Tag: redbubble

The Best Alternatives to Redbubble for Print on Demand Artists

alternatives to redbubble print on demand
~ Julie ~ Leave a comment
alternatives to redbubble print on demand

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Print on Demand (POD) space, changes in popular platforms like Redbubble and Society6 have left many artists questioning their next move. With fees for artist plans and tiers becoming more common, the rise of AI art, and a general decline in sales, it’s crucial for artists to explore new opportunities. Despite these challenges, the POD industry still holds potential for artists in 2024 and beyond. This blog post aims to shed light on lesser-known alternatives to Redbubble and Society6, providing artists with fresh avenues to showcase and monetize their work.

*For a more comprehensive list of Print on Demand websites and suppliers worldwide, check out Print on Demand Central – it’s a great new resource for the POD space, you should check it out!

Alternatives to Redbubble and Society6 for Print on Demand

Zazzle

Zazzle is a versatile POD platform that stands out for its focus on customizable products. Artists can create templates from their designs, allowing customers to add their own text and/or photos to personalize the products further. This unique feature opens up new possibilities for collaboration between artists and buyers, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience. Learn more about selling your art on Zazzle.

create custom products on zazzle
Create customizable products on Zazzle.

CafePress

As one of the pioneers in the POD industry, CafePress has stood the test of time. What sets CafePress apart are its diverse product offerings, including some unconventional items like oven mitts and pot holders. Artists seeking a platform with a broad range of unique products may find CafePress to be a worthy alternative to explore.

Threadless

Threadless has carved its niche in the POD market by fostering a community-driven approach. Artists can submit their designs, which are then put up for community voting. The highest-rated designs get featured on various products. Threadless also allows artists to open their own storefronts, providing a platform to showcase and sell their work independently.

butterfly pattern shoes from threadless
Design shoes on Threadless

ArtsCase

ArtsCase specializes in protective cases for smartphones and other electronic devices. Artists can leverage this platform to turn their designs into functional, stylish accessories. With a focus on quality and protection, ArtsCase offers a unique avenue for artists to expand their product range beyond traditional prints.

Spoonflower

Spoonflower is a standout option for artists who want to explore the world of fabric and textile design. This POD platform enables artists to print their designs on various fabrics, allowing for the creation of custom textiles, wallpaper, and more. Spoonflower provides a unique opportunity for artists to venture into the realm of home décor and fashion. Learn more about selling your art on Spoonflower.

alternatives to redbubble - fabric swatches from spoonflower
Fabric swatches from Spoonflower

Design by Humans

Design by Humans takes a curated approach, featuring handpicked designs on a range of products. The platform emphasizes the quality of artwork and encourages artists to showcase their creativity on high-quality apparel, phone cases, and accessories. With a focus on artistic expression, Design by Humans offers a space for unique and visually striking designs.

Spring

Spring stands out by offering artists the ability to sell both physical POD products and digital downloads. This platform provides a seamless integration with YouTube channels, allowing artists to connect with their audience through multiple channels. The flexibility to sell digital downloads alongside physical products can be a valuable asset for artists exploring various revenue streams.

Displate

For artists with a penchant for metal art, Displate specializes in metal posters. This unique medium allows for durable and visually striking creations that stand out from traditional paper prints. Displate’s emphasis on metal as a canvas opens up new possibilities for artists looking to make a bold statement with their artwork.

Printful

For artists seeking full control over their online stores, integrating a print-on-demand service like Printful with their own website provides a seamless solution. With Printful handling all of the printing, packaging, and shipping, artists can focus on creating and promoting their artwork.

This integration allows artists to maintain their brand identity and customize their storefront to reflect their unique style. By offering a wide range of print-on-demand products, from apparel to home decor, artists can cater to diverse customer preferences.

Conclusion

As the POD landscape continues to evolve, exploring these alternatives can provide artists with fresh opportunities and avenues for success. While Redbubble and Society6 have paved the way, these lesser-known platforms offer unique features and product offerings that can cater to different artistic preferences and customer demographics.

Remember, adapting to change and diversifying your presence across multiple platforms can be the key to sustained success in the dynamic world of Print on Demand.


