How to Know If You’re Ready to Start Selling Your Art on Etsy
Thinking about turning your resin or fluid art hobby into a business? You don’t need 100 perfect pieces or a flawless Instagram feed to get started. What you do need is clarity about what you’re selling, who it’s for, and how to keep it fun.
1. Are You Ready to Part with Your Pieces?
Before you list a single product, ask yourself: Are you comfortable letting go of your art? If you’re deeply attached to every piece, it might be too early to sell. If you’re excited to make more, you’re probably ready. This is one of the hardest things for an artist. We put so much of ourselves into everything we do and each piece is special in some way. Parting with your art is hard, but when you're ready, you'll know.
2. Do You Have a Signature Look or Niche?
You don’t need to be famous or have a brand but you should have some angle that helps your art stand out from the pack. COVID created a lot of interest in crafting as we were all stuck indoors looking for something to do. As a result, there are a lot of artists out there making beautiful creations. So how will yours stand out? Do you focus on ocean-style resin art? Statement jewelry? Mini canvases with bold color blends? Having a unique style will make your shop feel curated and unique, not random or too similar to a lot of other art out there. The goal is to create a "must have" response from shoppers so there is urgency rather than, "If I don't buy it here or now, I can get it at the next [stall, shop, fair, market, etc.].
3. Are Your Pieces Built to Last?
Before selling, make sure your resin is fully cured, sanded smooth (if needed), and coated properly. Coasters should be level. Jewelry should have solid hardware. Packaging should protect from scratches or breakage. Many artists will wait 3 to 4 weeks after a piece is finished before they will make it available. Keep that timing in mind for planning purposes.
4. Can You Photograph Your Work Clearly?
Photos are everything on Etsy, or any other social media channel for that matter. You don’t need a pro camera—just natural light, a clean background, and a few angled shots to show depth or sparkle. Use your LoliVefe mat or a white board as a clean base for shooting.
5. Are You Willing to Start Small?
You don’t need 20 listings to get started. Even 5 solid pieces with clear photos and helpful descriptions are enough to begin to build traction. Etsy rewards active shops, so keep updating and learning what sells.
A First Step
Still unsure? Start by listing your extras or experiments. Many artists launch by selling “seconds” or test pours—they’re real art, and they help build confidence without pressure. You may not make as much in the beginning, but you'll learn a lot that will help you with longer-term decisions on what to make, and how to sell. Remember, above all else, HAVE FUN!!!
Coming Up Next:
How to Set Up an Etsy Shop for Resin or Fluid Art (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
We’ll cover how to actually set up your Etsy shop, write great descriptions, and handle shipping without losing your mind.
Create. Get Messy. Love Life.