Welcome back! If this is your first visit today, you can catch up by meeting the guest bloggers in yesterday’s post.
Today we focus on the graphic design side of selling online. I’m not a professional designer, although the craft fascinates me. Right now I’m experimenting with a DIY approach using Photoshop, and yes — it can be slow at times. While we’re on the subject, special thanks to Heather at Sewing Daisies for kindly allowing the use of the bird graphic in the button below. Her blog is full of handmade goodness.
Day 2: Product Branding (Graphic Design and Online Store Banners)
Question: One of the first steps in setting up an Etsy shop is creating a storefront banner. Do you design your own graphics or hire a designer? Beyond the Etsy banner, what other branding items—like tags, business cards, or thank-you notes—do you use?
Gina from Shabby Creek Cottage
Early on I created all my own graphics using InDesign on my old work computer (with permission). Today I work with a talented graphic designer, Kristen at AhoyGraphics.com. I still generate the ideas and direction because I like to be hands-on, but Kristen handles the technical work that makes my blog and shop look polished and professional—from banners to business cards.
Jami from Freckled Laundry
I design most of my graphics myself and created my Etsy banner with Adobe Photoshop Elements. The software costs about $100, but I recently learned that some drawing tablets include Photoshop Elements for free—something worth watching for if you’re starting out.
If design isn’t your strength, there’s no shortage of graphic designers selling custom and pre-made templates on Etsy. Search for terms like “Etsy banner” or “Etsy template” to find affordable options that often include banners, icons, and business card templates.
Branding basics: Whatever route you take, a consistent, professional brand matters. A cohesive look—matching logo, fonts, colors, and imagery—helps your shop stand out, especially in categories where many sellers offer similar products.
Beyond my Etsy banner, I use custom business cards, product tags, hair pin cards, and customer appreciation coupon cards. I handwrite thank-you notes on the back of my business cards to add a personal touch.
Although my background is in advertising and marketing, my hands-on graphic design training is dated. Initially I only had tags and business cards. Once sales allowed me to reinvest in my shop, I hired Reni at Bliss & Tell for updated business card and hair pin card designs. I still print some tags at home and use a craft die cutter to finish them.
Lisa from The Pennington Point
I create my own graphics. My son purchased Photoshop for his animation business and taught me the basics, which helped me learn over time. When I don’t know something, I often find answers through online searches. I also use stickers, thank-you notes, business cards, and tags in my packaging.
Aimee from My Pink Life
I design my own graphics too. I’m far from an expert and am always learning. I mainly use Microsoft Word for simple designs and also create my own tags and business cards for shop packaging.
Thanks again to all the contributors. I enjoy studying graphic design and learning how designers achieve different looks, but it can be frustrating trying to do it all yourself. If you prefer to save time, Etsy is an excellent place to find pre-made or custom banner and template designers at a range of prices.
See you tomorrow when we discuss where we create our work and how the workspace affects productivity and product quality.
