OK, how do I say this nicely...I'm not sure there is a way.  But I will try...

On a recent Youtube video someone left me a smart alec comment, once AGAIN complaining {this person has sent multiple emails over the years saying the same darn thing!}, that I use an "obsolete software", and that I "should be" doing videos in Photoshop, On1, Luminar Neo, etc.  

This is a person who has been with me for years, and is one of the few I have that seem to always have to complain about something, and often the same thing over and over again -- as if those nasty comments are going to encourage me to do what they wish.  This person obviously has not learned my VERY SIMPLE process of how I work,  despite the fact I've done almost 100 FREE VIDEOS throughout the years, as well as made multiple blog posts and even given written "recipes" for a while.  People like this who complain and demand I demo every software out there just to appease them really irritate me.  I'm sorry, but they do, because I am not a "software" teacher.  I am an ARTIST and a PHOTOGRAPHER.  I make backgrounds to offer to you which you can use with your photos just like I do.  I have shown repeatedly how I do it. 

I am an ARTIST and a PHOTOGRAPHER, not a software instructor.

If someone has truly learned my process, it doesn't matter WHAT software they use.  The software has to have two functions:  LAYER ABILITY and MASKING ABILITY.  The process is VERY simple:

1) Put texture on bottom layer
2) Photo photo on layer on top of that
3) Mask background away from the subject on the photo layer.  Do not erase, do not "cut out" -- MASK, using a soft round masking brush, varying the opacity of the brush depending on how much of the original background you wish to remove.  Want to remove the whole background?  Mask at 100%.  Want to leave a hint of the background showing?  Mask at maybe 30% or 50% opacity.  It's all about what YOU want for your finished work.

That's it.  Very simple.  When choosing a software to use in order to do what I do, it's important to see if you can 1) Layer and 2) Mask using that software.  Can't do those things?  Don't use that software.  Pick a different one that DOES do those things.

Do I often add textures on top as well in different layer modes?  Yes.  But that's extra to the basic process above.  And as long as you have layering ability, you can do that as well.

As for MY software choices {I use two VERY old, yes "obsolete", programs on my desktop}, ​the reason I continue to use my older software is that it's what I'm most comfortable with and have been using for many years, allowing me to maintain a consistent workflow.  I mean think about it, if I am out there buying and learning EVERY SOFTWARE and doing videos on how to use them, that makes me a software instructor instead of an artist.  That means I have no time to complete my own art projects, nor do I have time to make backgrounds and textures for YOU to use as well.

I don't "need" to be a software instructor.  There are already MILLIONS and if someone would just search Youtube for what they wish to learn in their particular software of choice, they will find someone to show them how to do what they need to do.  I don't need to be the one to show everyone how to layer and mask in every imaginable software and app available.  That is not what I do. 

I HAVE done a couple of examples in other software on my LEARN page, which despite me directing people to, it seems many ignore it.  On that page, I have a video on how to blend a texture with an image in Photoshop.  It's a very simple video.  It goes over the process.  There is no need for me to do a video on very piece of work I create in a software I don't regularly use.  As I said above, I am not a software instructor. 

I do recommend a GREAT course, also on my LEARN page to learn EVERYTHING about Photoshop from a software instructor.  Whether people decide to take the course is up to them, but I can assure you, I am NOT going to be teaching it.  And frankly the more people who leave me nasty comments or send nasty emails chewing me out because I don't use that software or whatever else they "think" I should be using, the more firm I stand in my position that I will NEVER use those software applications.  I have my favorites, they fit my workflow, and they will be what I continue to use to get done what I need to in the fastest way possible for me.  

So, all that being said, I encourage everyone to use the software they feel most comfortable with or find suitable for their needs.

The key aspect of my tutorials is to showcase the blending technique and inspire creativity rather than focusing solely on the software used.

Anyone in the future who wants to spend their time leaving me nasty comments or sending emails "demanding" I use a different software will simply be referred back to this post {if I even respond}, as I am done discussing it. -- Jai

Photography is an art form that has the power to capture moments in time and convey emotions in a way that words cannot. However, some photographers may find themselves stuck in a comfort zone when it comes to creating art with their photos. They may feel limited by the real-life environments they shoot in or feel bound by the rules of accurate representation.

