Society6 vs. Inprnt: A Detailed Comparison for Artists

Choosing the right print-on-demand platform to sell your artwork can feel overwhelming. Two popular choices, Society6 and Inprnt, frequently appear in online searches and artist discussions, leaving many wondering, “Which one is right for me?” This detailed comparison will analyze Society6 vs Inprnt, focusing on print quality, pricing, packaging, target audience, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Society6: A One-Stop Shop for Artists

Society6 is a popular platform known for its diverse product range, extending beyond art prints to include home decor items like tapestries, throw pillows, and blankets, as well as apparel, tech accessories, and more. This makes it a one-stop shop for artists looking to monetize their designs across various merchandise.

Key Features of Society6:

  • Simple Setup: Creating a shop and uploading designs is straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Artist Control: You control your profit margins by setting markups on each product.
  • Wide Audience: Society6 has a large built-in customer base, potentially driving more traffic to your work.
  • Marketing Tools: The platform provides some marketing features and regularly runs promotions to boost sales.

Inprnt: A Curated Platform for Art Prints

Inprnt distinguishes itself with its curated approach, focusing exclusively on high-quality art prints. It’s known for its discerning artist selection process and commitment to delivering premium prints on gallery-grade paper.

Key Features of Inprnt:

  • Selective Community: Artists undergo an application process to ensure the platform maintains a high standard of artwork.
  • Exceptional Quality: Inprnt uses archival paper, inks, and a sophisticated printing process for exceptional color accuracy and detail reproduction.
  • Higher Profit Potential: Generally, Inprnt offers artists larger profit margins compared to Society6.
  • Strong Reputation: The platform is recognized for its focus on quality, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors.

Society6 vs. Inprnt: A Head-to-Head Comparison

While both platforms offer print-on-demand services for artists, their strengths and weaknesses differ, influencing your experience and potential success. Let’s break down a direct comparison:

Print Quality

A critical factor for any artist is print quality. Inprnt’s use of archival quality, 100% cotton rag, acid-free paper, coupled with a 10-color printing system, delivers noticeably thicker prints with deep blacks and excellent color accuracy. In contrast, Society6, while offering giclée prints, utilizes thinner paper, and the color accuracy, though good, doesn’t quite match the richness and depth of Inprnt.

Pricing and Profit Margins

Society6 attracts budget-conscious buyers with lower base prices for prints. However, Inprnt grants artists greater control over pricing, enabling higher profit margins per print. Frequent sales and promotions on Society6 can impact artist earnings, as buyers might wait for discounts.

Packaging and Shipping

Both platforms provide protective packaging. Society6 uses cardboard envelopes, while Inprnt utilizes flat cardboard mailers with protective plastic sleeves. Inprnt’s approach is more robust, minimizing bending risks during shipping. Both platforms’ shipping times vary based on location, with potential customs fees for international artists.

Target Audience and Marketing

Society6’s diverse product range attracts a broad customer base, ideal for artists seeking passive income from various merchandise sales. Conversely, Inprnt’s curated approach draws a niche audience of art enthusiasts and collectors valuing high-quality prints, requiring artists to be more proactive in marketing.

Society6 or Inprnt: Making the Right Choice

Determining the best platform between Society6 and Inprnt boils down to your individual goals as an artist.

Choose Society6 if:

  • You aim for a wider reach with diverse product offerings beyond prints.
  • A broad, diverse customer base and potential passive income appeal to you.
  • You prefer a user-friendly setup with built-in marketing tools.

Choose Inprnt if:

  • High-quality art prints on premium materials with archival inks are your priority.
  • You desire larger profit margins and greater control over pricing.
  • You target a niche audience of art enthusiasts and collectors willing to pay a premium.

Consider factors like your target audience, desired profit margin, and desired involvement in marketing and promotion when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Inprnt accept all artists?

No, Inprnt maintains a high standard of artwork through a selective application and curation process for its artist community.

Are the colors on Inprnt prints accurate?

Reviewers consistently find Inprnt’s color accuracy to be excellent, although slight variations may occur due to individual monitor calibrations.

Do Inprnt prints come with a border?

Yes, all Inprnt prints feature a minimum 1-inch border to accommodate framing.

How long does it take for Inprnt to ship prints?

Shipping times vary depending on the location. Within the US, delivery typically occurs within a week and a half.

Can I sell other products besides prints on Inprnt?

Inprnt currently specializes solely in art prints, whereas Society6 offers a more extensive product catalog.