How To Sell Art Online And Make Money

If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, you’re in luck. With the rise of e-commerce and online marketplaces, there are now more opportunities than ever to make money from your art.

The online marketplace is flourishing, offering endless opportunities for artists to showcase their talent.

However, navigating the world of online art sales can be daunting.

In this article, we’ll dive into the process of selling your art online, including deciding what art to sell, choosing your sales platform, registering your business, and effectively marketing your creations.

Key Takeaways

  • Decide what type of art to sell – original artworks, limited edition prints, digital files, or offer custom artwork.
  • Choose an online sales platform – create your own website for full control and customization, use online marketplaces like Etsy and Saatchi Art to tap into existing customer base, or use print-on-demand services like Redbubble and Society6 to save on production.
  • Effectively market your art online – leverage social media platforms to showcase work and engage followers, use paid ads to reach targeted audience, collaborate with influencers and bloggers to increase exposure.
  • Build an appealing online presence – use high-quality images to showcase work, write detailed descriptions accurately conveying information, maintain consistent branding across channels.
  • Network with other artists and art enthusiasts both online and offline to expand reach. Participate in local exhibitions or art fairs.
  • Implement smart pricing strategies factoring in production costs and fair market value. Offer limited edition prints at lower price points.

Why You Should Sell Your Art Online

Selling art online has become a popular way for artists to reach new markets and make money.

As the internet continues to grow, so does the potential for online art sales.

A survey by Art Business revealed that the share of total global art sales happening online is growing. As more people become comfortable with buying art online, the online art market is expected to grow even bigger.

How to sell art online to make money

This presents a great opportunity for you as an artist to expand your reach and sell your art to a global audience.

One of the biggest advantages of selling art online, just like other ways of making money online, is the ability to reach a wider audience. With an online art store or online marketplace, you can sell your art to people in other states and even other countries. This allows you to reach an entirely different audience than you would in a physical gallery.

Another advantage of selling art online is the ability to set up an online business with minimal overhead costs.

Unlike a physical gallery, you don’t need to pay rent or hire staff. All you need is a website or an online platform to sell your art.

With the right online platform and marketing strategy, you can set up an online art store and start making money selling art online.

If you decide to sell your art online, the first step is to determine what type of art you will sell. So here’s how you go about that:

Deciding What Art to Sell

When selling art online, you have several options to consider. You can choose to sell your original artwork, create copies or prints of your pieces, or even sell digital files of your art.

You may also want to explore the option of selling other artists’ work as well.

Let’s examine these options in greater detail:

Selling original art

Original art is one of the biggest selling categories online, with paintings as the most popular medium. Limited-edition prints are also popular in the online art market.

Taking your artistic creations to the online marketplace invites clients into your exclusive world of creativity as every piece is unique and cannot be replicated.

Selling original art

This exclusivity allows for higher pricing since each artwork carries inherent value from its creation process.

However, breaking through the noise can be challenging without strategic effort in building an online presence.

Ultimately, selling original art requires more than just talent; it necessitates business acumen and commitment in order to thrive.

Selling copies, prints, or digital files

With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to create high-quality reproductions of your original artwork.

Digital files are popular among consumers as they offer flexibility and immediate access to the art they purchase online.

Art prints are reproductions of original artwork, and they’re a popular option for people who want to buy art but can’t afford original artwork. Art prints can be sold in different sizes and formats, such as canvas prints, framed prints, or posters.

Offering print versions of your work opens up another avenue for sales while keeping the originals’ price point intact. For instance, limited edition prints can draw in those buyers on tighter budgets who aspire to own a piece by their favorite artist but cannot afford an original one just yet.

As you sell these reproductions, remember that pricing is crucial; factor in production costs and market value without undervaluing the time spent creating the artwork.

Selling other artists’ work

You can sell other artists’ work to promote and support fellow creators while making money online.

You’ll showcase their masterpieces through your online platform or store, opening their talent to a wider audience across the globe.

When selling other artists’ works, ensure that all legal agreements are in place with the original artists because this protects both parties involved and maintains trust in your business operations.

Ultimately, transparent communication is key in building successful partnerships with independent artists; hence having clear terms concerning matters such as profit margins and licensing rights is crucial too.

Selling Custom Art

Custom art is a great option for you who want to offer personalized artwork to your customers.

Custom art can include portraits, pet portraits, or personalized illustrations. You can sell custom art through your own website or social media.

Selling Custom Art

In conclusion, there are several types of art that you can sell online, including original art, digital art, art prints, and custom art.

Each type of art has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose the type of art that suits your skills and interests.

How to Sell Your Art Online

Once you have decided what art to sell, the next step is to decide how you will sell it. There are three main options: creating your own website, using online marketplaces, or using print-on-demand services.

