Making Money with Midjourney – Print On Demand
Are you ready to kick off an awesome print-on-demand (POD) store using some super cool AI-generated art? You're in the right place! With Midjourney's AI magic, you can whip up amazing images that are perfect for all kinds of products.
We'll show you how to combine the power of Midjourney with your favorite POD platforms to set up a rad online store that's got style for days. So, let's get started and turn your creative dreams into a fun and profitable reality!
AI art is getting cooler by the day, and it's becoming way easier for everyone to use. Midjourney is a prime example of this. It's a nifty tool that whips up images based on the text prompts you to give it, all thanks to some wicked AI and machine learning magic.
It's kinda like other AI art generators, such as OpenAI's DALL-E. Once you get the hang of Midjourney, you'll be churning out one-of-a-kind masterpieces in no time.
Before we dig into the steps for creating awesome POD items with AI – let’s go over the basics of using Midjourney. If you're already familiar with how to use Midjourney, feel free to skip to the good stuff.
How to Access Midjourney
Getting your hands on Midjourney is way easier than you might think! You don't need to install any programs or mess around with complicated apps. If you've already got a Discord account, you don't even need to sign up for anything new.
That's because Midjourney lives entirely on Discord. Discord is this rad online chat service where tons of users can text and voice chats with each other, all for free.
If you've never heard of Discord, don't sweat it! Keep reading and you will have the steps you need to get started with Midjourney!
Once you're buddies with Discord, just join the Midjourney Discord server. You can do that using a Discord invite link, or by clicking the “Join the beta” button on the Midjourney website.
How to Use Midjourney
So now you're all set up with Midjourney. What's next? Using it is a piece of cake, but if you're new to Discord or it's your first time on the server, it might feel a bit overwhelming.
First, head to one of the rooms under the Newcomer section headers. They're called “newbies” followed by a number. They're all pretty much the same, so just pick one you like.
Now you're in the right room, you're ready to roll. To get Midjourney to create an image, type the Discord command “/imagine” and then describe what you want the image to look like.
In addition to newbie rooms, you can easily create your own server so your creations stay in your feed and they don't get lost in the feed of the rest of the MJ world, lol!
There are loads of AI art prompt ideas to try out. For example, if you type “/imagine the night sky full of fireworks,” Midjourney will get busy creating that for you.
The Midjourney bot takes a little time to work its magic and will cook up four different images based on your prompt.
When you use Midjourney for the first time, you'll start a free trial that's good for about 25 image generations. After that, you'll need to sign up for a premium account to keep using Midjourney. You can check your trial progress with the /info command in the Midjourney Discord server.
How to Get the Most Out of Midjourney
Using Midjourney is super easy, but making AI art isn't just about typing what you want and hoping the art bot reads your mind. There are some tricks to getting exactly what you want from Midjourney.
First, you can use the buttons below your generated image to guide the AI. The “U” buttons upscale the image, with U1 for the first image, U2 for the second, and so on. Click these if you want to make a pretty piece of art even better quality.
Next up, you've got the “V” buttons. These create variations of the selected image that have a similar vibe. Use these when Midjourney's image is almost what you want, but not quite there.
There's also a redo button that will use the same prompt but whip up totally new results. You can repeat this as much as you like, and it's a great way to fine-tune your vision. Or, you can try one of the best free AI text-to-art generators to create an image from your words instead.
The key to getting awesome results with AI is figuring out how to write the best prompts. If you want to make Midjourney create the most epic AI art it can, be sure to give it the right info.
You can tell Midjourney to use certain art styles, colors, or themes in your prompt. It works best if you separate these details with commas. For example, if you want a specific art style, you could type “/imagine the night sky full of fireworks, hyper-realistic” to get more realistic AI art from Midjourney.
The last thing you can do to get even better results is to include parameters in your prompt. Midjourney supports a bunch of different parameter options that can help tweak your AI art output.
For example, if you want an image that's a certain size, you can use the aspect parameter. Midjourney makes its images square by default, which isn't great if you want to use the AI art as your desktop background. The aspect parameter lets Midjourney create art that matches your computer's resolution.
You can find more info about these parameters in the official Midjourney documentation – or – just go for it and learn as you go! There are tons of FB groups just about Midjourney and Women of AI is my personal favorite, no shade at the dudes out there, I just love being in the safe space of like-minded women!
