My name is Lisa Irby, and I’m what you’d call a serial entrepreneur. 🙂
I have been earning online for a number of years with various sources of income, and working online full time since 2006.
I have an extreme passion for developing ways to break down complex subjects so they are easy to learn.
That has been the foundation of any site I’ve created thus far, and I hope to continue with PSP to help YOUÂ learn software and strategies to make more with print on demand websites.
The Journey
I got started with print on demand back in 2011, but my limited knowledge of software and lack of natural design talent kept me from earning much at all.
I created some very simple text designs in Photoshop and ended up making a few hundred dollars over the course of 3 years.
I know… not very impressive, but I didn’t really begin focusing on POD until 2014.
I went from hundreds per year, to hundreds per month.
During that time, I began learning more about Photoshop, and that’s when my earnings started to grow.
I’m now learning Illustrator, and finding that the more I learn, the more options I have with regards to my designs.
No, I will never have that natural design talent, but elements of design can definitely be learned.
Since joining Merch by Amazon in 2016, I now earn a very solid part-time income just from print on demand alone.
Even though some would consider the earnings full-time, I consciously call it “part-time” to keep myself from relying on it.
Below you can see one of my best weeks (February, 2018).Â
I’ve even recorded a video for proof because Merch reports can be altered.
In the early days of POD, I focused on one niche. But now that I’m on Merch by Amazon, I’ve been able to earn by creating designs in numerous niches.
When you join Merch, you get 10 slots/uploads. After you sell 10 shirts, you are eligible to move up to the 25 tier (slots/uploads), then 100, 500, 1000 and so on.
Why This Site?
You might be wondering if I’m so successful with POD, why not just keep everything to myself instead of creating potential competition.
Here’s some REAL TALK…
While I am enjoying myself with POD and never dreamed I’d make this kind of money doing this, my income is very reliant on 3rd party traffic I can’t control (i.e. Amazon).
I do not have a website related to the majority of my designs that are selling. That means they are getting found by searching Amazon.com.
I would never, ever want to rely on this kind of income because I do not control the traffic.
I’ve seen posts in private groups of people making plans to quit their jobs because of Merch by Amazon income, and I just shake my head.
As awesome as the program is, be cautious.  It’s not a stable source of income source given the fact…
- you cannot control competition
- you don’t control the traffic if you’re relying on Amazon
- earnings go up and down (trends, holidays, etc.)
- you could lose your account without warning
It reminds me of Google AdSense several years ago when everyone was leaving their jobs to focus on AdSense, when most of their traffic was controlled by Google.
That’s super risky!
A lot of those people were devastated when Google gobbled up their traffic, and their income dropped like a rock overnight!
So if you are making good money with POD, celebrate it, but be realistic about the situation if you don’t own or control your traffic.
I See POD as a Passive Income Supplement
Being the serial entrepreneur that I am 🙂 , I don’t look at Merch by Amazon or POD as the end-all-be-all for myself.
As a business person, you always have to think ahead.
I’m looking at it as a supplement and opportunity to further diversify my online income portfolio.
It’s about looking at the bigger picture instead of depending on something that may be short term.
Many designers are now igniting their freelancing businesses by offering design packages and other design services for Merch users.
This is an excellent, savvy business move because they are using this opportunity to expand and diversify their income.
That’s a hustle mentality you HAVE to have for income growth and stability.
If you are savvy in Illustrator or Photoshop, you can sell add-ons software add-ons (brushes, patterns, etc.) and other design services for people.
I absolutely love, love, love working in Photoshop, and I also believe there is an opportunity to teach it in a unique way that helps people learn it quickly.
So that’s the motivation behind this site. I’m thinking far beyond just earning with Merch. I want to monetize my teaching ability.
The skills you will gain from my courses will help you earn more with any print on demand site, and more importantly, give you a skill set (Photoshop) that can pay you back in numerous ways down the line…
- You can do your own graphic work and save on outsourcing
- Earn by teaching others (sell software courses like me!)