Create Your Own Website

Creating your own website gives you complete control over your online art store. You can customize the design, layout, and functionality to suit your brand and your customers’ needs.

Here is an example of such a website belonging to Abang.

an example of an artist's website abang (https://www.aaaaabang.com/)

This option also allows you to build a loyal customer base and establish your brand’s identity.

To create your own website, you will need to:

  1. Register your business and choose a domain name that reflects your brand.
  2. Choose an ecommerce platform that suits your needs and budget.
  3. Customize your website’s design and layout to match your brand’s identity.
  4. Upload your artwork and set up your product pages, including pricing and shipping information.
  5. Implement secure payment gateways and shipping options.
  6. Optimize your website for search engines and promote it through social media and other marketing channels.

Having said that, creating your own online store can be time-consuming and requires technical expertise — although you can always hire a webmaster to handle the technical bits that you may struggle with (an added expense).

However, it can be a worthwhile investment in the long run, as it allows you to build a strong online presence and establish your brand as a reputable and trustworthy source of art.

Using Online Marketplaces

Using online marketplaces is a quick and easy way to start selling your art online.

These platforms have the advantage of already having a large customer base and established infrastructure, making it easier for you to reach a wider audience.

Using online marketplaces is a good option if you are just starting out or you don’t have the resources to create your own website.

However, it’s important to note that these platforms charge fees and may limit your ability to customize your store or build a loyal customer base.

Some popular online marketplaces for selling art include:

  • Etsy (transaction fee + listing fee which vary according to country): Customizable storefront, easy-to-use interface, built-in shipping options, seller support
  • Saatchi Art (35% commission fee for original art): Curated selection of artists, professional presentation, art advisory services, global shipping
  • Artsy (10% commission fee): Curated selection of galleries and artists, art world news and events, art advisory services
  • Artfinder (35% or 42% commission fee): Curated selection of artists, personalized recommendations, global shipping, seller support

When selling art online, you don’t have to pick one online platform for your art; you can sell on multiple platforms.

The bottom line is there are many online marketplaces and online art sales platforms available, each with its own pros and cons.

Fine Art America

Fine Art America is one of the leading online marketplaces for artists to sell their work. With a global audience, it provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their artwork easily.

Fine Art America

Artists can create their own online store on Fine Art America and upload high-quality images of their art pieces.

The site enables you to sell prints, home decor items, and apparel featuring your design.

Fine Art America also handles printing, framing, matting, packaging, and shipping on behalf of the artists.

It’s a great option for artists looking to reach a wider audience and make money selling their art online.

Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art is an online art marketplace that provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their artwork to a global audience.

It allows artists to create their own online store where they can sell art prints, wall art, original artworks, limited edition prints, and even digital files.

Saatchi Art

With Saatchi Art, artists have the opportunity to reach art collectors from all over the world and potentially make money selling their art online.

The platform also offers marketing support and exposure through various promotional opportunities, helping artists gain visibility and increase sales.

Additionally, Saatchi Art takes care of the logistics such as shipping and payment processing, making it easier for artists to focus on creating and selling their artwork.

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that provides a platform for artists to sell their artwork to a global audience.

It offers a wide range of art categories, including paintings, prints, photography, and handmade crafts.

Etsy

One advantage of selling on Etsy is that it attracts a large community of art lovers and collectors who actively seek unique and handcrafted pieces.

You can create your own shop on Etsy and customize it with your branding and product descriptions.

You can also utilize the platform’s search engine optimization tools to optimize your listings and increase visibility.

Additionally, Etsy provides seller protection policies and customer support to ensure a smooth selling experience for artists.

Selling on Etsy allows you to tap into the site’s existing customer base while maintaining control over pricing and shipping options. However, competition can be high on this platform due to the vast number of sellers.

To stand out from the crowd, you should focus on creating eye-catching product images, writing compelling descriptions that highlight the story behind your art, and engaging with customers through prompt communication.

Shopify store

Selling art online through a Shopify store is an excellent option for artists looking to have their own dedicated sales channel.

With a Shopify store, you can create a professional and customizable online storefront to showcase and sell your artwork.

You have full control over the design and layout of your store, allowing you to create a unique brand experience for customers. You can also easily manage inventory, process payments, and fulfill orders directly from the platform.

Additionally, Shopify provides various marketing tools and integrations that help drive traffic to the store and increase sales potential.

It’s a convenient and effective way for artists to establish an online presence and reach a global audience with their art.

Print-on-Demand Services

If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, print-on-demand services can be a great way to get started.

Print-on-demand allows you to sell your art without having to worry about inventory, shipping, or fulfillment.

When a customer orders a product from your online store, the print-on-demand service will print the product and ship it directly to the customer.

offer print on demand services

This means you don’t have to worry about storing inventory or fulfilling orders yourself.