​It's important for photographers to realize that everything doesn't have to be as it is in real life when creating art. Stepping out of their comfort zone and letting creativity lead them can result in new and exciting scenes and presentations.  In fact, the most creative and interesting art often comes from taking risks and pushing boundaries.

One way to create photo art is to experiment with different techniques for blending photos with textures and backgrounds. By blending photos with different textures and backgrounds, you can create a unique and interesting look that sets your work apart.  You can take a simple photo of a bunny rabbit in sitting in the grass, for example, and turn it into a piece of work with an abstract and more freeform feel, simply by blending the photo with a few textures as in the example shown above. 

Before you start experimenting with textures and backgrounds, it's important to start with a strong foundation.  To create compelling photo art, you need to pay attention to lighting, composition, and color when you take your photos. You want your base image to be something that can stand on its own, but that also has the potential for further creative exploration. Once you have a strong base image, you can begin to experiment with different techniques for blending it with textures and backgrounds.

When creating ART with your photos, remember everything doesn't have to be accurately portrayed. Use your creativity to play with reality and create scenes and presentations that are outside of the norm. You could take a lion out of its natural environment and put it in a place it would never be in real life, or you could create a surreal landscape that doesn't exist in reality. Let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you.  Don't be limited to what the photo gives you straight from the camera, or how a subject would "normally" be seen.

Digital painting techniques are also a fantastic way to create artistic images. Digital painting is a powerful tool that allows you to take your photos in new and unexpected directions. This can involve anything from adding color and shading to painting new elements into the scene. Digital painting is a great way to turn a photo into a work of art that is truly unique and unexpected.

The most important thing when creating photo art is to let your creativity run wild. Try new things and push the boundaries of what photography can do. Try combining different photos to create surreal or dreamlike scenes, or use digital painting to turn your subjects into something entirely new if you wish. Sometimes the most interesting and unique art comes from pushing boundaries and taking risks.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes or experiment with unconventional techniques and artistic choices. With a strong foundation and a willingness to explore new creative possibilities, you can create stunning works of art that push the boundaries of what your camera portrays. So don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new – you never know what amazing results you might achieve!

P.S. Watch me create the first art pieces which inspired the Cool Mist Texture Collection in the video below!

One thing I love to do when I'm feeling a lack of creativity is to build a new background from existing backgrounds.  Of course, the backgrounds I create are always ready for you to blend with your photos and digital paintings right "out of the box" - it makes it super easy for you to create new works of art quickly.  Sometimes I don't know WHAT I want to create, however, and I feel a bit stuck.  I may have a color or texture or some vague vision in mind, but just don't know where to go.  This is when I do a short creative exercise to build a new background.

I usually start by opening up two texture sets and choosing two different textures.  Bringing them into my photo editing software, I will then begin to work on layering and blending the two choices.  In the example below, I chose one of the Frosted 2 textures and one of the Spectrum Purple textures to work with.  I felt like I wanted to so something with some heavy texture, and the Frosted 2 collection is full of heavy texture.  But purple and lavender colors have been on my mind, because I have some purple flowers growing here.  This is what I came up with:

Here's a rundown on my layers list for the above, from top to bottom:

Layer 5 - Frosted 2 (1) - Soft Light layer mode @ 50%
Layer 4 - Frosted 2 (1) - Multiply layer mode @ 100%
Layer 3 - Spectrum Purple 10 - Hard Light layer mode @ 100%
Layer 2 - Spectrum Purple 10 - Multiply layer mode @ 30%
Layer 1 - Frosted 2 (1) - Normal layer mode, full opacity.

Here's a closer look at the new background texture I've created, which I can now blend with anything I wish:

Blending some of your purchased backgrounds together can be a great way to create a unique and personalized design. It allows you to combine your own artistic style and vision with the versatility and complexity of the texture backgrounds, as well as creative something a little different only you may think of.

