Imagine taking on Adobe Photoshop and not only surviving but thriving. That’s exactly what Ivan Kutskir did when he created Photopea, a powerful online photo editor used by millions worldwide. The most mind-blowing part? He runs the entire operation alone and keeps his yearly expenses at just $700.
Kutskir’s Background
Kutskir’s grew up in a small village in Ukraine, where his early fascination with computers set the stage for his future endeavors. By the age of 14, he was already building websites, and his passion for computer graphics only grew from there.
It was during his computer science studies in Prague that the idea for Photopea took root. Identifying a significant gap in the market, Kutskir envisioned a platform that could open and edit PSD files directly in a browser, making photo editing more accessible.
Building Photopea
Kutskir’s initial version of Photopea was relatively simple, designed to open PSD files and download layers separately. However, through thousands of hours of development, it evolved into a full-fledged photo editor. This was driven by Kutskir’s commitment to filling the void left by Photoshop, particularly for users unable to afford its subscription.
A One-Man Operation
Despite its growth, Photopea remains a one-man operation. Half a million people use Photopea every single day, and it’s bringing in a staggering $2 million a year- all managed by one guy. Kutskir manages to keep operational costs astonishingly low, with annual expenses amounting to around $700 for server hosting and domain registration.
Monetization and Growth
Kutskir’s strategic monetization of Photopea began four years after its launch, introducing ads and a premium subscription model. This approach has proven effective, allowing it to remain free for users while generating $200,000 per month in revenue according to IndieHackers.com. 90% of the revenue comes from ads, the remainder is paying to hide ads or licensing a self-hosted version of Photopea.
Kutskir’s engagement with the Photopea community has played a crucial role in its viral success. His active participation in forums, Reddit AMAs, and direct communication with users has attracted a loyal user base. This community-driven approach has not only enhanced Photopea’s features based on user feedback but has also contributed to its widespread adoption.
Looking Ahead
As Photopea continues to grow, Kutskir remains focused on improving the platform, driven by a passion for making advanced photo editing tools accessible to everyone. With millions in revenue, low expenses, and a global user base, Ivan Kutskir has built one of the most inspiring solo businesses online.
