Redbubble vs. Society6: Which marketplace is best for your art?

In the bustling ecommerce landscape, creatives and entrepreneurs often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing the right marketplace for their art. The choice between platforms like Redbubble and Society6 can be daunting, as both offer unique features and benefits. This decision carries significant weight, influencing not only the visibility of your work but also its profitability. So, how do you navigate this complex process and select the most beneficial platform for your unique needs?

As experts in ecommerce and print on demand solutions, we are committed to providing you with the insights and comparisons you need to make an informed decision. In this article, we'll comprehensively compare Redbubble and Society6, evaluating them on critical parameters such as user experience, profitability, and global reach. With this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to select the marketplace to help you grow your ecommerce business.

• Redbubble and Society6 are two prominent online marketplaces for creatives to sell their art, each with unique features influencing visibility and profitability.

• Society6, established in 2009, offers a wide range of unique products for art to be showcased on and allows artists to set their prices, maximizing the profit margin.

• Redbubble, launched in 2006, is renowned for its user-friendly interface and an extensive array of products to display art on, fostering creativity in wearable form.

• While both platforms offer a global reach for artists, notable differences, such as product variety, artists' earnings, and community engagement, can influence the platform's choice.

• Making an informed choice between Redbubble and Society6 depends on the artist's goals and preferences, considering product range, customizable pricing, print quality, community interaction, and competition level.

• While both platforms handle shipping and fulfillment, other services like Gelato's sustainable and reliable print on demand (POD) services offer artists greater control over production and fulfillment, helping them create their online store and manage all aspects of their artist shop.

Society6 is an online marketplace that connects artists with a global audience. Established in 2009, it has grown known for its print on demand products. One of its distinguishing qualities is the wide variety of distinctive products available, from tapestries to shower curtains to phone cases and framed prints. To give artists more control over their revenues, Society6 also allows them to determine their prices.

Society6 has emerged as a haven for creative people looking to commercialize their talent to empower artists and give them a platform to promote their work. Artists can easily upload their creations and offer them for sale, reaching a global audience of buyers. In addition to providing artists access to a wide and large customer base, this global reach enables them to network with like-minded people who value their distinctive artistic perspective.

Redbubble is an online marketplace that enables artists to sell their artwork on various products. Redbubble, established in 2006, has gained widespread recognition in art. It provides a wide range of goods, such as apparel, accessories, and home decor. Redbubble stands out due to its user-friendly interface, which makes it simple for designers to share and personalize their creations.

One of the key features artists love about Redbubble is the ability to showcase their creativity on various products. From t-shirts and hoodies to phone cases, tote bags, and wall art, Redbubble provides a diverse range of options for artists. This allows them to cater to different customer preferences and expand their reach.

While both Redbubble and Society6 offer artists a platform to showcase their work, there are some notable differences between them.

Society6 offers a larger selection of goods, enabling artists to broaden their product offerings. Society6 covers whether you want to sell clothing, art prints, or furniture. With Society6, artists can experiment with various mediums and broaden their artistic perspectives. They can design one-of-a-kind throw pillows, tapestries, and shower curtains, giving commonplace goods a bit of artistic flair.

On the other hand, Redbubble specializes in clothing and accessories, making it a great choice for artists looking to focus on wearable art. Artists on Redbubble can showcase their unique designs on t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more. The platform seamlessly integrates art and fashion, allowing artists to express their creativity through wearable pieces.

Society6 allows artists to set their prices, giving them control over how much they earn from each sale. This flexibility empowers artists to determine the value of their work and directly influence their earnings. It also enables them to experiment with different pricing strategies and find the sweet spot in the artist margin that resonates with their audience.

In contrast, Redbubble operates on a royalty system, with artists earning a percentage of the sale price. While this can be convenient for beginners who may not have a clear idea of how to price their work, more experienced artists may prefer the flexibility offered by Society6 while selling online. By being able to set their prices, artists can better align their earnings with the value they believe their art holds.