Here are the steps for blending your backgrounds together to create a new design:

Step 1: Choose Your Backgrounds

Choose the painted backgrounds that you want to blend together. Look for backgrounds that have complementary colors, textures, and styles. This will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Step 2: Overlay the Backgrounds

Once you have chosen your backgrounds, overlay them in your design software. Position the second background on top of the first background. Adjust the opacity and/or layer mode of the second layer until you can see both backgrounds together. Repeat this step for each background that you want to blend together.

Step 3: Adjust the Blend Mode

Adjust the blend mode of each layer until you find what works well with your vision. Experiment with different blend modes to achieve the desired effect. You can also adjust the opacity of the top layers to fine-tune the blending.

Step 4: Refine the Blending

Use layer masks to refine the blending of the painted backgrounds. You can use the layer masks to hide or reveal parts of a top layer. This will allow you to blend the two textures together seamlessly and create a new design that is unique to you.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

If you want to add more backgrounds to your design, simply repeat the process. Overlay the third background on top of the first two, adjust the blend mode, and refine the blending. You can repeat this process as many times as you like until you achieve the desired result.

Blending your own painted backgrounds together to create a new design is a great exercise to get your creative juices flowing! It allows you to experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques to create a unique and personalized design. By overlaying the backgrounds, adjusting the blend modes, and refining the blending if needed, you can create a new design that is different from using your backgrounds "straight out of the box". So, go ahead and experiment with blending your backgrounds to create something new and exciting, exclusive to you!

P.S.  Be sure to SAVE your new background with a new name, so you can use it again in the future for your artistic projects!

I painted a large painting last week {available as a background for you guys here!} and I thought you might enjoy seeing the process of this painting come to life.  Enjoy!

In this video, I demonstrate using the new Spectrum textures with one of my goldfinch photos.  I hope you enjoy it!

Whether you're a professional photographer, digital artist, or simply someone who loves to experiment with new creative tools, the Spectrum Series is the perfect choice. Each piece in the series is carefully crafted to offer a unique blend of colors and textures that will infuse your artwork with energy and excitement.

From earthy greens to bright lemon yellows, and from calming blues to passionate reds, the Spectrum Series offers a full range of vibrant hues which will help you create art that reflects your personal style and vision.

The best part? The painted textures in this series are meant to be blended with your own photos, allowing you to create entirely new works of art that are filled with depth, dimension, and emotion. Whether you want to create a stunning landscape, a striking portrait, or an abstract composition that defies categorization, the Spectrum Series has everything you need to unleash your creativity and express yourself in new and exciting ways.
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So what are you waiting for? Come join the party and start rocking and rolling with the new Spectrum Series today!

Using textures in post-processing is a great way to enhance your pet portraits and add a unique touch to your photos. Here are some tips on how to use textures in post-processing:

1.  Choose the Right Texture

When using textures in post-processing, it's important to choose the right texture that will enhance your photo. Look for textures that complement the mood and theme of your photo, and that add interest and depth to the image.

For example, if you are taking a photo of a dog in a park, you may want to use a texture that adds depth to the grass or leaves in the photo. Alternatively, if you are taking a photo of a cat with a more delicate personality, you may want to use a texture that adds a soft and feminine touch to the image.

2.  Apply the Texture

Once you have chosen the texture you want to use, you can apply it to your photo using editing software like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. There are several ways to apply a texture to your photo, including using a blending mode or a layer mask.

When applying a texture, it's important to adjust the opacity and blending mode to ensure that it looks natural and doesn't overwhelm the photo. You may also want to adjust the color of the texture to match the colors in your photo.

3.  Blend the Texture

After applying the texture to your photo, you may want to blend it with the original image to make it look more natural. You can do this by using a layer mask to selectively blend the texture with the original image, especially around the edges of the subject.
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Using a layer mask allows you to remove the texture from certain areas of the photo, such as the main subject or other important elements. This helps to ensure that the texture doesn't distract from the main subject of the photo.


4.  Experiment with Different Textures
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Finally, when using textures in post-processing, it's important to experiment with different textures to see which ones work best for your photos. We have many texture packs available online that you can use to add interest and depth to your photos.  Our textures can also be used as backgrounds, which will help tone your image and get rid of any distracting background elements which may be in your pet photo.

