Comparisons

Creating your own star map designs vs using OwnStarMap

Torn between doing everything yourself and using a design supplier? An objective comparison for resellers.

Detailed comparison

Criteria	DIY designs	OwnStarMap
Time per design	30-60 minutes (data, calculation, layout)	2 minutes (automated tool)
Astronomical accuracy	Variable (depends on your astronomy skills)	8,921 stars, validated IAU algorithm
HD resolution	Depends on your tools (Photoshop, Illustrator...)	300 DPI guaranteed, print-ready
Cost per design	Your time + software licenses	From €2 on Expert plan
Skills required	Astronomy + graphic design + software	None — turnkey tool
Scalability	Limited by your available time	Unlimited — create as many designs as needed
Technical support	None — you're on your own	Dedicated support included

The true cost of DIY

Creating a star map design yourself seems economical, but the real cost includes your time (30-60 min per design), software licenses (Photoshop, Illustrator), and learning astronomical algorithms. At 10 orders per month, that's 5 to 10 hours of work — a significant opportunity cost for a reseller.

Astronomical accuracy as a business asset

Your customers pay for an accurate sky at a precise moment. Approximate calculations or incomplete stellar data can generate complaints and damage your reputation. OwnStarMap uses the HYG v4.2 catalog (8,921 stars) and IAU algorithms to guarantee scientific accuracy — a decisive selling point.

Scalability: from 5 to 500 orders per month

DIY works as a hobby with a few sales per month. But as soon as your business takes off, the bottleneck appears: each order requires 30+ minutes of manual work. With OwnStarMap, time per design drops to 2 minutes, allowing you to scale without hiring.

Our verdict

Creating your own designs is possible if you have astronomy and graphic design skills. But for a reseller handling multiple orders per week, the time invested quickly exceeds the cost of an OwnStarMap design (€2 on Expert plan, €3 on Pro plan). At 10+ orders/month, the reseller program becomes the most cost-effective option.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my own designs alongside OwnStarMap?

Yes, many resellers use OwnStarMap for standard orders and reserve DIY for very specific creations. It's an effective hybrid approach.

How long does it take to master star map creation?

Expect several weeks to master the basics of positional astronomy and graphic design. Stellar data accuracy remains a permanent challenge without a professional catalog.

Is OwnStarMap compatible with my existing design tools?

OwnStarMap designs are delivered in standard HD formats (high-resolution PNG). You can integrate them into any design workflow or send them directly to your POD supplier.

What is the break-even point for switching to the reseller program?

From 5-6 orders per month, the Pro plan (€20/month, €3/design) is more cost-effective than DIY in terms of time invested. The Expert plan is optimal from 20+ monthly orders.

Free generators Other suppliers

Ready to get started?

Join the OwnStarMap reseller program and start generating revenue today.

Become a reseller