All right, so today we're gonna be diving into something
that sounds a little bit too good to be true.
Oh yeah.
Yeah, it's this YouTube video that I found.
And the title is, Earn Copying and Pasting Photos,
Legally for Free, Make Money Online 2024.
Okay.
It's by this guy, Mr. Race.
Okay.
But basically the idea is making money online
with public domain images.
Hmm, interesting.
So I thought it would be fun to do a deep dive into this
and see if this is really possible.
Yeah, I mean, it definitely sounds like one of those,
like is this real things?
Right.
But if it is real,
I think there's a lot we can learn about copyright
and how these online marketplaces work.
For sure, for sure.
Yeah.
Okay, so public domain images, like what are they?
So public domain refers to creative works
that are no longer protected by copyright.
Okay.
So you can think of it as like a treasure trove
of images, music, text, all this stuff
that you can actually use commercially
without any legal worries.
Okay, so it's not just like a free for all,
like everything's free game.
Right, exactly.
There are specific reasons why these works
are in the public domain.
Okay.
The video actually defines it as all the creative work
to which no exclusive intellectual property rights apply.
Okay.
So these rights could have expired, been waived,
or maybe never even existed in the first place.
Gotcha.
Yeah.
So the video mentions this website, threeimages.com.
Yes.
It's like a good place to start.
Have you ever used that?
I have.
It's a fantastic resource packed with a wide variety
of images.
Okay.
You know, from stock photos to illustrations,
even fine art.
Okay.
And it's organized into these really helpful categories
making it super easy to navigate.
So in the video, Mr. Ray seemed really interested
in like the fine art and paintings categories.
Yeah.
Any idea why those might be especially good niches
to explore?
Well, I mean, I think about it.
People are constantly looking for ways to add a touch
of art and personality to their homes.
For sure.
And classic paintings, especially those with that kind
of vintage feel.
Right.
They can really elevate a space.
And so there's already this like built in market
for that kind of aesthetic.
He uses a sunrise painting as an example,
but stresses that you need to make sure
that the image is high quality and has a large file size.
Yeah.
Why is that?
Remember, the goal is to turn these digital images
into something tangible, like a canvas print.
Right.
So a high resolution image ensures a crisp and detailed
print, which is essential if you're
trying to attract buyers who value quality.
Right.
Because if you're going to hang it on your wall,
you don't want it to be like pixelated or whatever.
Exactly.
Imagine like a blurry sunrise on your living room wall.
Yeah.
Not ideal.
Not exactly inspiring.
No, not at all.
Yeah.
OK.
So we found our high resolution masterpiece
on threeimages.com.
Right.
We're ready to go.
Yeah.
But then he doesn't stop there.
OK.
He recommends enhancing the image.
So what does that involve?
Think of it like adding your own kind of artistic flair.
Right?
Yeah.
Taking a public domain image and transforming it
into something unique and desirable.
OK.
So this could involve touching up the image,
adjusting the colors, or even adding filters
to create a specific mood or style.
So he mentions using professional software,
like Photoshop, which I know can be pretty pricey.
Yeah.
But he also points out free online tools,
like photofilters.com.
Yes.
So I guess that makes it accessible to anybody,
regardless of their budget or their tech skills.
Exactly.
In the video, he actually uses photofilters.com
to give that sunrise painting a more dramatic vintage look.
OK.
And it's a simple way to make the image really stand out
and appeal to a specific aesthetic preference.
OK.
So we found the image.
We've given it our own little makeover.
Now, how do we actually sell this thing?
This is where Etsy comes in.
OK.
Yeah.
Have you ever used Etsy?
I have.
OK.
So it's an online marketplace has become a haven
for handmade and vintage items.
Yeah.
And so it's where people go to find these unique and often
personalized products.
Right.
And that's where our enhanced painting is going to shine.
So he walks through the process of navigating Etsy.
And he suggests going to the home and living category,
then wall decorations, and finally paintings.
Yeah.
It's pretty straightforward.
It seems pretty easy.
Yeah.
OK.
But what's key is to actually understand
the landscape of your chosen niche within Etsy.
Right.
You need to see what's already selling, what prices people
are willing to pay, and how you can actually differentiate
your product.
Right.
It's all about finding that sweet spot where demand meets
your unique offering.
And he shows this one seller who made almost $4 million
I know.
from a single painting.
Crazy.
Sold for $3,800 over 1,000 times.
Yeah.
It's insane.
Of course, that's an exceptional case.
Right.
But he also points out paintings priced at like $100 to $200,
selling hundreds of times.
Yeah.
That's incredible.
Yeah.
It's definitely enticing.
Yeah.
But it's important to remember that those success stories,
they involve more than just uploading a pretty picture.
Right.
They've likely mastered Etsy SEO and have really effective
marketing strategies in place.
So it's not like a set it and forget it type of thing.
Right.
It's not passive income, exactly.
It's just real strategy involved.