By experimenting with different textures, you can find the ones that complement your photos the best and add a unique touch to your pet portraits.

Using textures in post-processing is a great way to enhance your pet portraits and add a unique touch to your photos. By choosing the right texture, applying it correctly, blending it with the original image, and experimenting with different textures, you can create beautiful and interesting pet portraits that stand out from the crowd.

Using different backgrounds is a great way to give your pet portraits a new sense of place and create a unique look for your photos. Here are some tips on how to use different backgrounds to enhance your pet portraits:

1.  Choose the Right Background
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When choosing a background for your pet portrait, it's important to consider the mood and theme of your photo, as well as the personality of your pet. You want to choose a background that complements the colors, textures, and tones in your photo and adds interest and depth to the image.

For example, if you are taking a photo of a dog with a more rugged personality, you may want to use a background that has a more rustic or outdoor feel to it. Alternatively, if you are taking a photo of a cat with a more delicate personality, you may want to use a background that has a softer, more feminine look to it.

2.  Use a Physical or Digital Background

You can use either a physical or digital background for your pet portraits. A physical background is a tangible object or material that you can use as a backdrop for your photo, such as a piece of fabric, a blanket, or a natural element like rocks or leaves.

On the other hand, a digital background is an image that you can add to your photo using editing software like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. There are many digital background packs available on our website which you can use to add interest and depth to your photos.


3.  Match the Background to the Pet's Personality

When using a background to enhance your pet portraits, it's important to match the background to the pet's personality. This helps to create a cohesive and interesting photo that reflects the pet's unique characteristics.

For example, if you are taking a photo of a cat with a more playful personality, you may want to use a background that has bright colors or patterns to match their energy. Alternatively, if you are taking a photo of a dog with a more serious or stoic personality, you may want to use a background that has a more muted or neutral tone to match their demeanor.


4.  Consider the Lighting

When using a background for your pet portraits, it's important to consider the lighting of the photo. The lighting can affect the way the background looks in the photo, and it can also affect the way the pet appears in the image.

For example, if you are using a physical background, you may want to position your pet so that they are facing the light source to avoid shadows or uneven lighting on the background. Alternatively, if you are using a digital background, you may want to adjust the brightness, contrast, or saturation to match the lighting of the original photo.
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Using different backgrounds is a great way to give your pet portraits a new sense of place and create a unique look for your photos. By choosing the right background, using a physical or digital background, matching the background to the pet's personality, and considering the lighting of the photo, you can create beautiful and interesting pet portraits that stand out from the crowd.

Turning a pet's photo into a digital painting is a great way to create a unique and personalized piece of art that your clients will love. This process involves using digital painting software {such as Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Procreate} or techniques to create a painted effect on the photo, which can be printed and framed or used on a variety of products like canvas prints, phone cases, or mugs.

Here are some ways turning a pet's photo into a digital painting can increase sales of prints and other products:
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1.  Personalization

By turning a pet's photo into a digital painting, you are creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is personalized to the client's pet. This adds a special and sentimental value to the piece, making it more likely that the client will want to purchase prints or products featuring their beloved pet.

2.  Artistic Appeal

Digital paintings have a unique artistic appeal that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your pet portraits. The painted effect adds texture, depth, and dimension to the photo, making it more visually interesting and appealing to clients.

3.  Versatility

Once you have created a digital painting from the pet photo, you can place it on a variety of products and prints. This allows you to offer a wider range of products to your clients, increasing the likelihood that they will purchase from your business.

4.  Higher Price Point

Because digital paintings are a more specialized and personalized product, they can command a higher price point than regular prints or products. This can increase your profits and help to grow your business over time.

Overall, turning a pet's photo into a digital painting is a great way to add value to your pet portrait business and increase sales of prints and other products. By offering this unique and personalized service, you can differentiate yourself from other pet portrait photographers and create a loyal customer base that will keep coming back for more.

