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Creating a digital product for Etsy can feel like a daunting task. What do customers really want? Will your idea stand out? Don’t worry—I’ve been there. Today, I’m walking you through a step-by-step approach to creating a bestselling digital product in two high-performing Etsy niches: weddings and pets.
If you’re wondering how to create something unique and high-demand, this post is for you. We’ll focus on custom wedding drink signs with pet portraits, a personalized product idea that’s charming, marketable, and sure to grab attention. With sellers currently making over $7,000 a month in this niche, it’s a recipe for success.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to research, design, and prepare your product for launch using tools like Kittl and BeFunky. Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s create something amazing your customers will love.
Watch the full tutorial here:
Why Custom Wedding Drink Signs Work
Weddings and pets. These are two of the most popular categories on Etsy, and combining them is pure gold. Think about it—people are obsessed with personalizing their weddings and showing off their furry friends. A custom drink sign featuring their pet? That’s the kind of unique touch that makes the big day unforgettable.
The key is personalization. Customers love seeing products that feel tailor-made for them. By including portraits of their pets, playful drink names, and wedding details, you’re delivering something meaningful. It’s more than just decoration—it’s a keepsake.
And here’s the thing: you’re not just creating art; you’re solving a problem. Couples want creative ways to wow guests, and a sign like this does the trick.
Researching Your Design Idea
Before you jump into designing, let’s answer a critical question: will this idea sell? To find out, I recommend market research on Etsy.
Start by searching for terms like “custom wedding bar signs” or “pet wedding décor.” Scroll through the results and note listings marked as “Bestseller” or “Trending.” Look at what’s working for other sellers. Why are their designs resonating? Is it the layout, colors, or font? Write down any trends you spot.
I also use a tool called EverBee to take research even further. EverBee analyzes Etsy sales data, uncovers trending keywords, and pinpoints high-performing products. It’s a huge time-saver and gives you real insights into what buyers want.
Pro tip: Popular examples I’ve found include dog-themed signature drink signs, his-and-hers cocktail menus, and bar signs with pet illustrations. Use these as inspiration but add your own creative spin.
Designing Your Wedding Sign in Kittl
Now it’s time to put your idea into action. For this, I use Kittl. It’s my go-to design software for several reasons: gorgeous fonts, built-in text effects, and the ability to create high-quality print files.
Here’s how to design your custom drink sign:
1. Set Up Your Dimensions
Start by creating a new project in Kittl with dimensions optimized for printing. I recommend a 24×36-inch canvas at 300 DPI. This size ensures your design maintains high-quality resolution, even on a large-scale poster.
2. Add Key Elements
Your wedding sign should include:
- Pet portrait(s)
- Custom cocktail names (like “The Bella Margarita”)
- Fun drink descriptions or ingredients
- Wedding details (the couple’s names and date)
Tip: To give the drinks a creative flair, use watercolor-style cocktails. Kittl’s AI Image Generator can create stunning clip-art elements for drinks like margaritas, martinis, and mojitos. Choose the “Watercolor” style for a polished, artistic look.
3. Use Stunning Fonts
Typography matters. Wedding designs often feature script fonts paired with clean, modern fonts for balance. Kittl offers advanced typographic tools like ligatures and customizable text effects, letting you elevate your design instantly. Experiment with different layouts to make the text pop while staying elegant.
Example font suggestions:
- Script: “Mogan” for a handwritten feel
- Serif: Clean modern fonts like “Monstera”
4. Polish the Layout
Organize your content and use alignment tools in Kittl to maintain clean spacing. Consider including a border or other decorative elements to frame the design.
Elevating Pet Portraits with BeFunky
A major selling point of this product is the pet portrait. To make them stand out, I use BeFunky to create a watercolor effect that complements the rest of the design.
How to Transform Pet Photos:
Background Removal
Upload the customer’s pet photo to BeFunky. Use the Background Remover tool to isolate the pet. This creates a clean, professional look.Apply the Watercolor Effect
Navigate to the “Artsy” section and choose the “Watercolor” filter. This effect turns a standard pet photo into a gorgeous piece of art.Save and Integrate
Once the effect is applied, save the portrait as a PNG file with a transparent background. Import it into Kittl and place it alongside your cocktail artwork.
By combining the watercolor pet portrait with the vibrant cocktail clip art, you’ve got a visually stunning piece that feels personal and high-end.
Completing and Refining Your Design
With all your elements in place, it’s time to tweak and refine. Play around with:
- Colors: Make sure the overall palette feels cohesive. Pastels often work well for weddings.
- Spacing: Check that all text and images feel balanced on the canvas.
- Variations: Create a few alternative designs so customers can choose a style that best fits their theme.
Finally, export the design and ensure it’s print-ready with accurate dimensions and high resolution.
Take the Next Step with Kittl
Now that you’ve seen how to create a polished, in-demand product, why not try it for yourself? I highly recommend Kittl for this process—it’s hands-down the best tool for creating professional designs without needing advanced skills.
And I’ve got a special deal for you! Use my code ALICIAYT to get 25% off your first month or year on any paid plan. Click the link below to start your free trial and take advantage of this discount:
Click here to try Kittl for FREE
What’s Next?
This was Part 1. In Part 2, we’ll cover how to create mock-up images, set up your Etsy listing, and handle orders like a pro. These steps ensure everything runs smoothly once the orders start coming in.
Are you excited to start creating your custom wedding drink signs? Let me know how your designs turn out, and don’t forget to watch the full tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KoUgB-reDY
Start designing something your customers will cherish forever!
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