You can use print-on-demand services to sell a variety of products, including art prints, posters, t-shirts, phone cases, and more.

When it comes to selling art, print-on-demand services are a great way to offer a variety of prints without having to invest in printing equipment or inventory.

Society6 and Redbubble

Society6 and Redbubble are popular online platforms for artists to showcase and sell their artwork.

These print-on-demand services allow artists to upload their designs, which can then be printed on a variety of products like art prints, clothing, home decor, and more.

Society6

With a global audience of art lovers and collectors, Society6 and Redbubble provide independent artists with an opportunity to reach a wider market and potentially earn money from their creations.

Redbubble

These platforms handle the production, shipping, and customer service aspects of selling art online, making it easier for artists to focus on creating new pieces.

Additionally, Society6 and Redbubble offer artist-friendly tools such as customizable storefronts and promotional features that help increase the visibility of their work.

How to Choose a Print-on-Demand Service

When choosing a print-on-demand service, there are a few things to consider.

  1. First, you’ll want to look at the types of products the service offers. Some print-on-demand services specialize in certain products, like t-shirts or phone cases, while others offer a wide variety of products.
  2. Second, you’ll want to look at the quality of the prints. Make sure the print-on-demand service uses high-quality printing equipment and materials to ensure your art looks its best.
  3. Third, you’ll want to consider the pricing and fees. Print-on-demand services typically charge a base price for the product, plus a fee for printing and shipping. Make sure you understand the pricing structure and how it will impact your profits.
  4. Finally, you’ll want to look at the features and integrations offered by the print-on-demand service. Some services offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Etsy, while others offer their own online store builder. Look for a service that offers the features you need to run your online art business.

Some popular print on demand services include Society6, Redbubble, Printful, Printify, and Gooten.

Each of these services offers a variety of products, high-quality printing, competitive pricing, and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms.

Marketing Your Art Online

Once you have set up your online art store, the next step is to market your art to potential buyers. Here are some effective ways to market your art online:

Use Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms are powerful marketing tools that allow you to reach a large audience of potential buyers.

Use Social Media Platforms

You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your art, engage with your followers, and drive traffic to your online art store.

To effectively use social media for marketing your art, you should:

  • Post high-quality images of your art regularly
  • Use relevant hashtags to increase your reach
  • Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages
  • Collaborate with other artists and influencers in your niche
  • Run social media contests and giveaways to increase engagement

First, building an online presence through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest is essential. These platforms allow you to showcase your artwork, engage with potential customers, and gain followers who may become loyal buyers.

Run Paid Ad Campaigns

Another effective way to market your art online is by running paid ad campaigns. You can use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to reach a targeted audience of potential buyers.

To run a successful ad campaign, you should:

  • Define your target audience and create a buyer persona
  • Choose the right ad platform and ad format
  • Set a budget and bid strategy
  • Create compelling ad copy and visuals
  • Monitor and optimize your ad campaign regularly

Collaborate with Influencers and Bloggers

Another effective marketing strategy is collaborating with influencers or bloggers in the art niche.

By partnering with individuals who have a significant following in the art community, you can increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your online store.

Participate in Local Art Fairs and Exhibitions

Consider participating in local art fairs or exhibitions to showcase your work offline as well.

Participate in Local Art Fairs and Exhibitions

These events provide an opportunity for you to connect with art enthusiasts directly and potentially make sales.

Network with Other Artists

Networking with other artists can be a great way to build your reputation, gain exposure, and connect with potential buyers.

By attending art events, joining online communities, and collaborating with other artists, you can expand your network and learn from others in the industry.

One great way to network with other artists is to join an online marketplace like Fine Art America or Saatchi Art.

These platforms allow you to connect with other independent artists, share your work with art lovers around the world, and sell your artwork to collectors and buyers.

You can also consider joining a local art association or club to connect with other artists and learn from experienced professionals.

Tips for Selling Art Online Successfully

Here are tips that will help you improve your chances of success when selling art online:

Register Your Business

To establish your art business as a legally recognized entity, you should start an LLC online. This process provides you with liability protection and separates your personal assets from your business finances.

By forming an LLC, you can also take advantage of tax benefits and present a more professional image to potential customers.

With various online services available, registering an LLC has become faster and easier than ever before.

Do Your Research Effectively

To effectively sell your art directly as an artist, begin by researching and focusing on platforms like eBay where artists sell their own artwork. Use specific search strings such as “art from artists” or “art by artist” for targeted results. Experiment with different search strings to find artists selling their own work.

Create a list of keywords that accurately describe your art, including your name, location, art type, subject matter, materials, mediums, and relevant details.

Use these keywords individually in online auction search engines to find similar art, and pay attention to successful artists’ descriptions to discover effective keywords. Gradually refine your list by keeping keywords that yield results similar to your art.