Here are some of the different kinds of products you can offer to your clients through your photography website, which can increase revenue:

1.  Prints

Offering prints of your pet portraits is a great way to generate revenue for your business. You can offer prints in a variety of sizes and materials, such as traditional paper prints, canvas prints, or metal prints. Offering different print sizes and materials allows you to offer different price points to cater to a wider range of clients.

2. Other Art Products

In addition to traditional prints, you can also offer other types art products featuring your pet portraits. This includes products such as framed prints, gallery wraps, or acrylic prints, and even products such as tapestries and blankets. Offering other types of wall art is a great way to showcase your pet portraits as a statement piece in the home, which can help to increase the perceived value of your photography services.

3.  Digital Files

Offering digital files of your pet portraits allows your clients to share their images online or make their own prints. This is a convenient option for clients who want to use their images on social media, create their own photo books, or print their own products. You can offer digital files as individual images or as a package deal.


4.  Photo Books

Creating custom photo books featuring your pet portraits is a great way to offer a high-end product to your clients. You can design the layout of the book, choose the photos to include, and offer a variety of cover options such as leather, linen, or hardcover. Offering photo books can increase the perceived value of your photography services and provide a tangible keepsake for your clients.

5.  Additional Fun Photo Gifts Clients Enjoy

You can also offer a variety of gift products which feature your pet portraits, such as phone cases, mugs, or tote bags. These products can be customized with the pet's portrait, which can increase the perceived value of the product and create a unique and personalized item for your client.

In conclusion, offering a range of products to your pet portrait clients can help to increase revenue for your photography business. By offering prints, other art products, digital files, photo books, and other fun photo gifts, you can cater to a wider range of clients and increase the perceived value of your photography services.

In this blog post, I want to talk about selling your art you create using your photos blended with our backgrounds and textures.  There are various ways and marketplaces where you can sell prints of your fine art to consumers.  In this post, I'm going over a few of these to give you some ideas to get started if you're interested in selling your work.

If you're interested in selling your work direct to consumers, these ideas may help you get started.
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1.  Art Fairs and Craft Shows - Art fairs and craft shows are great places to sell your photo art in person. These events allow you to showcase your work to a local audience and make personal connections with potential customers. Look for events in your area that cater to your target market and consider investing in a professional display to make your booth stand out.

2.  Farmers Markets and Street Fairs - Farmers markets and street fairs are another option for selling your photo art in person. These events often attract a large crowd, and the relaxed atmosphere can make it easier to connect with customers. Make sure to bring plenty of prints and have a variety of sizes and styles available to cater to different preferences.

3.  Local Shops and Galleries - If you prefer a more permanent storefront, consider reaching out to local shops and galleries to see if they're interested in selling your photo art. Look for shops that cater to your target market and offer a commission-based arrangement that works for both parties. Make sure to have a portfolio of your work and a clear pricing structure to make it easier for the shop owner to make a decision.

4. Pop-Up Shops and Art Exhibitions - Pop-up shops and art exhibitions are temporary storefronts that allow artists to showcase their work to a larger audience. Look for events in your area that cater to your target market and consider collaborating with other artists to create a cohesive display. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards and promotional materials to help potential customers find you online.

5. Private Events and Corporate Spaces - Finally, consider reaching out to private event organizers and corporate spaces to see if they're interested in purchasing your photo art. Private events, such as weddings and parties, often require unique decorations and can be a great opportunity to showcase your work. Corporate spaces, such as offices and lobbies, may be interested in purchasing large prints to add color and visual interest to their spaces.

Creating custom art for clients is another great way to sell your photo art.  Here are some details about doing custom photo art for people, such as pet portraits or wedding portraits:

1.  Determine Your Niche - Before offering custom photo art, it's important to determine your niche. Think about what type of photo art you enjoy creating and what type of customers you want to attract. For example, if you love photographing animals, you might specialize in pet portraits. If you have a passion for weddings, you might specialize in wedding portraits. By specializing, you can create a unique selling proposition and attract customers who are looking for your specific expertise.

2.  Set Your Prices - When offering custom photo art, you'll need to set your prices based on the type of work you'll be doing and the time it takes to complete each project. Make sure to consider the cost of materials, such as printing and framing, as well as the time you'll spend communicating with clients and editing the final product. You may also want to research what other photographers are charging for similar services in your area to make sure your prices are competitive.

