For artists, the internet has opened up a world of new opportunities to showcase and sell their work.
Selling art online allows artists to connect with a broader audience of art lovers and collectors from all around the globe.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best places to sell art online, offering valuable insights for both new and established artists.
It’s designed to be a go-to resource for anyone looking to build a successful art business in the digital world.
Here, you’ll find information on various platforms, practical tips for online sales, and answers to common questions, helping you navigate the exciting journey of selling your beautiful art online.
Why Sell Your Art in an Online Marketplace?
Selling your art online offers several advantages over traditional methods like selling through physical art galleries.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reach A Global Audience: An online marketplace lets you showcase your original artwork to a vast, international audience of potential buyers. You are no longer limited to your local area. People from different countries who appreciate your style can find and purchase your art, which is a great way to expand your reach. This exposure can lead to more online sales and help you build a global community of art enthusiasts around your work.
- Lower Overheads Compared to Physical Galleries: Setting up a shop in an online marketplace is often much more affordable than renting space in a physical art gallery. Many platforms offer a free account or charge minimal listing fees, and some are completely free to use. This lower financial barrier makes it easier for new artists to start their art business and for established artists to increase their profit margins. You can avoid the high costs associated with a brick-and-mortar store, such as rent, utilities, and staffing.
- Maintain Control Over Your Pricing and Brand: When you sell art online through your website or a marketplace, you generally have more control over how your work is presented and priced. You can set your prices based on your assessment of your art’s value, without the significant commission fees that many traditional art galleries charge. You also get to build your own brand identity, telling your story and connecting directly with your customers, which can foster loyalty and repeat business. Looking at brand story examples can inspire you to craft your own unique narrative.
Types of Platforms For Selling Art Online
There are several types of online platforms where you can sell your art. Each has its own features and benefits, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and goals.
Online Art Galleries & Marketplaces
Online art galleries are websites that feature a curated selection of fine art from various artists. These platforms, like Saatchi Art and Artfinder, often have a large, established audience of art collectors actively looking to buy original artwork. They provide a professional platform to showcase your work and can lend credibility to your art business.
While some charge commission fees, the exposure they offer can be invaluable, especially for emerging artists looking to make a name for themselves in the art world.
Print-on-Demand (POD) Services
Print-on-demand (POD) services are a fantastic option for artists who want to sell prints of their artwork on a variety of products without managing inventory or shipping.
With POD, you upload your digital art, and when a customer orders a product featuring your design (like a t-shirt, phone case, or wall art), the POD company prints, packages, and ships it for you.
Platforms like Redbubble and Society6 operate on this business model, allowing you to earn a commission on each sale.
This is a low-risk way to generate passive income from your art, especially if you create some of the best-selling digital products.
Personal E-commerce Stores and Portfolio Sites
Creating your website with an integrated e-commerce store gives you complete control over your brand, pricing, and customer experience.
Platforms like Shopify and Squarespace offer user-friendly tools to build a beautiful and professional online store where you can sell original art, limited edition prints, and even digital downloads. A strong e-commerce design is important for attracting and retaining customers.
Having your website helps you build a strong online presence and a direct relationship with your customers. You can use your website as a central hub for your art business, linking to it from your social media platforms.
Exploring the best websites for small business can give you ideas for your own store.
Social Media Marketplaces
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become powerful tools for artists to sell their work directly to their followers.
You can use these platforms to showcase your art, share your creative process, and build a community around your brand. A solid Instagram marketing strategy can significantly boost your visibility and sales.
With features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shops, you can create a seamless shopping experience for your audience, allowing them to browse and buy your art without leaving the app.
Social media is a great way to connect with a wider audience and drive traffic to your online store or other selling platforms.
20 Top Platforms to Sell Your Art Online
Here are 20 of the best platforms for selling your art online, each with its unique features and audience.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is one of the world’s leading online art galleries, featuring a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography from artists in over 100 countries. It’s an excellent platform for selling original fine art to a global audience of art collectors.
They have a team of curators who can help promote your work, and they handle shipping and logistics for you.
While they do take a commission on sales, the exposure to a large and engaged audience of art lovers can be worth it.
Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. It’s a great place for independent artists to sell original artwork, art prints, greeting cards, and other creative products.