Use an Effective Title

The title line of your listing, regardless of what you’re selling, is crucial for attracting potential buyers.

Well-chosen title lines are what draws attention and interest from viewers, bidders, and buyers. To optimize your title line, include the most descriptive keywords from your list and pack it with as many relevant keywords as possible to maximize visibility.

Avoid using space-wasting words like “rare” or “fantastic” and prioritize specific information about your art over generalities.

In title lines, grammar is not important, but spelling is crucial. Ensure that all words are spelled correctly, as misspelled keywords can deter potential viewers.

Additionally, refrain from using abbreviations, as most people do not search using abbreviations. If you’re a lesser-known artist, focus your title line on describing the type of art you create and using relevant keywords rather than including your name.

As you gain recognition, consider incorporating your name into title lines, as buyers will then search specifically for your work.

Detailed information about yourself and your accomplishments as an artist can be included in the description section of your listing.

Use The Best Images

Just as you’d do when selling photos online, in order to effectively showcase your art and attract higher prices in online auctions, use high-quality, clear, and accurate images.

Provide a comprehensive view of your artwork by including shots of the entire piece, detailed close-ups, and any unique or special areas that potential buyers may inquire about.

Additionally, consider including images of the back, base, or edges if they are relevant. Professional-looking images are crucial in selling your art successfully.

Maintain a clean and minimalistic background to minimize distractions, and if your artwork includes frames or display options, feature them in the images. You can even show how the artwork looks displayed in an interior setting.

Some platforms such as Saatchi Art have augmented reality to help you see how your art will look like when mounted on your wall:

 Saatchi Art have augmented reality

Each image should be visually appealing, avoiding blurriness, small sizes, flash glare, reflections, or other issues that may hinder viewers’ clarity.

Poor-quality images can discourage potential bidders or lead to lower bids.

Ensure that your images can be magnified clearly so that bidders can examine your artwork up close when using the magnifying option. High-quality images enhance your chances of selling your art for a better price in online auctions.

Use Detailed Descriptions

When describing your art for sale, honesty and accuracy are crucial. Provide a truthful and enticing description without misrepresentation or exaggeration.

Successful sellers of just about anything online create effective descriptions that incorporate important keywords. Learning how to seamlessly integrate keywords into your descriptions is essential for attracting viewers and potential buyers, and maximizing your art’s visibility and sales potential.

Stick to the facts and avoid making unsubstantiated claims about the importance or significance of your art.

Maintain an upbeat and welcoming tone, highlighting what buyers typically appreciate most about your work.

Include relevant information about yourself, your career, and your art, especially if you’re not well-known. Mention gallery exhibitions, awards, typical selling prices, and other pertinent details to introduce your art to potential buyers.

Provide comprehensive details about your art, including dimensions, medium, weight, and any unique characteristics or special handling requirements.

If you are shipping your art, clearly explain your packing and shipping processes, including associated costs, responsibility for expenses, and the methods used.

Transparency in your descriptions helps build bidder confidence and avoids surprises for winning bidders.

Use Social Media Effectively

Here are some key tips for effectively using social media:

  • Treat online interactions as you would in person, maintaining respect and courtesy.
  • Keep your profile active and engage with regular updates; infrequent updates may deter followers.
  • Define your purpose for being on social media and stay focused on your goals and intentions.
  • Decide on your desired level of privacy; being more public can help you connect with a broader audience.
  • Maintain consistent usernames across different social media platforms for easy cross-referencing.
  • Be consistent in your content, focusing on related topics to help followers understand your artistic perspective.
  • Make your posts interesting and engaging by sharing narratives, stories, or themes.
  • Encourage interaction and dialogue through your posts to foster engagement.
  • Give people compelling reasons to like, share, or comment on your art and posts.
  • Engage with others by liking, commenting, and sharing their content.
  • Gradually build connections and friendships over time, both personally and professionally.
  • Participate in discussions and offer input on other artists’ work before seeking feedback on your own.
  • Use chat and direct messages judiciously and respectfully.
  • Explain why you’re sending friend requests, especially to people who may not know you.
  • Organize your art images into related albums to help viewers navigate your portfolio.
  • Provide brief descriptions or comments when sharing images of your art to give context.
  • Drive traffic to your website with social media, ensuring your site offers new and engaging content.

You need to understand how social media works to make the most of it. However, the tips I’ve provided should serve you well.

Conclusion

Selling art online offers independent artists a wide range of opportunities to showcase and sell their work.

By leveraging platforms like Etsy, Zazzle, Creative Market, and Instagram, artists can reach a global audience and charge higher prices for their original pieces.

Print-on-demand services also provide a profitable option for selling art online.

With the right marketing strategies and pricing considerations in place, artists can turn their passion into a successful online business and make money selling their artwork.