Cheers,

julie signing off

How to Make a Half Drop Repeat Pattern in Procreate

half drop repeat pattern procreate
~ Julie ~ 2 Comments
half drop repeat pattern procreate

Are you an aspiring digital artist or designer looking to master the art of creating seamless and visually appealing patterns on your iPad? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to design a half drop repeat pattern using the Procreate app, turning your ideas into beautifully tiled masterpieces.

You can watch my video below, or keep scrolling for a written guide.

How to Make a Half Drop Repeat Pattern in Procreate

Step 1: Set Up Your Canvas

Open Procreate on your iPad and create a new canvas. For pattern design, it’s crucial to choose a square canvas to ensure symmetry. A standard size like 3000×3000 pixels works well, but you can adjust according to your preference and needs.

Step 2: Draw your Motifs

Use the Procreate brushes to sketch your motifs on the canvas. Whether it’s florals, geometrics, or abstract shapes, this is the stage to let your imagination run wild. Make sure your motifs are drawn or merged onto a single layer with a transparent background. Once you’re satisfied with the design, duplicate this layer and lock it so you preserve the original artwork.

how to make a half drop repeat pattern procreate

Step 3: Add Color to all 4 Corners of the Canvas

After finalizing your design, choose any color and apply it to each of the four corners of your duplicate layer, without overlapping your motifs. Ensure that you’re working on the same layer as your design. This will be erased later, but will enable us to use Snapping to create our half drop repeat pattern.

procreate repeat pattern tutorial

Step 4: Duplicate and Turn Snapping and Magnetics on

Duplicate this layer 4 times, so you should now have 5 copies in total. To do this, select the layer and swipe to the left, then select “Duplicate.”

Next, go to the move tool (arrow) and into the Snapping settings. Turn Magnetics and Snapping on and have the Distance and Velocity turned up all the way as high as they can go.

repeating pattern tutorial procreate

Step 4: Shrink and Snap the Layers into Place

Now, turn off all other layers except for the one you’re working on. Using the move tool to shrink it down from the corner until it snaps into place into the bottom left corner of the canvas, exactly 1/4 of the canvas.

Turn on the next layer, and snap it to the top left corner of the canvas, right above the first layer. Do the same with the next layer, shrinking it down to the bottom right corner of the canvas.

Now we will create our half drop by dragging this layer to the center of the right side of the canvas. You should see yellow lines in the center of your canvas which indicates you’ve snapped it to the right place.

half drop repeat pattern procreate

Step 5: Finish off Your Half Drop Pattern

Shrink your next layer down into the bottom right corner and drag it down until it’s half way off the canvas and snaps to the bottom of your centered layer. The bottom half will get cut off, and that’s fine, it’s what we want.

Do the same thing with your final layer, but snap it to the top right of the canvas, then drag it up above that middle layer. The top half will get cut off, which again is what we want. Then, pinch all of the layers together. Finally, go in and erase those triangle markers, as they were simply to facilitate Snapping, and not part of our design.

finishing the half drop repeat

Step 6: Finalize the design

From here, you can go in and refine your pattern by adding some elements in between your motifs, or even moving your original motifs around a little bit. Just be careful not to go over any of the edges or move any of your motifs that spill over the edges.

Step 7: Test Your Repeat Pattern

Before finishing our design, it’s essential to make sure the repeat pattern is working correctly. To do this, first create a copy of your pattern tile. Then, add a new layer below this and fill it with a solid color, ideally one that you want to use as your pattern’s background. Pinch the 2 layers together into a single layer.

repeating patterns in procreate

Duplicate this layer 3 times, so you have 4 copies in total. Using the move tool, with Snapping and Magnetics on, shrink each layer down and snap them to each of the 4 corners of the canvas. Make sure to snap them to the yellow lines, to ensure they line up correctly.

testing the repeat pattern procreate

Step 8: Finishing Touches

From here, you can zoom in and check the attachment points to ensure that your repeat is working correctly. You can go back to the original pattern tile and make adjustments If necessary, but you now have the basis for your half drop repeat pattern!


Creating a half drop repeat pattern in Procreate is a rewarding journey that allows you to unleash your artistic vision and apply your designs to an even wider array of products through Print on Demand websites. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques and styles. With Procreate’s intuitive interface and powerful features, you’ll be crafting stunning patterns in no time. Happy creating!