Redbubble has an active and vibrant community of artists. They offer challenges and groups where artists can connect and collaborate. Artists on Redbubble can participate in design challenges that showcase their talent and creativity. These challenges allow artists to gain exposure, receive feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Although there is a community on Society6, it is not as active as Redbubble. Through their "Curator" feature, Society6 does offer a forum for artists to interact with buyers. Artists can interact with curators to perhaps have their work featured on Society6. Curators are people who organize collections of artwork. Artists can connect with potential customers through this connection and broaden their audience.

Before deciding on Redbubble as your preferred marketplace, it's essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of using Redbubble.

• User-friendly interface: Redbubble's platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple for artists to upload and customize their designs. This accessibility allows artists to focus on their craft rather than grappling with technical issues. This simplicity allows artists to focus on their creative process without getting bogged down by technical difficulties.

• Strong community: A sizable and vibrant artist community exists on Redbubble. This community offers collaboration opportunities, support, and inspiration, making it a great place to meet other creatives with similar interests. The vibrant community on Redbubble is a big lure for artists hoping to meet like-minded people and broaden their artistic horizons.

• International reach: With customers from around the world, artists can sell their work to a diverse and global audience. This exposure can greatly enhance an artist's visibility and reach, allowing them to establish a broader fan base and increase their chances of making sales. Redbubble's international reach opens up new possibilities for artists to showcase their talent and expand their artistic endeavors beyond their local markets.

• Royalty system: Redbubble operates on a royalty system, meaning artists receive a percentage of each sale as their earnings. While it can be convenient for artists just starting, more established artists may find it less financially rewarding. The percentage of each sale artists receive as their earnings may not be as substantial as they would prefer. However, it's important to weigh this against the platform's accessibility, community, and international reach, as these factors can still contribute to an artist's overall success and exposure.

• Fierce competition: With many artists actively selling their work on the platform, standing out from the crowd can be challenging. Artists may need to invest time and effort into marketing and promoting their products to ensure they catch the attention of potential buyers. Building a strong brand and developing effective marketing strategies are crucial for artists aiming to succeed on Redbubble.

Redbubble offers a user-friendly platform, a vibrant community of artists, and international reach. However, artists should also consider the marketplace's royalty system and competitive nature. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, artists can decide whether Redbubble aligns with their goals and aspirations.

Now let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of selling your art on Society6.

• Product variety: Society6 provides artists with a huge selection of distinctive products for showcasing their creations. In addition to using traditional formats like canvas prints, metal prints, and framed art prints to display their work, artists may now broaden their audience by licensing their designs for items like phone cases, home decor, clothing, and furniture. Because of the variety of products available, artists may cater to various consumer interests and reach a wider market, thereby improving their chances of making sales and earning money.

• Customizable pricing: Artists can set prices for each product, giving them full control over their earnings. This flexibility is particularly useful for artists who want to maintain a consistent pricing strategy across different platforms or adjust their prices based on market demand. By determining the value of their artwork, artists can ensure that their hard work is appropriately compensated.

• High-quality printing: The platform takes pride in its print on demand process, ensuring that every artwork is reproduced with meticulous attention to detail. Advanced printing techniques and top-notch materials guarantee that the final product accurately represents the artist's original work. This level of quality not only enhances the customer's satisfaction but also helps artists maintain their reputation and build trust among buyers.

• Less community engagement: While Society6 does have a community section where artists can connect and share their work, it may not be as bustling or interactive as other platforms like Redbubble. Artists who thrive on community interaction and support may find Society6 lacking. However, it's worth noting that the level of community engagement can vary depending on the artist's involvement and the specific community groups they join.

• Limited product range: Compared to Redbubble, Society6's product range is narrower. While Society6 offers diverse products, artists primarily interested in selling clothing or apparel may find the options more limited. Redbubble, on the other hand, has a broader range of apparel products, including t-shirts, hoodies, and leggings, which may be more appealing to artists with a focus on fashion-related designs.

