Update on Print On Demand and What New Things I've Been Doing this Year! 

I have been super busy as usual this year in all aspects of my print-on-demand journey. I have been actively creating new and improved designs for my Merch on Amazon and Redbubble and TeePublic Shops this year. My sales have really picked up on my Redbubble shop which is such a good thing! I have also made several more sales on my TeePublic shop then what I was expecting. However, with all the changes that Amazon has implemented this year on their print-on-demand model I have not made as much this year on there as I did last year or even during my first 4 months on the platform back in 2023 September-December. So, that part of the business is hurting but I keep going everyday and I don't give up. I'm hoping they will get their act straight and fix all the bugs in their systems soon. Don't get me wrong I love being on there because even with sales picking up on my other two shops I make more money on Amazon and that is most likely always going to be the case just because it is such a big marketplace worldwide. June and July this year as far as number of sales I've made have been the best this year on Amazon so far but as far as royalties I can say that its been kind of disappointing. 

So what else have I been doing? Well, I am working on some new and different types of projects currently along side my Print-on-demand shops I am working on Writing a Memoir on my own life as well as publishing short daily bird articles on all the birds that I have ever photographed which is over 70 different birds. I have published a few already and upload daily at 6pm EST.  You can find me and my articles with photos of each bird at : Birdsnstuff Substack. I am also working on publishing a Bird Identification Guide Book on Amazon KDP and I have already published an Adult Mandalas Coloring Book on Amazon KDP which you can find here: Floral & Geometric Mandalas: A Beautiful Adult Coloring Book Paperback . 

If you would like to support me and have birthdays and gift ideas for family and friends this coming holiday season please check out my shops and books on KDP. 
Thank you all for your continuing support. 
Anjeanette Hail 

 Hello and Good Evening. We have about 29 hours until Christmas! Wow, another year has past and so quickly once again. Time sure does fly by when you get older. Just wanted to say I am still active and still selling my designs on products on different Print on demand items. This year I am not to excited about the results to be honest. I am very disappointed in the number of sales I have generated especially with Merch on Amazon. If I compare my last years sales for the month of December I made 47 total sales last December and this December I didn't even hit 20 sales. Its a hard hit for sure. This would be my second Q4 on Merch on Amazon. Last year was my first and I did so much better. I can't believe it to be honest. I'm shocked. I did generate more sales this year on other platforms so that is nice but being that I don't get paid as often or as much per sale I don't get as excited. For instance on TeePublic I only make $2.00/per sale and that depends on the product and if the TeePublic site is on sale which it normally is. If it is not having a sale I can make $4.00/per sale. But it is not the usual case. I have also generated a handful of sales on Redbubble this winter which is nice. I am hoping I get a payout in January from them since I am way past the payment threshold.  Other than that I haven't been up to anything new. I just continue to upload daily to Amazon and once in awhile will add a dozen or so designs to TeePublic and Redbubble. I have 1500 designs live on Redbubble and over 600 live designs on TeePublic. I've been busy! I hope everyone who stubbles upon to read this blog has a wonderful and happy Christmas and New Year! 

Thanks, Birdsnstuff 

A Full Year on Merch On Amazon Selling Print on Demand

 

My First Year Selling on Merch by Amazon: A Journey of 242 Sales

It’s hard to believe, but I’ve officially completed my first full year selling on Merch by Amazon. Looking back, it’s been a rewarding mix of challenges, growth, and excitement. Over the past 12 months, I’ve made 242 sales—a number that might seem modest to some, but for me, it's a huge achievement. Each sale represents progress and has been a stepping stone in my journey. Every milestone, no matter how small, has taught me valuable lessons that continue to shape how I approach design and selling.

Starting with Digital Artwork: No Text Needed

Unlike many who begin with simple, catchy text designs, I started my journey differently. I’ve never been focused on text-based designs. In fact, very few of my creations rely solely on text. From the very first day, I was drawn to visual artistry. Being more of a visual person, I find that images often speak louder than words, and that’s what I focused on—artwork without text.