3. Create a Portfolio - To attract potential clients, you'll need to create a portfolio of your previous work. Make sure to showcase a variety of styles and subjects to give clients a sense of your capabilities. If you're just starting, consider offering discounted rates to friends and family in exchange for using their photos in your portfolio.

4.  Market Your Services - Once you've determined your niche, set your prices, and created a portfolio, it's time to start marketing your services. Reach out to potential clients through social media, your website, and word of mouth. Consider collaborating with other wedding vendors or pet-related businesses to offer bundled services or cross-promote each other's businesses. You may also want to consider paid advertising on social media or local publications to reach a larger audience.

5. Communicate with Clients - When working on custom photo art, it's important to communicate clearly with your clients to ensure you're meeting their expectations. Make sure to discuss their needs and preferences, the timeline for the project, and any potential challenges that may arise. Consider sending clients a contract that outlines the scope of the project, your prices, and your policies for revisions or cancellations.

Offering custom photo art, such as pet portraits or wedding portraits, can be a rewarding way to use your photography skills and turn your passion into a business. By determining your niche, setting your prices, creating a portfolio, marketing your services, and communicating clearly with your clients, you can create a successful business that offers personalized and unique photo art to your customers. 

There are many websites online where you can sell art prints or place your photo art on various products.  I discuss a couple of my favorites below.  For a super comprehensive list of places to sell your art online, visit this website where you'll get a list of 250+ places, many of which are print on demand websites.

If you're an artist looking to sell your artwork online, Fine Art America is a great platform to consider. I've been with them over 14 years!  Founded in 2006, Fine Art America has become one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling art, with millions of visitors each month. Below, I give you a basic introduction to selling your art on Fine Art America.

1.  Create an Account

To get started, head over to Fine Art America's website and create an account. The signup process is straightforward, and you'll need to provide basic information like your name, email address, and a username. Once you've created an account, you can start uploading your artwork.

2.  Upload Your Artwork

Fine Art America allows you to upload a variety of artwork, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and digital art. When you upload your artwork, you'll need to provide some basic information like the title, medium, description and tags which describe your work.

You'll also need to choose which products you want your artwork to be available on. Fine Art America offers a wide range of products, including art prints, framed prints, canvas prints, greeting cards, phone cases, and more. You can choose to make your artwork available on all products, or you can select specific products.

3.  Set Your Prices

Fine Art America allows you to set your own prices for your artwork. You can choose to set a fixed price for each product or enable the "markup" feature, which allows you to add a percentage markup to the base price of each product. The markup feature is useful if you want to earn a specific amount of money per sale.  

4.  Promote Your Artwork

Once your artwork is uploaded and available for sale, it's time to start promoting it. Fine Art America has a built-in social media sharing feature that allows you to share your artwork on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also create your own website or blog and embed Fine Art America's "buy now" buttons to make it easy for people to purchase your artwork.

Fine Art America also has a built-in email marketing feature that allows you to send newsletters and promotions to your customers. You can use this feature to announce new artwork, special promotions, or upcoming exhibitions.

5.  Fulfill Your Orders

When someone purchases your artwork on Fine Art America, the company handles all the fulfillment for you. YAY!  They'll print your artwork, package it, and ship it directly to the customer, which is absolutely wonderful, as this leaves you more time to create. You'll receive a notification when a sale is made, and you can track the status of the order through your account dashboard.

6.  Get Paid

Fine Art America pays you for your sales on a monthly basis. Payments are only made via Paypal, so you'll need to have a Paypal account set up to get paid.  You will receive your markup on the product once the sale clears, so there is a slight delay in getting paid to cover possible customer returns.

Selling your art on Fine Art America can be a great way to reach a wider audience and make money from your artwork. By following these steps, you can get your artwork uploaded and available for sale in no time. Remember to promote your artwork and engage with your customers to build a following and increase your sales.