• Higher competition in certain categories: Society6's popularity means that certain art categories may be more saturated with sellers. Artists hoping to stand out in these categories may need effective marketing strategies to ensure their work gets noticed. This could involve leveraging social media platforms, engaging with potential customers through targeted advertising, or collaborating with influencers to increase visibility.

For artists, Society6 provides a number of advantages, including a large selection of product options, adjustable pricing, and high-quality printing. It's crucial to take into account the platform's drawbacks, which include lower community interaction, a more constrained selection of products than rivals, and greater rivalry in some art categories. By balancing these advantages and disadvantages, artists can decide whether Society6 is the best venue to promote and sell their artwork.

In addition to considering the features and community offered by Redbubble and Society6, it's crucial to evaluate their shipping and fulfillment processes.

Redbubble handles all aspects of the shipping and fulfillment process for artists. They care for printing, packaging, and delivering products to customers worldwide. This allows artists to focus solely on their creative endeavors with minimal logistical concerns.

Society6 also excels in shipping and fulfillment. They have a robust infrastructure to ensure products are printed and shipped efficiently. Artists can trust that Society6 will produce their work with the utmost care, maintaining the quality and integrity of each piece.

Ultimately, the choice between Society6 and Redbubble depends on your artistic goals and preferences. If you value a wide range of product options, customization in pricing, and high-quality printing, Society6 may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you prioritize a user-friendly interface, a strong artist community, and an existing customer base worldwide, Redbubble could be the ideal choice for you.

While Redbubble and Society6 are popular marketplaces for selling art, some artists may prefer more control over their production and fulfillment processes. With Gelato's sustainable and reliable print on demand (POD) services, artists can create online stores, upload designs, and manage every aspect of their art business. From choosing the products to determining pricing and handling logistics, Gelato empowers artists to build their brand and retain full control over their creations.

Both Redbubble and Society6 offer fantastic platforms for artists and creatives to showcase and sell their work. However, the choice ultimately depends on your unique needs, preferences, and artistic goals. When considering your platform, evaluating product variety, artists' earnings, community engagement, and the overall user experience is essential.

However, as the creator economy expands and evolves, more options for artists to share and monetize their work are emerging. One such innovative solution is Gelato, the world's largest local print on demand production platform. With a presence in 34 countries, Gelato enables creators to reach up to five billion potential consumers overnight.

Gelato is not just a platform; it's a partner in your creative journey, providing a fast, flexible, and sustainable production and distribution solution. With Gelato, you get more than just a platform - you get a commitment to help turn your dreams into reality. From hundreds of free graphics and millions of stock images to premium fonts and an advanced personalization tool, everything is tailored to help you succeed.

The platform offers various pricing models, including Gelato+ and Gelato+ Gold, designed to maximize your earnings and provide you with extensive benefits.

So, why not become a part of the creator movement, leverage the rise of global ecommerce entrepreneurship, and build your success with Gelato? The world is your canvas, and Gelato is here to help you paint your masterpiece.

Ready to bring your creativity to life? Sign up for Gelato today.

No, Society6 does not steal art. As an online marketplace, it allows artists to upload and sell their work. Artists maintain the rights to their original artwork. Society6 only obtains a license to reproduce and sell products featuring the artists' work.

No, Redbubble does not steal art. It is an online platform where artists can sell their work. The artists retain ownership and control of their intellectual property. Redbubble only obtains the right to display, modify, reproduce, and distribute the products containing the artists' designs.

No, Society6 does not own your art. When you upload your art to Society6, you grant them a license to use it to create and sell products. However, you maintain ownership and can remove your work from the platform anytime.

No, Redbubble does not own your art. You maintain ownership of your work when you upload your designs to Redbubble. You simply grant Redbubble a license to use, modify, and distribute your designs on their products. You can withdraw this license at any time by removing your designs.

Yes, both Redbubble and Society6 allow you to sell the same design. You retain ownership of your creations as the artist and are free to publish and market your designs across many channels. To be sure you are aware of any special limitations or conditions, check the terms of service for each platform.