Etsy Insights: Tips from an Etsy Design Awards winner
Hi everyone,
I'm Chad, a glassblower and the owner of Catskill Glassworks. I'm based in the Hudson Valley and create handcrafted glass pieces. I first opened my shop as a way to sell pieces I had been making on the side while working full-time as a glassblower's assistant. I love what I do, and Etsy has been a wonderful platform for getting my work in front of a wider audience and experimenting with new ideas beyond my local community.
Winning the 2025 Etsy Design Awards for my best-selling cocktail mixer was a meaningful milestone, and the recognition and exposure it brought made it my most successful year in business since I started in 2014.*
If you are thinking about entering the Etsy Design Awards this year, here are my top tips:
Listen to your customers
Pay attention to how customers respond to your listings. I chose my cocktail mixer for my entry not only because it’s a piece I’m truly proud of but also because it’s my most purchased and favorited item on Etsy. That feedback told me it was worth putting forward.
Invest in your photos
Make sure your listing photos are engaging and show your work at its best. Take photos in a clean, well-lit space so the details of your piece really shine. Strong imagery is one of the most important things you can do for both your application and your shop.
Keep applying
If you have entered before without success, don't give up. The process is straightforward and the rewards for winning are well worth the effort. My advice is to go for it and submit your item. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Winning the Etsy Design Awards meant a great deal to me. It’s wonderful to receive recognition for the hard work that goes into making each piece of glass, and the added exposure brought a surge of traffic to my shop.
Have you started your application yet? Drop a comment below and let us know where you are in the process. I would love to hear from you and cheer you on!
*Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including shop optimization, item uniqueness, and individual marketing efforts.
IslandViewArts
·1 week agoCongratulations!!
VivereCollective
·2 weeks agoCongrats
AzlanRug
·2 weeks agoHello sir good 👍
DhruvRugs
·2 weeks agoThanks for The Inspiring Story, Chad! BIG CONGRATULATIONS!! I haven't submitted my application yet, but I'm preparing to enter with one of my TOP-Selling Handmade Rugs from DhruvRugs. Your advice about listening to customers and investing in great photos really resonates. Wishing all OPTIMISTIC Sellers The Best Of Luck This Year! https://dhruvrugs.etsy.com
TODAYTP
·2 weeks agoFelicidades Chad, la verdad que merecias ganar ese premio, tu tienda es simplemente perfecta, se nota tu trabajo, soy Tattiana de www.etsy.com/shop/TODAYTP, estoy participando en los premios Etsy Design Awards 2026, con mi diseño original del maniqui YO en camisetas y frases depoder, no he tenido ventas como espero aún, pero estoy contenta con lo logrado, y siempre viene bien escuchar las voces desde la experiencia. gracias por sus consejos.
Gracias si me puede dar una valoración en conjunto de mis ideas, aunque, lo que ve es mas que una fotorafia o una impresión, es una historia real de vida detrás, dejo mi anuncio.
https://todaytp.etsy.com/listing/1836193154
InspireyouByMe
·2 weeks agoLuxury Wooden Church Model - Laser Cut DXF Vector Files - 3D Architectural Puzzle - Orthodox Cathedral Craft (digital File) - Etsy UK
LanguageIs
·2 weeks agoYour artwork is stunning! I'm going to apply this year. It wasn't in my plans, but I think it would be a great experience.
I'm going to apply with this poster:
Ikigai Definition Print, Japanese Purpose Poster, Mindful Warm Gradient Wall Decor
TemperedEarthStudio
·2 weeks ago · EditedCongrats on your 2025 win, Chad!
I just submitted my first Etsy Design Awards application, and coincidentally, today is also launch day for my new shop.
Reading your story couldn't have come at a better time. While I'm not new to making jewelry or selling on Etsy, my current collection is the first Offering from a brand I've been dreaming up for the past few months. I create small-batch handmade jewelry inspired by remembrance, ritual, and the seasons of our lives.
Hearing from someone who has experienced what these awards can lead to is really encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and the reminder that it's worth putting your work out there, regardless of the outcome.
LanguageIs
·2 weeks agoYour jewelry is so beautiful and authentic! Good luck!
TemperedEarthStudio
·2 weeks agoThank you so much—that means a lot! Your wall art is gorgeous as well. I love the colors!
LanguageIs
·2 weeks agoThank you very much!!
MsDStudioCreations
·2 weeks agoCongratulations, Chad! Your story and advice are inspiring, especially your tips about listening to customers and investing in strong product photos.
I was excited to apply this year, but I learned that legal residents of the Philippines aren’t included under the current eligibility rules. It’s disappointing, but I’ll continue improving my products and preparing for future opportunities.
I run MsDStudioCreations, where I create motivational workbooks, planners, and digital designs. I’d be happy to connect with other Etsy sellers:
https://MsDStudioCreations.etsy.com
CocoPalmCo
·2 weeks ago · EditedGreat advice and encouragement!
We recently submitted for the first time this year, positive thoughts as there are so many great artists and creators.