I’ve always admired beautiful illustrations but wasn’t skilled in traditional mediums like hand-drawing or painting. Instead, I embraced digital artwork, which felt more natural and accessible to me. I use AI-based artwork generators online to create unique digital art pieces. These tools have been essential in helping me bring my creative ideas to life. My journey began with AI, and it remains a core part of my design process today.

The Power of AI in My Design Process

AI artwork generators have been a complete game-changer. They allow me to create digital art without needing to master traditional artistic skills. My process starts by generating an artwork idea through an AI platform. But I don’t stop there—post-processing is where I bring everything to life.

Once the artwork is generated, I make significant modifications. I use post-processing software to adjust elements, resize, enhance colors, and remove backgrounds when necessary. This allows me to create polished, professional-looking designs ready for print. AI provides me with the flexibility and creativity to produce unique pieces that resonate with potential customers, and it continues to be the foundation of my creative process.

Branching into Text-Based Designs

While I initially focused only on artwork, over the past year, I started experimenting with text-based designs. This has been a new and exciting challenge for me. But even when I use text, I always blend it with my visual art instincts by pairing the text with a graphic element. This combination keeps my designs engaging and visually appealing, maintaining the style that I’ve developed over the year.

For instance, if I create a design with a motivational or humorous quote, I make sure to include a complementary graphic that enhances the overall message. This balance between text and imagery keeps my designs both fresh and expressive. Exploring text-based designs is something I’m excited to continue as I grow my catalog.

My First Sale and What It Taught Me

Two weeks into my Merch by Amazon journey, I made my first sale. That moment felt like pure validation—my designs were resonating with someone, somewhere, and it was an incredible feeling. I remember checking my dashboard and seeing that sale notification. It was a small milestone, but it meant everything to me.

More than just the excitement of income, that first sale was proof that what I was doing had potential. The most important lesson I learned was patience. Success wasn’t going to come overnight, but it was within reach. That sale motivated me to keep refining my designs, uploading more consistently, and trusting the process.

The Reality of Slow Growth

After the high of my first sale, I quickly realized that growth was going to be slow and steady. Sales didn’t flood in as quickly as I had hoped. Some months brought a handful of sales, while others were more successful. During quieter periods, I questioned if my designs were good enough or if I was missing something.

But I learned that slow growth is normal, especially in a crowded market like Merch by Amazon. With so many sellers and designers competing for attention, standing out takes time. Those slower months were a learning experience, teaching me resilience and the importance of staying the course.

I stayed consistent, uploading new designs regularly—whether artwork-based or my newer text-graphic combinations. Slowly but surely, sales began to add up. By the six-month mark, I had made 128 sales. For some, that might not seem like much, but for me, every sale felt like a victory. Progress, however small, is still progress, and that’s what kept me going.

Reflecting on 242 Sales: Progress, Not Perfection

Fast forward to today, and I’ve made 242 sales in my first year. I won’t deny that there were moments of comparison—seeing other sellers reach that number in just weeks or months made me wonder if I was moving too slowly. But I learned that everyone’s journey is different. Comparison can steal your joy if you let it.

Those 242 sales are more than just numbers. They represent growth—every design, every hour spent learning and improving, and every moment of self-doubt and triumph. Most importantly, they symbolize the beginning of what I believe will be a long-term venture rather than a one-year sprint.

What Helped Me Succeed

Looking back, a few key strategies helped me stay motivated and see success throughout my first year:

1. Leverage AI Tools: Using AI artwork generators has been a huge advantage. It allows me to produce detailed, eye-catching designs quickly, helping me stand out in a competitive market.

2. Quality Over Quantity: I quickly learned that rushing to upload as many designs as possible wasn’t the answer. A smaller collection of high-quality, well-thought-out designs performed better than hundreds of rushed ones.

3. Consistency: Even during slower months, I stayed consistent. Whether by uploading new designs, tweaking old ones, or experimenting with new styles, I kept pushing forward.

