There’s a lot of talk between digital product makers and seller about SVGs … but what IS an SVG? I have you covered in this post!
What is an SVG?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic and it’s a type of image file format that uses vector graphics to describe an image, rather than raster graphics (pixels).
What does this mean? SVG images can be resized without losing their great quality, as the image is defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels! Plus, as SVG images are text-based, they can be edited and searched for keywords – isn’t that clever?!
Photos are made up of pixels and have a limit to how large you can scale them – the more you scale, the blurrier they get, right? Essentially, they don’t have enough pixels. Whereas with an SVG, you can scale them as large as you like.
What are SVGs used for?
You can create SVGs for a wide range of use cases such as clipart, logos, icons, charts, infographics, maps, and diagrams. They are also used to create animations and interactive graphics, such as those used in data visualization and interactive maps.
Or like me, you can even use them to make stickers – you can imagine that’s my main reason for them!
Some unexpected uses for SVG include:
- Crafting! SVG designs such as clipart can be used in a multitude of ways.
- Data visualization: they can be used to create interactive and animated data visualizations, such as charts, graphs, and maps. The resolution-independent nature of SVG means that the visualizations can be resized without losing quality, making them ideal for use on websites and in mobile apps.
- Print design: Because SVG is resolution-independent, it can be used for print design as well. The vector nature of SVG allows for clean and sharp lines, which is perfect for logos, posters, and other print materials.
- Accessibility: SVG images can be made accessible by providing text alternatives and using appropriate ARIA roles. This means that visually impaired users can access the content of the image using screen readers.
- Animation: SVG has a built-in animation feature which can be used to create animations and interactive graphics. This can be used to create interesting effects and make your website more engaging.
- Virtual Reality: Because of its vector nature, SVG is well suited to be used in Virtual Reality experiences. It can be easily scaled and rendered on different devices and VR platforms, providing a rich and consistent visual experience.
- Iconography: SVG icons are lightweight and scalable, making them perfect for use in responsive design. They are also easy to style and animate using CSS, which allows for a more consistent look and feel across a website or app.
- Augmented Reality: SVG can also be used to create 2D animations and graphics for augmented reality experiences. The vector-based format makes it easy to scale and adjust the graphics to fit different devices and AR platforms.
Where can you buy SVGs?
- Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio are my go-to places! You can either buy single SVGs or bundles of them and they typically are delivered to you in a digital Zip file after purchasing.
- Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Design Bundles, Creative Market and The Hungry JPEG allow you to buy digital products, including SVG files. These marketplaces have a large selection of SVG files available, and you can often find files that are tailored to specific industries or uses.
- Design blogs and portfolio sites: Many designers and illustrators have blogs or portfolio sites where they sell their own SVG files. You can often find unique designs that you won’t find on other marketplaces.
- Social media: Some designers and illustrators sell SVG files on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You can often find files that are tailored to specific industries or uses.
- Print-on-demand platforms: Platforms like Redbubble, Zazzle, and Society6 allow you to buy designs and also sell them on a variety of products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
- Freelancing platforms: You can also hire designers or illustrators to create custom SVG files for you on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs.
Just ensure you have a commercial license if you are buying them to sell, even in as part of a new product. Also, never share the SVGs you have purchased with others – this is disrespectful to the shop owner/designer as well as going against their Terms of purchase.
Who can make SVGs?
Well, YOU can, for a start! SVGs are also created by:
- Digital product creators
- Crafters
- Graphic designers
- Web designers
- Front-end developers
- Data Visualization specialists
- Illustrators
- Animators
- Icon designers
- Logo designers
You can absolutely learn to make SVGs too – my friend Jav can teach you about making and selling SVGs in this free class, the 4-step framework to a 6-figure SVG business!
SVG Making for Beginners
- Start with basic shapes first! Think about creating easy shapes like circles, rectangles, and lines. This will help you get a feel for how the shapes are created and how they can be manipulated.
- Use a vector graphic editor programs like Cricut Design Space, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and Sketch as they are designed to make it easy to create and edit vector graphics. They provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you to create and manipulate shapes, lines, and other graphical elements.
