May 10, 2023 | 17 minute read

2023 Etsy Design Awards Seller Guide

We want to see the best of your shop! Submit your most unique piece to be considered.

Avatar image for Katy Svehaug by Katy Svehaug
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The 2023 Etsy Design Awards is a salute to our inspiring sellers—and their unique items that blow our minds. Sound like you? Then show us! Submit your most unique piece to be considered.

There are more opportunities to win than ever before—from money and ad credits for your shop to some extra promo, here’s what you’ll enjoy if you’re selected as an award winner or one of our 150 finalists.

Read on to learn more about this year’s competition, then enter your submission here. Submissions will be open from May 11 through May 26, 2023.

Prizing

Submit your item for consideration to be named the Grand Prize Etsy Design Award Winner, the Winners’ Choice Winner (new this year!), the People’s Pick Etsy Design Award Winner, one of fifteen Category Etsy Design Award Winners, or one of 150 finalists.

1 Grand Prize Etsy Design Award Winner

  • $25,000 USD cash prize

Chosen by Sarah Jessica Parker and Dayna Isom Johnson

1 Winners’ Choice Award Winner

  • $5,000 USD cash prize

Chosen by previous Grand Prize Etsy Design Award winners

1 People’s Pick Etsy Design Award Winner

  • $5,000 USD cash prize

Voted on by the Etsy community

15 Category Etsy Design Award Winners

  • $1,500 USD cash prize per winner

Chosen by Sarah Jessica Parker and Dayna Isom Johnson

All winners will also receive:

  • A winner shop badge
  • Mentorship from Etsy experts
  • Features on Etsy’s marketing channels, including social media, blog, email, and an Editor’s Picks page

All finalists will receive:

  • $100 USD Etsy Gift Card
  • Finalist Shop Badge
  • $50 USD in Etsy Ads credits
  • 50 listing credits
  • Promotion on Etsy’s marketing channels, including social media, blog, email, and an Editors’ Picks page

Enter now

Categories

Select the option that best represents your vintage or handmade listing.

Category Details
Art Digital/Physical Prints, Drawing & Illustrations, Painting, Sculpture, Glass Art, Fiber Art, Fine Art Ceramics, and more
Accessories Bags & Purses, Keychains, Headbands, Totes, Hats/Caps, Handbags, Scarves/Wraps, Hair Accessories, Shoes, Backpacks, Belts, and more
Furniture Living/Dining/Bedroom, Entryway, Office, Patio Furniture, Fire Pits, Garden Boxes, Mailboxes, Planters, Outdoor Games, and more
Holiday Home Decor, Signage, Ornaments/Accents, Kitchen & Dining, Clothing, Paper & Party, and more
Home Decor Wall Decor, Rugs, Wreaths, Candles & Holders, Accents, Frames, Pillows, Vases, Clocks, Mirrors, and more
Jewelry Rings, Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Watches, Jewelry Storage, and more
Kids Kids Furniture, Bedding, Kids Decor/Mobiles, Baby & Toddler Toys, Stuffed Animals/Dolls, Learning & School, Games & Puzzles, Kids/Baby Clothing, Sets, Rompers, Pajamas, and more
Kitchen & Dining Drink & Barware, Dining & Serving, Cookware, Kitchen Storage, Kitchen Decor, Coffee/Tea Makers, and more
Lighting Chandeliers, Pendant lights, Lamps, Sconces, Shades, Fixtures, Lanterns & Outdoor Lighting, and more
Men's Clothing Casual/Dress Shirts, Pants, Jacket/Coats, Blazers/Suits, Pajamas/Robes, Costumes, Custom Clothing, Linen, Tops/Tees/Sweatshirts, and more
Pets Collars & Leashes, Clothing, Beds/Furniture, Toys, and more
Personalized Gifts Signage, Wall Decor & Mementos, Drink & Barware, Personalized Jewelry, Bridesmaid/Groomsmen/Couple Gifts, Blankets, Accessories, and more
Women's Clothing Dresses, Jackets/Coats, Pajamas/Robes, Lingerie, Skirts, Sweaters, Pants/Shorts, Swimwear, Blazers/Suits, Jumpsuits/Rompers, and more
Weddings & Celebrations Party Supplies, Greeting Cards, Stationary, Calendars, Invitations, Giftwrap, Wedding Favors, Decor/Signage, Dresses, Guest Books, and more

