Etsy Seller Interview with Sera and Lina of MotePosterStudio

How MotePosterStudio 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?

We are Sera and Lina, an independent art duo from London. Our art business came to life when we decided to leave everything behind and start from scratch in a new city and country. Etsy became our perfect starting point as independent artists, granting us the freedom we needed and attracting a community of supportive customers who value unique items and independent makers.

Our journey began with what we love most: creating art. We introduced our work as high-quality art prints at affordable prices, allowing everyone to enjoy our passion. Sera, our photographer and graphic designer, established Mote Poster Studio, creating minimalist, abstract, and architectural artworks that redefine ordinary spaces. I only help with illustration details and some ideas. She also created Studio Jornee for travellers, where she captures the heart and soul of cities, natural wonders, historic landmarks, and more.

As for me, Lina, an illustrator and graphic designer, I embarked on a literary adventure with Whoom, initially crafting art for book lovers. Over time, I delved into illustrating the magic of written words, transforming book scenes, covers, and portraits of noteworthy figures into unique art prints. I started offering custom illustration requests for books, author portraits, and more at the end of last year. It was a big hit among fellow readers, authors, and aspiring writers. Customers send a specific scene from a book, a book cover, or basically any idea they may have, and I illustrate a piece for them. Our home became our studio, where we now design original and personalised artworks and print every piece, pouring our hearts into sending our creations to art lovers worldwide.

Favorite items

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

Well, that's a tough question. Picking favourites feels like choosing a favourite pet, doesn't it? But let's give it a go and pick our favourites from each brand.

Mote Poster Studio: Lina: The Grand Tour Wall Art Set holds a special place in my heart. I'm drawn to their minimalistic charm and the retro-modern vibe they exude. They're also one of our top sellers.

Sera: It's nearly impossible to choose just one. However, the tennis wall art has a special significance as it marked the beginning of Mote Poster Studio's journey. Its close-up minimalistic design of the tennis court captures a unique play of shadows and depth, making it an absolute standout. It's also a part of Etsy's Pick Collection, which we’re proud of.

Studio Jornee: Lina: A special feature of Studio Jornee is Sera's offering of personalised travel posters, where buyers can relive their most special moments. So that would be my pick; it is also Ety’s pick! For example, I love the Gower Beach poster. Every time I look at it, it's like reliving the cherished memory of when Sera took that picture; it was an amazing day out with close friends. Who wouldn't want their memories immortalised like that?

Sera: Bristol Art Print, Mixed Media The travel poster is my personal favourite. With my love for architecture and a particular soft spot for towns by the river and sea... and Bristol—well, let's just say it was love at first sight.

Whoom: Lina: A Room of One's Own | Virginia Woolf Book Cover Art What I love about the artwork is that I illustrated the scene by imagining Virginia Woolf envisioning herself in her room, sipping tea, and penning her brilliant thoughts. It's one of the top favourites among our customers, resonating with fellow readers and serving as an inspiration for aspiring writers.

Sera: Wuthering Heights Art prints hold a special place in my heart. Its minimalistic portrayal captures the book's essence in a way that evokes a rush of emotions every time I glance at it. Every time I see it, I can practically hear Kate Bush's voice crooning, 'Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy...'

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?

We made our first sale within a week. The process was surprisingly quick; we even made a little First Sale dance at home. Once we had our listings with the right names and meticulously selected tags and keywords, we didn't have to do much. We analysed and learned what works best for our brands. It’s an ongoing process until you find the perfect fit for your listings. We mostly rely on Etsy's marketing tools, and our products are also part of offsite ads.

Managing MotePosterStudio

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?

Our team consists solely of the two of us. We handle everything from design and printmaking to the final dispatch. Sera takes care of packaging, while I handle the printing of the artworks. I handle customer inquiries, and Sera manages all accounting tasks. However, we both contribute to the design process, creating artwork and sharing ideas, all in a work division that harmoniously blends our individual strengths. We collaborate with several shipping companies for both domestic and international deliveries. It's all hands on deck for now.

We use Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are crucial for our designs. Also, Procreate has been a game changer. Especially for someone like me, it gives me the freedom to illustrate and correct mistakes easily. I use my drawings that I do on Procreate for both original and custom designs. It is also a great tool for both of us for drawing drafts and generating ideas.

The future of MotePosterStudio

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

Recently, we unveiled our website, a hub where all our brands converge. This marks a significant milestone following our achievements on Etsy. While we aim for greater independence, our fondness for Etsy remains, and we're dedicated to expanding our presence both on the platform and on our website. Moving forward, we're looking to delegate some tasks to allow us more time to focus on what we're truly passionate about—creating designs and illustrations.

Advice for new sellers

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

We've come to see Etsy as more than just a marketplace; it's been an enriching experience that has taught us so much along the way. There are several aspects we've found to be crucial, but let's highlight some key points:

Keywords and Naming: It's all about finding that sweet spot with the right keywords and taking the time to research names and prices for your products. Balancing those high-traffic keywords with those niche terms can really help you reel in those customers who are genuinely keen on what you have to offer.

Research: You've got to look around and see what's happening out there in different corners of the market. But it's also crucial to respect the intellectual property of your fellow artists and come up with your own unique take on things.

Quality over quantity: Etsy boasts a unique customer base that values one-of-a-kind and high-quality items. It's not the place for selling cheap, mass-produced goods. While some shops might opt for a retail approach, focus on delivering genuine value and a premium experience to your customers. The longevity of Etsy requires genuine respect for both your craft and your customers.

Branding: We've found that building a recognisable brand identity goes a long way. Having a consistent and unique brand identity across your shop, website, and packaging materials can really make your shop stand out.

Packaging: We believe it's crucial to use high-quality packaging. Customers will undoubtedly be disappointed if the eagerly anticipated product arrives damaged. Additionally, incorporating branding and thoughtful details into your packaging can significantly influence the recipient's overall perception of your shop.

Our advice for new sellers is to start with what they excel at and have a passion for, without fearing the competition. Prioritising quality and customer satisfaction can contribute significantly to long-term success on Etsy.