- Follow tutorials online that can help you learn how to create SVG images. These tutorials can provide step-by-step instructions and can be a great way to learn the basics.
- Practice, practice, practice! Keep experimenting with different designs and techniques, and continue to learn more about designing SVGs.
How can you create SVGs?
SVG images can be created using a variety of tools and softwares, including vector graphic editors such as Cricut Design Space, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and Sketch. Personally, I create them in Silhouette Studio.
They can also be created programmatically using code, such as JavaScript or the SVG DOM (Document Object Model) although for the kind of SVGs I make, I don’t get this technical.
It is important to note that while SVG is a powerful and versatile format, it is not suitable for all types of images. Raster images such as photographs are better suited to formats like JPEG and PNG.
To create an SVG:
There are several ways to create an SVG image, depending on your skill level and the tools you have available:
- Using a vector graphic editor: Programs like Cricut Design Space, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and Sketch allow you to create and edit SVG images using a graphical user interface. You can create shapes, lines, and other graphical elements using the software’s drawing tools, and then export the image as an SVG file.
- Writing SVG code by hand: You can also create an SVG image by writing the code yourself. SVG code is written in XML, so you can use a text editor to create an SVG file. The code will contain instructions for creating shapes, lines, and other graphical elements. It is important to validate the code to make sure it is well-formed.
- Using an online generator: There are also online tools available that can generate SVG code for you. Some of these tools allow you to create simple shapes and lines, while others are more advanced and can be used to create charts, diagrams, and other complex graphics.
- Using a library or framework: There are several libraries and frameworks available such as D3.js, Raphaël.js, and Snap.svg that can be used to create SVG images programmatically. These tools provide a way to create and manipulate SVG images using JavaScript, which can be useful for creating interactive and animated graphics.
Once you’ve created your SVG image, you can then use it on your website or in your app by including it as an <img> tag or using CSS to display it as a background image.
How to sell SVGs
There are several ways to sell SVG files, depending on your target market and the type of SVG files you are selling. It’s really important that if you’re selling SVGs you have purchased, that you hav a Commercial Licence from the designer that allows you to do so. You can buy SVGs here:
- Online marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Design Bundles, Creative Market and The Hungry JPEG allow you to sell digital products, including SVG files. These marketplaces have a large audience of buyers looking for digital products and they take care of the payment processing, so you don’t have to worry about setting up a payment gateway.
- Your own website: You can also sell SVG files on your own website by setting up an e-commerce platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce. This will give you more control over the look and feel of your store, as well as the ability to customize the buying experience for your customers.
- Social media: You can also sell SVG files on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram by setting up a shop on your business page. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to set up a shop and link it to your e-commerce platform.
- Print-on-demand platforms: Platforms like Redbubble, Zazzle, and Society6 allow you to create designs and then sell them on a variety of products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You can also upload your SVG files and sell them as digital downloads.
- Freelancing: You can also offer your SVG design services as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs. This can be a good option if you’re an experienced designer and want to work on a project-by-project basis.
It’s important to note that you need to have the rights to distribute and sell any SVG designs you plan to sell. This means you should create your own designs or have a license to use any third-party assets in your designs.
Interested in making your own printable stickers to sell including SVGs for stickers?
Selling Planner Stickers – Free Class!
Ready to get started? Click here to watch my FREE class on Discovering the Stickers That Sell!
AFTER THIS CLASS, YOU’LL KNOW:
- The 3 BIG mistakes new sticker makers and shop owners make … so YOU can avoid them
- The tools and equipment you need to get started
- How to use your creativity to start a side hustle … even if you’re not an artist or designer
- How to stand out from the crowd for sticker shop success selling the stickers that people WANT
You’ll discover the stickers that stand out from the crowd on Etsy and that people actually WANT to buy!
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Want to get started today creating your own stickers for yourself … or to sell?
You can, when you join The Sticker Shop Plan eCourse!
After taking this course, you’ll know how about making stickers to sell on Etsy in a fun, profit-focused sticker shop.
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