Selling on Zazzle.Com is another way to monetize your creations. Zazzle is an online marketplace that allows artists to create and sell their own custom products, such as clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. Here are some tips for selling your art on Zazzle:

1.  Choose your artwork carefully - When selling your art on Zazzle, it's important to choose your artwork carefully. Consider what types of products your artwork would look good on, and what types of customers might be interested in purchasing those products. Additionally, make sure that your artwork is of high quality and resolution, so that it looks good when printed on products.

2.  Set up your store - Once you've chosen your artwork, it's time to set up your store on Zazzle. This involves creating an account, choosing a store name, and designing your storefront. When designing your storefront, make sure to choose a theme that complements your artwork and reflects your personal style.

3.  Create products - After setting up your store, it's time to start creating products using your artwork. Zazzle offers a variety of products that you can customize with your artwork, including t-shirts, phone cases, stickers, and more. When creating products, make sure to choose high-quality materials and printing options, so that your products look and feel professional.  When you create your products, you can select your preferred royalty for each product.  You can set a specific percentage across the board for all products, or you can set a different royalty for the different products.  

4.  Promote your products - Once you've created your products, it's time to start promoting them. You can do this by sharing links to your products on social media, creating email marketing campaigns, and using Zazzle's built-in promotion tools. Additionally, consider reaching out to bloggers or influencers in your niche, and offering them a discount or free product in exchange for a review or feature.

5.  Monitor your sales - Finally, make sure to monitor your sales and adjust your strategy as needed. Pay attention to which products are selling well, and consider creating more products in similar styles or themes. 

There are other print on demand websites similar to Zazzle, such as Cafepress, Society6, and Redbubble.  I've had stores on all of them at one time or another.  Society6 only lets you set your preferred royalty on prints, and the royalty on the other products is standard across the board for everyone.  Make sure you read the pricing/royalty arrangements for each website you consider before setting up shop.

I personally don't sell on Etsy, but I know many people who do, and I do shop on Etsy.  Etsy is a popular online marketplace where artists and creators can sell their handmade or vintage items, as well as craft supplies and unique digital products. If you're an artist looking to sell your art online, Etsy can be a great platform to showcase your work and reach a wider audience. Here are some tips for selling your art on Etsy:

1.  Set up your shop - The first step to selling your art on Etsy is to create an account and set up your shop. This involves choosing a name for your shop, creating a profile, and adding your artwork to your shop. Make sure to take high-quality photos of your artwork and provide detailed descriptions, so that potential customers can see the details of your work and understand what they're purchasing.  Some artists have prints and other products made ahead of time and sell those on Etsy.  Some artists and photographers drop ship from other companies, such as Fine Art America, who makes the prints and products and ships for them after they receive an order on Etsy.  And others sell digital downloads of their art and designs on Etsy.  

2.  Research your competition - Before you start selling on Etsy, it's important to research your competition. Look for other artists who sell similar types of artwork, and see how they're pricing their items and presenting their shops. This can give you a better idea of what's selling well, and how you can differentiate yourself from other artists on the platform.

3.  Price your items - When pricing your artwork on Etsy, it's important to consider your time, materials, and overhead costs. Make sure to factor in the cost of shipping and packaging as well. It's also a good idea to look at what other artists are charging for similar items, and price your artwork competitively.

4. Promote your shop - Once your shop is set up and your items are listed, it's time to start promoting your shop. You can do this by sharing your listings on social media, creating email marketing campaigns, and using Etsy's built-in promotion tools. Additionally, consider reaching out to bloggers or influencers in your niche, and offering them a discount or free product in exchange for a review or feature.

5. Provide great customer service - Providing great customer service is key to building a successful shop on Etsy. Make sure to respond to customer inquiries promptly, and provide clear and detailed information about your products and shipping policies. Additionally, consider including a personal thank you note or small gift with each purchase, to show your appreciation and build customer loyalty.

6. Continuously improve your shop - Finally, make sure to continuously improve your shop based on customer feedback and sales data. Pay attention to which items are selling well, and consider creating more items in similar styles or themes. Additionally, consider running sales or promotions to boost sales during slower periods.