AI's Shaking Up the Art World, Big Time!
As you can see, getting started with Midjourney isn't as scary as it might have seemed at first. At the end of the day, it's a super fun and easy way to check out just how far AI has come over the years. So go ahead, give it a shot, and see what amazing stuff you can create.
How do we use Midjourney to create Print On Demand (POD)?
To use Midjourney images for print-on-demand (POD) services, follow these steps:
- Generate and download images: Use Midjourney to generate AI art based on your desired text prompts, and download the high-quality images you'd like to use for POD.
- Choose a POD platform: Select a print-on-demand platform that suits your needs, such as Printful, Printify, or Redbubble.
- Create an account: Sign up for an account on your chosen POD platform if you haven't already.
- Upload your images: Follow the platform's guidelines to upload your Midjourney images. Make sure the images are of high quality and the correct resolution for the products you want to create.
- Select products: Choose the products you want to print your images on, such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases, or home decor items.
- Customize product designs: Position and scale your images on the chosen products, ensuring they look great and meet the platform's design requirements.
- Set up your store: Create a store on the POD platform, add product listings with your custom designs, and set pricing.
- Promote your store: Share your store link on social media, among friends, or through targeted advertising to attract potential customers.
- Manage orders and fulfillment: Most POD platforms handle order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service for you, allowing you to focus on creating new designs and marketing your store.
Please remember that if you plan to use Midjourney images for commercial purposes, you should check the platform's terms and conditions to ensure you have the appropriate rights and permissions.
Generate and download images in Midjourney
Use Midjourney to generate AI art based on your desired text prompts, and download the high-quality images you'd like to use for POD.
To generate and download images from Midjourney for your print-on-demand (POD) venture, follow these steps:
Access Midjourney
First, join the Midjourney Discord server using your Discord account. If you don't have an account yet, sign up for Discord and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Choose a “newbies” room or your own server: Within the Midjourney Discord server, find one of the “newbies” rooms under the Newcomer section. The rooms are numbered, but there's no significant difference between them, so pick any that you prefer – my preference is to work in my own server, so if that is something you think would be nice – you can see how to do that here:
Craft your text prompt: Think about the type of image you want to generate for your POD products. Consider the theme, style, and subject matter. Keep in mind that the more specific your prompt, the more tailored the AI-generated image will be to your vision.
Generate your image: Type “/imagine” followed by your text prompt in the chosen “newbies” room. For example, if you want an image of a futuristic city skyline, you could type “/imagine a futuristic city skyline at sunset.”
Wait for the AI magic: Midjourney will process your prompt and generate four image options based on your description. It may take a few moments for the results to appear, so be patient.
Evaluate the images: Once the images are generated, review them and decide which one(s) best fit your vision for your POD products. You may need to experiment with different prompts or additional details to get the desired results.
Upscale and refine your image: If you find an image you like but want it in a higher resolution, use the “U” buttons to upscale the image. If the image is close but not quite right, use the “V” buttons to create variations with a similar style.
Download the high-quality image: After you've found the perfect image(s) for your POD products, download them to your computer, making sure to save them in a high-quality format suitable for printing.
By following these steps, you'll have unique, AI-generated art from Midjourney, ready for use in your print-on-demand business.
Choose a POD platform
Select a print-on-demand platform that suits your needs, such as Printful, Printify, or Redbubble.
Selecting the right print-on-demand (POD) platform is crucial for the success of your business. Consider the following factors when choosing a platform that suits your needs:
Research popular POD platforms: Start by exploring well-known POD platforms such as Printful, Printify, Redbubble, Teespring, and Society6. These platforms offer various features, products, and services tailored to different business needs.
Product offerings: Each platform offers a unique range of products for you to design and sell. Some focus on apparel like t-shirts and hoodies, while others include items such as posters, phone cases, mugs, and home decor. Consider the products you want to offer in your store and select a platform that caters to your desired product range.
Platform fees and pricing structure: Compare the fee structures and pricing models of each platform. Some POD services charge a monthly fee, while others work on a per-item basis, taking a cut from each sale. Understanding the costs involved will help you make an informed decision and choose a platform that fits your budget and business model.
