Etsy Seller Interview with Mara of GraphicsbyMara

How GraphicsbyMara 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?

I started my Etsy shop last year, combining my passions for communication design and travel. The idea came up while I was working on a poster design, and my partner mentioned he’d love to buy posters of U.S. states. I realized I could create them myself and turned this idea into a business.

I offer digital travel prints through Print on Demand, creating unique posters with the support of advanced design tools. Alongside popular destinations, I focus on niche themes and highlight beautiful, lesser-known landmarks and hidden gems. My goal is to provide creative souvenir and gift ideas, as well as travel inspiration.

Favorite items

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

Seoul: Seoul is a city I’d love to visit one day, and I put a lot of effort into capturing not just its sights but also its atmosphere, romance, and a touch of melancholy. It’s one of my bestsellers, likely due to the Hallyu trend and K-pop’s influence. I think the unique vibe of this poster sets it apart.

Marseille: My favorite city! I aimed to reflect the vibrancy, diversity, and Mediterranean charm of Marseille, just as I experienced it. The poster is full of life and color, capturing the city’s true spirit.

Lofoten: The Lofoten Islands fascinate me with their cool, Scandinavian aesthetic. I wanted this design to bring a sense of calm and natural beauty into any home. The muted tones and serene vibe make it a versatile decor piece.

Calanques: One of my very first posters. I fell in love with this stunning natural region during a trip to France. I wanted to capture its beauty, and to me, this poster feels like a personal souvenir of that experience. While it’s not a bestseller, it holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it finds its audience over time.

These posters not only resonate with my personal experiences and aspirations but also connect with customers seeking something beyond the typical travel prints.

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?

I launched my Etsy shop at the end of April/beginning of May 2024, and it took 4 or 5 weeks to receive my first order. In June, I got five more sales, which motivated me to start testing different sales strategies. Over the months, I adjusted these strategies based on customer behavior, and I continue to do so today.

Currently, sales promotions work best for attracting customers. I also promote new products on social media, though there’s definitely room for improvement in that area. I’m constantly learning and refining my approach to reach a broader audience.

Managing GraphicsbyMara

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?

I manage my shop entirely on my own, from design to customer service. I use Adobe tools like Photoshop, blending traditional design techniques with digital tools to create unique posters.

I partner with Gelato for Print on Demand, handling printing and shipping seamlessly. I manage returns myself and keep a close eye on orders to ensure everything runs smoothly. I also adapt my sales strategies based on advice from my network and customer feedback.

The future of GraphicsbyMara

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

I definitely want to expand my range of travel posters. It’s a journey for me too - I often discover places through my designs that I now want to visit myself. In the long term, I’d like to broaden my product range beyond travel prints, offering more items featuring my designs.

I’m also interested in creating fan art and other types of posters, though the main focus will remain on travel art. My goal is to keep inspiring customers with unique designs while exploring new creative directions.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice for a new Etsy seller is to just start and not get too stressed out. The first sale might take some weeks or even months, and not every product will sell well. It takes patience and observation to figure out what works. But sales will come, and it’s worth sticking with it, constantly adjusting your strategy. Most importantly, make sure you enjoy creating what you do! If you're passionate, that energy will shine through in your work.