No matter which direction you go with selling your finished art, I want to make something clear -- it's up to YOU to promote your art!  Yes, you can have random sales from those who find your prints and products, but you'll do much better if you invest time and even money in advertising and promoting your work.  These websites are just a platform - they are not going to help you sell, despite what marketing language they give you.  Like everything else in life, if you want something, you're going to have to work for it. :)  The various companies have made sharing on social media relatively easy, but creating your own website or blog to draw customers in and direct them to your various platforms is a must, in my opinion.  You can see my website here where I do this. 

In conclusion, selling your photo art created using textures and backgrounds can be a rewarding way to earn money from your photography and art hobby. With the right platform, pricing, cohesive body of work, high-quality images, and promotion, you can turn your passion into a business. Good luck!  ~Jai

There's really no "right or wrong" in choosing the right background texture, but some people find it difficult.  So in the video below, I've completed the above image, and I take you through some of my decisions and thoughts as to how I chose the background.  I cover cropping, mood, color choices, soft edge blending to create lost edges, and what is important to keep and what to leave from the original photo, and why.  I hope you enjoy the video!

Digital painting has become a popular practice among artists and hobbyists alike, and one trend that has emerged is the practice of painting photos using digital software. This involves taking a photograph and transforming it into a work of art through the use of digital painting techniques. But why would someone want to paint their photos using digital software? Here are a few reasons:

1.  Creative expression

One of the main reasons people choose to paint their photos using digital software is for creative expression. Digital painting offers a wide range of creative possibilities that may not be possible with traditional media. By painting your photograph, or a photograph which you have edited by adding textures, new backgrounds, and creative lighting changes, artists can add their own personal touch to the image, whether it be through the use of color, texture, or subject matter. This can allow them to explore their own artistic vision and create something truly unique.

For example, an artist may choose to paint a landscape photo and add their own interpretation of the scene, creating a more expressive and stylized representation of the original image. They may also use digital techniques to create a sense of depth and atmosphere that goes beyond what is possible with a simple photograph.

2.  Preservation of memories

Another reason someone might choose to paint their photos is for the purpose of preserving memories. Photographs are a common way of capturing important moments in our lives, but they can be easily forgotten or lost over time. By transforming a photograph into a piece of art, the image becomes more than just a snapshot of a moment in time – it becomes a more lasting and meaningful representation of the moment captured in the photo.

For example, an artist may choose to paint a photo of their wedding day, adding their own unique interpretation of the event and capturing the emotions and atmosphere of the day in a way that a simple photograph may not be able to do.  People are more inclined to have a print created of a painting they created based on a memorable photo, and the print can then be framed and displayed for a lifetime to commemorate an event or pay tribute to a special person or pet.

3.  Exploration of new techniques

Digital painting allows artists to experiment with a wide range of techniques and effects that may not be possible with traditional media. By painting a photograph, they can explore different styles, textures, and color palettes without the fear of making permanent mistakes. This can be a great way to develop new skills and techniques that can be applied to other forms of art.

For example, an artist may choose to experiment with a new color palette or texture on a photograph, allowing them to explore the potential of these techniques before applying them to other works of art.  An artist may give the original photo a totally different style when exploring different painting techniques, which once again can create a work of wall-worthy art.

4.  Commercial opportunities

Finally, painting photos using digital software can also present commercial opportunities for artists. For example, they may be able to sell their painted photos as prints, license them for use in commercial projects, or create custom pieces for clients. This can be a great way to turn their passion for digital painting into a profitable business.  I personally know many pet photographers who have taken their business to a whole new level by offering painted pet portraits!

Another example is the artist who chooses to paint a photo of a popular tourist destination and sell prints of the painting to tourists visiting the area. The painting may also be able to be licensed for use in travel brochures or other commercial projects.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why someone might choose to paint their photos using digital software. Whether it's for creative expression, preservation of memories, exploration of new techniques, or commercial opportunities, this practice can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to transform ordinary photographs into works of art. So why not give it a try? You may discover a new passion for digital painting that you never knew you had!

I teach others how to paint their photos in Procreate on the iPad.  When you join Skillshare, you can have access to all of my classes here!