In a world where trends come and go faster than ever, one thing remains timeless: simplicity. Whether it’s a sleek design on a coffee mug or a heartfelt quote on a tote bag, simple ideas continue to win hearts (and sales) on Etsy.
Let’s talk about why simplicity is your secret weapon in 2025 and how you can use it to make your print-on-demand shop shine.
- Wide Appeal Simple designs speak to a larger audience. A mug with “You Got This” in clean, bold lettering resonates with students, parents, and professionals alike. Complex designs, on the other hand, often have a narrower audience.
- Quick to Understand Shoppers often scroll quickly. A clear, simple design grabs attention and delivers the message instantly. People don’t want to spend time deciphering intricate patterns or tiny text.
- Timelessness Trends change, but simplicity never goes out of style. A minimalist quote or clean design will still look great years from now, unlike something tied to a passing trend.
Let’s clear up a few myths that might hold you back:
- “Simple means boring.” Nope! Simple designs can be playful, elegant, or even funny. It’s all about using the right font, colors, and message.
- “People want flashy.” Flashy might catch the eye, but simplicity holds attention. It’s easier to connect with a design that feels relatable and clean.
- “I need advanced skills to keep it simple.” Not true! Tools like Canva make it easy to create professional-looking simple designs, even for beginners.
Ready to create your own best-sellers? Here are some tips to nail simplicity:
- Focus on One Message Choose a single, clear idea for your design. For example, a shirt that says “Mom Life” with a small heart icon sends a strong, relatable message.
- Stick to Two Fonts Max Mixing too many fonts can make your design look messy. A bold font for the main message and a subtle one for accents work perfectly.
- Limit Colors Two to three colors are enough. Neutral tones with one pop of color tend to sell well because they’re versatile.
- Use White Space Don’t feel like you need to fill every inch of your product. Let the design breathe—it’ll look more professional and polished.
If you’re wondering what this looks like in action, here are some best-sellers on Etsy:
- Mugs: A white mug with “But First, Coffee” in black font.
- Tote Bags: A natural-colored tote with “Books > People” in bold lettering.
- T-Shirts: A gray tee with “Good Vibes Only” and a small sun icon.
These designs don’t reinvent the wheel, but they’re clear, relatable, and easy to fall in love with.
Etsy’s marketplace is unique. Shoppers come here looking for something personal, handmade, or meaningful. Simple designs fit perfectly into this vibe. They feel thoughtful but not overdone, and they’re easy to gift.
Plus, simple products are easier to customize, which is a huge win. Adding a name, date, or special phrase to a simple design makes it even more special—and that’s something Etsy buyers love.
Even with simple designs, it’s important to make your shop memorable. Here’s how:
- Focus on Gift Giving Don’t focus too much on the fancy design, instead think about the best events that it would be perfect for. For example: “Two Degrees Hotter” for a graduation gift.
- Target a Niche Focus on a specific group, like dog lovers or yoga enthusiasts. A mug that says “Namaste at Home” will catch the eye of your ideal customer.
- Focus on High-Quality Mockups Your listing photos matter. Use clean, professional mockups to showcase your designs. Tools like Canva make this super easy.
- Write Great Titles and Tags Use keywords that relate to the actual product. I teach all of this in the Low Hanging System :)
If you look at reviews for simple products, you’ll often see comments like:
- “Exactly what I was looking for! My wife will love it”
- “The design is simple but funny. Love it!”
- “Great quality and my son will be thrilled with his gift.”
These reviews tell us that simplicity doesn’t just sell—it leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re feeling inspired to embrace simplicity, now’s the perfect time to get started. Whether you’re creating mugs, totes, or tees, remember: less is more. Focus on clean designs, clear messages, and timeless appeal.
Want to learn more about succeeding with print on demand? Join our community and start turning your simple ideas into big wins today! Check out The Low Hanging System today and start your simple side hustle :)