Exactly.
OK.
Speaking of strategy.
Yeah.
He mentions using print on demand services specifically,
Printify.
Yes.
Can you explain how those work and why they're relevant here?
So print on demand services like Printify,
they're game changers for creators
who want to sell physical products
without the hassle of inventory or shipping.
OK.
So imagine this.
You upload your design.
OK.
In this case, our enhanced sunrise painting.
Mm-hmm.
And when a customer on Etsy orders a Candice print
featuring your design, Printify takes care of everything else.
OK.
So print it, package it, and ship it directly to the customer.
So you don't have to worry about boxes piling up
in your living room or making trips to the post office.
Exactly.
It drastically reduces the upfront costs
and the logistical headaches of selling physical products.
That's awesome.
Yeah.
He shows how to set up an account, design Candice,
and connect Printify to your Etsy shop.
And it's a surprisingly streamlined process.
He does mention the importance of factoring in production
and shipping costs when you are pricing your product.
Yes.
Very important.
Even though you don't pay those costs upfront.
Right.
They're deducted from your profits, right?
That's right.
And this highlights the importance of carefully
calculating your costs and setting a price that
ensures a healthy profit margin.
Right.
You don't want to end up losing money on every sale.
Definitely not.
Yeah.
OK.
So we have our Etsy shop.
We have our Printify account linked.
We have our beautiful, enhanced sunrise painting
canvas print ready to go.
We're ready.
But how do we get people to find it?
Good question.
Among the millions of listings on Etsy.
This is where Etsy SEO or search engine optimization
comes into play.
OK.
I've heard of SEO, but what is Etsy SEO?
Think of it as the art of making your products stand out
in the vast Etsy marketplace.
OK.
Yeah.
He actually suggests searching YouTube for tutorials
on how to rank on Etsy.
Wow.
So we're doing a deep dive within a deep dive?
All right.
That's awesome.
It's a smart move.
Because understanding how Etsy's search algorithm works
is crucial for driving traffic to your shop.
So it's not enough to just have a great product.
Exactly.
You have to make sure people can actually find it.
Exactly.
So what are the key elements of Etsy SEO?
So it boils down to using relevant keywords
in your product titles and descriptions.
OK.
Optimizing your shop's overall presentation
and cultivating positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Gotcha.
So think of it as creating this welcoming and informative
storefront that attracts the right buyers.
So using the right words, making it look good.
Yeah.
Building a good reputation.
Exactly.
Gotcha.
Yeah.
Are there any other strategies that we
can use to bring even more traffic to our Etsy shop?
Absolutely.
So while Etsy SEO is foundational,
think about leveraging social media platforms
to showcase your products.
OK.
Connect with potential buyers.
Yeah.
You can even explore paid advertising options
to amplify your reach.
So like running ads specifically on Etsy
or like on Instagram or Facebook?
Exactly.
Think of it as strategically investing
in getting your product seen by a wider audience.
Gotcha.
Yeah.
It can be a really powerful tool when used effectively.
This is a lot to take in.
It is a lot.
We've gone from understanding what public domain even
means to setting up Etsy shops and optimizing for search engines.
Yeah.
I'm already feeling inspired.
I know it's a lot to unpack, but it's pretty cool, right?
Yeah, it is.
Yeah.
So.
Yeah.
It's pretty cool how this whole process isn't just
about like making money.
Right.
It kind of touches on some really interesting questions
about art.
Oh.
Like the changing relationship between art and technology
and commerce.
Yeah, for sure.
I mean, it's like we're taking something from the past.
Right.
These public domain images.
Right.
Like giving them a new life in this digital marketplace.
Exactly.
It's crazy.
It's like a form of artistic collaboration.
OK.
Across time.
You know?
Hmm.
That's an interesting way to look at it.
Yeah.
You're drawing inspiration from the past,
adding your own creative touch, and making it
relevant for like a modern audience.
Yeah.
But it does make you think like, is it OK to like.
Right.
Profit from something that's freely available.
It's a complex issue.
Yeah.
On the one hand, public domain works
are meant to be accessible.
Right.
Reusable.
Right.
But on the other hand, is it OK to profit from them
without acknowledging the original creator?
Or like contributing back to the bucket domain in some way?
Yeah.
For sure.
It's definitely a conversation worth having.
Absolutely.
And it gets even more complicated when
you think about how technology has blurred the lines.
But for sure.
Between creation and ownership and distribution.
Yeah.
It's a whole new world.
Right.
Compared to how art was traditionally bought and sold.
Right.
What I thought was interesting about this video
was how much he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning.
Yeah.
He's constantly directing viewers to YouTube for tutorials.
Encourages them to watch his other videos on topics like Etsy SEO
and like using YouTube shorts for marketing.
Yeah.
It's like he's acknowledging that this isn't a one time,
follow these steps and get rich scheme.
Right.
