In this post, you’ll learn how to use stock images for product mockups, perfect for Etsy shop owners and bloggers.
Wondering where those Etsy shops got those fabulous-looking product images? In this article, I’m dishing all of my secrets on:
- Where to find stock images for product mockups
- How to overlay your artwork on stock images
- How to market your products with additional imagery.
Gone are the days of depending on amateur photography skills in order to present your work in a polished and professional-looking manner. I’m embarrassed to tell you the amount of money that I’ve spend on camera equipment over the years, and even more ashamed about the time I wasted on overly elaborate photo setups, only to end up with one lousy-looking image like this:
My new workflow takes a fraction of the time and looks a million times better. And in today’s crowded Etsy marketplace, we have no choice but to look better. Even though the design seen in the photo above is great, it doesn’t show. It looks like someone tried to pass off a tablecloth as a backdrop. #guilty
Here’s an overview of my process: Log onto my Haute Stock account. Search for what I need. Download it. Overlay my design. Publish. Smile at how easy it all was.
Here are some additional details:
Where to find stock images for product mockups
I use an absolutely wonderful site called HauteStock, a dream come true. All the images are bright, feminine, and perfect for anyone selling products on Etsy, like art prints, mugs, or invitations.
It is a subscription service, so new images are released every month. The site also has awesome search capabilities, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for based on color, product, and subject matter. Take a peek at the video below that gives you an inside look to see how it works!
Ready to take the pain out of finding the right images? Click here to sign up for the same subscription I use, and enter code MICHELLE15 to save 15% on your plan.
How to overlay your artwork on stock images
Okay, so have access to all of those gorgeous images. Now it’s time to put them to work for you.
Here are instructions on how to place your artwork using Canva and Photoshop
Step 1: prepare your artwork.
I like to organize everything into a single folder before I start. Start by downloading your stock image from HauteStock and placing it into your folder. Next, create a .png file of your artwork and add it to the same folder.
TIP! PNGs are great because they export with a transparent background making it easier to overlay on frames and mugs.
You’re ready to go if you’ve got your two pieces (stock art and your art as a PNG).
Overlay your artwork using Canva:
- Create a new design>Instagram Post (square size graphic)
- Click the upload image button, and upload your HauteStock image. Click on the image to add it to the document.
- Use the resize tool to make sure it fills the entire square.
- Click the upload image button, and upload your graphic or design. Once uploaded, click on it to add it to the document.
- Resize the frame of your image until it fits inside of your stock image. Double click on your graphic to size the image itself.
- BONUS: Click on the text tool to add your shop name.
- Download PNG to your computer, and upload to your Etsy shop.
Overlay your artwork using Photoshop:
- Open your HauteStock image.
- Open your graphic or design and select all (command + A or Select>All).
- Copy (command + C or Edit>Copy).
- Return to your HauteStock Image Window and use the Rectangular Marquee tool to draw a rectangle, indicating where you’d like your image to go.
- Go to Edit>Paste Special>Paste Into
- Your graphic will be copied in but likely will need to be resized. Click command + T or Edit>Free Transform, to adjust the size until it fits.
- BONUS: Click on the text tool to add your shop name.
- File>Save As>and then select “JPG” as your format. The file will save to your computer, and then you can upload to your Etsy shop!
Do you sell Printable Designs on Etsy?
If you’re wondering what types of printables sell best, you’ll definitely want to check out my friends Julie and Cody’s free eBook, Seasonal Products Secret. Click here to download it for free.
How to market your products with additional imagery
Having a quality product image in your Etsy shop will help you stand out in search results, but with a little extra effort, you can use Haute Stock Images to elevate your brand on social media, Pinterest, and blog posts.
Search for images in the same “family” of photos or similar color palettes for a cohesive look and create additional graphics that match your product shot. This will help strengthen your brand and show you are the real deal.
Tell a story with your images
As you promote your products, keep your ideal customer in mind, and remember to showcase imagery that will speak to them. You can advertise your product without even needing to show it!
For example, if you’d like to run a campaign to promote your art print, consider planning on sharing a series of images that tell a story to get your potential customer excited about making a purchase from you. Here’s a sample Instagram grid.
The captions of these posts should speak to the lifestyle of your potential buyer. Notice how I’ve included a quote they relate to, an image of an outfit they might wear and a shot of what their desk may look like. When you present your product into this scene, you’re showcasing that it is a seamless part of the big picture.
Ready to use stock images for product mockups?
Has this post inspired you to take your Etsy shop to new heights? Use that momentum and get started right away. Here are your action steps:
- Sign up for a Haute Stock Stock Photo Subscription (use code MICHELLE15 to save 15%).
- Make a list of your top three products and download photo mockup imagery that complement your designs.
- Create new mockups, using Photoshop, Canva, or your program of choice. Upload to your Etsy shop.
- Log back into Haute Stock (or your subscription site of choice), download some additional imagery that matches your mockups, and schedule social media posts to help promote your product.
I’m excited for you and know that using stock images for product mockups will give your Etsy shop that instant improvement you’ve been looking for!
Do you sell Printable Designs on Etsy?
If you’re wondering what types of printables sell best, you’ll definitely want to check out my friends Julie and Cody’s free eBook, Seasonal Products Secret. Click here to download it for free.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra expense. Thank you for supporting my business!