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Etsy Insights: My top tips for the Etsy Design Awards
Hi everyone,
My name is Sarah. I am an artist, an art teacher, and the owner of SarahSnippets. I am based in Connecticut and sell paper collages and accessories. Being named as a finalist for the 2024 Etsy Design Awards was such a proud moment, an incredible experience that gave my shop and art great exposure.
I first opened my shop in 2019 as a platform to sell my original paper art, inspired by nature and handmade with love. I love what I do—the biggest challenge as an entrepreneur is that there is never enough time! I’m the sole creator, and I do all the social media, shipping, and handling. Running the business side takes more effort than I expected.
I have always loved seeing the winners of Etsy Design Awards and their beautiful creations—I wanted to be among them. Last year, I decided to apply with my piece, 'Florida,' from an ongoing art series I’m working on, hoping it would get selected and help promote that collection. If you're considering entering the Etsy Design Awards, I encourage you to go for it! Here are my top tips for entering:
Start early: The toughest part was setting aside the time to complete each question with care, something I really paid attention to. As a full-time teacher and part-time seller, I chose to "chip away" at the application, giving myself space to read it over and share my story. This allows you to give each question the attention it deserves without feeling overwhelmed.
Tell your story thoughtfully: Your application is an opportunity to showcase not just your product, but also the details behind your craft. Take your time to share what inspires you, your creative process, and what makes your shop special.
Showcase your work with high-quality imagery: Invest time in this part of the application as well! Take your photos in a clean, well-lit area, so you can highlight the details of your item. Consider taking photos and video from different angles, and if you can, include a process video to add more context.
I was overjoyed to learn that I was a 2024 finalist; as a result, I sold many pieces last holiday season, including the one that was picked. My advice is to definitely submit your item today! There is nothing to lose and so much to gain.
What steps have you taken so far to prepare your application? Whether you’re just thinking about applying to adding the final touches to your submission, share with us in the comments below so we can cheer you on! Best of luck to everyone this year!
VivereCollective
·8 months agoThanks for good sharing
SpiritzCandles
·1 year agovery unique and inspiring
erava
·1 year agoCongrats and thank you for the tips!
CherryDTF
·1 year agovery good...
NATALYartUKRAINE
·1 year agoПривіт Сара! Я по можливості все зробила, щоб покращити видимість мого магазину. Проте через деякі умови життя в Україні я не можу досягти успіху. По-перше я не дуже добре розбираюсь в ІТ системах, По-друге нема можливості зробити все так як потрібно. Я просто художник, який вирішив продати свої роботи. Проте результат нульовий. Можливо мої роботи не заслуговують на увагу поціновувачів мистецтва....
ShayleeGirls
·1 year agoBest of luck
MynaCollectionShop
·1 year agofelicitation Sarah. Votre boutique est magnifique. Vous m'inspirez beaucoup
SpiritzCandles
·1 year agoHi,
Its impressive to view your acheivement
Best of luck for the future
SYDESIGNSTOREtr
·1 year agoWhat an incredible Shop, Sarah! Congratulations on being a Finalist in 2024;
CALLIGRAPHYSTO
·1 year agoThank you for sharing your story with us. I've been on Etsy for about four years. This year was my first time entering the contest. It might be hard to win, but I wanted to give it a try.
MariaHandsRosaries
·1 year agoHola Sarah sabes si aún puedo participar en el concurso de este año?
ThatsKismet
·1 year agoI want to learn about this award
AmorelleJewelry
·1 year agoHi everyone, my shop has been open for 5 months now and I still haven’t made a sale. I’m really not sure what I’m doing wrong I added a banner/logo, wrote detailed descriptions (lab-grown diamond engagement rings), used researched tags, and even shared on Instagram… but no results yet.
Could you please take a look and tell me what I might need to improve? Any advice would mean a lot
Shop Link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmorelleJewelry
AmorelleJewelry
·1 year agoHi everyone, my shop has been open for 5 months now and I still haven’t made a sale. I’m really not sure what I’m doing wrong I added a banner/logo, wrote detailed descriptions (lab-grown diamond engagement rings), used researched tags, and even shared on Instagram… but no results yet.
