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DIY Mockups vs. Professional Mockups: When to Invest in Paid Ones

Updated: Apr 1


Professional mockups

Selling digital or printed artwork online? Then you already know—presentation is EVERYTHING. A killer professional mockup can make your designs pop, boost sales, and keep customers coming back for more. But should you go full-on DIY or invest in pro mockups? Let’s break it down in a fun, no-nonsense way.



1. What Are DIY Mockups?

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) mockups are images you create yourself using Photoshop, Canva, or even a little real-life photography magic. This gives you full creative control, but it also means rolling up your sleeves and putting in the work.


Pros of DIY Mockups:

  • Cheap (a.k.a. free!): No need to spend cash on fancy mockup bundles.

  • Total creative freedom: You control the look, colors, and style.

  • One-of-a-kind: No risk of using the same mockup as a competitor.


Cons of DIY Mockups:

  • Time-consuming: Takes forever if you’re a perfectionist (or just indecisive).

  • Risky business: If you’re not a pro designer, your mockups might look… less than polished.

  • Hard to get right: Achieving realistic lighting and shadows isn’t as easy as it looks.



2. What Are Professional Mockups?

Professional mockups are high-quality, ready-made PSD or JPEG images created by designers. With just a few clicks, you can insert your artwork and get a polished, market-ready presentation.



Pros of Professional Mockups:

  • Saves your sanity: No hours spent tweaking shadows and lighting.

  • Super high quality: Expertly designed for a flawless, realistic look.

  • More sales, less stress: A polished mockup helps your artwork stand out and sell faster.

  • Marketplace-friendly: Designed to meet Etsy, Shopify, and POD platform standards.


Cons of Professional Mockups:

  • Costs money: Yep, you gotta spend a little to get the good stuff.

  • Not always 100% customizable: Some mockups might not fit your exact branding.



3. When Should You Invest in Professional Mockups?

DIY is great and all, but sometimes it’s best to let the pros do the work. Here’s when paying for mockups is a game-changer:

  • You’re busy AF: Running a business is hard enough—let mockups be the easy part.

  • You want a premium, cohesive look: Professional mockups give your brand that polished, high-end feel.

  • You’re competing in a crowded market: A killer mockup can be the difference between a sale and a scroll-past.

  • Design isn’t your strong suit: If Photoshop makes you want to scream, paid mockups are your best friend.

  • You want more $$$: High-quality visuals = more clicks = more sales. It’s science!



Final Thoughts


Both DIY and professional mockups have their place. If you love the creative process and have the time, DIY can work. But if you want to save time, look professional, and sell more, investing in premium mockups is the way to go.

Looking for jaw-dropping, high-quality mockups? Check out our latest collections and make your artwork shine like never before!



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