My listing was removed that doesn’t follow Etsy's Creativity Standards

[GracefulGingerDesign]

Hello all,

I am seeking information regarding purchasing a commercial license for graphics and fonts (PNG, vectors, SVG, etc.) used for Printable Wall Art digital downloads.

I have two deactivated listings, and sadly, I lost my Star Seller badge as a result. One of the listings was chosen by Etsy for the Design Awards back in August. Both listings contain vector images I purchased on Creative Market.  

I have an active Support Request; however, the response I received was very generic.  I have replied for further clarification, but I am still awaiting a response.

If we are not allowed to use images purchased from a reputable online marketplace that sells user-generated design assets, then how come that is not in the Seller handbook? Unless I missed it...

If anyone has any advice, I would like to ensure I am not violating any other policies.

[CoquetteBath]

Etsy has recently changed the rules, and I don't pretend to have read all of them (encourage you to do so)...but a few things have notably changed.

Mockups: no longer allowed as a first image.

Design: I think this has always been true, but if you purchase designs from elsewhere (you didn't draw it) and then have it either as POD (you aren't making it) or digital download (no action from you) there is a lack of 'handmade' in the entire situation.

The entire rules about downloads is that the individual did the art and is selling a digital version of said art. Not that the individual found a cool design elsewhere and now is going to do it via digital download.

But the art, itself, can be used. Cause a lot of folks (me for sure, I use digital designs in my product labels...) either print at home or use them to create something entirely new. If I used one of the designs for my labels as a digital download (for example) NOPE. But incorporating that design into a label for an entirely new product (lotion, candles, etc) THAT is fine.

again, this is my understanding. If your shop has been operating with that premise that a found design is a good design, then you may wish to review the new rules very carefully. A lot of shops have (from coming into the forums) found that their business model is now no longer supported by the new rules and they are having to pivot. You may need to start printing your images, for example, and shipping them out.

Also, I'm seeing a strong 'AI' vibe with some of the designs. You do need to disclose if AI is part of that design. A lot of folks (me, for sure) will not purchase anything that is AI created. So clarity is critical.

Again, that's my understanding. I'm sure others will also provide their feedback.

[CraftyCornishMaids]

@GracefulGingerDesign 

if you are selling digital items, they have to be designed by you.

This is from the creativity standards..............

what is allowed

• Digital downloads of sellers’ original designs: Original content created by the seller, sold as a digital download.
  • E.g. A digital file of a seller’s unique graphic design, audio, text document, or scanned copy of physical artwork

what is not allowed as designed by,

Using a pre-existing design or choosing from a production partner’s readymade templates

[TreeTreasuresCanada]

The following are quotes from Etsy Creativity Standards.  New rules are effective September 15th.  The rule page I quoted isn't dated but these rules are now, or will shortly be, in effect.

"Sellers’ original designs that are produced or printed by a third party or offered as a digital download.

Items ‘designed by a seller’ include only:

• Digital downloads of sellers’ original designs: Original content created by the seller, sold as a digital download.
  • E.g. A digital file of a seller’s unique graphic design, audio, text document, or scanned copy of physical artwork
•  
• Seller-prompted AI creations: Creations that were generated using AI tools (e.g. AI image generators such as Dall-E) based on a seller’s original prompts. Sellers must disclose within their listing description if an item is created with the use of AI. Read more about our stance on AI creations here.
  • E.g. A fantasy scene based on a seller’s original prompt or inputs, produced by an AI generator; a custom portrait of a buyer’s pet generated using AI tools"
   
  • Source: https://www.etsy.com/legal/creativity/?ref=list

[FallenAngelBrass]

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@GracefulGingerDesign wrote:

One of the listings was chosen by Etsy for the Design Awards back in August.

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I'm confused.  Etsy has not yet announced the finalists for the Etsy Design Awards. 

[GracefulGingerDesign]

They asked me to submit the listing to the Etsy Design awards.

[nineteen27]

@GracefulGingerDesign 

they asked bazillions of sellers to submit listings.

[nineteen27]

before you go any further.

you need to read about intellectual property too.

i see sylvester stallone and all kinds of movie quotes and movie titles.

and song titles and song lyrics and singers names.

the creativity stuff will get you in trouble with etsy.

the infringement stuff will get you in trouble with etsy.

and the law.

[ModJose · Accepted solution]

Hello! We're sorry to hear you're having trouble! We've forwarded your concerns to a specialist team, and your case is being worked on as we speak - Moving forward, they will handle it directly with you so please stay tuned to your email for instructions on how to proceed. Thank you!

Per our Community Policies, we’re closing this thread so you can get the support you need from us directly.