4. Pair Text with Graphics: For text-based designs, I always combined them with visuals. This kept my style consistent and allowed me to branch into text while still focusing on my strength—artwork.

Looking Ahead: Goals for Year Two

As I enter my second year on Merch by Amazon, I reflect on how I approached things from day one. I didn’t gradually branch out to new products. From the start, I made sure my artwork was available on all product types—whether t-shirts, pillows, popsockets, phone cases, or tote bags. This diversification allowed me to reach a wider audience and increase my chances of making sales across various categories.

Additionally, I enabled my designs to sell in all available marketplaces, not just the U.S. This global reach has helped me gain traction with customers from all over the world, further expanding my potential for success.

Final Thoughts

As I look forward to my second year, I feel optimistic. My 242 sales may seem small to some, but they are the foundation of something bigger. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.

To anyone just starting their journey on Merch by Amazon, remember this: progress doesn’t happen overnight. Stay consistent, keep learning, and most of all, enjoy the process. Success is on the horizon!

Summertime Sales and Outlook on Print on Demand

 It's been a while since I last shared my thoughts, and a lot has happened since then. Life has been incredibly busy, and finding the time to reflect on my experiences with Print on Demand has been challenging. The journey has been filled with hard work and dedication, often with minimal financial return. Despite the modest income, I find great satisfaction in the process.

Currently, I am fortunate to be in a position where I can pursue this passion without the pressure of an external job. I don't have children to care for, but I do have a husband who is mentally unstable and unable to work. He suffers from schizophrenia, and this is the primary reason I choose to stay home. It is my responsibility to look after him and be there for him during difficult times. This role can be daunting and unpredictable, but it is a commitment I made when I chose to be with him, through better or worse. We have our share of good days, but the past two weeks have been particularly challenging.

Turning back to my Print on Demand journey, the summer months have seen a noticeable slowdown in sales. This isn't due to a lack of effort on my part; I continue to invest time and creativity into my work. However, the nature of the business means that sales naturally dip during this period. As those who are familiar with Print on Demand, especially on platforms like Merch by Amazon, will know, the majority of sales are concentrated in the last quarter of the year.

Despite the slower sales, I still manage to make between 10-20 sales a month. At the current price points, this translates to less than $100.00 per month. While this isn't a substantial income, the joy I derive from creating and the flexibility it offers me are invaluable. I appreciate the ability to take breaks when necessary, whether for family emergencies or simply to recharge. Since starting in September 2023, I've taken advantage of this flexibility a few times, and it has been a blessing not to worry about job security or meeting someone else's schedule.

As we approach the busy holiday season, I'm preparing for an uptick in activity and sales. Reflecting on nearly a year with Merch by Amazon, I remain committed to this path, understanding that the world is ever-changing. While I cherish the autonomy this work provides, I am also realistic about the future. If circumstances require, I am prepared to seek employment outside the home.

For now, I continue to embrace the journey, balancing my responsibilities and passions with the challenges life presents.

Midsummer Update! Amazon, TeePublic and Redbubble.

 

Midsummer Update: Amazon, TeePublic, and Redbubble

Greetings, readers!

It's been a while since my last blog post, but I wanted to take a moment to update everyone who has been following my Print on Demand journey. Additionally, I have some exciting news to share about a personal project I’ve been working on.

First, let's talk about my print on demand ventures, specifically on Merch by Amazon, TeePublic, and Redbubble. As anticipated, the summer months have brought a noticeable slowdown in sales compared to the busy holiday season of November and December 2023. This seasonal dip is expected, but I’ve been diligently maintaining all my shops, regularly uploading new designs and updating older ones.

Now, for the exciting news: I’ve been revising and retyping my book, originally published in 2007. This Romance/Time Travel/Paranormal novel, titled Forbidden Shores, was initially released without professional editing, resulting in numerous typos and structural issues. Consequently, it sold fewer than five copies. However, I am thrilled to announce that a cleaner, more refined version will be available for pre-order on Amazon starting October 4, 2024. If you enjoy adventure and romance, this book is sure to captivate you!

