Art Print Business on Etsy: Quick Start Guide

If you love creating prints and want to turn that hobby into cash, Etsy is a great place to start. The platform already has art lovers looking for unique pieces, so you don’t need a massive audience to make sales. All you need is a clear shop, decent photos, and a plan for pricing and shipping. Below you’ll find simple steps that get you from blank store to first order without the overwhelm.

Setting Up Your Etsy Shop

First, sign up for an Etsy seller account and choose a shop name that reflects your style. Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell – think of it as your brand’s first impression. Next, fill out the “About” section with a short story about why you make art prints. Buyers love a personal touch, and it helps your shop feel trustworthy.

Upload high‑quality photos of each print. Use natural light, a neutral background, and show the print both flat and in a room setting. A quick tip: add a ruler or a familiar object for scale so shoppers know the actual size. Write concise titles that include key details like “Acrylic Print,” size, and theme – for example, “Botanical Acrylic Print 12x18 – Modern Wall Art.”

When you create listings, fill out every tag Etsy gives you. Use tags such as "art print," "wall decor," "Etsy prints," and specific keywords related to your artwork. This improves your chances of showing up in search results. Don’t forget to set up shop policies – clear return, shipping, and payment terms reduce buyer questions later.

Pricing and Shipping Your Prints

Pricing is where many new sellers get stuck. Start by adding up all costs: paper, ink, printing service, packaging, and Etsy fees (about 6.5% of the sale price plus payment processing). Then decide on a profit margin – most creators aim for 30‑50% above costs. If a 12x12 print costs you £8 to produce, a price around £12‑£14 is realistic.

Research similar listings on Etsy to see what they charge. If your prints have a unique style or limited edition, you can price a bit higher. Remember to factor in shipping. Offer a few options: standard (cheapest), fast (for urgent buyers), and free shipping on orders over a set amount. Free shipping can boost conversion if you build the cost into your product price.

Pack prints carefully to avoid bends. Use a sturdy mailing tube or a flat cardboard mailer with a cardboard backing. Slip a thin sheet of acid‑free tissue paper between the print and the packaging for extra protection. Write the shipping weight on the Etsy listing so the system calculates the correct fee.

Finally, promote your shop. Share new listings on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Use hashtags like #EtsyPrints and #WallArt to reach art‑hungry audiences. Offer a small discount to first‑time buyers – a simple "10% off your first order" coupon can turn a curious visitor into a customer.

Running an art print business on Etsy isn’t magic; it’s about clear listings, fair pricing, and reliable shipping. Follow these steps, keep tweaking based on what sells, and you’ll watch your side hustle grow into a steady income stream.