Meet the judges

Meet the judges who will be selecting this year’s standouts:

Grand Prize Award and Category Award judges

  • Sarah Jessica Parker is an award-winning actor, producer and businesswoman who has garnered four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Parker starred as Carrie Bradshaw and served as an executive producer for the hit HBO television series 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004). She reprised her role and produced the screen adaptation of the series with the theatrical release of 'Sex and the City' and 'Sex and the City 2'. Parker recently starred opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, in the revival of one of the great American comedies, 'Plaza Suite', by Neil Simon. The show is the third-highest grossing play revival in Broadway history. Parker recently launched SJP Lit, her own imprint in partnership with independent publisher Zando, where she will publish thought-provoking, big-hearted stories inclusive of international and underrepresented voices. In 2014, Parker launched her namesake label, SJP, which is now a global retail brand with seven permanent stand-alone stores, including a recently opened flagship store in New York City on the corner of Bleecker and Perry Streets. Sarah Jessica also served as a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama Administration.​
  • Dayna Isom Johnson is the trend expert for Etsy and a judge on the NBC primetime series ‘Making It’. As part of her role at Etsy, Dayna is responsible for keeping her finger on the pulse of the hottest trends on the market. She is in constant pursuit of new and unique finds on Etsy in an effort to unearth the latest and greatest designs, up-and-coming Etsy shops, and sellers with exciting stories.

Winners’ Choice Award judges

Our previous Grand Prize Etsy Design Award Winners know a thing or two about what makes a winning creation. So, we’ve asked these awarded artisans to select their very own finalist to receive the Winners’ Choice Etsy Design Award. Meet the panel below!

  • Tim Stevenson, forward-thinking designer from the UK-based shop WeAreLunarium and the 2022 winner of the Etsy Design Awards.
  • Candice Luter, US-based interior designer specializing in bold statements across fiber, glass, and macramé arts from the shop ShopCandiceLuter and the 2021 winner of the Etsy Design Awards.
  • Adrian Pool, Martinus Pool, and Anne Tranholm, the design trio from Canada behind the shop AdrianMartinus and the 2020 winner of the Etsy Design Awards.
  • Sian Zeng, design enthusiast and wallpaper artist behind the shop SianZeng and winner of the 2019 Etsy Design Awards.

People’s Pick Award

The People’s Pick Award winner will be determined by a community vote that will take place once the finalists are announced in June.

The statements above are provided by each brand/person and are not endorsed by Etsy.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Eye-catching craft: Does your item showcase your unique craftsmanship and skill?
  • Bold vision: Is your item stunning, best-in-class, unique or imaginative?
  • Personal story: Your maker or curator story.
  • Top-notch branding: Does your shop feature high-quality photography, clear, compelling descriptions, and excellent customer service?You can read more about the criteria here.

How to enter

Ready to submit your item? Complete your entry in just three steps.

Step One: Take a moment to confirm that you are eligible to apply. Please review the full Submission Terms before entering.

Step Two: Next, double-check that your shop is in tip-top shape. Below are some helpful ways to make it stand out from the rest. Note that your item must have at least three photos, and your shop must have five or more listings.

Step Three: Submit your most unique, high-quality listing for a chance to win.

Enter now

Tips for perfecting your submission

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind before submitting your listing:

  • A strong item submission. Make sure you pick your shining star item—it should be original, innovative, high quality, have a wow factor, and serve a purpose.
  • Great photos and a listing video. Your listing should have high-quality imagery with a strong aesthetic to show off your branding and tell a cohesive story. Include at least five photos from various angles. Better yet, use all 10 photo spots and add a listing video to show off what makes your item incredible. Find more insights on lighting, shooting, and editing your photos and videos on the Seller Handbook.
  • An optimized listing and shop. Make sure your listing is set up for success by using all 13 tags and filling out your item description with clear, compelling language. Also, make sure you have at least five listings, complete your shop policies, and consider shipping globally and offering free shipping.
  • Your story. We want to hear about your maker/curator story to learn more about you and your shop, so make sure you share it in your about section. Share where you draw your inspiration from and how your shop came to be. Read How to Craft a Killer About Section for more tips.