Many artists wonder, “Can I sell Canva designs on Etsy“? The platform is quite flexible, and learning how to sell Canva Designs on Etsy can open up another revenue stream.
Etsy has a large, built-in customer base actively looking for unique items. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and tools that help sellers manage their shops and market their products.
Commission fees are relatively low compared to traditional art galleries.
Shopify
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that allows you to create your own branded online store.
With Shopify, you have complete control over your website design, products, and pricing. It’s a great option for artists who want to build a long-term, sustainable art business and a strong online presence.
Shopify offers a range of marketing tools and integrations to help you promote your art and grow your sales. While it requires a monthly subscription fee, it offers a high degree of flexibility and scalability.
eBay
eBay is a massive global marketplace where you can sell almost anything, including art. It has a dedicated section for art where you can list original paintings, sculptures, prints, and more.
eBay offers both auction-style and fixed-price listings, giving you flexibility in how you sell your work. With millions of users worldwide, eBay provides access to a huge pool of potential buyers.
However, the platform is very competitive, so you’ll need to use good photos and descriptions to make your listings stand out.
Amazon
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, also has a section for art. Selling on Amazon can give you access to an enormous customer base. You can sell original art, prints, and other art-related products.
Amazon offers services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), where they handle storage, packing, and shipping for you.
The platform’s powerful search and recommendation algorithms can also help new customers find your work.
Redbubble
Redbubble is a popular print-on-demand platform that allows you to sell your artwork on a wide range of products, including clothing, stickers, phone cases, and home decor. You simply upload your designs, and Redbubble handles all the printing and shipping.
It’s a great way for graphic designers and illustrators to monetize their work without any upfront investment. You set your profit margins, and the platform has a large, active community of artists and buyers.
TurningArt
TurningArt is a special site. It works with artists to sell and rent their art. They help both people and businesses.
This gives artists many ways to earn money. Artists can get monthly pay from rented art pieces. The site highlights original art and limited prints. TurningArt’s plan helps get your art into homes and workspaces.
This way, it reaches many professional buyers.
Artfinder
Artfinder is an online marketplace that connects artists with a global community of art lovers. The platform features a curated selection of original art from independent artists around the world.
Artfinder prides itself on its strong relationship with its artists, offering them tools and support to grow their businesses.
They have a transparent commission structure and provide artists with valuable data and insights to help them understand their sales performance.
Fine Art America
Fine Art America is a well-known online art market. It gives artists a special place to show their work.
As a print-on-demand service, it lets artists sell their original paintings and prints. They can also sell many products with their art on them. These products include home decor, trendy clothes, and cool phone cases.
This makes it a good choice for many artists. The site helps photographers and digital artists too.
Fine Art America offers many tools to help artists market their work well.
Plus, it allows them to create a custom web store. This helps artists build their own online presence and reach more people.
ArtPal
ArtPal is a free online gallery where artists can sell their art with no commission fees, making it a great choice for those looking to keep more of their earnings. You can sell original artwork, prints, and even utilize their convenient print-on-demand service for a wider range of products.
The platform is user-friendly, allowing you to create your own gallery quickly and efficiently.
While it may not attract as much traffic as some larger platforms, its no-fee structure and supportive community make it an appealing option for artists aiming to maximize their profit margins and gain exposure.
Artsy
Artsy is a high-end online art marketplace that partners with leading galleries, museums, and auction houses to sell fine art.
The platform is renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary art and its sophisticated audience of discerning art collectors.
For professional artists with an established reputation, being featured on Artsy can provide significant prestige and exposure, enhancing their credibility in the art world. It’s a more exclusive platform, and artists typically need gallery representation to be listed, which helps maintain a high standard of quality and professionalism in the works showcased.
Artnet
Artnet is a top online place for the global art market. It has a wide platform for art sales, gallery lists, and news about art. Their large online gallery links galleries and artists with collectors all over the world.
These collectors look for special art pieces.
Like Artsy, Artnet focuses on well-known artists and galleries. They want to help them get more notice in the market.
Also, their strong price list helps users study art costs and trends. This tool helps artists and sellers make smart choices.
Artplode
Artplode is a new online art gallery. Here, artists can sell their work directly to buyers. They do not have to pay any commission fees.
This makes it a great choice for creators. Artists only pay a one-time fee for each artwork listed.
