u/nettlesonbagels

I've been on etsy for years and for my shops I always took a lot of time to try take accurate photos for listings to make sure the buyer knew what to expect for both our sakes.

After emigrating though I started fresh with a new shop 3 weeks ago and from doing market research it seems like now the meta is all ai generated backgrounds or products edited into faux showrooms.

I feel like as a buyer I don't trust those too-perfect setups and especially with ai ones I don't know if what I'm paying for is genuine or handmade. If ai is used for the listing's is the art also going to be ai? Is it even a real store?

So I haven't done any of it for my new shop and have stuck to just taking various photos of my prints in natural lighting with some close-ups. I'm doing okay with this so far and have 23 sales since May 1st, but what are your guys thoughts on the new mockup meta both from a buyer and seller perspective?
Do you find them a bit uncanny as a buyer?
Is it just a matter of convenience as a seller?

Looking to go to as many as I can this summer, and also into the possibility of applying to some if the themes and vibes match my work (and if there’s still space).

I’d also especially love to get to know some other arty people in the area!

I only spend maybe 40$ on art supplies a month currently but was considering buying a one off tool for $475.
The process of making an account on the phone seems a bit clunky for just one order, is there actually a benefit or worthwhile reason to making one when I'm not currently doing anything large scale?

I had a shop in ireland for 6 years making decorative candles shaped like animals so I'm not new to etsy, but I couldn't bring any of my supplies with me to the usa (and honestly I needed a break from candles).
Now instead I carve and hand press linocut prints part inspired by nature and part inspired by ireland. I was thinking there's enough american themed art out here in the midwest so I'd bring something that's culturally mine to the table instead.

My shop only opened on the 1st of may so the setup is very new, I'm still working on getting better listing photos and I have a long list of new carvings I'm still working on but as anyone who carves lino knows they take a little time to make. I'd like to make some carving prints of native wildlife, irish neolithic carvings and some mythological themes next.

etsy.com/shop/fernrua is my shop, I'd really appreciate any constructive criticism or feedback that you might have! it's hard starting out in a new country without a community around you so I'd really like to put my best into my work.