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Home » Blog » Business Profiles & Tips » Selling on Society6: Artistic Passive Income Made Real

Selling on Society6: Artistic Passive Income Made Real

Society6 is a top-tier print-on-demand platform built specifically for visual artists, designers, and illustrators. It transforms your artwork into sellable lifestyle products—like art prints, rugs, phone cases, apparel, and furniture—without requiring you to manage inventory or shipping.

It’s a favorite among creatives looking to generate passive income from their work while staying focused on what they do best: creating. But while Society6 handles production, visibility, and fulfillment, long-term success requires more than uploads—you need consistency, branding, and planning. That’s where Wakewall comes in.

This post will guide you through Society6’s benefits, challenges, top-selling products, listing strategies, and how Wakewall gives you the tools to grow your art business with structure and strategy.


✅ Pros of Selling on Society6

1. Artist-Friendly and Easy to Join
Society6 is free to use and has a simple application process. Once approved, you can upload artwork and start selling immediately—no upfront fees or subscriptions.

2. Hands-Off Fulfillment
Society6 prints, packages, and ships every order. You never have to deal with product storage, printing logistics, or customer service.

3. Premium Product Catalog
Your artwork can be applied to a wide range of high-quality items, including:

  • Art prints, canvases, and framed posters
  • Rugs, shower curtains, and furniture
  • Apparel, tote bags, and phone cases
  • Stationery, mugs, and tapestries

4. Focused on Art and Design
Unlike marketplaces flooded with memes or generic dropshipping, Society6 emphasizes artistic quality, originality, and decor aesthetics.

5. International Reach and Built-In Audience
Society6 has a large customer base looking for unique, home-worthy art—and promotes artists through curated collections and seasonal spotlights.

Check out our other articles below.

  1. For more information about different states and local SEO click here: Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
  2. Click here for more information on other platforms: Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
  3. Official LinkSociety6
To view more platforms, expand below:

PlatformCategoryTypeFee Model
ebayGeneral GoodsAuction & Fixed PriceFees apply
Facebook MarketplaceGeneral GoodsLocal & NationalFree
CraigslistGeneral GoodsLocal ClassifiedsFree
OfferUp General GoodsLocalFree / Optional Fees
MercariGeneral GoodsShipping or LocalFees apply
BonanzaGeneral GoodsFixed PriceFees apply
EtsyHandmade & ArtisanOnline MarketplaceFees apply
LucasgiftHandmade & ArtisanOnline MarketplaceFees apply
RedbubblePrint-on-DemandCustom ProductsCommission-based
Spring (TeeSpring)Print-on-DemandCustom ProductsFree / Commission
Society6Print-on-DemandCustom ProductsCommission-based
GumroadDigital GoodsDownloads & SubscriptionsFees apply
SellfyDigital GoodsDigital & PhysicalSubscription
Ko-fiDigital GoodsDonations & SalesFree / Optional Fees
Buy Me a CoffeeDigital GoodsDonations & SalesFree / Optional Fees
PayhipDigital GoodsDownloads & MembershipsFees apply
PoshmarkFashionMobile Fashion MarketplaceFees apply
DepopFashionVintage & TrendyFees apply
VintedFashionClothing ResaleNo Seller Fees
CurtsyFashionWomen’s FashionFees apply
5milesFashion & GeneralLocal MarketplaceFree / Optional Fees
BookScouterBooksPrice ComparisonFree
AmazonBooks & GoodsIndividual SellerFees apply
eBidGeneral GoodsAuctionLow Fees
AutotraderVehiclesFor Sale ListingsListing Fee
Cars.comVehiclesFor Sale ListingsListing Fee
PartingOutAuto PartsMarketplaceFree / Optional Fees
ChairishFurniture & DecorCurated MarketplaceCommission-based
AptDecoFurnitureLocal DeliveryFees apply
ReverbMusical GearSpecialty PlatformFees apply
StockXSneakers & ApparelAuthentication BasedFees apply
GOATSneakers & ApparelAuthentication BasedFees apply
TheRealRealDesigner GoodsConsignmentCommission-based
ThredUpClothingConsignmentCommission-based

❌ Cons of Selling on Society6

1. Limited Control Over Profit Margins
Society6 sets base prices and artist royalties by default (10%), except for art prints, where you can adjust margins. For most products, your earning potential is capped.

2. High Competition
The platform is saturated with talented artists. Standing out requires consistently uploading new work, promoting off-platform, and developing a unique style.

3. No Direct Customer Contact
You don’t get access to your buyers’ emails or profiles, which makes it hard to build a community or generate repeat purchases directly.

4. Slow Payment Timelines
Earnings are released once per month, and can take 30+ days to process after a sale is made.

5. Limited Brand Customization
Your shop has minimal customization—no unique URLs, advanced branding features, or direct checkout control.

