You don’t need a studio, a team, or a full-time schedule to start a creative business. Sometimes all it takes is a love for music, good taste, and a few hours a week.
That’s the story behind Buddy’s Music Prints, an Etsy shop offering custom minimalist prints inspired by people’s favorite lyrics, albums, or quotes. It’s run by one person — who prefers to stay anonymous — and built entirely around made-to-order wall art for music lovers.
Q: So, where did the idea for Buddy’s Music Prints come from?
I kept seeing minimalist posters based on movies and thought, why not do that for music? But instead of just picking random songs or artists, I figured — let people tell me what they want. Everyone’s got that one line or album that hits different. So I started offering custom prints based on that idea. People send me their favorite lyrics, quotes, or even just a song title, and I turn it into something clean and personal.
Q: Did you always plan on selling prints, or was this more of a creative experiment?
Not really. I’ve got a regular job — this started as a side thing. I didn’t know if anyone would even want this. But once the first few custom orders came in, I realized people really do connect with this kind of personal artwork. It’s more meaningful than just buying a generic print.
Q: You’ve got a pretty specific style — minimalist, music-centric. Was that intentional from the start?
That part was always clear to me. I didn’t want loud or trendy designs — just timeless, stripped-back prints that let the words speak. I think the simplicity makes it feel more emotional in a way. It’s not about decoration — it’s about what the song means to you.
Q: How did you find Printseekers, and what made you go with us?
It came down to quality and flexibility. I needed a print-on-demand service that could handle unique, one-off orders with consistent results. Printseekers was the only one that felt premium enough — from the paper to the frames. If someone’s trusting me to turn a favorite lyric into art, I need it to look and feel right when it arrives.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned that’s really helped your shop grow?
One thing I’d definitely recommend is testing out multiple stores. If you’ve got a couple of different ideas or styles that don’t totally fit together, don’t force it — just make a second store. That way, each one can have its own vibe and audience. I’ve seen way better results keeping things focused rather than trying to cram everything into one place.
Q: Any advice for someone thinking about starting a small shop like yours?
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to quit your job or have some perfect plan. If you’ve got a niche idea and can make something people connect with, just start. Having a good POD partner makes it way easier.
Buddy’s Music Prints might be a small operation, but it’s proof that side hustles with heart — and taste — can thrive on Etsy. Whether you’re designing in your spare time or just trying something new, we’ve got your back.
