Why I Don't Use POD or Dropshipping – And Why It Matters

In an age where convenience often outweighs craftsmanship, I want to take a moment to share why you won’t find Print-on-Demand (POD) or dropshipping products at Fine Art Printery. This decision isn’t just about business—it’s about values, quality, and preserving the spirit of independent artistry.

The Problem with POD and Dropshipping

POD and dropshipping have become incredibly popular business models, allowing sellers to list thousands of products without ever touching or producing them. While this might sound efficient, it comes with significant drawbacks—ones that I believe hurt small, self-producing artists and craftspeople the most.

• A Race to the Bottom – Mass-produced prints, cards, and decor are often made with little regard for quality, driving prices lower and lower. This makes it incredibly difficult for independent artisans to compete while maintaining the high standards that handmade and carefully produced goods require.

• No Personal Connection – When products are printed or shipped by third parties, they lack the soul and intentionality that comes from a creator personally handling their work. There’s a difference between something made with passion and something produced to maximize margins.

• Overproduction and Waste – Many POD services use low-cost materials and mass production methods that contribute to excessive waste. Art should be timeless, not disposable.

• Lost Craftsmanship – The rise of POD has meant fewer people are learning and practicing traditional printing, restoration, and hand-finishing techniques. I believe in keeping these skills alive.

The Joy of Holding My Work in My Own Hands

One of the greatest joys of my craft is physically handling each piece I create. There’s something deeply fulfilling about feeling the texture of the paper, inspecting every detail, and knowing that my hands have shaped something meaningful. I wouldn’t give that up for anything.

My love for the art itself is also a major reason why I’d rather make the illustrations myself than rely on those cold, spirit-less major companies. Creating and crafting these pieces by hand is a labor of love, an extension of my passion for historical beauty and fine craftsmanship.

What You Get at Fine Art Printery

I take pride in curating, restoring, and hand-cutting each print, ensuring it meets my personal standards before it reaches you. Every item in my shop—whether a fine art print, greeting card, or bookmark—has been handled with care and intention. This means:

• High-quality materials – I select fine papers and archival-quality inks to ensure longevity and beauty.

• Attention to detail – From restoration to printing to hand-cutting, every piece is checked for quality and aesthetic integrity.

• A direct connection – When you purchase from Fine Art Printery, you’re supporting an independent artisan, not a faceless supplier. And if you ever have a special request, I’m here to listen and bring it to life.

Supporting Independent Creators Matters

Every time someone chooses to buy from a small, self-producing business instead of a mass-market POD store, they help keep craftsmanship alive. They support real people, not just algorithms and automated fulfillment centers. They bring back a sense of meaning and authenticity to the things they surround themselves with.

If you share this belief in quality, craftsmanship, and independent artistry, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you. And if there’s something special you’re looking for, let me know—I’d love to create something meaningful just for you.

Thank you for supporting real art, real craftsmanship, and real people. Your choice makes a difference.