Why Building Your Own Brand Matters More Than Ever
As an artist or creative entrepreneur, you might think that platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Society6 are enough to sell your work. But in today’s unpredictable online landscape, relying solely on third-party platforms is risky. Algorithms change, fees increase, and worst of all—artists can be kicked off without warning. (Trust me, I know from experience!)
This is why building your own brand is more important than ever. When you own your brand, you have control over your audience, your marketing, and ultimately, your success. Let’s talk about why branding matters and how you can start creating a business that’s truly yours.
1. Platforms Can Disappear—But Your Brand Stays
If you’ve been selling on print-on-demand sites or marketplace platforms, you know how unstable they can be. I personally got kicked off both Redbubble and Society6, and it was a harsh wake-up call. Years of hard work vanished overnight, and I had no say in the decision.
When you rely on someone else’s platform to run your business, you’re building on shaky ground. If they change the rules (or kick you off), you’re left scrambling. But when you build your own brand—your own website, email list, and audience—you have full control over your business.
Tip: Use third-party platforms as tools, not as your entire business. Make sure your brand is independent of any single website.
2. Your Brand Helps You Stand Out in a Crowded Market
The internet is flooded with artists selling similar styles and products. So, what makes someone buy from you instead of another artist?
Your brand.
A strong brand isn’t just about a cool logo or a cohesive Instagram feed—it’s about the unique story, personality, and values behind your art. When people connect with your brand, they’re more likely to become loyal fans and repeat customers.
What makes a strong brand?
✔ A clear artistic style & voice
✔ A compelling story (why you create what you do)
✔ A consistent presence across your website, email, and social media
✔ A recognizable aesthetic that customers remember
Tip: Your brand is what turns casual followers into devoted collectors.
3. You Own Your Audience (Instead of Renting It)
Social media is great for visibility, but at the end of the day, you don’t own your Instagram followers or TikTok audience—the platform does. If your account gets banned, hacked, or shadowbanned, you lose access to your community.
But you know what you do own?
Your email list.
An email list is one of the most valuable assets you can build as an artist. It gives you a direct line to your audience, without worrying about algorithms or disappearing accounts.
Flodesk makes email marketing easy (which is why I love it!). It allows you to:
✔ Create beautiful, artist-friendly emails
✔ Automate emails to nurture your audience effortlessly
✔ Grow your list with simple sign-up forms
✔ Pay a flat rate (no increasing costs as your list grows!)
If you’re serious about branding and audience ownership, start an email list today. (P.S. Here’s my Flodesk affiliate link if you want to try it! Take 50% off your first year of Flodesk! You can cancel anytime, but I guarantee you it’s so good you won’t wanna cancel it once you started. )
4. A Strong Brand Builds Trust & Long-Term Sales
People don’t just buy from artists—they buy from brands they trust. If a customer loves your brand, they’re more likely to:
- Buy from you again and again
- Tell their friends about you
- Support you outside of just art (Patreon, courses, collaborations, etc.)
The more you show up consistently—whether through your website, email, or storytelling—the more people trust you. And trust leads to sales and sustainable success.
5. Your Brand Gives You Creative Freedom
Selling on third-party platforms often means playing by their rules—whether it’s pricing limits, design restrictions, or commission cuts. But when you build your own brand, you decide:
- What products you sell
- How you price them
- How you market yourself
No more relying on trends or platform algorithms to dictate your success.
Your brand = your rules.
How to Start Building Your Own Brand Today
Ready to take control of your creative business? Here’s where to start:
Create a website: A simple Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix site can showcase your work and make sales.
Start an email list: Use Flodesk to build a direct relationship with your audience. (Try it here!)
Define your brand identity: What’s your artistic style? Your message? Your values?
Show up consistently: Share your work, tell your story, and connect with your audience authentically.
Final Thoughts: Take Ownership of Your Success
At the end of the day, platforms come and go—but your brand is what lasts. If you want a sustainable, thriving creative business, focus on owning your audience, telling your story, and building something uniquely yours.
Have you started building your own brand?
Drop a comment and let’s chat about it!
