Etsy Seller Interview with Carmen of CarmenDrawsTonight

How CarmenDrawsTonight got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

Hi, My name is Carmen, and I run the "Carmen Draws Tonight" shop. I decided to open my Etsy shop when I was pregnant with my younger daughter. I knew that returning to a full-time office job would be very difficult, so I tried to think of what other kind of work I could do. I have always liked to paint human and animal portraits, so I thought it would be a good idea to start a shop with personalized gifts. My friend told me about Etsy, and so in 2017, I decided to open my own shop. I offer custom pet portraits, family portraits, wedding signs, and personalized gifts for book lovers (yes, I am a bookworm too :)). I use different techniques to create my artwork. From pencil drawings to watercolor paintings to digital art I love working with my graphic tablet.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

I love creating custom signature drink signs for pets. My customers appreciate the idea of incorporating their furry friends into the wedding reception. They sell really well! I am a huge pet lover, and I have so much fun creating dog and cat portraits. I also have a chance to listen to many amazing stories and memories about animals. Every single sign is fully custom, and I always work with my customers until they are 100 percent satisfied.

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

It took me exactly one month. I remember how happy I was when I sold my first custom pet portrait. It was a realistic watercolor painting. I attract most of my customers through social media. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are the most popular. Instagram is definitely my favorite. I also use Etsy ads to advertise my products. In addition, I offer free shipping and a 10 percent discount to my returning customers.

Managing CarmenDrawsTonight

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

It’s only me. I create all products myself, deal with customers, and handle shipping. Most of my products are digital, so I send high-resolution files via email. The Etsy App helps me a lot. I don’t use any other applications, but I always have a physical diary with me to make important notes.

The future of CarmenDrawsTonight 

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

I would like to create more products, try new techniques, and sell even more items. I have the plan to create a series of artworks that will be ready to ship, and I hope they will sell well. I know that I have to spend more time on social media; this is an amazing place to advertise your products for free.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

Never give up! Try your best! Do what you love and never stop dreaming! That’s the point. It is really important to read and learn a lot about Etsy SEO. Remember to take care of products' photos, and don’t be scared to use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to advertise and connect with potential customers. I wish you all the best!