You have to be willing to adapt, to stay curious,
to constantly learn new things.
Exactly.
He even mentions a video about using YouTube shorts
to drive traffic to your Etsy store.
Hmm.
Interesting.
It's all about connecting the dots
and being open to different approaches.
So on the surface we're talking about making money
with public domain images.
But it's also about embracing this mindset.
Yeah.
Of continuous learning and adaptability.
And that mindset is crucial for success
in any online venture, really.
Right.
I mean the digital landscape is constantly changing.
Algorithms, trends, come and go.
For sure.
Consumer preferences, shift.
Totally.
Being able to learn and adapt is so essential.
So it's not just about learning a specific set of skills.
It's about developing like a capacity to learn and grow.
Exactly.
As the world around you changes.
Yeah.
It's about being a lifelong learner.
Yeah.
Essentially.
Yeah.
I mean Mr. Ray's focuses on creating these like physical products
like the canvas prints.
Yeah.
But could this same method work for digital products?
Like could you take a public domain image, enhance it,
and sell it as like a phone wallpaper or a desktop background?
Yeah.
I mean you're thinking outside the canvas now.
Right.
But there's no reason why this couldn't be applied
to digital products as well.
OK.
The same principles of finding high quality images,
enhancing them, understanding your target market.
Yeah.
It all still applies.
And think of all the platforms that you could sell on Etsy
or your own website, even social media.
Right.
The possibilities are endless.
Yeah.
It's crazy how one simple concept like making money
with public domain images can open up so many different avenues
for exploration.
It's true.
It's like he's given us a starting point,
like a spark of inspiration.
But it's up to us to kind of determine where that spark leads.
And that's where the real excitement lies.
Yeah.
In the freedom to experiment, to innovate,
to carve out our own unique paths in the digital world.
Absolutely.
It's about taking those basic principles
and running with them.
Seeing where your own creativity and curiosity take you.
I completely agree.
This has been such an eye-opening conversation.
It has.
It's amazing how exploring a seemingly simple idea
can lead to so many unexpected insights.
It's a reminder that the internet,
for all its complexities and challenges,
is also this treasure trove of opportunity.
Yeah.
It's a place where you can learn new skills,
explore different avenues, connect with people
who share your interests.
Absolutely.
And who knows?
You might even discover a hidden talent or passion
along the way.
Absolutely.
It's all about having that adventurous spirit.
Yeah.
And being willing to dive into the unknown.
Speaking of diving in, we've covered a lot of ground today.
We have.
But before we wrap things up, I'd
love to bring it back to our listener.
Sure.
Car, highlight some key takeaways.
Yeah.
Let's distill what we've learned.
OK.
Into some actionable insights that our listener
can take with them on their entrepreneurial journey.
You know, it all comes back to the beauty of the public domain.
OK.
Making knowledge and creative work
accessible to everyone.
Yeah.
It's like opening up this world of art and entrepreneurship
to anybody.
Right.
With an internet connection.
Exactly.
You don't need a fancy degree or expensive equipment
to get started.
That's the power of this approach.
Yeah.
It really lowers the barriers to entry,
allowing anyone with a bit of creativity and hustle
to potentially build a successful business online.
But it's not just about slapping a filter on a random image
and hoping for the best.
No, not at all.
Yeah.
The video makes it very clear there's real effort involved.
Yeah.
He really emphasizes the need to research your niche,
understand your target market, and develop
a solid marketing strategy.
Absolutely.
And we can't forget about pricing our products strategically.
You know, thinking about production costs and shipping
fees and Etsy's fees.
It's crucial.
To make sure we're actually making money.
For sure.
So for our listener, think of this deep dive
as like a glimpse into a potential side hustle.
But remember that success requires
a combination of passion planning and a willingness
to learn and adapt.
It's like any entrepreneurial venture.
It takes work.
Yeah.
But the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling.
What I think is so exciting is that the applications
of these public domain images extend way beyond what we've
talked about today.
For sure.
What else could you do with these pictures,
besides making canvas prints and digital wallpapers?
So imagine using them to create educational materials
or designing unique social media content.
OK.
You could even develop themed merchandise
for a specific niche.
You're right.
The possibilities really are endless.
It's all about thinking creatively and finding
new ways to connect your interests with the needs
of a specific audience.
And that's what makes this so empowering.
Yeah.
The internet has given us access to this vast library
of resources.
Right.
It's up to us to explore those resources, learn from them,
and use them to create something new and valuable.
So as we wrap up this deep dive, what is the one key message
you want our listener to take away?
I want them to remember that the internet is a space
of immense opportunity.
OK.
Public domain works are just one example
of the resources available to those who are willing to explore,
learn, and create.
That's a great message.
Thank you.
So to our listener, embrace your curiosity.
Yes.
Don't be afraid to experiment and challenge assumptions.
And most importantly, have fun with it.
Remember the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Yeah.
Thanks for listening.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning,
and keep creating.