ensure my invitations looked exactly how I wanted.
Digital Download or Physical Products
When it came to acquiring my customized invitations, I opted for the printed version. However, it’s worth mentioning that Zazzle’s digital download option is a great cost-saving alternative, and offers flexibility if you prefer to send your invitations electronically via text or email. It’s a modern, eco-friendly approach that still ensures your invitations look stunning while accommodating different preferences and budgets.
Putting the Invitation Suite Together
Once all of the different pieces arrived, it was time to put it all together. You can watch the process of putting together the invitation suites in the video above.
I started with the main invitation and then put the RSVP card on top. Attaching the belly band neatly held the components together, creating a cohesive suite. Adding custom stickers and return address labels to the envelopes added that extra touch of personalization. Lastly, I used an embosser to add a custom touch to the envelopes.
The Finished Product
I’m very happy with the finished result. Each invitation showcases our unique style and attention to detail. The suite truly sets the tone for our special day and leaves no doubt that our wedding will be an unforgettable event.
My friends and family loved these wedding invitations and said they would keep them as cherished mementos for years to come!
Conclusion
Designing your own wedding invitations with Zazzle was a fun and rewarding experience. It allowed me to bring my vision to life and create invitations that were exactly how I wanted.
Zazzle’s affordability, convenience, and customization options made it the perfect choice for this creative endeavor. If you’re seeking personalized wedding stationery that stands out from the crowd, I encourage you to explore the possibilities on Zazzle’s website.
I hope this post has inspired you to design your very own wedding invitation suite.
Are you looking to take your image editing skills to the next level? Then look no further than this tutorial on how to remove backgrounds in Photoshop!
In this video tutorial I take you step by step through the process of removing backgrounds from images using the selection and lasso tools.
I demonstrate how to do this with a both a simple image of a laptop, and a more complex image featuring a person in the foreground.
You can use these skills to edit your photographs, or create designs with transparent backgrounds to use for stickers, t-shirts and other print on demand products with Photoshop!
How to Remove Backgrounds in Photoshop with Lasso Tools
Open your image in Photoshop and double-click the background layer to unlock it.
Use the Eraser tool to erase out major parts of the background, without getting too close to your subject.
Select the appropriate lasso tool for your image, such as the Lasso Tool, Polygonal Lasso Tool, or Magnetic Lasso Tool.
Begin by making a rough selection around the object or subject you want to keep. For straight edges, use the Polygonal Lasso Tool. For irregular shapes, use the Lasso Tool or Magnetic Lasso Tool.
Continue tracing the outline of the object, and close the selection by connecting the endpoint with the starting point.
If needed, use the Add to Selection or Subtract from Selection options to refine the selection (Can also use + or –).
Hide or delete the original background layer (if there is one remaining) to see the transparency.
Use the Eraser Tool or Layer Mask to further refine the edges of the object if necessary.
Create a new layer below, and fill it with a solid color to check for any stray pixels.
Save your image in a format that supports transparency, like .PNG.
With practice and experimentation, you’ll become more proficient in using lasso and selection tools to remove backgrounds in Photoshop.
In conclusion, removing backgrounds in Photoshop using the lasso tools is a powerful technique that allows you to isolate objects and create images and graphics with transparent backgrounds. With the flexibility and precision of the lasso tools, you can achieve clean and professional results.
Remember to practice and experiment with different selection tools to find the one that works best for your specific image. So go ahead and give it a try in your next project!
Running a successful art business requires more than just creativity and talent. It also requires a solid plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and resources. An art business plan can help you stay focused, organized, and motivated as you navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to take your business to the next level, or a beginner just starting out, this guide will help you create a roadmap for success.
As an artist who has turned my passion into a successful business, I understand the importance of having a well-crafted business plan. Over the years, I have honed my skills and learned what it takes to make an income as an artist, and I want to share my knowledge with you. By following the steps outlined in this post, I believe that you too can create a solid art business plan that will help you achieve your goals and build a sustainable career.
Why You Need an Art Business Plan
An art business plan is a roadmap for artists to achieve their professional goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have been selling your art for a while, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. Think of it as a roadmap that will guide you towards achieving your goals and making your art business dreams a reality. Don’t worry if you’ve never written a business plan before, it doesn’t have to be super complicated or intimidating. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you like, just start somewhere!
As we go through this post, make sure to take notes on all the sections we cover. You can keep your art business plan in a notebook, a Google doc, or a Word document. I also have a Notion template that you can use as a starting point.
What to Include in Your Art Business Plan
When it comes to creating your art business plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your plan should be customized to fit your unique goals, vision, and circumstances. However, there are certain elements that most art business plans have in common. Here are some key sections to include:
Business Summary: This section should include a brief overview of your business, your mission statement, and your unique selling proposition.
Market Analysis: Here you will conduct research to gain an understanding of your target audience, your competitors, and the overall market.
Products and Services: Describe the products or services you offer, and what makes them unique.
Marketing Strategy: Outline how you plan to market and promote your art business to reach your target audience.
Financial Plan: This section will outline your projected income and expenses, as well as your funding sources and financial goals.
Remember, your art business plan can be as detailed or as simple as you like, depending on where you are on your art business journey. The most important thing is to just start somewhere, and make adjustments along the way as your business grows and evolves.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what should be included in your art business plan, let’s dive deeper into each of these points and discuss how you can create a plan that will help you achieve your business goals.