Additional resources:

  • Looking for some help? Peer to peer listing critiques are a great way to get feedback before you enter. Also in the Forums, Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson shares what she and Sarah Jessica Parker will be looking for when choosing the Grand Prize Award Winner and the 15 Category Etsy Design Award Winners.

  • Get to know the Winners of Etsy’s 2022 Design Awards! Feast your eyes on all the creative genius on display in last year’s top designs, and discover the people—and the passion—behind the products.

  • Meet EDA Grand Prize Winner Tim Stevenson of WeAreLunarium. Tim started creating their geometric wall hangings as a way to add a unique touch to a recently renovated home. Tim’s designs have since garnered many fans and admirers, and even an Etsy Design Award.

FAQs

Q: What are the Etsy Design Awards?

A: The Etsy Design Awards (aka The Etsies) is Etsy’s global awards program. Honoring the work of sellers from around the world and across multiple categories, The Etsies celebrate Etsy’s global community of creative entrepreneurs and shines a spotlight on their unique talents. From 150 finalists, one seller will be crowned the Etsy Design Awards Grand Prize winner, while 15 others will be named Etsy Design Awards winners in each featured category. In addition to these awards, our previous Grand Prize Etsy Design Award winners will select one finalist to receive the first-ever Winners' Choice Award. The People’s Pick Etsy Design Award winner will be determined by a community vote, which will open when the finalists are announced in June 2023.

Q: What item should I submit from my shop?

Some questions to consider when choosing which item to enter are:

  • Does this item best represent my talents?
  • Does this item have a “wow” factor?
  • Does this item have an interesting backstory?
  • Is this item made with unique materials?
  • Does this listing have high-quality photography?

Q: What are the criteria my product will be judged on?

A: While your item does not need to meet all of these criteria, below is a breakdown of what will be considered:

  • Eye-catching craft: Does your item showcase your unique craftsmanship and skill?
  • Bold vision: Is your item stunning, best-in-class, unique or imaginative?
  • Personal story: Your maker or curator story.
  • Top-notch branding: Does your shop feature high-quality photography, clear, compelling descriptions, and excellent customer service?

Q: How are the Etsy Design Awards winners determined?

A: Etsy will narrow down all the applicants to a maximum of 150 total finalists across the 15 categories. After the initial review, the Etsy Design Awards judging panel will be reviewing and selecting finalists according to the criteria above to determine the Etsy Design Awards Grand Prize Winner and the fifteen Etsy Design Awards Category Winners. The Winners' Choice Award winner will be selected by our four previous Grand Prize Winners and the People’s Pick Award will be awarded to the top-voted finalist during the voting period in June 2023. Please see Submission Terms for details.

Q: Which category should I enter?

A: There are 15 categories to choose from. Please see our category breakdown to help determine which category best fits your item.

Q: Can I enter more than once?

A: You may enter one product per shop that you own. We recommend choosing the item that you feel best represents your talents.

Q: Do I need to have an Etsy shop to enter the Awards?

A: Yes, an Etsy seller account with at least five (5) active listings is required to enter the Etsy Design Awards.

Q: How do I enter the Awards?

A: To enter the Etsy Design Awards, simply follow the steps outlined here.

Q: Can I edit my submission?

A: You will have a chance to review your submission, but you must complete your submission when you start it. You will not be able to save it or return to it.

Q: What are the submission dates?

A: Submissions will be open from May 11, 2023 at 12:01 am ET until May 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET. Finalists will be notified in early to mid June and award winners will be announced in July 2023.

Q: What if I miss the deadline for submissions?

A: To be fair to all applicants, and in accordance with the Submission Terms, we are unable to accept entries after the submission deadline.

Q: What are the Awards rules and prizing details?

A: The Etsy Design Awards rules and prizing details can be found in the Submission Terms.

Q: What criteria must I meet in order to apply?