Could you please take a look and tell me what I might need to improve? Any advice would mean a lot
Shop Link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmorelleJewelry
CodysKorner
·1 year agoThough I don’t sell jewelry I have done vintage here for 8 years and find it a great platform. Adding daily, having a fair amount of choices and of course sales bring in potential buyers. The listings look very nice, wishing you many sales!
HMgemscollection
·1 year agoAm I eligible for this award? Shop: H&M Gemscollection
TheVeryPearl
·1 year agoI accidentally input my personal email instead of my shop email. I think it got automatically changed by the browser when submitting before I realized. Can I edit the email? And what would it impact if I used the wrong email address?
JacketTailor
·1 year agoThank you, Sarah, for sharing your journey and such valuable tips! Congratulations on being a finalist—that’s a huge accomplishment. I completely agree with you that telling your story thoughtfully and showcasing your work well makes all the difference.
My name is Zubair, and my shop is JacketTailor, where I create handmade jackets and outerwear. Your experience has really inspired me to put more focus on how I present my work and share the story behind it. Wishing you continued success with your beautiful collages!
WoolyTime
·1 year agoSarah, thank you for sharing your story and experience!
I’m so impressed by your paper collages — they’re truly amazing.
I haven’t submitted my entry yet, and your advice is very valuable to me.
Your post is really inspiring!
WoolyTime
·1 year agoSarah, thank you for sharing your story and experience!
I’m so impressed by your paper collages — they’re truly amazing.
I haven’t submitted my entry yet, and your advice is very valuable to me.
Your post is really inspiring!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you! Sarah
FabHello
·1 year agoLove your journey and your art! Very motivating for other sellers like me
UniqueGemsUsa
·1 year agothank you so macha
Manukihairandbody
·1 year agoYour store is very well set up, thanks for the pointers and love your work
Manukihairandbody
·1 year agoYour store is very well set up, thanks for the pointers and love your work
UniqueGemsUsa
·1 year agoUniqueGemsUsa
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you!
StudioDOMU
·1 year agoHello Sarah!!
Thanks for sharing your precious tips!
I visited your store and your work is so beautiful — I can totally see why you were a finalist for the 2024 Etsy Design Awards.
I’m still pretty new as an Etsy seller, and I’m planning to apply for this year’s Etsy Design Awards as well!
I’ll do my best to show my work to the world through this opportunity
Thank you for sharing your experience and giving me the courage to try something new 🤩
UniversalartcraftCo
·1 year agoOkay
NATALYartUKRAINE
·1 year agoВітаю і дякую за поради. Для мене великим стимулом творчості завжди вважалась підтримка моїх поціновувачів картин, які я виставляла на огляд на своїй сторінці ФБ. Мені було важливо, що шанувальники мого мистецтва бачать в моїх роботах мої почуття, бажання, біль і сльози, цінність краси навколишнього світу. Сьогодні нелегко кожному українцю, особливо творчим людям - я не виняток. Саме тому я створила свій магазин NATALYartUKRAINE і маю надію, що мої роботи сподобаються майбутнім покупцям. Кожна картина маслом, кожен малюнок на папері написаний під час сумних воєнних реалій в Україні. Тому, наперед хочу подякувати всім покупцям за підтримку українського мистецтва.
Esani
·1 year agoVery unique. well done.
Esani
·1 year agoVery unique. well done.
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you !
LEATHERFIED
·1 year agoHi Sarah,
Thanks so much for sharing.
warehouseproduction
·1 year agoselamat atas penghargan nya semoga di taun yang akan datang aku
BlueLifeJewels
·1 year agoI have just submitted my entry and selected my diamond wristwatch EXCELLENT MULTI SHEAP, which is made entirely by me.
BlueLifeJewels
·1 year agoI have just submitted my entry and selected my diamond wristwatch EXCELLENT MULTI SHEAP, which is made entirely by me.
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThat’s awesome, best of luck! Sarah
HaywireStationPress
·1 year agoCongrats! Thank you!
AysegulTurediOzen
·1 year agoBest of luck to everyone!
