A Reflection on My Journey

After investing three years of creativity and effort into my Etsy shops, I ultimately decided to close this chapter of my life. While the journey brought moments of success and learning, it also revealed challenges that led me to step away. Here, I’ll share the story of how my Etsy adventure unfolded—from its beginnings to its evolution and, finally, its conclusion. For those considering a similar path or wondering why some sellers choose to leave Etsy, my experience may offer valuable insights.

From Hobby to Hustle: How It All Began

In 2021, as the world adjusted to lockdown life, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. Inspired by the extra time at home, I decided to start an Etsy shop. Hand-painting leather bags became my focus, blending art with functionality. Each bag was a unique creation, meticulously painted with designs that reflected my passion for artistry.

Initially, it was a hobby—an enjoyable way to channel creativity during uncertain times. But as my skills grew and my designs gained attention, this "just for fun" project began to turn into something more significant.

Branching Out: The Launch of a Second Etsy Shop

After a year of running my first shop, I decided to expand. This time, I teamed up with a talented Russian painter to open a second shop, offering original artwork and paintings. Starting small, we uploaded a handful of pieces, understanding that building an Etsy shop requires time and consistent effort. According to Etsy’s guidance, it can take three to six months for new shops to make their first sale.

However, global events quickly disrupted our plans. Amid political tensions, Etsy imposed restrictions that severely impacted Russian sellers, including a “shadow-ban” on their shops. For our budding venture, this meant an immediate and dramatic loss of visibility. My collaborator could no longer participate, leaving me to manage both shops alone.

Etsy’s Algorithm: A Love-Hate Relationship

Meanwhile, my first shop began to gain traction. Five weeks after launching, I made my first sale—a hand-painted leather bag featuring a whimsical rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. That moment was exhilarating, inspiring me to continue.

Yet, as my shop grew, I encountered challenges with Etsy’s algorithm. The platform prioritizes items with proven sales histories, which can create a cycle of repetition. Once a particular design gained popularity, I felt compelled to replicate it to maintain visibility. This turned my creative process into a production line, where I painted the same designs repeatedly to meet demand.

While I was grateful for the sales, the monotony drained my creativity. I missed the freedom to explore new ideas and designs, and the pressure to “feed” the algorithm made me feel less like an artist and more like a factory worker.

Navigating Licensing and Legal Risks

Etsy’s policies also presented a challenge. Technically, sellers are prohibited from using copyrighted characters without permission. However, “fan art” occupies a gray area where many creators, myself included, find ways to operate. I avoided directly naming characters or titles in my listings, opting for subtle thematic tags instead.

Although I stayed within the boundaries of original interpretations rather than reproductions, there was always the risk that my work might attract scrutiny or policy violations. This ongoing uncertainty added to the stress of managing my shops.

The Competitive Reality of Etsy

Etsy markets itself as a supportive community for creators, but the reality can be competitive and, at times, cutthroat. Established sellers often dominate the platform, and newcomers face steep challenges in gaining visibility. While I did my best to stay focused on my own work, the hyper-competitive environment sometimes felt discouraging.

For those with the resources to navigate Etsy’s complexities, the platform can be a valuable tool. However, as an independent artist seeking a platform that allowed for genuine creativity and connection, I found Etsy’s dynamics increasingly frustrating.

Why I Stepped Away from Etsy

Ultimately, my decision to leave Etsy was driven by both practical challenges and personal values. My goal had always been to express creativity and connect with customers who appreciated unique, handmade art. But over time, Etsy’s demands—algorithmic pressures, repetitive production, and policy uncertainties—made it difficult to achieve this balance.

Etsy will always hold a special place in my journey as an artist. It gave me the opportunity to share my work with a global audience and taught me valuable lessons about running an online business. However, stepping away from Etsy has allowed me to reconnect with my art and refocus on projects that feel true to my creative vision.

Reflecting on My Etsy Experience

For anyone considering selling on Etsy, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and the challenges.

• Pros: A large, built-in audience and tools to reach a global market make Etsy a great starting point for many creators.
• Cons: The platform’s algorithms can be demanding, leaving little room for creative freedom. Licensing risks and competitive dynamics are also important considerations.

Today, my focus is on creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces and exploring new ways to share them with others. Leaving Etsy has given me the freedom to embrace the artistic journey I truly value, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

________________________________________________________________

Etsy can be a great platform for artists, especially those just starting out. However, the platform’s emphasis on algorithms can make it challenging for those who want creative freedom and independence.

Can you sell licensed characters on Etsy?

Why did Etsy shadow-ban Russian sellers?

Etsy implemented policies impacting Russian sellers due to global political tensions. Unfortunately, this decision left many sellers, including collaborative projects, struggling with sudden visibility issues.

How does Etsy’s algorithm affect new shops?

Etsy’s algorithm often favors listings with a track record of sales, which can make it difficult for new shops to gain visibility without constant updates and popular product lines.

For those considering Etsy or just curious about its dynamics, I hope this story offers some insights into both the rewards and realities of selling on the platform.

Sincerely,

Sasha Savona