Cheers,

julie signing off

10 Ways for Artists to Make Passive Income

~ Julie ~ Leave a comment

While many people think of selling original artwork and taking commissions as the only ways to make money as an artist, there are actually many different ways to make passive income from your art. This can include selling products with your artwork on them, teaching classes, or even blogging. In this post, I’m sharing 10 different ways that artists can make passive income, many of which I’ve tried myself!

ways for artists to make passive income online

* Please note, some links in this blog post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!

Here are just a few of the many ways that artists can make passive income:

1. Print on Demand

Leverage Print on Demand services like Zazzle, Redbubble, and Threadless to showcase your art on merchandise like t-shirts, phone cases and more. Mitigate logistical concerns as these platforms handle all of the printing, shipping, and inventory management, allowing artists to concentrate on their craft – making art!

tie dye hummingbird t-shirt

2. Blogging

Blogging serves as an effective platform for artists to establish their niche, showcase their artwork, and connect with their audience by delivering engaging content. Optimize the blog for search engines, promote it through social media channels, and monetize through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or product sales. A strategically managed blog can transform into a consistent revenue source.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Related to blogging, incorporating affiliate marketing into your online presence can increase your earning potential by promoting products you already use and love. Promote art-related products or tools and earn commissions for every sale made through your affiliate links. This requires minimal effort once set up.

4. Online Courses

Capitalize on your expertise by developing an online course. Select a subject of personal passion, structure it into comprehensible segments, and ensure an engaging presentation. You can use Youtube to get started and then branch out into platforms like Skillshare and Udemy to monetize your courses. You can also consider selling them through your own website or blog if you already have a dedicated following.

mandala coloring book cover

5. Books and E-Books

Design and sell printed books and e-books related to your area of expertise. Platforms such as Amazon KDP and Gumroad enable independent distribution. Crafting a series enhances visibility and ensures a sustained source of passive income. You can create things like colouring books, step-by-step “how to draw” or paint series, and more.

6. Digital Art Downloads

Monetize your digital artwork by selling instant digital downloads of art prints, patterns, illustrations, SVGs, and other types of digital art files. Platforms like Creative Fabrica and Gumroad allow artists to showcase and sell their digital creations without the need for physical production or shipping. You can also sell these through your own website.

7. Art Subscription Services

Launch a subscription service where subscribers receive exclusive digital art content regularly. Platforms like Patreon or specialized subscription services enable artists to generate recurring revenue.

8. Patreon

Establishing a Patreon account allows artists to convert loyal supporters into patrons. Offering exclusive content, ranging from behind-the-scenes material to early access, creates an incentive for patrons to contribute. Regular updates and occasional perks maintain patron engagement, ensuring a reliable income source.

photo of a woman researching Ways for Artists to Make Passive Income

9. Art Licensing

Explore licensing agreements with companies that want to use your art on various products. Earn royalties without the need for hands-on involvement in the production or distribution process. This requires some upfront research, and pitching your portfolio to companies and art directors, but if you can get a deal art licensing can be extremely lucrative.

10. Virtual Art Exhibitions

Organize virtual art exhibitions or galleries, either by yourself or with a group of other artists. Charge entrance fees or partner with sponsors to monetize the events without the need for physical set-up or maintenance.

There are an endless number of ways for artists to make passive income, and these are just a few ideas to get you started. The best way to find the right method for you is to experiment and find what works best for you and your art. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!


Cheers,

julie signing off

Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle: A Complete Guide to Setting up Your Zazzle Store

~ Julie ~ 2 Comments

Are you a creative person looking for ways to monetize your art, or an entrepreneur interested in building an online print on demand business? I’m excited to share my latest Skillshare class with you: Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle: A Complete Guide to Setting up Your Zazzle Store.

Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle: A Complete Guide to Setting up Your Zazzle Store

But first, what exactly is Zazzle? In short, Zazzle is a print on demand marketplace where you can create designs for real life products, like art prints, t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Then, those products are printed and shipped to customers after they order them. This eliminates the need for inventory and allows you to focus on creating and marketing your designs!

Zazzle is just one of many print on demand marketplaces that you can use to sell products from your art.