A Summary of Your Art Business
The Business Summary section is where you’ll give a quick and easy rundown of your business. It’s important to include your mission statement, which is essentially what your business is all about, as well as your unique selling proposition, which is what sets you apart from your competitors. Think of this section as an elevator pitch – it should be short, sweet, and to the point!
Identify your business’s purpose and goals: Ask yourself what your business is about and what you want to achieve with it. Write down your answers and summarize them into a few sentences.
Define your target audience: Think about who your ideal customer is and what they’re looking for. This will help you create a more targeted and effective summary.
Focus on your unique selling proposition: What sets your business apart from others in your industry? Highlight your unique strengths and what makes you different.
Use simple language: Your summary should be easy to understand and concise. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language.
Get feedback: Share your summary with others and get feedback. This can help you refine your message and ensure it resonates with your audience.
Conduct a Market Analysis
The market analysis section is all about doing your research to gain a deep understanding of your target audience, competitors, and the overall market. It’s important to know who your customers are, what they want, and how you can differentiate yourself from your competition.
This section can include data on your target market’s demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors. You’ll also want to research your competitors and identify their strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing the market, you can better position yourself to succeed.
How to conduct a market analysis?
Here are some actionable tips for conducting market research as an artist:
Identify your target audience: Think about who your art is meant for, what their interests are, and where they spend their time. Look at demographic data, such as age, gender, location, and income, to get a better understanding of your target audience.
Research your competition: Look at other artists in your niche and see what they are doing. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What makes your art unique compared to theirs? You can also look at their pricing, marketing strategies, and social media presence to get an idea of what works well.
Understand the overall market: Look at trends in the art market to see what types of art are popular right now. Consider the economic climate and how it may affect the art market. Look at art publications and websites to see what topics are being covered and what people are interested in.
Describe your Products and Services
In this section, you’ll want to provide a detailed description of the products and services you offer as an artist. Be sure to include information about the materials you use, the types of art you create, and any special techniques or processes that set your work apart. You can also talk about any additional services you provide, such as commissions or custom pieces. Don’t be afraid to get specific and really showcase what makes your art unique and desirable to your target audience.
Some examples of what you could include in this section are your original paintings, prints, commissions, workshops, or even merchandise like stickers or tote bags featuring your art. It’s important to be specific about what you offer, so your potential customers can understand what they’re buying and what sets your work apart from others.
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Now that you have a good understanding of your audience and products/services, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy that will help you promote your business. Some effective strategies for artists include social media marketing, email marketing, collaborations with other artists or businesses, and participating in local events and markets.
Choose the strategies that best fit your business and audience, and be sure to set goals and track your progress. For example, you could aim to grow your social media following by 100 followers each month, or to send out a monthly newsletter to your email subscribers. By developing a clear marketing strategy and tracking your progress, you can ensure that you’re reaching your target audience and achieving your business goals.
Come up with a Financial Plan for your Art Business
Managing the financial aspect of your art business may seem intimidating, but it’s a crucial step in achieving your goals. First, identify your start-up and ongoing expenses, as well as potential income streams, to determine your break-even point and set reachable financial goals.
You can use online accounting tools or create a budget spreadsheet to monitor your expenses and income regularly. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your finances, so you can make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and investments. In my Art Business Toolkit Notion template, I’ve included a budget tracker to help you get started. By tracking your expenses, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions that contribute to the growth and profitability of your business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an art business plan may seem overwhelming, but it is a critical step in achieving your goals as an artist. By breaking down the process into manageable sections, you can create a plan that reflects your unique vision and sets you up for success. Remember to use the tips and tools provided in this post, and don’t be afraid to start small and revise as you go. Once you’ve completed all of the sections, put it all together into a cohesive plan that will guide you as you build and grow your art business. With dedication, persistence, and a solid plan, you can turn your passion into a thriving business.
In this post I’m sharing a new feature on the print on demand website Zazzle, which is the ability to add your own custom cover photos to your listings! This is a really great way to make your listings stand out on the Zazzle marketplace.
* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more content for you to enjoy!
In a world filled with nearly identical products, it’s important to find ways to make your products stand out. Zazzle custom cover photos are one way to do this. With a little creativity, you can use cover photos to give your products a unique look and make them more reflective ofyour own brand.
Zazzle custom cover photos are easy to create and can be applied to any product via the individual product page. Cover photos can be changed at any time, so you can experiment with different looks to find the one that best represents your brand.
To learn more about the custom cover photos directly from Zazzle, read their cover photo landing page.
In the video below I demonstrate how to add custom cover photos to your listings, and how I’ve been designing them on my iPad. Aside from creating your own cover photos in Procreate or another app like Photoshop, you can also purchase or find free mockups for your listings on Placeit, Creative Market, Google and other websites.
A great way to make your products stand out from the competition.
When potential customers are browsing through all the different products on Zazzle’s marketplace, it’s the cover photo that will initially catch their eye. Therefore, it is important to have an eye-catching and visually appealing cover photo.
People are more likely to purchase a product if they are able to see what it looks like in a realistic setting. If you have a great product but are using unappealing or generic stock photos, then you are not doing your product justice. Take advantage of Zazzle’s custom cover photo feature to make your products stand out and attract more customers!
You can purchase a sample of your product and take your own photos of it, use a mock-up you’ve purchased, or create your cover photo in a graphic design software. Either way, adding a custom cover photo to your product will make it more eye-catching and likely to sell.
Use a variety of backgrounds and graphics to create a unique look for your product.