A: To qualify for an eligible submission, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Your shop is active.
  • Your shop has at least 5 listings.
  • Your submitted item has a minimum of 3 photos.
  • You are the owner of the shop and are submitting yourself (please do not enter on another shop’s behalf).
  • You are only submitting one submission per shop.
  • Your shop and items comply with Etsy Guidelines and Etsy Seller Guidelines.
  • If your item is vintage or one-of-a-kind, we require that you put this item on hold from the time you enter until finalists are announced in June. If your vintage or one-of-a-kind item sells during this period, your submission becomes null and void.

Q: Sellers from which countries are eligible to enter The Etsy Design Awards?

A: Sellers in the following countries may enter: United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Q: Why is my country not included?

A: While we’ve tried to be as inclusive of as many sellers globally as possible, due to legal restrictions, the Etsy Design Awards is not open to sellers in all countries.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare my shop for the Etsy Design Awards?

A: We’re looking for eye-catching listings from shops that offer a great customer experience. If you become a finalist, all eyes could be on your items. To prepare for a potential increase in traffic and to give your submission an edge, make sure your shop is in the best possible shape. That includes best practices like completing your shop policies, writing a descriptive yet easy to understand title and using all 13 tags in your submitted product’s listing, and of course, capturing all its best angles with at least five photos (read 7 Essential Types of Product Photos for ideas!). Want to take your submission to the next level? Include a listing video to really show off your product or its process. Bonus tip: Consider going the extra mile for customers and standing out to judges by shipping globally.

Q: How will I find out if I am a finalist?

A: Etsy will notify all finalists directly using the email address provided with their submission by mid to late June 2023. See the Submission Terms for more information.

Q: How will I find out if I am a winner?

A: Etsy will notify all winners directly using the email address provided with their submission by late June 2023. We will also notify the public of all the Award winners on Etsy.com no later than July 31, 2023. See the Submission Terms for more information.

Q: Can vintage sellers participate? What happens if my item sells during the Awards?

A: We love our vintage sellers – they continue to be a key reason buyers come to our marketplace looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items! And to give even more vintage sellers the opportunity to win an Etsy Design Award while showcasing the breadth of vintage items to shoppers, we are now incorporating vintage entries into all Etsy Design Awards categories, rather than limiting them to just one vintage-specific category.

If you have multiple quantities of your item, we suggest that you continue to replenish any sold listings submitted until the winners are announced. If your item is one-of-a-kind, we require that you put this item on hold from the time you enter until finalists are announced in June in order to remain eligible. If your item is selected as a finalist, we ask that your item remains on hold until December 31, 2023. Find more information on how you can reserve a listing here.

Q: How is the Winners' Choice Award winner chosen?

This year, we are tapping the previous four Grand Prize Etsy Design Award winners to select the first-ever Winners' Choice Award winner. Together, the previous Grand Prize Etsy Design Award winners will form a panel and select one finalist to receive this inaugural award.

Learn more about this year’s judges here.

Q: How is the People’s Pick Award winner chosen?

A: The People’s Pick Award is determined by community vote. Between June 21, 2023 and June 28, 2023, shoppers can vote for a finalist that they love using Etsy’s favoriting tool. To favorite an item, simply hover over the image of the item and click the heart button that appears. The People’s Pick Award winner will be determined by the item that receives the most eligible favorites during the voting period (June 21 - 28, 2023). See the Submission Terms for more information.

Q: I submitted my listing. Where is my free trial of Adobe Express?

For the first time ever, all sellers who enter the Etsy Design Awards will receive a free three month premium trial of Adobe Express. Adobe Express is a tool that helps creators easily make and share unique and beautiful content including social media posts, banners, and videos.

This special offer is available until February 28, 2024. Your free trial is good for three months from the day you redeem it. Applicants can expect to receive their trial link with directives for redeeming via email by Friday June 2, 2023. See Adobe Terms here.

Submission Terms | Terms of Use | Privacy | Interest-based ads | Enter now

Avatar image for Katy Svehaug Words by Katy Svehaug

Katy Svehaug is a Senior Content Strategist at Etsy.

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