I really like Zazzle because they offer a wide range of products, from apparel to home décor to electronics, so you can create a diverse product line that appeals to your audience.

With thousands of shoppers from around the world browsing the site every day, Zazzle has a huge customer base. And their platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you can focus on designing and marketing your products without getting bogged down by technical details.

gold foil art print collection on Zazzle

In my Skillshare class, Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle, I’ll guide you through the entire process of setting up your own Zazzle store, from designing your products to customizing your storefront and much more.

Before diving in, check out the class trailer below to get an idea of what you’ll learn and see if it’s right for you. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or post a comment below. I’m here to support you and help you succeed!

Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover in the class:

  • Setting up your store
  • Navigating the Zazzle website
  • Creating multiple product types from simple to advanced
  • Raising your ZRank
  • Organizing your store using Categories and Collections
  • Tips and tricks to streamline product creation
  • Creating custom banners and cover images for Collections and Categories
  • Customizing your store front
  • Additional pro tips from a Pro Bronze seller with nearly 10 years of experience

You can watch my Skillshare class for free with a one-month trial membership using my link.

This means you’ll have access to not only my class, but also thousands of other classes on Skillshare, including classes on graphic design, branding, and social media marketing.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Zazzle seller, there’s something for you in this class. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Custom Cover Photos on Zazzle: Make Your Products Stand Out

zazzle custom cover photos
~ Julie ~ Leave a comment
custom cover photos on zazzle: make your products stand out

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 of your 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.

zazzle custom cover photos for flip flops
custom zazzle cover photo clock mockup

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Promoting Your Art Online: The Top Five Ways

promoting your art online
~ Julie ~ 2 Comments
promoting art online top 5 ways

When it comes to promoting your art online, there are a number of different strategies you can use. In this post, I will discuss the most effective methods to help you find your audience, and for your audience to find you!

With the ease of access to the internet, more and more people are turning to online platforms to showcase their work. This is especially true for artists, who can use the internet to reach a global audience.

There are a number of ways to promote your art online. In this article, we will take a look at five of the most effective methods. These include using social media, setting up a website, taking advantage of search engine optimization, experimenting with video, and using online marketplaces to sell and showcase your work.

Top 5 Tips for Promoting Your Art Online

1. Create a strong social media presence

For any business that wants to be successful online, it helps to have a strong social media presence. This is especially true for art businesses, which are usually highly visual.

person holding smartphone taking picture of bridge during daytime

There are a few key things to remember when creating a social media presence for promoting your art online. The first is to focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have a small number of high-quality pieces than a large number of low-quality ones. This means that you should focus on creating work that is visually stunning and engaging, rather than churning out a large quantity of content that is quickly forgotten.

The second key is to be active and engaged with your audience. Social media is all about interaction, so make sure to post content that encourages comments, questions, and shares. Don’t just post your art and expect people to engage with it; start a conversation and get people talking.

And finally, the third key is to be consistent. Posting irregularly will only serve to frustrate your audience, confuse the algorithm, and potentially damage your chances of success. Make sure to post regularly, and to maintain a consistent voice and tone across all of your social media channels. By following these three key tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong social media presence that will help promote your art to a wider audience.

2. Develop an art blog or website

There are many ways to promote your art online, but one of the most effective is to develop your own blog or website. By having a dedicated space for your art, you can control the narrative around your work and ensure that your target audience is seeing the message you want to send.

photo of person using laptop for graphic designs

Here are a few tips for getting started:

  1. Choose a focus for your blog or website. Whether you want to showcase your own art, write about art news, or highlight other artists you admire, it’s important to have a clear focus for your site. This will help you attract the right audience and create content that is interesting and engaging.
  2. Make sure your site is visually appealing. People are visual creatures, so it’s important to make sure your site is visually appealing. This means using high-quality images, an eye-catching layout, and easy-to-navigate pages.
  3. Write compelling content. Even if your site looks great, it won’t be successful unless you have compelling content to share. Write blog posts that are interesting and informative, and be sure to update your site regularly with new content.
  4. Spread the word. Once your site is up and running, be sure to promote it through social media, Pinterest, and other relevant channels. The more people who know about your site, the more traffic you’ll generate.
  5. Monitor your progress. Keep an eye on your website’s traffic and analytics to see how your site is performing. This information can help you fine-tune your content and marketing strategies over time to further improve your results.