Customization options: Evaluate each platform's customization tools, such as their design editor and available design templates. Choose a platform with user-friendly design tools that allow you to easily upload and position your Midjourney images on the products you want to sell.
Fulfillment and shipping: Consider the fulfillment process and shipping options provided by each platform. Some POD services handle everything from printing and shipping to customer service, while others may require you to manage certain aspects yourself. Select a platform that aligns with your preferred level of involvement in the fulfillment process.
Integrations and compatibility: If you plan to sell your products on other platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce, ensure the POD platform you choose integrates seamlessly with these sales channels.
Customer support and resources: Opt for a platform with a solid reputation for providing excellent customer support, as well as access to educational resources and tutorials. This will make setting up and managing your POD store much easier.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a print-on-demand platform that meets your business goals and offers the best opportunity for success.
To create an account on your chosen print-on-demand (POD) platform, follow these steps:
Visit the platform's website: Go to the official website of the POD platform you've selected, such as Printful, Printify, Redbubble, Teespring, or Society6.
Locate the sign-up button: On the platform's homepage, find the sign-up or register button. This is usually located in the top-right corner or the main navigation menu.
Choose a sign-up method: Most platforms offer various options for signing up, such as using your email address, Facebook, Google, or other social media accounts. Select the method that works best for you.
Provide your details: If you're signing up with an email address, fill in the required information, such as your name, email, and desired password. Be sure to create a strong password to ensure your account's security.
Agree to terms and conditions: Carefully read the platform's terms of service, privacy policy, and any other relevant documents. If you agree with their terms, check the appropriate box to confirm your agreement.
Complete the sign-up process: Click the “Sign Up” or “Create Account” button to complete the registration process. You may be required to verify your email address by clicking on a confirmation link sent to your inbox.
Set up your profile: Once your account is created, take the time to set up your profile by adding relevant information such as your business name, address, contact details, and payment preferences. This will make it easier to manage orders and receive payments from your POD sales.
Familiarize yourself with the platform: Explore the platform's dashboard, design tools, product catalog, and other features. This will help you understand how to create, upload, and manage your product designs efficiently.
By following these steps, you'll have a registered account on your chosen print-on-demand platform, ready for you to start creating and selling unique products featuring your Midjourney images
To set up your store on your chosen print-on-demand (POD) platform, follow these steps:
Create a store: After logging into your account, look for the option to create a new store or add products. This is usually located in the dashboard, main menu, or under a “Stores” or “Products” tab.
Select products: Browse through the platform's product catalog and choose the items you'd like to sell in your store. Consider the products that will best showcase your Midjourney images and resonate with your target audience.
Upload your designs: Using the platform's design tools or product customization editor, upload your downloaded Midjourney images. Position, resize, and adjust your images on the products to create the desired look.
Customize product options: Many platforms offer additional customization options, such as choosing product colors, sizes, and print types. Customize each product to your liking and ensure that it aligns with your brand identity.
Write product descriptions: Craft compelling product descriptions that accurately describe your items, highlight their unique features, and convey the value they provide. Include relevant keywords to help potential customers find your products through search. You can even use AI like ChatGPT to create amazing and unique product descriptions!
Set pricing: Determine the pricing for each product by considering the base cost provided by the POD platform, your desired profit margin, and competitive market pricing. Aim for a balance between profitability and affordability to attract customers. If you are publishing to Etsy – keep in mind they have fees and also push FREE shipping stores out – so that is something else to consider when figuring out your profit.
Preview and publish: Carefully review each product listing, ensuring that the design, description, and pricing are accurate. If you're satisfied with the results, publish the listings to make them visible in your store.
Customize your store's appearance: Most POD platforms allow you to personalize your store's look and feel. Add a store name, logo, banner, and other branding elements to create a consistent and professional image.
This is simple to do in Canva! If you are new to Canva – I love this Canva Creations FB group and have learned so much about Canva from Pam!
Set up shipping and payment options: Configure your store's shipping preferences, such as shipping regions, carriers, and delivery times. Additionally, set up payment options to receive payments from customers and pay for product fulfillment. Don't forget – Etsy will promote your store if you choose the free shipping or free shipping guarantee options.
Promote your store: Share your store on social media, create email campaigns, or use other marketing techniques to drive traffic to your store and generate sales.
