How to Sell on Etsy: Artwork and Poster Prints

If you’ve got a sketchbook full of illustrations, a hard drive full of digital designs, or rooms filled with canvases all hidden away, then Etsy may be the answer. The platform is the go to place for creative sellers and independent artists. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to sell on Etsy – from setting up shop to fulfilling those all-important print orders using Printed.com. With a wide range of professional papers, finishes, and customisation options, we’re here to help your creative business bloom and give you all the knowledge on how to be become a successful Etsy seller.

Image credit: Hogletandco

Why Sell on Etsy?

First things first – why Etsy?

Etsy is one of the largest online marketplaces for handmade, vintage, and creative goods. With millions of active buyers around the world, it’s a fantastic platform for artists and designers who want to sell their work without building their own website from scratch.

Whether you specialise in watercolour portraits, botanical prints, digital illustrations, or inspirational typography, Etsy offers you a built-in audience who appreciate the value of independent creators.

Image credit: NatalieCassArt

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Etsy Art Shop

Getting set up as a Etsy seller is refreshingly simple. Here’s how to get going:

1. Create an Etsy Account

Sign up at Etsy.com. You’ll need to enter some basic details – email address, name, and password.

2. Set Up Your Shop Preferences

Choose your shop language, country, and currency. These settings can impact how your listings appear in search results, so make sure they match your target audience.

3. Choose a Memorable Shop Name

Your shop name should reflect your style and be easy to remember. Think of it as your brand identity – something future customers will associate with your work.

4. Create Listings

Upload clear, high-quality images of your artwork. Be sure to:

• Include a well-lit photo of the actual print or a digital mockup
• Write a detailed description – mention size, paper type, frame options, and any other relevant details
• Use relevant tags to boost discoverability

Set realistic processing and shipping times.

Image credit: JoranceDesigns

Getting Your Art Ready to Sell: Prints vs Originals

While some Etsy sellers offer original or one of a kind artwork, most opt for selling prints – and for good reason.

Selling high-quality prints allows you to:

• Offer multiple copies of a single design
• Scale your business more easily
• Keep your prices accessible
• Reduce the pressure of creating new originals constantly

That’s where Printed.com comes in.

Image credit: Fatpompoms

Print Your Artwork with Printed.com

We’re here to help you bring your vision to life – literally. With our wide range of professional print products, artists and illustrators across the UK trust Printed.com to deliver gallery-quality prints to their customers, whether it’s for home décor, gifts, or gallery walls.

Here’s a quick look at what you can order from us:

Fine Art Giclée Prints

If you’re looking for museum-grade quality, our Giclée Fine Art Prints are the crème de la crème. Using archival inks on premium papers, they deliver rich colours, fine detail, and longevity.

Paper options include:

-Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl: 320gsm, for quality black and white or colour photography prints. Made from 100% cotton and finished with a unique pearl-coating to reduce shine.

-Hahnemühle German Etching: 310gsm, a natural white, uncoated paper, ideal for Fine Art Prints and highly-detailed photography.

-Hahnemühle Bamboo: 290gsm, with its premium matt coating Bamboo meets the highest industry standards regarding colour gamut and image sharpness.

-Canson Cotton: 330gsm, 100% cotton, matte finish, and vibrant inkjet coating make it ideal for digital fine art prints, illustrations, and watercolour reproductions.

Sizes: Choose from standard A sizes (A5–A1), square formats, or set your own custom dimensions.

Image credit: EllieCartlidgeDesign

Poster Prints

Ideal for bold graphic designs and colourful illustrations, our Poster prints are a great budget-friendly option for bulk selling or promotional artwork.

Stock options include:

Printed.com offers a number of paper stocks including but not limited to:

-Silk (170gsm or 250gsm): Smooth with a slight sheen – adds depth without too much shine.

-Gloss (200gsm): For vibrant, high-impact colours.

-Recycled Uncoated (170gsm): Eco-conscious and full of personality.

Sizes: Poster print sizes range from A4 to A0, however custom sizes are available so long as the print measures between the maximum size of 1500 x 6000 and a minimum size of 304 x 427.

Image credit: NeeshHome

Art Prints & Digital Prints

Looking for flexibility? Our Art Prints are customisable in terms of paper type, size, and finish.

Paper options include:

-Trucard: Great for card-like thickness (perfect for mini prints and postcards).

-Uncoated or Textured Stocks: Give your work an artisanal feel.

-Kraft Paper: Add a rustic charm to monochrome or simple linework designs.

Finishes available:

-Gloss or Matt lamination

-No lamination for a natural, tactile finish

Image credit: BeccaKatePrints

How to Order Prints with Printed.com

Once you’re ready to start selling prints on Etsy, you’ll need a reliable way to get them made. Here’s how to do it with us:

1. Create a Printed.com Account

Sign up at Printed.com – it’s quick and free!

2. Choose Your Product

Head to the product menu and select the type of print you want (Fine Art, Posters, Digital Prints etc.). Use filters to compare paper types and finishes.

3. Upload Your Artwork

Make sure your files are high-resolution (300dpi is ideal). Use PDF, JPEG or TIFF formats for best results. Our handy artwork guides can help you set up your files perfectly.

4. Customise Your Order

Pick your paper type:

-Select size (standard or custom)

-Choose quantity

-Decide on finishes (laminated or not)

Want to test it first? You can order a sample pack or a small batch to check the quality before going all in.

5. Add Delivery Details

Send your order to yourself for fulfilment or drop-ship directly to your customer with unbranded Packaging (ideal for keeping things seamless!).

6. Review and Place Order

Double-check everything, then hit order. Simple as that!

Image credit: Rachel Bottomley

Pro Tips for a Successful Etsy Print Shop

Selling artwork is as much about presentation and service as it is about the art itself. Here are some top tips:

Presentation Is Everything

Use clear, styled photos of your prints in real-life settings. Think frames, gallery walls, desks, or mantels. Lifestyle shots help customers imagine your artwork in their own space.

Brand Consistency

Include branded thank-you cards, stickers, or packaging to create a memorable experience. (We print those too!)

Consider Packaging

Protect your prints during transit. Backing boards, compostable sleeves, and ‘Do Not Bend’ envelopes all help – and you can add these yourself or order prints to arrive ready-to-go.

Offer Sustainable Options

More shoppers are looking for eco-conscious sellers. Use recycled paper stocks and mention your sustainability efforts in your listings.

Set Realistic Processing Times

Especially when you’re ordering through a print partner – account for production and delivery in your Etsy shipping settings.

Image credit: Eve Print Studio

Start Selling Smarter

Selling art on Etsy is a brilliant way to share your work with the world – and with a little help from Printed.com, you can make your prints look as professional and polished as the originals. From premium paper stocks to easy online ordering and white-label delivery, we’re here to help you scale your creative business without the stress.

Ready to turn your passion into profit? Create your Printed.com account today and bring your Etsy art shop to life with prints you’re proud to sell.

Need help choosing your paper? Our customer service team is always happy to help. Drop us a line or request a sample pack to see (and feel) your options before you order.