Do Etsy Trends Matter in Print on Demand?
Should I Try and Keep Up with Etsy Trends?
Keeping up with what’s trending on Etsy is a powerful way to grow a successful poster shop. But when it comes to wall art and print-on-demand, it’s not about chasing every seasonal fad—it’s about knowing how to spot trends and how to respond in a way that works long-term.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to track Etsy trends (especially for posters), how to find best-sellers without copying them, and why timeless designs will always win.
Start with Etsy’s Trend Reports
Etsy releases regular Trend Reports and seasonal roundups on their Seller Handbook and Newsroom. These are based on:
- Search data
- Buyer behavior
- Holiday and seasonal patterns
Head to Etsy’s Seller Handbook and look for articles like:
- “Etsy’s Top Search Trends This Spring”
- “2025 Home Decor Trends”
- “Trending Gifts Buyers Are Looking For”
These give you a macro-level look at what shoppers are browsing for right now. For example, recently sardines have been in fashion! It’s a bit bonkers what becomes trending on Etsy haha. It’s an interesting read, take a look here.
Use Etsy Search to Spot Poster-Specific Trends
You can do your own trend research directly on Etsy—here’s how:
- Type a keyword like “poster” or “wall art” into the Etsy search bar
- Look at the autocomplete suggestions – these are based on real searches
- Click into listings that rank high in results
- Check how many sales and reviews the shop has
- Look at what tags they’re using (scroll down to the bottom of the listing)
- Notice repeat themes or styles across multiple best-sellers:
- Color palettes (neutral, pastel, bold)
- Design types (minimalist, vintage, abstract)
- Subjects (travel, affirmations, line art, astrology)
This can help you spot what’s currently resonating without needing to copy directly. Also, some shops let you see exactly what they have sold. If their number of sales is a clickable link, you can see exactly what they are selling! It is worth a look.
Don’t Steal—Be Inspired
It’s tempting to look at a viral poster and just recreate it. But:
- That’s not sustainable
- You’ll blend into a sea of copycats
- Etsy may penalize duplicated content, especially with copyrighted themes
Instead:
- Use trending designs as inspiration for your own take
- Remix the idea using different fonts, palettes, or artistic styles
- Think: “How would I reinterpret this to match my shop?”
Your shop should grow around your own signature style, not just the trend of the week.
Trends Come and Go. Timeless Posters Sell Forever.
There’s nothing wrong with following trends—but avoid going all-in on short-term seasonal themes, especially with posters. We generally recommend not investing heavily in designs that are only relevant for a few weeks like:
- Easter prints
- Christmas wall art
- Very specific holiday decor
These may spike in December or April, but they don’t generate sales the rest of the year. Instead, use your time to create:
- Posters with evergreen appeal (botanical, abstract, travel, motivational)
- Art with universal relevance (affirmations, minimalist line drawings, color-block prints)
- Niche content that people search for all year (astrology, animals, vintage ads, maps)
These are the listings that will continue to make you money—every single day.
Is My Shop Trend-able Enough?
Whether you should, or are able to, keep up with trends also largely depends on the type of poster shop you have.
For example, if you’re selling travel prints, it is much better just to keep listing as many locations as you can, without worrying about what is trending.
However, if you sell more general home decor/art prints, there may be more room for you to keep up with trends. If you can create a good poster at the start of a trend—there is a high chance you may end up with an Etsy best seller!
Final Thoughts: Trends Are Tools, Not Rules
Trends can help spark new ideas, uncover gaps in your catalogue, and drive traffic to your shop—but they shouldn’t define your entire business.
- Use trends to inspire new creative directions
- Pair trending ideas with timeless poster styles
- And always remember to stay true to your visual voice
When in doubt: be original, test consistently, and focus on quality designs that people will love today—and in five years.
Need help spotting trends or building a timeless poster strategy? PrintShrimp’s here to help you grow a brand that lasts 😝