NATALYartUKRAINE
·1 year agoПривіт Сара! Дякую за таку потрібну розповідь. Від себе можу сказати одне, що я невпевнена в своїх силах. Хоч я і подала заявку, проте не думаю, що на мій магазин звернуть увагу, адже у мене практично нема продажів. Я зробила все що могла, щоб вивести свій продукт на всеогляд, проте я художник і не можу досконало розібратись в системі маркетингу та рекламі. Оплачувати за цю послугу я не можу, а самостійно тяжко все зрозуміти, та й нема на це багато часу. Хоч я живу в Україні, де йде війна, я стараюсь більше приділяти уваги творчості, адже це своєрідний спосіб забути про страшні реалії сьогодення. Та й лишається надія, що покупці підтримають українське мистецтво і покращиться продаж.
BlessedBunnyTales
·1 year agoCongrats!
SpiritualSHIMAYA
·1 year agoThank you so much!
AandETextileHouse
·1 year agoThank you, Sarah, for sharing your incredible story and valuable tips!
https://aandetextilehouse.etsy.com
KnobsNPulls
·1 year agoHi Sarah,
Thank you for sharing your journey and those wonderful tips! It’s so inspiring to read how you balanced teaching full-time while thoughtfully preparing your Etsy Design Awards application. I love how you emphasized storytelling and high-quality imagery—both are such powerful ways to connect with people and make your work stand out.
Your success as a 2024 finalist is truly motivating, and I can see how much heart you put into every step, from the creative process to presentation. Congratulations again on the well-deserved recognition!
Wishing you continued success with your art, and thank you for encouraging others to go for it—I’m feeling inspired to start preparing my own application now.
Best of luck with your future projects!
KnobsNPulls
·1 year agoHi Sarah,
Thank you for sharing your journey and those wonderful tips! It’s so inspiring to read how you balanced teaching full-time while thoughtfully preparing your Etsy Design Awards application. I love how you emphasized storytelling and high-quality imagery—both are such powerful ways to connect with people and make your work stand out.
Your success as a 2024 finalist is truly motivating, and I can see how much heart you put into every step, from the creative process to presentation. Congratulations again on the well-deserved recognition!
Wishing you continued success with your art, and thank you for encouraging others to go for it—I’m feeling inspired to start preparing my own application now.
Best of luck with your future projects!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you!
CodysKorner
·1 year agoConsidering applying and have to give much thought to what piece to use! Either way such a cool idea to have this!
CodysKorner
·1 year agoConsidering applying and have to give much thought to what piece to use! Either way such a cool idea to have this!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoGo for it!
UniqueGemsUsa
·1 year agogemstone
LynseyTarotReading
·1 year agoCongrats!!
AuradesignstudioPK
·1 year agoLoved reading your journey, Sarah! Your dedication and creativity are truly inspiring.
I’m Armish from AuraDesignStudioPK, where I create modern abstract and minimal printable wall art, plus other cozy creative pieces. Excited to be applying this year too!
AuradesignstudioPK
·1 year agoLoved reading your journey, Sarah! Your dedication and creativity are truly inspiring.
I’m Armish from AuraDesignStudioPK, where I create modern abstract and minimal printable wall art, plus other cozy creative pieces. Excited to be applying this year too!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoBest of luck!!
ErinandElleDecals
·1 year agoThis is so cool and unique! Even the prints look 3D like the originals!
ErinandElleDecals
·1 year agoThis is so cool and unique! Even the prints look 3D like the originals!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you!
Qadryrugs
·1 year agoWow Sarah, your journey is truly inspiring! I completely agree that storytelling and high-quality images can make a huge difference in the Etsy Design Awards application. I’m currently preparing my own submission this year and focusing on sharing the unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage behind my rugs.
Your tip about “chipping away” at the application over time really resonated with me—it’s easy to get overwhelmed otherwise. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement!
If anyone’s curious, you can check out my shop here: QadryRugs 🧵
Best of luck to all the participants this year!
Wedsigns
·1 year agoHELLO
Wedsigns
·1 year agoHELLO
QualityCraf
·1 year agoThank you Sarah for the motivation in fact I want to get my first sale on my store to feel happy
LelasStickers
·1 year agoCongrats!! I hope to be picked this year!
LelasStickers
·1 year agoCongrats!! I hope to be picked this year!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoGood luck!!
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThat’s awesome you applied, best of luck!
ChimasCustomTees
·1 year agoHi!
I’m the owner of ChimasCustomTees on Etsy, based in Dallas, Texas. ★ I recently started my shop and create all my products with care and love. ★
I’m excited to begin this journey and plan to participate in the Etsy Design Awards to share my work with a wider audience and gain new experiences. Thank you for your support!