Click to download WAKEWALL today


🖼️ What Sells Best on Society6?

Society6 shoppers are style-conscious buyers looking for artful, meaningful designs for their homes or wardrobes. They appreciate aesthetic, emotion, and originality over trend-chasing.

Top-selling product types:

  • Art prints and framed posters (core of the platform)
  • Wall tapestries and throw pillows (high design impact)
  • Shower curtains and rugs (for bold statement pieces)
  • Phone cases and laptop sleeves
  • Stationery, mugs, and travel tumblers

Top-performing niches and themes:

  • Abstract and minimalist artwork
  • Botanical illustrations and florals
  • Vintage-inspired design
  • Surreal and fantasy art
  • Feminist, LGBTQ+, and identity-focused art
  • Nature and wildlife illustrations
  • Pop culture or cosmic motifs (if original)

📝 How to Optimize Listings on Society6

Titles: Make Them Searchable and Descriptive

Society6’s internal and external SEO pulls heavily from your artwork’s title.

Good Example:
“Abstract Boho Botanical Art – Minimalist Earth Tone Print”

Bad Example:
“New Art!!! 😍🌿 Look Here!”

Tips:

  • Include subject, style, and colors
  • Use keywords naturally
  • Keep it concise but informative

Tags: Max Out and Be Relevant

Tags help Society6 categorize and recommend your artwork to the right shoppers.

Tag tips:

  • Use all 20 tags if possible
  • Add style descriptors (e.g., “boho”, “line art”)
  • Include subject matter (“plants”, “sunrise”, “portrait”)
  • Add mood-related tags (“calm”, “energizing”, “romantic”)

Descriptions: Tell the Story Behind the Art

Many shoppers love to know the why behind your work.

Include:

  • Inspiration and concept
  • Materials or method (if applicable)
  • Ideal room or product application
  • What feeling or vibe the artwork conveys

Example:

“This piece was inspired by the desert landscapes of Arizona and the calm of golden hour. Earthy tones and organic shapes make it perfect for cozy living rooms or modern minimalist spaces.”


Images: Your Artwork Must Be High-Quality and Scalable

Tips:

  • Upload large, high-resolution files (preferably 6500×6500 px)
  • Transparent PNGs for items like stickers or t-shirts
  • Preview how designs look across products
  • Avoid uploading pixelated or unprintable images

🚀 How Wakewall Helps Society6 Artists Succeed

Society6 gives you a platform. Wakewall helps you run your creative business with organization, consistency, and personality.

1. Track Uploads, Products, and Performance

Use Wakewall to:

  • Log all designs, file names, and upload dates
  • Track which designs are listed on Society6 (and other POD platforms like Redbubble, TeePublic, or Spoonflower)
  • Note which products perform best
  • Keep a database of inspiration, seasonal themes, or future collections

It’s your art business hub in one place.

2. Schedule Reminders for Uploads and Promotions

Stay productive with Wakewall’s reminder system:

  • Weekly or monthly design uploads
  • Social media cross-promotion days
  • Seasonal or trend-based collection planning
  • Revisit/update tags and SEO descriptions quarterly

Whether you’re posting once a week or once a month, Wakewall helps you stay consistent.

3. Promote Your Art with a Public Business Profile

Society6 doesn’t offer much in terms of brand storytelling. Wakewall lets you:

  • Share design stories, behind-the-scenes process, or studio shots
  • Post new launches or top-selling items
  • Use hashtags like #society6artist, #homeaesthetic, or #wallart
  • Link back to your Society6 store or a collection page

It’s your visual art journal meets community feed—without needing to build a website or juggle social media.

4. Grow a Loyal Following Outside the Platform

Society6 doesn’t give you access to your customers, but Wakewall does.

Followers can:

  • Engage with your posts
  • Follow your creative journey
  • Be notified about new releases
  • Discover you even if they didn’t start on Society6

Over time, Wakewall helps you own your audience, not just rent space on a platform.


💡 Final Thoughts

Society6 is one of the most polished, artist-centric print-on-demand platforms available. If your goal is to get your artwork onto premium products and into beautiful homes—with no need for packaging or shipping—it’s a strong choice.

But the real success comes when you combine it with a strategy that lets you organize your work, promote your brand, and connect with your audience.

That’s exactly what Wakewall delivers.

Society6 prints your vision. Wakewall powers your business.

Together, they help you do what every artist dreams of—create with purpose, profit with ease, and grow with clarity.

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Disclaimer: This content is for inspiration and informational purposes only — results may vary based on effort and circumstances. All monetary figures displayed may not reflect market rate and are subject to change. Click here to read full disclaimer.


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