If you want your products to really stand out on Zazzle, you need to put some thought into your cover photos. Luckily, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to design. You can use a variety of backgrounds and graphics to create a unique look for your product.
The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of mood you want to create. Do you want something fun and whimsical? Or are you going for a more sleek and modern look? Once you’ve decided on the overall tone, you can start finding or creating some backgrounds and graphics. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at what other people have done. See what kind of designs are popular and see if you can find any inspiration there. I’ve personally been using my own photographs, and actually going out and finding textures and photographing them specifically for cover photos.
Also think about the real-life setting you might find the product being used in. For example, I used a sandy beach background for flip flops vs. a wall texture background for a clock.
Once you have a general idea of what you want your cover photos to look like, it’s time to start putting it all together. Remember, your cover photo is the first thing people will see when they come across your product. So make sure it’s something that will grab their attention and make them want to learn more. With a little effort, you can create a design that’s truly unique and will help your product stand out from the rest.
Keep your cover photos high quality and eye catching
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating custom cover photos for your products.
Make sure the photo is high-quality and resolution. Zazzle recommends using a PNG or JPG file that is at least 300 DPI. This will ensure that your photo looks sharp and clear.
Next, consider the size of the photo. You want to make sure that the photo is large enough, but not so big that it looks blurry or distorted. A good rule of thumb is to use a photo that is at least 1000 pixels wide.
Finally, think about the background of the photo. You want to make sure that the background is simple and uncluttered so that your product is the main focus. A simple background, blurred photo or a contrasting solid color is usually best.
With these tips in mind, you can upload your own photos to create unique and eye-catching cover photos for your Zazzle products.
Conclusion
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to use custom cover photos to make your products stand out. First, you want to make sure the cover photo is high-quality and fits well with the product. Second, you want the cover photo to be unique and not like anything else that’s out there. And finally, you want to make sure the cover photo accurately represents the product. If you keep these things in mind, then you’re well on your way to using custom cover photos to make your products stand out on Zazzle.
I hope this post has inspired you to add custom cover photos to your Zazzle listings. Go ahead and give it a try – you may be surprised at the results!
If you’re looking for some ways for artists to make money you’re going to love this post. I’ve personally researched and compiled this list of over 100 ways for artists to make money!
I’ve created sections for both traditional and digital artists so there’s bound to be something for you. I’ve even gained some new ideas for myself in the process.
Yes, it is possible to make money from your art and creative skills, and even make a full time living from it!
* Please note, some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links below I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more content for you to enjoy!
Traditional Artists
1. Galleries: The most traditional way for artists to sell their work is through an art gallery. Look for “calls for submissions” at local (or international) galleries that align with your style.
2. Art fairs: Another fairly traditional way to sell your artwork is to rent a booth at an art fair. These can be expensive so consider sharing a booth with other artists if you’re just getting started. Art fairs can be great for exposure and networking opportunities.
3. Sell through an art agent: If you can find an agent to represent you this is probably the easiest route. They do take a cut of your sales, but will also expose you to more galleries and clients than you would likely find on your own.
4. Online marketplaces like Etsy, SaatchiArt, and Fine Art America: These are just a few of many online marketplaces that allow you to sell original artwork, like paintings, through their marketplace.
5. Sell directly from your art studio: Artists often host open studio events where people can come right into their studio to observe their art making process, which is a great opportunity to make sales.
6. Pop up markets: There are often farmer’s markets and other local events where you can rent a booth and sell to your local community. Bonus points if your art is related to the theme of the event.
7. Sell at a local park or beach: There’s always someone selling paintings or illustrations in a local town square or at the beach, so why not you? These generally cater to tourists so local landscapes or cityscapes work well for this.
8. Music festivals: Festivals are often looking for vendors, and people love to bring home a souvenir from these events.
9. Plein air paintingor illustration: Draw quick portraits or caricatures of people in a public place, usually geared towards tourists. Or set up your easel and start painting, it’s sure to get people interested.
10. Local coffee shops or restaurants: Approach your favourite coffee shop or restaurant to see if they’d be willing to hang some of your art on their walls. Include a sticker with the price and your contact info to indicate it’s for sale.
11. Auction your art on Ebay: Set a reasonable starting price and let people bid on your artwork!
12. Sell directly through Instagram: You’ve probably already been sharing your artwork on Instagram so why not offer it for sale? Write in the description that people can DM you to purchase, with no website or middle man needed.
13. Sell through Pinterest: Pin photos of your art, or works in progress, to Pinterest with a link to your website or contact information for interested buyers. Bonus points for videos and “Idea Pins”.
14. Sell through Facebook marketplace: Basically the new Craigslist, Facebook marketplace makes it super easy to snap a photo and list your items for sale. Why not your original artwork?
15. Directly through Twitter: Similar to selling through Instagram, post your artwork on Twitter (don’t forget to include a few hashtags) and negotiate sales directly through DM.
16. Your own website: You can simply post images of your artworks for sale and include contact information for interested buyers. Or set up an e-commerce store with a platform like Woocommerce or Shopify.
17. Sell your art through Youtube: Post videos of your process, time-lapses or finished work and mention it’s available for sale. You can include contact information in the description for interested buyers.
18. Instagram and Facebook shops: Separate from Facebook marketplace, you can actually add a store to your Facebook page if you have one for your art. You can also link it to your Instagram account.Read my post on how to set up a free Facebook shop.
19. E-mail list: Collect emails directly through a simple landing page or your website and sell directly to your subscribers via e-mail.