By following these tips, you can develop an art blog or website that is both successful and enjoyable to maintain.

3. Use search engine optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization, or “SEO” for short, is a technique that can be used to help promote your art online. By optimizing the content using key phrases related to the artwork, an artist can make their content more visible to potential customers who use search engines like Google.

photo of woman in front of painting

One way to optimize your content is to ensure that all images and videos are given descriptive file names, titles and alt tags. This allows search engines to index the content properly and help people find it when they search for specific keywords.

Another way to optimize content is to use key phrases on your artist website that are related to the artwork you want to promote. Think descriptive phrases such as “landscape paintings” or “custom pet portraits”. By including these key phrases in titles, tags, and descriptions, artists can improve their chances of being found by potential customers who are searching for those phrases.

In addition to optimizing website content, artists can also use SEO to improve the visibility of their social media posts. By including key words and phrases in the file name, post description, and alt tags (where available) artists can make it easier for potential customers to find their work on social media sites like Instagram and Tiktok, which are moving towards more SEO based search algorithms in place of hashtags.

By using these basic SEO techniques, artists can reach a larger audience and promote their artwork more effectively.

4. Create short videos of your art

There are many ways to promote art online, but one of the most effective is through creating short videos of your art or art process. Art videos can be used to give potential buyers a tour of your studio, a closer look at your work, or even just to provide some educational information about your process or medium.

black android smartphone

Here are five tips for creating great art videos:

  1. Keep it short and sweet. Ideally your video should be between 15 -60 seconds long, which is what most short form video apps accept. Check out my post on how to use TikTok for artists for more short video ideas. If you want to post long format videos of your art, YouTube is a better place for that.
  2. Start with a bang. The first few seconds of your video are crucial in hooking the viewer, so make sure you start with an attention-grabbing image or scene.
  3. Use professional-quality footage and audio. This doesn’t mean you need to hire a Hollywood film crew, but your video should be well-lit and have clear, high-quality audio.
  4. Edit for maximum impact. A good edit can make all the difference in a video, so don’t be afraid to cut out any sections that aren’t essential. I recommend the InShot app for editing videos on your phone.
  5. Include a call to action. At the end of your video, make sure to include a call to action, such as asking viewers to like and share your video, or visit your website to learn more about your art.

If you want step by step instructions on how to create short videos of your art for Reels, TikTok etc. check out my Skillshare class!

5. Sell your art online

When it comes to selling art online, there are a few different avenues that artists can take.

selling and promoting art online

Here are five of the most popular methods:

  1. Set up your own online shop: One of the best ways to sell art online is to set up your own online shop on your artist website. This gives you complete control over the prices, shipping, and promotion of your work. You’ll need to invest some time and money into setting up your shop, but once it’s up and running, it can be a great way to make sales. You can use a storefront app like Shopify (paid) or Woocommerce (free) to set up your store.
  2. Use an online marketplace or Print on Demand: If you’re not ready to set up your own shop, there are plenty of online marketplaces that you can use to sell your art. These platforms make it easy to list and sell your work, and they handle all the payments and shipping for you. Some of the most popular art marketplaces include Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Fine Art America.
  3. Sell through social media: Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and sell your art. You can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote your work and drive traffic to your shop, or sell directly through DM (direct messaging). Just make sure you’re using high-quality images and engaging copy to grab people’s attention.
  4. Take commissions: If you’re not interested in selling your existing artwork, another option is to take commissions. This involves working directly with clients to create custom artwork to their specifications. You can find clients for commissions through social media, by posting the type of artwork you want to take commissions for, and then taking requests via DM.
  5. Participate in art fairs: Another option for selling your artwork is to participate in art fairs and other in person events. This is a more traditional approach, but it can still be effective. Art fairs can be a great way to meet potential customers and build up a rapport with them, even if they don’t buy anything. You can hand out business cards with your social media links so they can follow you, and then potentially make a purchase through your website later on.

All of these methods can be effective ways to sell your art online. Just choose the approach that makes the most sense for you and your business.

promoting your art online

Conclusion

When it comes to promoting your art online, there are a number of different ways to go about it. By utilizing the five promotion strategies I’ve outlined above, you can give yourself the best chance for success. Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favourite method for promoting your art online?