Each piece stays on the site until it sells. This gives artists plenty of exposure. This way, artists can keep all of their sales money.
The platform focuses on original art. It includes many types of art, such as beautiful paintings and detailed sculptures.
It also features eye-catching photography. This allows artists to show their special skills to people around the world.
Zazzle
Zazzle is a well-known site where you can sell your art. It lets you create and sell many kinds of products with your artwork.
This platform offers many ways for customers to personalize their items. This can help you stand out in the busy online market.
Zazzle is great for graphic designers and illustrators. You can put your designs on things like invitations, business cards, and skateboards. You can also use it for pillows and home decor items.
This helps you reach more people and make more money.
UGallery
UGallery is a curated online art gallery that sells original art from a select group of mid-career and emerging artists.
They have a rigorous selection process, which means that being accepted onto the platform is a mark of quality.
UGallery offers a professional and supportive environment for its artists, with a dedicated team to help with marketing and sales. They handle all aspects of the sale, including shipping and customer service.
Søciety6
Society6 is a vibrant print-on-demand marketplace that’s especially popular with a younger, design-savvy audience.
Artists can sell their work on a wide array of lifestyle products, including art prints, home decor, apparel, and tech accessories.
The platform allows creators to showcase their unique styles and reach a global audience. Society6 has a strong social media presence and often features artists on its blog and social channels, which can provide great exposure and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
SINGULART
SINGULART is an online art gallery that works with artists and buyers all over the world. It features artists from more than 80 countries. The gallery shows a mix of modern art that shows different styles and cultures.
SINGULART gives artists important tools to help them manage their work and sales. They also offer support from skilled art advisors.
The main goal is to help artists grow their careers worldwide. This helps them find more chances for exposure in the global art market.
Displate
Displate is a company that makes and sells metal prints. These prints are strong and look great. Artists can upload their work easily.
Displate handles the rest, turning the art into eye-catching wall pieces.
The site is famous for pop culture, gaming, and fantasy art. It draws in many different fans. Displate has a strong group of creators.
They give artists a good share of the money from each sale. This makes it a great choice for artists whose work looks good on metal.
This special market helps artists show their skills and earn more money.
Minted
Minted is an online marketplace that sources creative content from a global community of independent artists and sells it as fine art, home decor, and stationery. They are known for their design competitions, where artists can submit their work to be voted on by the community.
Winning designs are then sold on the site, with the artist earning a commission.
This is a great way for artists to gain recognition and sell their work.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder. It is loved by artists and creators for its nice, simple templates.
You can easily make a professional portfolio site and online store. Squarespace gives you all the tools you need.
You can show your work and sell it to your audience. It helps you build your brand, too. You must bring your visitors to the site.
A Squarespace site can be the main place for your online presence.
A Beginner’s Guide to Selling Art Online Successfully
Starting to sell your art online can be an exciting journey. Here are some steps to help you get started on the right foot.
How to Photograph and Digitize Your Artwork?
High-quality images are essential for selling art online. You don’t necessarily need a professional camera to start; many modern smartphones can take excellent photos. For photographers, knowing how to sell photos to stock websites can be another avenue for income. Here are some tips:
- Use natural light: Photograph your artwork in bright, indirect natural light to avoid harsh shadows and glare.
- Keep it straight: Position your camera directly in front of your artwork to avoid distortion. Use a tripod if possible to keep the camera steady.
- Show the details: Take close-up shots to show the texture and details of your work.
- Edit carefully: Use photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color to match the original artwork as closely as possible.
Writing SEO-Friendly Titles and Descriptions
Search engine optimization (SEO) helps potential buyers find your art when they search online.
Use clear, descriptive titles that include keywords people might use to find your art (e.g., “Large Abstract Ocean Painting on Canvas”).
In your descriptions, tell a story about the piece, mention the materials used, and include dimensions. Think about the words your ideal customer would use and include them naturally in your text.
A Strategy For Pricing Your Art
Pricing your art can be tricky, but a clear strategy can help. Consider these factors:
- Cost of Materials: Calculate how much you spent on canvas, paint, and other supplies.
- Your Time: Set an hourly wage for yourself and multiply it by the number of hours you spent on the piece.
- Market Research: Look at what artists with a similar style and level of experience are charging for their work.
