Society6 Review: Disrupting the Art Market and Empowering Collectors

As an antique collector and art expert with over two decades of experience, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have transformed the art market in recent years. The rise of online marketplaces, the democratization of art collecting, and the growing importance of digital media have all had a profound impact on how art is created, valued, and exchanged.

One company that exemplifies these trends is Society6, a leading print-on-demand marketplace that allows artists to sell their designs on a wide range of products, from art prints to home decor to apparel. Founded in 2009, Society6 has grown to become one of the largest and most influential platforms of its kind, with a community of over 300,000 independent artists from around the world.

In this in-depth review, I‘ll draw upon my expertise as a collector and art market observer to explore how Society6 is disrupting traditional models of art distribution and empowering a new generation of collectors. I‘ll examine the quality and value of Society6‘s products, compare them to traditional antique and contemporary artworks, and offer insights and tips for collectors looking to discover unique pieces on the platform. Finally, I‘ll share my vision for the future of the art market and the role that companies like Society6 will play in shaping it.

The Rise of Print-on-Demand Art Marketplaces

To understand the significance of Society6, it‘s important to situate the company within the broader context of the print-on-demand art market. Over the past decade, a number of online platforms have emerged that allow artists to upload their designs and sell them printed on a variety of products, without having to invest in inventory or shipping.

Some of the key players in this space include:

• Redbubble: Founded in 2006, Redbubble is one of the oldest and largest print-on-demand marketplaces, with over 700,000 independent artists and 50 million unique products.
• Zazzle: Launched in 2005, Zazzle offers a wide range of customizable products, from art prints to apparel to home goods, with a focus on personalization and unique designs.
• Fine Art America: Founded in 2006, Fine Art America specializes in high-quality art prints, framed artwork, and home decor, with a curated selection of works by independent artists.
• TeePublic: Launched in 2013, TeePublic is a popular marketplace for graphic tees and other apparel, with a focus on pop culture designs and fan art.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global print-on-demand market size was valued at $4.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.1% from 2021 to 2028. This rapid growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of e-commerce, the rise of social media as a channel for art discovery, and the growing demand for unique, personalized products.

Within this landscape, Society6 has emerged as one of the most successful and influential platforms, with a reputation for high-quality products, a diverse artist community, and a user-friendly experience for both creators and collectors. According to the company‘s website, Society6 has paid out over $100 million to independent artists since its founding, and its products have been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Architectural Digest.

The Impact of Society6 on the Art Market

As a collector and art market expert, one of the questions I‘m often asked is how the rise of platforms like Society6 is impacting the traditional art world. On the one hand, there‘s no denying that print-on-demand marketplaces are disrupting long-established models of art distribution and valuation. By making it easier than ever for artists to sell their work directly to consumers, these platforms are bypassing traditional gatekeepers like galleries, dealers, and auction houses.

At the same time, I believe that Society6 and its peers are playing an important role in democratizing art collecting and making it more accessible to a wider audience. Historically, the art market has been dominated by a small group of wealthy collectors and institutions, with high barriers to entry for everyday consumers. Platforms like Society6, however, are making it possible for anyone to discover and purchase unique, high-quality artworks at affordable prices.

This is borne out by the data on Society6‘s customer base. According to a survey conducted by the company in 2020, 60% of Society6 customers are under the age of 35, and 70% are purchasing art for the first time. This suggests that the platform is helping to cultivate a new generation of art collectors and enthusiasts who may not have previously had access to the market.

Furthermore, I believe that Society6 is playing an important role in supporting and empowering emerging artists around the world. By providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and reach a global audience, Society6 is helping to level the playing field and create new opportunities for creators who may have struggled to gain visibility in the traditional art world.

This is particularly important given the challenges that many artists have faced in recent years, from the economic fallout of the pandemic to the ongoing consolidation of the gallery system. In a 2020 survey by Americans for the Arts, 62% of artists reported that they had lost income due to COVID-19, and 95% said they had experienced a loss of opportunities such as commissions or exhibitions.

In this context, platforms like Society6 have become an increasingly vital lifeline for independent artists, providing a way to generate income and build a sustainable career outside of traditional channels. According to Society6‘s artist survey, 41% of artists on the platform rely on their Society6 earnings as their primary source of income, and 84% say that the platform has helped them to grow their artistic practice.

Quality and Value of Society6 Products

As a collector, one of my primary concerns when evaluating any artwork is its quality and value. When it comes to print-on-demand products like those offered by Society6, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Print quality: Society6 uses high-quality printing methods such as giclee printing and direct-to-garment printing to ensure that designs are reproduced accurately and vividly. In my experience, the colors are true to the original artwork and the details are crisp and clear.

2. Material quality: Society6 partners with a network of trusted manufacturers to source high-quality materials for its products, from archival-grade paper for prints to 100% cotton for apparel. The company also provides detailed specifications and care instructions for each product to ensure that customers know exactly what they‘re getting.

3. Artist quality: One of the advantages of platforms like Society6 is that they provide access to a vast pool of talented artists from around the world. However, as with any online marketplace, the quality of the artwork can vary widely. As a collector, it‘s important to do your due diligence and research the artists you‘re interested in to ensure that their work meets your standards.