Cheers,

julie signing off

The Top 5 Ways for Artists to Make Money Online in 2024

top 5 ways artists can make money online 2024
~ Julie ~ 3 Comments
top 5 ways artists can make money online 2024

Happy New Year friends! In this post I discuss the top 5 ways for artists to make money online in 2024 and beyond.

Of course, there are many different ways to make money online as an artist or creative professional. This is based on my own research and business earnings. I’ve been selling my own art online for over 8 years, and am now sharing my knowledge and experience with you!

I hope you will find this information helpful, and give you some ideas and inspiration for your own art business.

Watch the video below:

In this video I break down my art business earnings in 2022 to provide some insight into the best ways for artists to make money online in 2024 and beyond.

The top 5 ways artists can make money online in 2024 are:

  1. Print on Demand
  2. Digital goods and products
  3. Education
  4. Affiliate marketing
  5. Consulting and client projects

I go into a lot more depth on each point and show concrete examples in the video so make sure to watch until the end! Also consider subscribing to my Youtube channel as I don’t share every single video here on my blog.

Looking for even more inspiration on how to make money as an artist? Check out my post 101 Ways for Artists to Make Money – The Ultimate List

Let me know in the comments below what were your top income streams in 2022? I’d love to know more and keep the conversation going since the online space is constantly changing and different for everyone.

You might also be interested in these posts:

Wising you all the best and tons of success in 2024!


Cheers,

julie signing off

Easy Pattern Design in Procreate – Ogee and Argyle Pattern Tutorial

pattern design in Procreate - ogee and argyle
~ Julie ~ Leave a comment
pattern design in Procreate - ogee and argyle

I recently created this fun and easy pattern design tutorial in which I teach you how to make an ogee and an argyle pattern with the Procreate app for Apple iPad.

In this tutorial I take you step by step through the process of making these 2 easy seamless pattern designs, an ogee and argyle pattern, right on your iPad in Procreate. Watch the video below!

Check out my other digital art tutorials over on my Youtube channel.

In this video I take you through the following steps:

  • Creating an argyle pattern using simple shapes and lines
  • Creating an ogee pattern using symmetry tools
  • Testing both patterns to ensure they repeat seamlessly using the snapping and magnetics tool

You can make all sorts of variations of these patterns to use for backgrounds, print on demand products or anything else you can think of.

Pink Argyle Pattern Socks in my Redbubble store

I hope you’ve enjoyed this easy and fun Procreate pattern design tutorial. You might also like my other tutorial on how to create seamless patterns in Procreate, which you can see here.

I’ve also got a video for Procreate newbies which includes several tips and tricks to help you get started with the app.

I’ve been kind of obsessed with creating designs and patterns in Procreate over the past year. So I’ll likely be creating more tutorials and videos on this topic in the near future.

Let me know in the comments below if this is something you’re interested in, or if there’s something else you’d like me to cover!


Thanks for stopping by, have a great rest of your day.

Cheers,

julie signing off

Top Tools and Resources for your Print on Demand Business

top tools for print on demand
~ Julie ~ 2 Comments
top tools for print on demand

If you want to start a print on demand business then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve created this list of the top tools for your print on demand business.

I’ve personally been selling my art through print on demand websites for over 8 years and have tried many different tools and approaches. In this post you’ll get all of the top tools and resources I’ve found for getting started with print on demand and scaling your business.

To get started selling your art online you’ll need to create some designs and optimize your artwork for print. Then, you’ll need to decide on a platform and upload your art or list your products there while using targeted key words to help them get found. Finally, you’ll need to market those products to your customers and continue learning to grow your business.

So let’s get into the top tools for your print on demand business!

Table of Contents

design to product

* 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!

Creating your Designs

First, you’ll need to create some designs or digitize your existing artwork so you can upload them to print on demand websites. Keep in mind the type of products you will be selling. A design for a t-shirt will much different than one for fabric for example.

Below are a few different (free and paid) design tools and resources for creating your designs for print on demand.

Websites to Sell Your Art

The next thing you’ll need to do is decide on one or more print on demand websites to sell your designs through. Below is a list of sites I’ve personally used and sold my art through.