Feel free to check out our handmade items at CocoPalmCo: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CocoPalmCo
CitadelPrecisionWork
·3 weeks agoCongratulations again on the win, and thank you for sharing this!
We actually just submitted our own Etsy Design Awards entry it's exciting and a little nerve-wracking waiting to hear back. Reading posts like yours makes the effort feel worth it regardless of outcome. We craft solid brass architectural hardware (handles, knobs, pulls) by hand in India feel free to check out our shop, Citadel Precision Works, if you're curious:
[https://citadelprecisionwork.etsy.com]
TreasuresByRuthShop
·3 weeks agoCongratulations on your win for 2025. I find your message very encouraging and may consider entering as well. You are very inspirational! Thanks
chushanyu
·3 weeks agoMy father and I, both Chinese craftsmen, own an Etsy shop which has been established for less than a year. We have entered this year’s Design Award competition.This is the artwork.
XovoDigitalStudio
·3 weeks agoCongratulations for winning
ChillwolfArt
·3 weeks agoCongratulations for winning the 2025 Etsy Design Awards, Chad; beautiful Shop! Thank You for sharing your tips with us.
shiningonmountain
·3 weeks agoCongratulations on your best award 💐
Littlebirdproductset
·3 weeks agoCongratulations! I have applied in the past, but all of my things are one of a kind and I am not sure if that limits me. I have been selling on Etsy for over ten years and love the exposure it gives me. I have happy customers in England, Australia, Canada and all over the US each have bought a one of a kind piece from my shop. Any thoughts on how I should apply?
truMECollection
·3 weeks agoCongratulations!!!! Your work is beautiful. I've been on Etsy for 8 years, where has the time gone? I scan many of the comments on FB, and I read more negative than positive comments. Yes, there are challenges; however, Etsy is where I'll stay. Again, congratulations and thank you for sharing 😊.
Onurollstyle
·3 weeks agoCongratulations, Chad!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Onurollstyle
NeriCraftArtWorks
·3 weeks agoMükemmel çalışmalar.Elinize sağlık.Tebrikler Chad!
GuirardoConcept
·3 weeks agoYour artwork is incredible! My name is Ricardo owner of GuirardoConcept (Excel Spreadsheets) and your talent is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with us! ❤️
SidraRugsArt
·3 weeks agoCongratulations, Chad! 🎉 Your journey is truly inspiring. As a handmade rug maker, this motivated me to apply for the Etsy Design Awards this year. Thank you for sharing these valuable tips—especially about listening to customers and investing in great photography. Wishing everyone the best of luck! 🌟
DooDesign
·3 weeks agoWow! I'm an artist from Thailand. Your work is awesome! Thank yo for sharing your inspiration! :)
WildWillow3dlaserart
·3 weeks agoCongratulations! Your work is beautiful! The information and inspiration blended into this message is wonderful- Thank you.
VivereCollective
·3 weeks agoCongratulations
MayaBelle
·3 weeks agoBeautiful work, Chad! Congrats!
BeatriceLouisaDesign
·3 weeks agoCongratulations on your win! Your craft is a beautiful art and does look like hard work. Thank you for the inspiration. I applied for the 2026 Award, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for sharing your achievement with us!
Savingget
·3 weeks agoThank you for sharing your journey, Chad, and congratulations! Your reminder to listen to customers and keep trying really resonated with me. It’s inspiring to see years of hard work receive such meaningful recognition. Wishing you continued success!
NATALYartUKRAINE
·3 weeks agoThank you for sharing your experience and these valuable tips, Chad! I have already submitted my entry for the Etsy Design Awards this year, and I’m very excited to be part of it. As an independent Ukrainian artist, it means a lot to have the opportunity to share my original artwork with a wider audience. Your advice about listening to customers and investing in good photography is especially helpful. Wishing everyone participating the best of luck! 🇺🇦✨
TinyNameDHRCo
·3 weeks agoThank you for sharing this Chad!
I sell embroidery files at TinyNameDHRCo - ESA fonts for Wilcom, plus DST, PES, EXP, and EMB formats.
I'm so happy to be on Etsy. It's helping me grow my talent and create files that are useful for other embroiderers.
I've only been on Etsy for 2 months and I'm already so proud: 15 sales with 5-star reviews. That's my biggest achievement so far!
I also joined the Etsy Design Awards and I'm really excited to be part of it.
Thanks again for the motivation!
ZenMuseArt
·3 weeks agoYes, you're right, we've already submitted our proud work.
RazarugsArt
·3 weeks agoThank you
arkwoodartIN
·3 weeks agothank you
Sanacreativerugs
·3 weeks agoThanks for the inspiration, Chad! 🙌 I haven't submitted my application yet, but I'm preparing to enter with one of my best-selling handmade rugs from SANACREATIVERUGS. Your advice about listening to customers and investing in great photos really resonates. Wishing all sellers the best of luck this year!
🛍️ Shop: SANACREATIVERUGS
https://sanacreativerugs.etsy.com