How to Start a Six-Figure Sticker Business from Scratch
Table of Contents
- Generating Repeatable and Unique Sticker Design Ideas
- Turning Sticker Ideas into Images Using AI
- Preparing Sticker Images for Sale
- Listing Stickers Online
Generating Repeatable and Unique Sticker Design Ideas Using AI
To have a successful sticker business, we need a repeatable process for generating fresh sticker design ideas. We can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to help with this creative process.
ChatGPT is a free AI assistant that can provide lists of potential sticker ideas when prompted. We simply ask it to suggest image-only sticker designs that we could potentially sell. It will then generate a list of ideas in real-time.
We can ask ChatGPT to provide more details on any of the ideas to flesh them out further. If any ideas relate to trademarked content like Disney or Pixar, we have to ignore those suggestions to avoid infringement issues.
Leveraging AI to Remove Creative Blocks
Using ChatGPT in this way allows us to easily brainstorm sticker ideas and remove creative blocks. The AI can suggest ideas we may not have thought of on our own. This helps kickstart the creative process. If we already have sticker ideas in mind, we can skip using ChatGPT for idea generation. But for anyone struggling to come up with ideas, it serves as a useful tool for overcoming creative obstacles.
Checking Designs for Trademark Infringement
Before selling any AI-generated sticker designs, it's important to check that they don't infringe on any existing trademarks. Doing a reverse image search using Google can help uncover any potential issues. If the reverse search results show the AI is sampling from multiple images to create an original composite, the designs are likely safe to use. But if it copies any one piece of art too closely, there could be infringement problems that prevent selling the stickers legally.
Turning Sticker Ideas into Images Using AI
Once we have a list of sticker ideas, we can use another AI tool named Midjourney to actually generate images and sticker designs.
Midjourney is an image generation AI. We provide text prompts based on the ideas from ChatGPT, and Midjourney produces corresponding images. It requires no artistic skill, making it possible for anyone to create quality sticker art.
Preparing Sticker Images for Sale
Before listing the AI-generated sticker designs for sale online, we need to prepare the images by removing backgrounds and creating mockups.
A tool like Photopea allows us to easily delete backgrounds with just a few clicks, leaving only the sticker design itself on a transparent background.
Mockups showcase how the artwork will look once printed on actual stickers. An effective mockup makes designs stand out, grab customer attention and potentially increase sales.
Removing Backgrounds
Background removal ensures customers will only receive the sticker design without unwanted shapes or colors around it. This also allows the artwork to be placed on different colored backgrounds based on user preferences.
Creating Eye-Catching Mockups
Mockups bring sticker artwork to life, showing the designs printed on realistic sticker sheets or surfaces. This provides better previews for potential buyers to visualize products more easily before purchasing.
Listing Stickers Online
Organizing Designs for Efficient Uploading
Using a program like Figma to organize stickers allows for much easier batch uploading to print-on-demand platforms. Group similar designs, add titles/tags just once per batch, and export to simplify listing.
Multiplying Designs to Maximize Sales
Make the most of each sticker idea by creating multiple design variations. For example, sell a popular graphic by itself, paired with custom text, or just offer the themed text. This diversification catches more buyer interests.
FAQ
Q: What skills or experience do I need to start a sticker business?
A: You don't need any design experience. All you need is a computer and internet access to leverage AI for design and production.
Q: How much can I realistically make from a sticker business?
A: You can realistically make six figures annually if you consistently generate and list enough unique, quality sticker designs.
Q: What AI tools do I need for generating and preparing sticker designs?
A: You need ChatGPT for idea generation, Midjourney for creating the artwork, and Photopea for editing images. Optional tools include Figma for organization.
Q: What marketplaces are best for selling my stickers?
A: Top marketplaces include Redbubble, Society6, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade. You can also build your own Shopify store.
Q: How long does it take to set up my sticker shop?
A: With the AI-assisted process shown here, you can set up your sticker shop and have your first designs ready to sell within 1-2 days.
Q: How many sticker designs should I aim to produce initially?
A: For best results, aim to produce at least 20-30 unique, high-quality sticker designs before opening your shop.
Q: Should I create text only, image only, and text+image stickers?
A: Yes, creating all three variations maximizes the appeal to different buyer preferences and increases sales potential.
Q: How often do I need to add new sticker designs?
A: To sustain growth, add at least 5-10 new designs per week, consistently over time.
Q: Can I automate parts of the sticker production process?
A: Yes, you can automate mockup creation, prepare designs for batch uploading, and utilize AI more in the creative process.
Q: What computer programs will I need?
A: The minimum programs needed are ChatGPT, Midjourney, Photopea/Photoshop, and Figma. Other helpful programs can further automate processes.