  • Redbubble – Good for beginners
  • Zazzle – More advanced with customization options
  • TeePublic – Super simple upload process
  • Society6 – Tedious upload process but worth the effort
  • Amazon Merch on Demand – You must apply and wait to be accepted but worth it
  • Spoonflower – Sample purchase requirement in order to list for sale
  • Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) – No application process
  • Printful – Via your own website or Etsy

Apps to Upload your Designs Faster

If you have a lot of designs ready to upload these are a few apps that you can use to speed up the process.

bulk print on demand flying upload
Preview of Flying Upload software dashboard and connected websites

Keyword and Niche Research

In order for people to find your products you’ll need to make sure you’re including key words that people are searching for! Include them in your title, tags and description. Here are some tools and resources to help you with this.

Marketing your Products

Marketing helps drive sales and raise awareness about your designs and the products you offer. You can do this in a variety of ways including through social media, Pinterest, blogging and more. Below are some excellent tools and resources to help you with your marketing efforts.

design mockups
Mockups like this can help drive sales

Business Tools and Resources

As your business grows you’ll need to implement good business practices like keeping track of finances, doing your taxes, building a website, email list and general organization.

I’ve recently created an all in one Art Business Toolkit to help you get your business started and organized!

Further Education

In order to grow your business you’ll need to continue learning and honing your skills in both design, marketing and overall business skills. There are many excellent resources out there, here are a few of my favourites!

Conclusion

There are so many resources and tools out there to help you grow your print on demand business. What was your favourite resource? Did I leave something out? Feel free to leave links below so we can all benefit.


Cheers,

julie signing off

25+ Instagram Post Ideas for Artists

instagram post ideas for artists
~ Julie ~ 3 Comments
instagram post ideas for artists

Are you an artist struggling to come up with ideas on what to post on Instagram? Whether you use your feed, reels, or stories, there are so many ways to share your art on Instagram!

In this post I’m sharing over 25 Instagram post ideas for artists.

A few things to consider: Create value for your audience. Whether it’s something pretty to look at, sharing information, or a relatable story in the captions. Interact with your audience. Ask a question. Get people excited and engaged with your content!

Instagram Feed Posts Ideas:

1. Finished artwork

2. Works in progress

3. Photos of yourself with or holding your artwork

4. Introduction posts. Share a photo of yourself in your studio with a quick introduction for new followers

5. Close ups of your artwork, either a WIP or tease of a final piece

6. Mockups of your artwork on products (download from your POD stores, make your own, or use a mock up generator service like Place It)

7. Real life photos of your artwork on products

society6 can cooler review

8. Join trending hashtags and art challenges like #artvsartist or #dtiys (draw this in your style)

9. Art supplies – review or showcase the tools you use to create your art

10. Studio shots/ behind the scenes

11. Shareable quotes (created by you, using your own artwork)

12. Celebrate an occasion or holiday with a related artwork or design

instagram post ideas for artists

Instagram Reels Ideas:

13. Timelapse videos of yourself creating an art piece

14. Tutorials demonstrating your process, how to use a specific tool or product

15. Trending video memes with an art or art business spin on it

17. “Day in the life” (of an artist)

18. Still images along to the beat of a song

19. Using trending filters on your artwork

20. Animated artwork (can be really simple)

21. “Satisfying” art process

Instagram Story Post Ideas:

Anything goes on stories, they are less formal and go away in 24 hours.

22. Behind the scenes – going for a walk to gather inspiration, your art studio etc.

23. Teasers for new artwork or content (tutorials, blog posts etc)

instagram story post ideas for artists

24. This or that, showing 2 of your artworks and ask your audience which one they like more

25. Announce a sale and use a link sticker to link to your shop(s)

26. Ask your audience a question (poll)

27. Share a new blog post or video on Youtube or another platform (link with sticker)

28. Share a new (or old) post or reel from your feed to your Stories

29. Celebrate an occasion or holiday, sometimes there are stickers for this so you can share with a wider audience

Looking for more Instagram tips for artists? Check out this blog post!

You can also check out my own Instagram feed for even more post inspiration.

I hope you’ve found this list of Instagram post ideas for artists helpful!


Cheers,

julie signing off