20. Sell directly through TikTok: Similar to other the social media mentioned, you can share videos of your art and process, then sell directly through TikTok DM’s. Also see my post on How to Use TikTok for Artists.
21. Offer commissions to friends and family: Especially if you are just starting out, this can be a great way to get your first commissioned work. You can offer commissions in person or through social media.
22. Custom portraits of people or pets: Offer to make custom portraits for your followers, family and friends. These make great gifts and people often commission these to give to someone else.
23. Apply for grants for artists: There are many grants available to artists through the government and other bodies so do some research to see if you qualify and apply away.
24. Apply to be an artist in residence: Want time to focus on your work and either get paid, get free studio space or even have your living costs covered? Consider applying to be an artist in residence.
25. Enter art competitions: See if there are any art competitions in your area or country, there are often monetary prizes for the winners.
26. Street art and outdoor murals: There are often opportunities for local street art on walls and businesses in your city or town. They usually give you some money and it’s also really great exposure and experience. You don’t have to be a graffiti artist either.
27. Interior muralson the walls of a local café or shop: Shops and cafe’s are often looking for artists to create a feature wall, or paint the interior of their store with some cool art. Be on the lookout for opportunities in your area.
28. Public and community art projects: Similar to street art, cities are often looking for local artists to help work on various public art projects. There is often a substantial budget for this so it can be lucrative to apply if this interests you.
29. Illustrate or make paintings for books: Authors are not always artists themselves and are often looking to hire someone else to illustrate or make paintings for their books.
30. Prints and merch using traditional printmaking techniques: Some people really want to buy shirts or art prints that are made via more traditional printmaking techniques like linocut or screen-printing. If you have experience with that it can be a great way to stand out from the crowd.
31. Bookmarks: You can draw or paint bookmarks and then laminate them to sell alongside your more expensive artwork to make it more accessible.
Digital Artists
32. Art prints through your own website: You can print and ship them yourself or use a print on demand service like Printful which integrates with popular e-commerce platforms.
33. Printable art prints: The customer purchases a downloadable file of your artwork and prints it out themselves. You can sell these on your website or another marketplace of your choice.
34. Sell prints at art fairs: Make prints of your art and sell them at art fairs, or many of the same methods listed above for traditional artists. Prints are generally sold at a lower price point so they can be more accessible.
35. Graphic assets: Design elements, digitized watercolour elements, logos, icons and vector graphics are just a few types of graphic assets you can sell through marketplaces like Creative Fabrica.
36. Print on demand: Turn your art into home décor, clothing, accessories, art prints and more via Print on Demand websites like Redbubble and Society6. Read more about selling through Print on Demand in this post. This is probably one of the easiest ways for artists to make money.
37. Blank notebooks, journals etc. with your art on the cover: Also known as “low content books” you can sell simple lined notebooks, journals or planners with your art on the cover through Amazon KDP. Learn more about KDP in this post.
38. Sell wholesale prints of your art in a local boutique: Small boutique stores are often looking for local artisan’s goods to sell in their shops and you could fall under that category! Approach the owner with some samples of your work and see if they’d be willing to sell it in their store (obviously they get a cut).
39. Customizable gifts: People love giving and receiving personalized gifts. Consider adding your artwork to a website like Zazzle where you can create products that the buyer can personalize with their own text and/or images. See my video below on how to do this.
40. Templates: Design templates for Canva, Instagram, Pinterest etc. for small business owners to use for their social media or other marketing. You can sell these via your own website or a marketplace like Creative Fabrica.
41. Web Design: If you are technically inclined you can build whole websites for clients using your graphic design skills. Much of web design is visual and as an artist you likely have an eye for what looks good in web design.
42. Fabric: If you make seamless pattern designs you should definitely consider selling your art on fabric. There are a few places you can do this but I highly recommend Spoonflower. Check out How to Sell Your Art on Spoonflower for more information.
43. Stationary: Through print on demand or a print shop, you can design your own line of stationary products featuring your artwork and sell them as sets.
44. Enamel pins: Another fun product you can make from your art are enamel pins! They are usually sold at a lower price point and are highly collectible. You can make these yourself or use a service to make them for you.
45. Zines and ACEO art cards: Another highly collectible item in the art world are Zines and ACEO or Artist Trading Cards. These are usually small and easy to make. You can sell them on Ebay, your own site or in person.
46. Stickers and t-shirts made with a Cricut machine: If you already have a Cricut machine, or enjoy DIY crafts, consider making and selling stickers and t-shirts of your art with it.
47. SVG files: Speaking of Cricut machines, you can make SVG files (Scalable Vector Graphics) for other people to use with their own Cricuts. Make sure to include a text file with copyright information and usage rights.
48. Background textures: Think marble, wood, concrete and abstract textures that graphic designers or business owners might use for their own graphics. Bundles of this sort do well. Sell these through your own website or a marketplace.
49. Fonts: Create your own fonts and sell them via your own website or a marketplace like Creative Fabrica. You can use an app or website like Calligraphr to build fonts.
50. Brushes, Colour palettes, Presets etc. If you use Procreate, Photoshop or another design software you can easily create custom brushes, presets and colour palettes which you can offer for sale.
51. Pre-made branding kits: Small businesses and entrepreneurs are often looking for pre-made branding kits for their business. These usually include logos, banners, a colour scheme and matching marketing materials.