- Originals Vs. Prints: Original art will have a much higher price point than art prints. For prints, you can offer them in different sizes and price points to appeal to a broader audience. Don’t be afraid to price your work fairly; undervaluing your art can deter serious art collectors.
Marketing and Promoting Your Online Store
Once your online store is set up, you need to let people know about it. Here are some marketing ideas:
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to share your art, your process, and behind-the-scenes content. Engage with your followers and use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
- Email List: Build an email list of interested customers and send out regular newsletters with updates on new work, special offers, and upcoming events.
- Collaborate: Partner with other artists, bloggers, or influencers to cross-promote each other’s work. You can even create marketing materials together, drawing inspiration from campaign poster ideas.
- Art Fairs and Local Events: Don’t forget about offline opportunities. Participating in art fairs and local markets can be a great way to meet potential buyers in person and direct them to your online store.
FAQ’s:
What is the Most Profitable Online Platform to Sell Art For Beginners?
For beginners, the most profitable platform is often one with low upfront costs and a built-in audience.
Etsy and ArtPal are great starting points because they have low or no fees, making it easier to start selling without a big investment.
Print-on-demand sites like Redbubble are also excellent for beginners because there are no inventory costs. As you grow, you might find that having your own Shopify store offers the highest profit margins because you have more control over your pricing and brand.
How Do I Price My Art to Attract Buyers and Make A Profit?
Pricing your art involves a balance between covering your costs, valuing your time and skill, and understanding the market. A good formula to start with is: (cost of materials) + (your hourly wage × hours spent) + (a percentage for profit).
Researching what similar artists charge can give you a good benchmark. Offering a range of products, like original art, limited edition prints, and open edition prints, at different price points can also help you attract a wider range of buyers.
Is It Better to Sell Originals Or Prints Online?
Selling both originals and prints is often the best strategy. Original artwork appeals to serious art collectors and can command a high price, while prints of your artwork are more affordable and can provide a steady stream of income from a single piece of art.
Offering prints allows more people to own a piece of your work, which can help you build a larger fan base. You can sell limited edition prints to create a sense of scarcity and value.
Do I Need A Professional Camera to Photograph My Art?
While a professional camera can produce high-quality images, it’s not a necessity for beginners.
Many smartphones today have excellent cameras that can take sharp, well-lit photos of your artwork. The most important things are good lighting, a steady hand (or a tripod), and careful editing to ensure the colors in the photo accurately represent your original art.
How Do I Figure Out Shipping For My Artwork?
Shipping artwork can be challenging, but many online platforms offer guidance and tools to help.
For original art, it’s important to package it securely to prevent damage. You can find tutorials online on how to properly pack paintings and other delicate items. Be sure to calculate your shipping costs accurately and include them in the price or as a separate charge.
For prints, using a print-on-demand service can eliminate the hassle of shipping, as they handle it for you.
Can I Sell the Same Artwork on Multiple Websites?
Yes, in most cases, you can sell the same artwork on multiple websites. This can be a good strategy to increase your visibility and reach a broader audience. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions of each platform, as some may have exclusivity clauses.
If you are selling an original piece of art, you need to be very careful to remove the listing from all other platforms as soon as it sells to avoid selling the same single piece to multiple buyers.
How Can I Protect My Artwork From Being Copied Or Stolen Online?
Protecting your artwork online is a valid concern for many artists. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Use watermarks: Add a subtle watermark with your name or logo to your images before uploading them online.
- Upload low-resolution images: Share lower-resolution images on social media and your website to make them less suitable for printing.
- Copyright your work: In many countries, you automatically own the copyright to your work as soon as you create it. You can also formally register your copyright for added legal protection.
- Include a copyright notice: Add a copyright notice (e.g., © [Your Name] [Year]) to your website and product listings.
Conclusion
Selling art online presents a fantastic opportunity for artists to share their creativity with the world and build a successful art business. With a wide range of platforms to choose from, there’s a perfect fit for every artist, whether you create fine art, digital art, or something in between.
By choosing the right platform, taking high-quality photos of your work, writing compelling descriptions, and actively marketing your art, you can turn your passion into a profession. The journey of selling art online requires dedication and effort, but the rewards of connecting with art lovers and building a thriving online presence are well worth it.
So take the leap, explore the new opportunities waiting for you, and start sharing your beautiful art with a wider audience today.