Visit my shop here: https://chimascustomtees.etsy.com
ChimasCustomTees
·1 year agoHi!
I’m the owner of ChimasCustomTees on Etsy, based in Dallas, Texas. ★ I recently started my shop and create all my products with care and love. ★
I’m excited to begin this journey and plan to participate in the Etsy Design Awards to share my work with a wider audience and gain new experiences. Thank you for your support!
Visit my shop here: https://chimascustomtees.etsy.com
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThat is awesome, congratulations on your shop and best wishes on your entry!
Balimdigi
·1 year agoI am grateful for your inspiration. The true value lies in being part of the process; winning is only a result. I wish you many more beautiful achievements ahead.
ZEENATRUG
·1 year agoThank you, Sarah, for sharing your incredible story and valuable tips!
Your advice on the power of storytelling and high-quality imagery is exactly what I'll focus on. I'll use your insights to help creators by crafting detailed, narrative-rich descriptions and compelling alt-text for their products, ensuring their unique story and "wow factor" shine through for the judges.
https://zeenatrug.etsy.com
KazaRugs
·1 year agoHi Sarah, thanks so much for sharing your experience and tips! It's so inspiring to hear how being a finalist helped your shop. Your advice about starting early and telling a thoughtful story is really helpful. I'm going to follow your lead and start chipping away at my application now. Congratulations again on your success!
https://kazarugs.etsy.com
KazaRugs
·1 year agoHi Sarah, thanks so much for sharing your experience and tips! It's so inspiring to hear how being a finalist helped your shop. Your advice about starting early and telling a thoughtful story is really helpful. I'm going to follow your lead and start chipping away at my application now. Congratulations again on your success!
https://kazarugs.etsy.com
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoBest of luck! Cant win if you don’t enter!
potikaredesignn
·1 year agoI’ve just submitted my entry and chose my very own Poodle wall art, a design created entirely by me.
potikaredesignn
·1 year agoI’ve just submitted my entry and chose my very own Poodle wall art, a design created entirely by me.
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoBest of luck!
OldPapit
·1 year agoNice! Thank you info !
OneBiteDesigns
·1 year agoCongratulations on your success, Sarah. You truly have impressive work, and it’s clear why you became a finalist. I wish you continued success.
OneBiteDesigns
·1 year agoCongratulations on your success, Sarah. You truly have impressive work, and it’s clear why you became a finalist. I wish you continued success.
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoThank you!
CatarinaBattista
·1 year agoHello Sarah,
I went to your Shop also, So pretty, and fresh, really beautiful. Lovely in every way.
Congratulations on being a Finalist in 2024 for Etsy Design Awards. You deserved it.
Thank you for sharing your tips.
Congratulations again, beautiful work.
GieseDeseiGns
·1 year agoCan you enter something different than you have in your Etsy shop. I am an artist too but don’t have art, just my knitting here on Etsy. If I quickly listed a piece or two of Art, then I could enter one right?
GieseDeseiGns
·1 year agoCan you enter something different than you have in your Etsy shop. I am an artist too but don’t have art, just my knitting here on Etsy. If I quickly listed a piece or two of Art, then I could enter one right?
SarahSnippets
OP1 year agoYes, if the art is listed on your shop, you can enter your art. Or, list your knitting!
GieseDeseiGns
·1 year agoTried that before, thought might do something new, or different. Was thinking more of a timeline, if it would look suspicious, to powers that be never having art and throwing up a couple pieces just to enter one
ChillwolfArt
·1 year agoWhat an outstanding Shop, Sarah! Congratulations on being a Finalist in 2024; I can certainly see why; your artistry is beautiful.
I am not entering, but Thank You for sharing your excellent tips with us. This will be very helpful to many.
ChillwolfArt
·1 year agoWhat an outstanding Shop, Sarah! Congratulations on being a Finalist in 2024; I can certainly see why; your artistry is beautiful.
I am not entering, but Thank You for sharing your excellent tips with us. This will be very helpful to many.
ThreaMade
·1 year agoThanks everyone for sharing your achievements, and I always wish you luck when you receive the award, I will be like you also not participating because everyone has eye-catching and attractive product designs compared to my product design, so I will step back to let those who are bold and support you