How to Select the Best Print on Demand Site for You as an Artist

Are you looking to sell your art online through Print on Demand?

So you're an artist, and you're ready to turn your creative passion into a source of income. You've heard about the magic of Print on Demand (PoD) – a fantastic way to get your artwork onto products and start building your artistic brand.

But, where do you begin? How do you decide which PoD platform is the best fit for your unique artistic journey?

In this guide, I'll walk you through the world of Print on Demand, exploring the different providers, their pros and cons, and how they fit into our three-tier framework for artists looking to make their mark in the world of PoD.

What is Print on Demand?

Print on Demand is an innovative business model that allows artists to transform their designs into tangible products, from T-shirts and mugs to phone cases and posters, without having to worry about inventory or order fulfillment.

It's a dream come true for artists like us looking to put our art on products and monetize our creativity while keeping our hands free from the hassles of shipping and stocking products.

3 Levels of Print on Demand

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of PoD platforms, let's establish our framework, which divides them into three distinct levels.

Your choice should be based on your goals, your available time and resources, and how much control you want over your brand:

1. Low Barrier to Entry - Express Your Creativity with Ease

*Examples: Society6, Redbubble, Zazzle*

These platforms are like the artist's playground, providing a quick and straightforward way to upload your artwork onto various products. You don't need to invest too much time or effort in setting up shop. However, they limit your ability to fully showcase your brand identity.

2. Mid-Level - More Control, More Set-Up

*Example: Etsy*

If you want more control over your branding and how your store looks, and the ability to show a little more of yourself, a mid-level platform like Etsy is the way to go. This level requires a bit more setup, but it offers a chance to stand out and access an existing flow of potential customers on the platform.

3. Highest Level - Build Your Brand from Scratch

*Examples: Shopify, Woo-Commerce*

This is the highest level of PoD, where you build your own e-commerce store. It demands the most setup and effort, as you'll also be responsible for driving traffic. However, it also provides you with complete control to shape your artist brand identity and create a unique shopping experience for your customers.

To use this option as well as the mid-level option with Print on Demand, you would also sign up for one or more print on demand print providers. Some popular choices include Printify and Printful. These companies easily interface with your Etsy or e-commerce store. When an order is placed, it seemlessly gets sent to your print provider for fulfillment, and all you need to take care of is any customer service or questions your customer may have.

If you are interested in learning more about how to set up and sell Printify products with your Etsy or Shopify store, I have created a 2 hour introductory course, the Artists’ Guide to Printify Print on Demand using your Etsy or Shopify Store. Click the link or photo to learn more.

Pros and Cons of Each Level

Now, let's get into the specifics of each level of these POD platforms, so you can make an informed decision:

Low Barrier to Entry (Society 6, Redbubble, Zazzle)

PRO: Quick and easy setup
PRO: Easy way to dip your toe into print on demand
PRO: Minimal time investment required
PRO: Built-In audiences for your products

CON: Little control over your storefront / artist brand presentation
CON: Fierce head to head competition with other artists
CON: Lower profit margins due to competition and platform fees

Mid-Level (Etsy)

PRO: More control over your shop aesthetics
PRO: Opportunity to showcase your art brand personality
PRO: Access to a large existing customer base on the platform

CON: Requires more time to learn the platform and set up your storefront
CON: Competition from other artists is still very strong
CON: Platform fees may cut into your profits

Highest-Level (Own your own storefront using Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)

PRO: Complete control over your artist brand identity
PRO: Ability to create a unique shopping experience
PRO: Potential for higher profit margins
PRO: Opportunity to drive very targeted traffic to a buying experience with no other distractions

CON: Requires the most time to set up
CON: You must drive your own traffic
CON: Higher initial costs associated with e-commerce like hosting and marketing

Making Your Choice

So, which level or type of Print on Demand is right for you? Here are some questions to help you decide:

1. **What's Your Vision for Your Art Business?** If you have a clear vision and want full control over your brand identity, choosing to use print on demand with your own e-commerce or Etsy store might be your choice. If you're just getting started and want to test the waters, using companies like Society 6 or Redbubble can be a great entry point.

2. **How Much Time Can You Commit?** Getting your art onto products through Society 6 for example requires the least amount of time, while setting up your own e-commerce store and doing your own marketing demands a more significant time investment. Consider your schedule and availability.

3. **Are You Ready to Promote Your Brand?** If you're willing to take charge of marketing and promotion, building your own e-commerce store and audience that you own might be your best bet. If you'd rather leverage an existing platform's traffic, using a platform like Etsy could be your sweet spot.

There is No One-Size Fits All Solution

Choosing the right Print on Demand platform for your art is an important decision in your journey as an artist. Each level has its own set of advantages and challenges, and the choice ultimately depends on your artistic vision, your available time, and your willingness to invest in your brand. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It's all about finding the right balance between creative freedom, control, and growth for your unique path as an artist. So, seize the opportunity, get your designs onto products, and start turning your art into a brand that stands out in the world of Print on Demand. Happy creating!

Kari Barnes

Kari is a mixed media artist and surface designer with a passion for print on demand living on a small farm in Wisconsin. After 22 years of growing a traditional online product-based company, she loves to teach and share with others what she's gathered along the way -- especially as she learns to apply her business background to her growing art business.

Art is energy and when you put your art on products and send them out into the world, you exchange this energy and bring joy to people you've never met before!

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