📢Etsy and D3 Kit Updates - Never Get Discouraged📢

Jun 28 (edited) • General

Hey Skool eBosses 👋🏽

I wanted to make you aware of some important and massive changes Etsy has begun rolling out this week. With the rise of AI tools and the ease of replicating digital designs, Etsy is now cracking down on digital art. There are some doubts about Etsy's ability to fully enforce this change, as moderation has historically been challenging for the platform. Some sellers suspect the rules are intentionally vague to discourage mass-produced items masquerading as handmade.

And what’s wild is that Etsy seems to be focusing so heavily on this specific area of digital art—like AI usage and image duplication—instead of addressing the bigger issue: the overwhelming number of shops still actively listing copyright-infringing products.

But honestly, it just goes to show where the real priority lies—profit over policy. In my opinion, a huge portion of digital shops—probably around 50%—are selling copyright-infringing products. And if Etsy were to remove all of them, it would likely wipe out a significant chunk of their revenue.

So instead of cracking down where it really counts, they’re targeting the easier, automated stuff. It's a reminder that as sellers, we have to be more intentional, more original, and more prepared to pivot—because platforms will always do what protects their bottom line first.

It’s surprising, to say the least, that original creators are being scrutinized while blatant copyright violations continue to slip through the cracks. But hey, this is why we stay informed, adaptable, and always one step ahead.

That means it's more important than ever to remix and personalize the images you use. If you're using graphics from the D³ Kit, treat them as a launch pad not a final product. Add your own text, change the colors, create themed bundles, use your own mockups, or upload the images from the D3 Kit into ChatGPT to generate completely new variations. This isn’t just smart it’s what keeps your work safe, compliant, and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Also, make sure your product titles and descriptions clearly match your digital product. Etsy appears to be tightening up enforcement in this area as well specifically targeting listings where the title or description might be seen as misleading.

Your listing should accurately describe exactly what the buyer is getting, without any fluff or bait-and-switch tactics. Clarity and transparency are key because at the end of the day, Etsy wants to ensure that customers know exactly what they’re purchasing. Keep it clear, honest, and aligned with what you're delivering.

But it’s not just AI art and Digital Files that Etsy is focusing on right now. It appears that Print-on-Demand sellers are also under increased scrutiny.

Based on what I’ve been reading and observing in the community, Etsy is now beginning to enforce stricter guidelines requiring that POD sellers create their own original designs rather than relying on artwork purchased from other Etsy sellers to use on physical products. This shift has understandably stirred concern across the platform, especially for those who have built their shops around outsourced designs. As this situation continues to evolve, I’ll keep watching closely and will share any key updates or clarifications as they come in.

This is exactly why it’s so important to stay ready to pivot—at any moment. The digital world is evolving rapidly, especially with AI reshaping how we create, sell, and connect. That means we must stay committed to learning new skills, exploring new platforms, and mastering new tools. The more adaptable you are, the more unstoppable your business becomes.

Change isn’t coming...it’s already here. And those who are willing to evolve with it will always stay ahead of the game. But don't QUIT, STRESS or PANIC, stay prepared. And most importantly. Stay flexible, stay informed, and stay creative. We are still in this together and I will continue to show you how to navigate with every change that comes to us.

💡 Important Reminder: Etsy should never be your only stream of income. As I’ve said many times, even my shop could be taken down without notice. That’s why I always encourage you to build across platforms like Stan Store, Payhip, Beacons, Wix, Shopify or your own website. Control the customer journey and protect your profits. Etsy is just 1 platform and just as you can find success there, with the right tools and consistency you can find success elsewhere. With that said, we will be moving into more education about other platforms and other tools you can use to find success away from Etsy.

And listen—I don’t know about you, but I’ve finally had a little taste of the soft life... and let me be honest: That’s the life I want every day. Not just on weekends. Not just on vacation. But every single day. WE ALL DESERVE THAT! That’s why I will continue to encourage you to build systems. Create assets and learn how to strategically pivot instead of panic.

Let’s keep growing smarter, stronger, and more sustainable. If you need help remixing your content or prepping for this next chapter, just drop a comment or your concerns below.

We’re not hustling just to survive. We’re moving to thrive in softness and freedom 💜

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