- Get paid to do Photoshop work for others
- Gain a valuable skill to add to a resume
- Increase your earnings with print on demand
Make it a priority to invest in your education. No one can take that away from you, and it will reward you in numerous ways throughout your life. Knowledge is power!
Enroll In My Courses
If you’d like to speed up the learning process with print on demand (especially with Photoshop), check out my courses!
Hey, Lisa, been following you for years. I don’t do T-shirts or anything but what I’ve learned from you is this; you don’t take shorts. You do things the right way and never get caught up in the b.s. when platforms lay the hammer down on people who do. So when I think of taking a short cut I think of you and say, “Naw, it aint worth it.” Thank you for being a positive mentor.
Hi Vince!!
Thank you so much. I appreciate you saying that.
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for making videos. They are clear and easy to follow – in other words, they are simply GREAT! I really wanted to check out your Redbubble store, but cannot seem to find it. Could you please post a link? Thank you again. Sending best wishes and a smile!
Lisa has been a great help and a wealth of information to me since I started my POD journey in August 2019. Follow her YouTube Channel and read ALL of the information on this page if you want to seriously learn this business. Thank you Lisa for all that you do!
Hi Lisa. Love all the experience you’re putting out there. I’ve learned a lot. Very helpful. One question I have for you is about using Pinterest to drive traffic to a POD store. I have created several birds with themes such as Tote Bags for example. Aside from missing it up with better photography, should these boards just contain all my designs or should I add other related pins? I’ve been wondering if the way I’m doing now is more of a hard sell and not as friendly. What do you think?
Hi Lisa:
I am so grateful for all your courses. I have encouraged several people to purchase them including my daughter! Keep doing what you are doing and please consider venturing out into other online businesses that you feel qualified to teach. I trust you and that is a big deal with internet products! You have a great following! Keep up the integrity and quality courses!
Gia
Awww that makes me feel so good. Thank you Gia!!
Hi Lisa, I just wanted to drop by and say thank you for your podcasts. When I first heard your voice it was familiar to me and then when you mentioned you had done the “to make a website” videos that’s when it clicked. You’ve been at this for a while, so I know you know what you’re talking about. 🙂
So did 2017 manage to push you over that 100k mark? I hope so. Congrats on the courses and I love the site. Will be a lont-time listener.
Thanks Lelana!
Yes it’s me!! I got very, very close… I was about 15K shy (that includes all POD, not just Merch) but hope to get there this year! Thanks for listening. 🙂
Lisa, thank you for sharing your experiences. I am looking forward to the growth of this site. I have been following you since 2009 and I have learned a lot.
Hi Lisa, just subscribed to your podcast. I’ll listen to them very soon. I recently subscribed to Merch so it may be a while until I know if I’m selected. Any other platform I can use besides Merch in the meantime?
Thanks Keeon! Yes, start uploading to Spreadshirt, RedBubble, and Zazzle. I also get organic sales from those other sites. Not as much as Merch but hey, it all adds up. Here’s a link to other sites https://passiveshirtprofits.com/pod-websites/
Thanks a mil. The next step I’ll take is to look at your photoshop course. I’ve also signed up to your email list so when your other course comes out I’ll be ready for that as well.
I knowwwwww! I told myself today that I am making a commitment to uploading at least 3 new designs a day. I’ve kinda slacked off but I need to pick up the pace a bit more. Thanks for the kick in the pants… LOL!
Yayyy Lisa! I am so amped to learn more about your POD courses that are forthcoming! Woo wooottt! ?
Thanks Kim! So excited to launch! I know the courses are going to help a lot of people who take the time to focus on this. You won’t get many opps like Merch By Amazon so now’s the time to jump on this!
Lisa, I want to congratulate you on your new site and your success with POD so far. You are the real deal and I’ve learned a lot from you over the years! Can’t wait to see how things keep growing for you in this exciting field!
Thank you Laura! So happy to have you in my private group and appreciate you chiming in. Looking forward to this venture!