4. Value for price: While Society6‘s products are generally more affordable than original antique or contemporary artworks, it‘s still important to consider the value you‘re getting for your money. In my opinion, Society6 offers a good balance of quality and affordability, with prices that are competitive with other print-on-demand marketplaces.

To get a sense of how Society6‘s products compare to traditional artworks, let‘s look at a few examples:

• Art prints: Society6 offers art prints in a range of sizes and paper types, with prices starting at around $20 for a small print. In comparison, an original antique print from the 18th or 19th century can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on factors like rarity, condition, and artist reputation. While Society6 prints may not have the same historical or investment value as antique prints, they offer a more accessible and affordable way to collect and display artwork.

• Framed prints: Society6‘s framed prints are a step up in quality and price from its standard art prints, with prices ranging from around $70 to $200 depending on size and frame style. In comparison, a framed original artwork by a contemporary artist can easily cost several thousand dollars or more. Again, while Society6‘s framed prints may not have the same prestige or resale value as original artworks, they offer a more budget-friendly option for collectors looking to display high-quality pieces in their homes.

• Home decor: Society6 offers a range of home decor products featuring artist designs, from throw pillows to duvet covers to shower curtains. These products are generally priced in the $30 to $100 range, which is competitive with other home decor retailers. While they may not have the same craftsmanship or durability as high-end antique furnishings, they offer a fun and affordable way to incorporate unique artwork into your living space.

Ultimately, the value of Society6‘s products will depend on your individual needs and preferences as a collector. If you‘re looking for rare, one-of-a-kind pieces with a proven track record of appreciation, then antique or original contemporary artworks may be a better investment. However, if you‘re looking to build a diverse collection of unique, high-quality pieces at an affordable price point, then Society6 is definitely worth considering.

Tips for Collecting on Society6

If you‘re interested in starting or expanding your art collection through Society6, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Follow artists you like: One of the best ways to discover new pieces on Society6 is to follow artists whose work you admire. This way, you‘ll be notified whenever they upload new designs or release new products.

2. Check the "Trending" and "Best Selling" sections: Society6‘s homepage features curated collections of trending and best-selling designs, which can be a great way to discover popular pieces that are resonating with other collectors.

3. Read the product descriptions and specifications: Before making a purchase, be sure to carefully review the product description and specifications to ensure that you‘re getting exactly what you want in terms of size, material, and quality.

4. Take advantage of promotions and sales: Society6 frequently offers promotions and discounts on its products, so be sure to sign up for the company‘s email newsletter and follow its social media accounts to stay informed about upcoming sales.

5. Consider the long-term value: While Society6‘s products are generally more affordable than original artworks, it‘s still important to consider the long-term value of your purchases. Look for pieces that you love and that you think will hold up well over time, both in terms of quality and aesthetic appeal.

By following these tips and doing your due diligence as a collector, you can build a unique and meaningful art collection through Society6 that reflects your personal taste and style.

The Future of the Art Market

As I look to the future of the art market, I believe that platforms like Society6 will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping the way that art is created, valued, and collected. The rise of e-commerce, social media, and digital technology has already had a profound impact on the traditional art world, and I expect these trends to accelerate in the coming years.

One key trend that I see is the continued democratization of art collecting, with more and more consumers looking for ways to discover and purchase unique, high-quality artworks online. According to a 2020 report by Artsy, online art sales doubled during the pandemic, reaching a record high of $12.4 billion. While the market has since stabilized, experts predict that online sales will continue to grow in the coming years, driven by factors like convenience, accessibility, and the ability to discover new artists from around the world.

Another trend that I see is the growing importance of social media and digital marketing in the art world. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become essential tools for artists looking to build their brands and connect with collectors, and I expect this trend to continue in the future. In fact, a 2021 survey by Artwork Archive found that 78% of artists use social media to promote their work, and 66% said that social media has helped them to increase their sales.

At the same time, I believe that the traditional art market will continue to play an important role in the valuation and exchange of high-end, one-of-a-kind artworks. While platforms like Society6 are making it easier than ever for collectors to discover and purchase unique pieces at affordable prices, there will always be a market for rare, historically significant, and highly sought-after artworks.

Ultimately, I believe that the future of the art market will be characterized by a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds: the accessibility and affordability of online platforms like Society6, and the prestige and exclusivity of the traditional art world. As collectors, we have more options than ever before for discovering and acquiring artworks that speak to us, whether that means browsing the latest designs on Society6 or bidding on a rare antique at auction.

Conclusion

As an antique collector and art expert, I have been fascinated by the rise of print-on-demand marketplaces like Society6 and the impact they are having on the broader art market. Through my research and analysis, I have come to appreciate the role that these platforms are playing in democratizing art collecting, supporting emerging artists, and creating new opportunities for creators and consumers alike.

While there will always be a place for traditional antiques and one-of-a-kind artworks in the art market, I believe that companies like Society6 are helping to create a more inclusive and accessible art world for the 21st century. By providing a platform for independent artists to showcase and sell their work, and by offering high-quality, affordable products to collectors around the world, Society6 is helping to break down barriers and create new pathways for artistic expression and appreciation.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the art world, I highly recommend exploring the unique and diverse offerings on Society6. With a little bit of research and due diligence, you may just discover your next favorite artist or piece – and help to support the creative economy in the process.