52. Custom branding kits or logos: Along the same vein as above, you can offer custom branding packages or logos for clients and charge more than you would for a pre-made package.
53. Create textures for 3d worlds: This one might seem kind of random but with the rise of the Metaverse it is actually quite relevant. 3d worlds like Second Life actually rely on 2d and 3d artists to create assets for their marketplaces. You can texture things like clothing and hair or even whole houses and landscapes!
54. Design book covers: Publishers and authors of novels and other books are often looking for striking covers which you can design for them.
55. Coloring pages and books: If you do line art you can draw and sell coloring pages and books of your art. People can either print them off at home, you can get them printed locally or use a service like Amazon KDP.
56. Sew products with fabric featuring your art: If you follow my advice above and sell your seamless pattern designs on fabric, you can purchase the fabric and make things from it! If you’re handy with a sewing machine you can make things like scrunchies, skirts, purses and more.
57. Art workbooks: This one might take some thought but you can create art workbooks for beginner artists. Think step by step tutorials or templates and guides. These can be digital or sold through Amazon KDP.
58. Coffee table books: Remember those? Imagine a stunning coffee table book chock full of your artwork. You could do this through Amazon KDP and choose the hardcover option to make it premium quality.
59. Comic books: Another option to sell through Amazon KDP, or set up some sort of membership for people to receive comics that you’ve drawn and written.
60. NFT’s: Yes, NFT’s are still a thing. And yes, collectors are still buying them from marketplaces like Opensea, Rarible, and now even more traditional avenues like Sotheby’s are getting in on the action.
61. Write and illustrate a children’s book: Have you ever wanted to write and illustrate your own children’s book? It’s easier than ever to do this now and self publish it through Amazon KDP. You can also try pitching your book to publishers and have it sold worldwide!
62. Greeting carddesign: Greeting cards are an excellent way to repurpose your artwork. You can sell blank cards with just your art on the front, or add some text and a clever interior caption to make it really stand out. Or create designs specifically for greeting cards if you are so inclined.
63. Calendars: People do still use physical calendars, and usually go for ones that feature beautiful art or photos they can enjoy looking at every month. You can sell these through Print on demand sites or get them printed at a printshop.
64: Cell phone wallpaper: Offering cell phone wallpapers of your art is a great way to make it more accessible, especially to young people who love to customize their phones.
65. Design wedding suites: Custom or pre-made wedding design suites are always in demand. Zazzle is a great place to start selling wedding suites since they have a huge range of products in this category.
66. Become an art teacher: This is a pretty traditional route but if you can get a job as an art teacher at a school or university you’ll get a steady paycheck. And bonus: summers off!
67. Teach in person classes or workshops: Rather than teaching through a school you can self host some classes or workshops in your area. You could also do this through a local community center.
68. Teach live virtual classes or workshops: You can host live classes through Zoom or even Facebook. Charge an entry fee, then teach from the comfort of your home or studio. Since 2020 many more people are interested in virtual classes.
69. Host “paint night” parties: These are usually easier and more casual than a traditional art class, and often include adult beverages. They can be in person or virtual events. Check out this guide for more information and ideas.
70. Teach through an online education platform: Create video courses for an online education platform like Skillshare or Udemy. This takes some effort up front but once it’s done you can reach an unlimited number of students and get paid for watch time.
71. Youtube: Create tutorials or share your art process on Youtube. Once your channel reaches the threshold of 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours you can apply for monetization.
72. Ebooks, PDF guides and tutorials: Create an e-book or PDF guide on your specialty (ex. Watercolor for Beginners). Sell these through your own website or use a marketplace like Sellfy.
73. Tracing worksheets: Many people learn to draw by tracing, so you can create tracing worksheets for people to practice drawing various things. Check out WowArtTemplates for examples of these.
74. Blogging: Start an art blog (like this one) and drive traffic to your various offerings by using content marketing strategies, like sharing tips and tutorials. There are many benefits to having a website and blog for your art business so I highly recommend this one!
75. Mentoring or coaching: Work with aspiring artists one on one in your area of expertise.
76. Consulting: Similar to mentoring, but these can just be one off conversations to help someone with a particular question or problem in your area of expertise. You can consult via Zoom, or in person and charge for your time.
77. Start a Podcast: Podcasts are another great way to drive people to your various offerings and even monetize with ads. You can talk about your art, life as an artist, business strategies and more.
78. Add a membership section to your website: Offer premium content or the ability to directly message you by creating a paid membership section to your website or blog.
79. Guest blogging for art websites or magazines: Share your story or expertise by writing blog articles for websites in your field. Sometimes these are paid opportunities, but it can also help send more traffic to your paid offerings and reach a wider audience.
Other Ways for Artists to Make Money
80. Start a Patreon: On Patreon people can pledge a monthly amount (anywhere from $1 to $500 and up) to access exclusive benefits. You can offer monthly freebies, one on one advice, exclusive art pieces and more.
81. Freelancing: Look for gigs through Upwork, Fiverr and other freelancing websites. This can be a great strategy to build up your portfolio with paid client work and then move on to work with companies directly.
82. Art licensing: Companies like Target, Homesense and even boutique stores are constantly on the lookout for trendy artwork to license for their own product lines. Search for companies looking to license art and apply with your portfolio!
83. Art curation: If you’re an artist you may have an eye for good art, so why not become an art curator! Look for opportunities at a local art gallery or even online. You can network while helping other artists in the process.
84. Affiliate marketing: Promote products you already use and love like art supplies or business tools through your blog, Youtube or other social media. Just add your affiliate link in the description.
