For many artists, myself included, Society6 has been a fantastic platform to showcase and sell our work. It's a brilliant concept – taking our designs and transforming them into a vibrant array of everyday items. From prints to stationary, from phone cases to tapestries.
However, as with any evolving platform, changes are afoot, and Society6 recently introduced a tiered subscription system for creators.
While this might raise some eyebrows, particularly for those of us accustomed to the extensive perks of the free tier, I want to delve into both the potential drawbacks. And, dare I say, the new opportunities within this new structure.
Society6 Platform Changes
Let's be honest: the new free tier limitations sting. Gone are the days of uploading a limitless catalogue. The ability to connect with potential customers through sheer volume has been significantly restricted. This, of course, means I'll have to adapt my approach.
But before we delve into the nitty-gritty of that, let's address the elephant in the room – why the change?
Society6, like any business, strives to deliver a high-quality experience for both creators and customers. While the free tier is a fantastic entry point, it could sometimes lead to oversaturated storefronts, particularly with the rise of AI. This makes it harder for truly unique designs to shine.
By implementing tiers, they're aiming to curate a more focused selection. Potentially making it easier for customers to discover the hidden gems amongst the vast creative landscape.
What Does It Mean For My Society6 Store?
Now, let's talk about the impact on you, the wonderful art enthusiasts who frequent my little corner of Society6.
Here's what you can expect:
Limited Edition Offerings
Brace yourselves for a treasure trove mentality! My offerings will become more curated, with new designs released bi-monthly rather than continuously.
Each design will likely have a limited run, meaning “once it's gone, it's gone.”
This, I hope, creates a sense of exclusivity and allows me to focus on truly special pieces.
It's special for you, too, because your purchases will become exclusive pieces once their time on the shelves is over. Nobody else will ever possess another copy of that item. The proud feeling of a proper collector.
Higher Quality Focus
With a more restricted number of designs, I can invest more time and energy into each one. This means you can expect even more intricate details, bolder colour palettes, and perhaps even the exploration of new design techniques within my work.
Themed Collections
Imagine a vibrant sunset series printed on a range of creative materials. Or an abstract graphic on a phone case that perfectly complements a tote bag and that mug you keep on your desk!
By limiting the number of designs, I can explore creating themed collections that tell a story or evoke a particular mood.
This, I believe, will enhance the overall aesthetic of my offerings.
The Same Affordable Prices
Of course, there's the inevitable question – what about affordability?
Here's the good news: Society6 regularly runs promotions and offers discounts, so keep an eye out for those! Additionally, with a more focused selection, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for without wading through countless designs. Think of it as a curated art gallery experience, with the added bonus of being able to take your favourite piece home in a functional form!
I know some of you will have thought, “Limited editions mean higher prices.” This is very often the case. But another limitation of the new Society6 free tier for artists is the locking of the margins. This means that now Society6 takes almost the whole cut, leaving a fixed 10% margin for the artists. Only on a paid tier would I be able to increase that figure.
And look, from my perspective, this sucks a lot. But I still want to offer you the outstanding value of my creations, so if this is the price to pay (pun intended), so be it. Ultimately, all I want is for you to be a happy customer.
My margins were already low, between 15% and 20%, depending on the item. In fact, my most sold items earned me about $1.5 per sale.
This is also why it doesn't make much financial sense to me to move to a paid tier; rather, I prefer to find ways to make the free tier work.
So, What Now?
Now, I understand that the bi-monthly release schedule might leave some of you wanting more…
But fret not, dear art lovers! Here's how you can stay connected and be the first to know when new designs drop:
- Follow My Shop: This is the golden ticket! By following my shop on Society6, you'll receive notifications whenever I upload a new design or series. This ensures you don't miss out on those limited edition pieces!
- Social Media: Follow me on Instagram @fabienb! I'll share sneak peeks, design inspiration, and, of course, updates on new releases.
- Subscribe to My Newsletter: If you'd like even deeper dives into my creative process and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, consider subscribing to my newsletter. There are lots of benefits to subscribers, including discounts, priority booking on workshops, and more – just no spam.
I know change can be unsettling, but I truly believe that this shift on Society6 will ultimately benefit customers.
For me, it's an opportunity to refine my offerings and deliver even more exceptional design experiences. For you, it means a more curated selection, the chance to discover truly unique pieces, and potentially even the thrill of owning a limited edition design!
Think of it as a new chapter, a chance to explore my work in a fresh light. I'm brimming with creative ideas, and I can't wait to share them with you in a more focused and, I dare say, exciting way! So, stay tuned, art lovers, and get ready to be surprised (and delighted) by the upcoming collections. Starting Summer 2024!
In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what kind of designs you'd love to see come to life on Society6!