That’s all for now. I hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic summer!

Best regards,

Birdsnstuff (Anjeanette Hail)

Thriving in the Print on Demand World!

 Hey everyone!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates about my journey in the Print on Demand world. For the past nine months, I've been diving deep into creating new designs every single day. The consistent effort is truly starting to pay off.

On Merch by Amazon, I'm now making regular sales, which is incredibly motivating. Seeing my creations come to life and being appreciated by customers is such a rewarding experience. I am currently generating anywhere between 13-24 sales a month on Merch on Amazon. With my best month this year being in March at 24 sales and my least best month being this month currently. My total Earnings from Merch on Amazon since I started back in September of 2023 is $1,091.92 But that's not all! Over on TeePublic and Redbubble, I'm making 2 to 4 sales each month. It might seem modest, but each sale feels like a small victory, pushing me to create even more. My Most recent sale on Redbubble was to someone in Kent, United Kingdom of a Pink Marbled swirl with gold flecks pattern on a Throw Blanket and it was just yesterday on May 18th that I Made this sale! I made over $12 in royalties on this single sale. Yepee!

What keeps me going? Fresh ideas and endless motivation! Each day is a new opportunity to bring my creative visions to life and share them with the world. Whether it’s a quirky design, an inspiring quote, or something completely out of the box, I'm always excited to see how it resonates with you all.

Thank you for your support and encouragement! Here's to more designs, more sales, and more creative adventures. Keep an eye out for new releases—I promise you, there's a lot more coming your way!

Stay creative and keep dreaming big!

Cheers,
Birdsnstuff (Anjeanette Hail)

Welcome back to another exciting update on My Print on Demand Journey!

 Hey there, fellow creators and enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting update on my print-on-demand journey. If you've been following along, you know it's been quite the ride filled with twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's dive into the latest happenings!

December kicked off the festivities with a bang, bringing in a total of 47 sales on Merch on Amazon, netting around $275.00 in royalties. What a way to end the year, right? But as we all know, the print-on-demand world is a wild one, and January decided to throw a curveball with only 11 sales and a few pesky returns. Nevertheless, I stayed optimistic because, hey, it's all part of the adventure!

February rolled around, and things picked up steam once more. With 18 sales and over $120.00 in royalties, I was back in the game, baby! March? Well, let's just say it's shaping up to be another promising month with 14 sales already under my belt as of today.

****UPDATE**** My March Sales have been more than I expected! It is currently April 1, 2024 and I finished strong with 27 with 3 returns so 24 total. Best Month so far this Year!

But wait, there's more! While Merch on Amazon has been my trusty steed, TeePublic has been giving me some pleasant surprises lately. Sure, the sales might be sporadic, but compared to last year, I'm definitely seeing some growth. And let's not forget about spreading my wings to new platforms!

I recently dipped my toes into Spreadshop and Spreadshirt, cooking up some fresh designs to tantalize the masses. Oh, and speaking of designs, I've been having a blast exploring Playground.ai with my shiny new pro account. The extra perks are a game-changer, let me tell you.

But the fun doesn't stop there. I've also joined the ranks of Vecteezy.com and Adobe Stock, determined to up my game in the world of stock photography and design. And who could forget about the quirky world of Viralstyle? It's a bit different from what I'm used to, but hey, variety is the spice of life!

And let's not overlook the anticipation of awaiting acceptance from Designs by Humans. Fingers crossed, folks! With all these irons in the fire, I'm feeling more invigorated than ever to keep pushing forward and exploring new horizons.

So, there you have it, folks! Another chapter in my print-on-demand escapades. I promise to keep you updated as the journey unfolds, and hey, feel free to swing by and check out my latest creations. Who knows? You might just find something that sparks joy in your life.

Until next time, keep creating, keep dreaming, and remember: the sky's the limit in this colorful world of print-on-demand! Cheers to the adventure ahead! 🎨✨