85. Illustrate for magazines: Magazines are still a thing and they always need graphics and illustrations for their articles. Search online or in stores for publications that might fit with your style and reach out with your portfolio.
86. Sell stock photography: Many artists are also excellent photographers, and you can sell your photos via stock photography websites. You can also sell videos and drone footage through these sites.
87. Art critiquing: Yes, people will pay you to critique their art! Especially if you are an expert in a certain style or medium and they are beginners wanting to level up their work.
88. Organize an art collective: Join forces with other artists and start your own art collective. Then you can pool resources to start your own art gallery, either online or in person.
89. Offer calligraphy services: If you’ve got a knack for hand lettering or calligraphy you can offer custom services for weddings and other events. Also for small business like cafes for their menus and signage.
90. Rent out your art studio or workshop: If you’re lucky enough to have your own art studio or workshop, why not make some extra cash by renting it out when you’re not using it? And help other artists in the process.
91. Make and sell your own custom tools of the trade: Have you developed your own custom tools over the years of practicing your craft? Why not sell those tools to other artists either online or in person.
92. Business tools and templates: Consider selling the templates and tools you use to keep your business organized. Things like spreadsheets, Notion templates or marketing worksheets. Artists who are just starting out find these resources extremely useful.
93. Work at a print shop: If you are experienced with printmaking techniques this would be a satisfying job for you to look into, and often includes a steady paycheck.
94. Become a tattoo artist: Line art and illustrations can be turned into tattoos with the right tools and a good amount of practice!
95. Become a henna artist: Like tattoos but non permanent, if it is a part of your culture consider becoming a henna artist.
96. Become a social media influencer: You can make money as a social media influencer by making viral videos and posts. And yes you can do this within an art niche.
97. Get a traditional job in a creative field: If you like the idea of a steady paycheck but still want to be creative in your day job, consider something like graphic design, UX/UI, video game design or animation.
98. Work on movie or theater sets: If you live in a place where movies or TV shows are produced, or have a few theatres around (for plays, not movies), look for work as a set designer making backgrounds and other set props.
99. Go live on social media: Consider going live on Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, or another platform of your choice where you can get monetary donations from your audience in real time.
100. Art restoration: Make money by restoring original artworks! Basically people bring you their old or damaged art and you fix or sometimes repaint it. This does require some professional training to do this properly.
101. Make custom canvases for artists: If you have a shop (or garage) and the right tools you can make custom wood framed canvases for artists looking for a certain size or just a hand made canvas for their artwork.
Conclusion
Wow, you’ve made it to the end of this list of 101 ways for artists to make money, and now I want to hear from you!
Is something missing from this list? Did any of these ideas inspire you? Let me know in the comments below.
Today I will be comparing Zazzle vs Redbubble for selling art online. Zazzle and Redbubble are two popular Print on Demand marketplaces where artists can upload their designs for sale on a variety of products.
They may seem like pretty much the same thing, however there are actually some pretty major differences between these 2 platforms which you should know before opening a shop.
I have been selling my designs on both Redbubble and Zazzle for many years now. Read on for my overview and comparison to help you decide where to sell your artwork online.
Zazzle vs Redbubble
Audience
Zazzle’s audience is mostly women aged 25+, in the United States but also worldwide. They cater to people looking for unique gifts, brides-to-be, and customize-able paperproducts like invitations, greeting cards, and business cards. They also have a wide range of unique items from home décor and accessories to edible brownies!
Redbubble’s audience is younger than Zazzle and more hip, with humorous t-shirt designs, trendy patterns and quotes being the norm. Stickers are extremely popular with teenagers and young adults. They also focus on selling unique gifts including apparel, accessories and home décor. Redbubble’s headquarters is actually in Australia but they have a worldwide presence.
A sticker from Redbubble
Store Front
Zazzle vs Redbubble’s store fronts are quite different.
Redbubble’s storefront displays a randomly generated selection of products featuring your most popular designs, based on their algorithm. All you need to do is add your logo, header and bio to set it up. It’s much more beginner friendly than Zazzle’s.
However, your Zazzle store front is much more customize-able. The layout is left completely up to you. You’ll need to go into the store’s Settings tab under Advanced Settings to add the available sections to your home page including Categories, Featured Collections and Recently Created Products. I recommend taking this step to set it up properly.
You can put your art on flip flops on Zazzle!
Uploading Designs
Redbubble is much quicker to upload designs to, and you can upload to all of their products in one go. You can also add a custom background colour and create patterns in the tool. However, there is no option to add customize-able text like Zazzle has.
On Zazzle it is best to upload each product one by one. This does take an extremely long time but it’s quality over quantity here. You can start with just a small range of products so as not to get overwhelmed.
Zazzle’s design tool is more like a mini Photoshop where you can add layers, text, templates etc. and create customize-able products. I made this video with some tips about using Zazzle’s design tool which you may find helpful.
Products
I’ve ordered products from both Zazzle and Society6, and everything has been pretty good.
I slightly prefer Redbubble just due to the types of products I got, like apparel, but Zazzle has a much wider range of items available.
Here is a video I made reviewing a whole bunch of the products I’ve bought from Redbubble. I don’t have as many from Zazzle so I haven’t made a video on those yet but might show them in future. I’ve also shared photos of products I received on my Instagram.
Earnings
Royalty margins are higher on Redbubble, and I’ve personally made more money there.
