The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced Etsy, an online marketplace known for selling handmade crafts and unique gifts. Search results for ‘AI-generated’ on Etsy yield almost 49,000 results, including AI-made prints, t-shirt designs, and even instructions on how to use AI tools like Midjourney for profit.
While AI-generated creations can be found in numerous categories, the artificially created artwork remains the main highlight. The most expensive item on the platform is a JPEG painting generated by AI, depicting a 17th-century French village, with the price tag of $6,369. Despite the substantial cost, the product isn’t physically delivered to the buyer. Instead, buyers print the decorative piece themselves after purchasing and downloading the digital file.
The provider of this virtual artwork, ‘Dreamt Digital Studios’ from London, seems to maintain a strong customer base, reporting 77 sales and numerous positive reviews from individuals who value their art.
Among the variety of AI-created art available at other price points, an AI bot’s rendition of the city of Melbourne for $25 to $50 can be bought. Unlike the abovementioned JPEG, this art piece is physically printed and delivered to buyers. The seller, Graitprints, a small business from Melbourne, offers AI-generated prints of other locations, such as the Great Ocean Road, the Great Barrier Reef, and Brighton Beach Boxes.
Some may perceive selling such AI-created artwork on Etsy as a potential side gig, reminiscent of writers who profited handsomely from ChatGPT-written books. Controversially, Etsy sellers also offer ‘guides’ on earning a passive income by exploiting AI tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT. For as low as $4, interested persons can purchase these guides, with over 21,000 search results for the word “Midjourney” on the site.
One of the most popular sellers in this category, ’PowerfulStyle’ from California, retails its Midjourney guide for $27 and has received more than 1,700 positive reviews from grateful customers.
Etsy’s current policy for sellers requires everything listed for sale to be handmade, vintage, or a craft supply. However, these AI-generated products penetrating the marketplace indicate the platform’s difficulty enforcing this rule. While AI technology enhances the platform by offering unique offerings, it also presents Etsy with policy enforcement challenges. Despite these issues, the popularity of AI-generated artwork on Etsy highlights the immense potential of AI in the art industry.