By following these steps, you'll have a fully functional POD store featuring your custom-designed products with Midjourney images, ready to attract customers and generate revenue.
Managing orders and fulfillment in your POD store
Managing orders and fulfillment in a print-on-demand (POD) business can be a breeze, as most POD platforms take care of the logistical aspects for you. This allows you to concentrate on the creative and marketing aspects of your business. Here's an overview of how these platforms streamline the order management and fulfillment process:
Automatic order processing: When a customer places an order on your store, the POD platform automatically processes it without any manual intervention required from you. This means you don't have to worry about keeping track of individual orders, as the platform manages everything behind the scenes.
Production and printing: Once the order is processed, the POD platform takes care of producing and printing your custom designs on the chosen products. This ensures that each product is created with precision and high-quality print output, without you having to manage the production process.
Inventory management: With POD, you don't need to maintain a physical inventory of your products. The platform prints your designs on-demand, meaning products are only created when an order is placed. This eliminates the need for storage space and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.
Shipping and handling: The POD platform is responsible for packaging and shipping the products to your customers. They work with various shipping carriers and offer different shipping options to ensure timely delivery. This saves you the hassle of managing shipping logistics yourself.
Customer service: Most POD platforms provide customer support on your behalf, handling any issues related to order fulfillment, shipping, and returns. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business without getting bogged down by customer inquiries.
Returns and exchanges: POD platforms typically manage returns and exchanges for your store, following their specific policies. This helps ensure a smooth experience for your customers and minimizes the time you spend dealing with returns.
Tracking and analytics: POD platforms often provide you with order tracking and analytics tools to monitor your store's performance. You can use this data to identify trends, optimize your product offerings, and make data-driven decisions to grow your business.
By leveraging the features and services provided by POD platforms, you can efficiently manage your store's orders and fulfillment while concentrating on designing unique Midjourney images and promoting your store to a wider audience.
POD Customer Support Cheat Sheet:
While most print-on-demand (POD) platforms handle customer service, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns on your behalf, there may be instances where the store owner needs to work closely with the POD supplier to ensure a smooth customer experience. Here are some ways the store owner may need to assist in returns and customer service:
- Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your POD supplier to address any issues that arise promptly. This includes answering questions or providing information about your designs, products, or customers to help the supplier resolve customer concerns effectively.
- Custom policies: If your store has unique policies or specific requirements regarding returns, exchanges, or customer service, it's essential to communicate these to your POD supplier. Ensure that the supplier understands and adheres to your store's guidelines, so the customer experience remains consistent.
- Escalated issues: In some cases, customers might escalate their concerns or require personalized attention from the store owner. In such instances, you may need to step in and work with the POD supplier to address the customer's issue and ensure their satisfaction.
- Quality control: As the store owner, it's vital to monitor product quality and customer feedback regularly. If you notice any issues with the products or print quality, collaborate with your POD supplier to identify the root cause and implement corrective measures to maintain high-quality standards.
- Branding and packaging: If you require customized packaging or branding materials for your products, coordinate with your POD supplier to provide the necessary design assets and instructions. This ensures that your products are delivered in a way that represents your brand consistently and professionally.
- Supplier performance: Keep track of your POD supplier's performance, including order processing times, shipping speed, and customer service quality. If you notice any areas where improvement is needed, communicate your concerns and work together to enhance the customer experience.
By actively collaborating with your POD supplier and taking an active role in customer service and returns management, you can ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers while maintaining your store's reputation and brand image.
In conclusion, creating print-on-demand (POD) products with Midjourney's AI-generated art is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and build a unique online business. By leveraging the power of AI to design distinctive products, you'll have an edge in the competitive world of POD.
As you start your journey, remember to choose the right platform, set up your store, promote your products effectively, and work closely with your POD supplier to ensure a seamless customer experience. With dedication, persistence, and a focus on quality, you'll be well on your way to building a successful POD store featuring eye-catching Midjourney designs.
So go ahead, dive into the world of AI-generated art, and let your imagination run wild as you create one-of-a-kind products that captivate your customers.
For more support and to connect with like-minded individuals, don't forget to join our Digital Art for Beginners Facebook group by clicking here.
Share your experiences, learn from others, and be part of a thriving community of creative entrepreneurs leveraging the power of Midjourney for their POD businesses and more!