However, I know others who do extremely well on Zazzle, especially making cards, invitations, stationary and designing for the wedding market.
Zazzle also has a new Promoter Program where you can get 35% for referral sales of your own products, and 15% on other people’s products. There is also the potential to get bulk orders if you designs things like wedding invitations and stationary, which is actually a huge market on Zazzle.
Zazzle pays you on the 15th of the month after you reach $50 in cleared earnings. Redbubble has a payment threshold of $20, also paid on or around the 15th of every month.
Summary of Zazzle vs Redbubble
In sum, Redbubble is a much easier and faster marketplace to upload your designs, especially for beginners or artists who create more graphic and/or pattern designs. However, Zazzle has a huge potential for customize-able products, greeting cards, invitations and stationary. So which one is best for you will depend on your art style and business goals.
I hope the above information has been helpful for you. If you’d like to receive more Print on Demand education, and keep up with my latest designs and projects, consider subscribing to my e-mail list!
Brighten up your virtual Holiday parties with these free festive Zoom meeting backgrounds!
Many Christmas parties are going virtual this year, which is better than nothing and can even be fun! Safely spread some holiday cheer by adding one of these custom festive background to your Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings.
If you don’t know how to add a custom background here are some links with instructions.
All images were created by me in Microsoft Paint 3D and Pixlr Editor.
Just right click and Save As the images below. They are all 1920x 1080 pixels which is the perfect size.
Free Festive Meeting Backgrounds
I also made some New Year themed background for your virtual New Years Eve parties!
Fun fact: I actually created these for my own office’s virtual Christmas party background, and then decided to do a whole series to share with all of you!
I’d love to know if you use any of these festive meeting backgrounds! Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.
By now you’ve probably heard of TikTok. It’s an app where you can make short videos along with music, filters and other effects to share with your followers and others using hashtags, similar to Instagram. I’ve been experimenting with growing a following on there so I wanted to share some tips for how artists can use TikTok to expand their audience.
You may think the app is only for teenagers, but now you can find Millennials and even Grandmas amassing huge followings on TikTok, and having a great time doing it.
How to use TikTok for Artists
Create an account and simply observe. Watch videos that come up on your “for you” page. At first there will be a lot of different subjects but as you “like” and interact, the algorithm will begin to show you more videos attuned to your interests.
As an artist, you will want to follow other artists to get inspiration for the kinds of videos you can make on TikTok. You can find them with hashtags or by connecting with people from your other social media channels.
Start experimenting. It takes time to learn how to use the different tools, filters, add music and so on. You can create videos and save them as a draft, then go back and decide which ones to post. Don’t be too concerned with perfection. People like to see “real” and “unfiltered” life on TikTok.
There are some great tutorials on Youtube for how to use the various tools.
Once you’ve figured out how to use the app, check the Discover page for trending hashtags. Many are tied to a particular song or video style. You can work these trends into your videos, like the “wipe it down challenge”. Don’t feel obligated to do this but it might give you some ideas for videos and help you get more views.
ALWAYS attach a song to your video. Use “Trending” songs where possible.
Add a couple of hashtags, but don’t go overboard. If you did a challenge or trend, make sure to include the hashtag for that trend, plus a couple of other relevant ones. 3-4 hashtags per video is enough.
You can download your TikTok videos to your phone to share them other platforms. For example, Pinterest. You can add a link to your TikTok profile, or your website. I’ve seen a huge increase in my Pinterest stats since posting short drawing or painting clips I created in TikTok.
You can also share your videos to Instagram Stories directly from the app, and more recently Instagram Reels! My Instagram followers love to watch my process videos. Instagram Stories can also be shared to your Facebook Stories as well with one click.
Keep in mind, optimal video length is around 15-30 seconds long.
Process videos. Share how you create your art. This could be in real time or time lapse format (I usually create time lapse videos outside of the app , then edit in Tiktok after).
Close ups of yourself creating in real time, again sharing your process.
Finished artwork reveals. Start with your phone on the artwork and slowly pull out until it comes into focus. Or, place multiple art pieces on a table along to music. You can also stand holding one of your art pieces and slowly turn it around to reveal the piece (like my video above).
Real life, behind the scenes. Show yourself and your personality. People love to see who you are and connect with you personally. You could have your artwork in the background and use text on the screen to talk about something like your struggles as an artist, the inspiration behind your art, or even something totally unrelated to your art. It doesn’t have to be all art all the time.
An art spin on trending videos. As mentioned above, use the trends on the Discover page to inspire your own videos, and put an artsy spin on them.
Tutorials. Share your knowledge. Simple drawing or painting videos for beginners. Or a tutorial on how you started selling stickers, or something business related.
Duets and challenges. You can duet with other artists or people who create challenges to increase your audience or try something new!
Hey artist friends, I recently learned about a software called PodConnect which allows you to bulk upload your artwork to multiple print on demand websites at the same time!
As someone who has been creating designs for print on demand for years, I’ve been wishing for something like this. I am telling you guys this is a game changer.
Today I’m sharing with you a video tutorial I created to demonstrate how to use this software to upload multiple designs at once to your Printful and Redbubble stores.
You can also use PodConnect to upload to other print on demand websites including Zazzle, Teespring, Spreadshirt, and Printify. And there are plans to add even more integrations in the near future.
Watch my video: How to bulk upload to print on demand websites with PodConnect tutorial below:
With the Printful and Printify integrations, you can also bulk upload your print on demand products to sell on other websites like Etsy.
Since I recently opened my own store integrating print on demand products from Printful, I have hundreds of design files to upload. This software is going to make it so much quicker for me to upload all of those designs.
There is a free trial of PodConnect so you can test it out and see if it is something that will work for you.
Then use julie20 for 20% off any membership!
I hope you found my tutorial useful. If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments below! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this new software which allows you to bulk upload to print on demand!
*Please note: Some of the tools listed include an affiliate link. When you make a purchase through the links I may earn a commission, which helps me create more content for you to enjoy.
This post was updated in 2024 to reflect the most current information.Some affiliate links are included.
If you’re looking for where to sell your art online in 2024, it can be overwhelming! Things have changed a lot in the last few years in the online art space. With the explosion of AI art on the scene, to major Print on Demand companies introducing paid tiers and plan structures, finding the right platform to showcase and sell your art requires careful consideration.
But it’s not all bad news… there are still plenty of places out there for you to sell your art online and even make a living from it. So, what are they? Read on to find out.
Pro Tip:Do your research before giving away any personal information or uploading your original artwork to any website or company.
Zazzle is where I first started my journey of selling my art online. It’s a “print on demand” (POD) platform, meaning they create the product after someone buys it. They take care of the manufacturing, shipping, and customer service for you. You earn a share of the sale (royalties), and your customer receives a unique product featuring your art.
Most of the websites in this list function similarly unless otherwise noted.
Zazzle is a great option for artists looking to sell their art online for several reasons.
It’s free to open multiple stores under the same account and upload unlimited designs to their marketplace.
There’s a helpful forum with supportive members which is a great place to share and get tips and feedback.
They have everything. Like literally everything you can imagine to put your art on. Even brownies! I recommend sticking to a few product types to start.
A huge part of Zazzle are their customize-able products. Things like invitations and business cards.
Redbubble is still one of my most successful online art shops. They have recently introduced Artist Tiers and take a nominal fee from your earnings for hosting your shop. However, once you get past the first tier, they no longer charge you any fees.
Here are some of the benefits of Redbubble:
Great for beginners due to ease of use.
You can upload unlimited designs to sell on their marketplace.
Beyond art prints, Redbubble offers some unique products including scarves, dresses and mini skirts.
They are artist focused, and do a lot of free advertising for you.
Their uploading tool is easy to use and you can “copy” settings from your other designs to speed up the process.
Threadless is a great platform for more seasoned artists, as it does take a bit more time to upload your designs (if you want them enabled on all the products they offer). However, they have a unique range of products including shoes and skateboards!
Other benefits of selling your designs on Threadless include:
Fun design challenges.
Emails about promotions and marketing assets.
You can sell in both their marketplace and on your own customizable storefront.
The ability to select a cause to donate your royalties to for specific designs.
CafePress is another print on demand marketplace that has existed for quite some time (since 1999!). They have a decent range of products to customize, and other benefits include:
You can list unlimited designs for free in their marketplace.
You can create a custom store front
They have a fan art program so you can create design inspired by your favourite shows, celebrities and more.
You can sell your designs on T-shirts and a handful of other products on Amazon! They have their own print on demand service which is linked to the Amazon marketplace.
Some things to know about selling through Merch by Amazon include:
You have to apply, but the earnings potential is huge.
Products only ship to the U.S., U.K., Spain, Italy, Germany and Japan (as of January 2024), but anyone can sell.
Curated product range. Various tops, phone cases, pillows, tote bags, and Popsockets at the time of this writing.
Etsy is a well known marketplace for hand-made goods like original art, jewelry and pottery, but also digital products and more. It’s not a print on demand store, like many of the others listed here, but a platform to sell your existing products through.
The right place for you if you make hand-made clothing, accessories, jewelry, candles, or want to sell original artworks or even digital products.
Society6 is another well known print on demand website with a heavy artist focus and community.
They have recently introduced fees like shipping fees and paid Artist Plans (if you want to upload more than 10 designs to your shop). We will see what the future holds for Society6, but I’m keeping on the list for now because it has been good to me in the past, and may still be.
Benefits include:
A similar range of products as Redbubble with a few extras like yoga mats and furniture.
A helpful blog with tips for artists and sales templates e-mailed ahead of time.
Yoga mats on Society6
11. On your own website
If you already have a pretty solid fan base then selling art through your own website could be the way to go.
You can use a print on demand service like Printful to sell print on demand products through your own shop on your website. You can also create listings for original paintings, digital downloads or other goods using a shop builder like Woocommerce or Shopify.
Benefits include:
Full control over your brand, the look and feel of your store and check out process.
Ability to schedule promotions and create promo codes.
Set your own prices and shipping costs.
Ability to sell a variety of product types in once place like original artworks, print on demand products and digital products.
Downsides include:
Costs some money to set up: Domain name, hosting, possibly a premium theme or platform to use for your shop (Woocommerce is free).
More initial work to set up your shop and a steep learning curve if you don’t have any website building experience.
You will have to market the store yourself which is why I recommend it for those who have a strong brand and fan base already established.
Bonus Tip: UsePodConnect to upload to multiple stores at once.
I recently learned about a software called PodConnect which allows you to upload your art to multiple print on demand websites at once! There is a free trial, and if you decide to buy a subscription use my promo code julie20 for 20% off!
Well that’s it guys, thank you so much for taking the time to read all this information I’ve compiled for you. I hope you find the right place to sell your art online and I wish you the best of luck with your business!
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.
