How to Sell Art Without a Gallery

As an artist, you may be looking for ways to sell your work that doesn’t involve a gallery. There are a few reasons why this might be the case: you may not live in a city with an intense art scene, have the resources to pay for a gallery exhibition, or want more control over the sale of your work.

Whatever the reason, there are several ways to sell your art without a gallery.

One of the main challenges artists face when selling their work outside of a gallery is knowing how to market themselves. This involves creating a portfolio, researching what is currently selling, and understanding what collectors are looking for.

Learning how to sell paintings without gallery representation is challenging for emerging artists because they do not know where to start. If you what to learn how to sell your artwork, this post is for you.

Determine What Type of Art You Want to Sell

Before you can start selling your art, you need to determine what type of art you want to sell. This involves understanding your creative style, the mediums you are comfortable with, and what kind of artwork you want to create.

Do you want to sell original paintings, limited edition prints, or both?

What styles do you feel most comfortable working in – realism, abstract, or something in between?

Answering these questions can help you focus your efforts and make the most of your artistic talent.

Focusing on a specific style of art you are passionate about will make it easier to make money selling art online because collectors will be able to see your unique voice and style.

How To Decide What Style of Art to Create

There are many ways an emerging artist can find inspiration, like looking at the work of other artists, visiting local galleries and museums, or browsing online art galleries to see what type of art is currently popular.

Talk to other artists and get their opinions on what sells well and what doesn’t. With this information, you can make informed decisions about the type of art you want to produce.

You will want to ask yourself, “what kind of art will you be happy creating for the long term?”

Keep in mind that you are starting an art business, and you will want to ensure that you are creating art you are passionate about.

Research the Art Market to get an Idea of What’s Selling

As an emerging artist, it cannot be easy to know where to start when it comes to selling your work.

One of the most important things you can do is research the art market to understand what is selling. This will give you a better understanding of the type of work in demand and what collectors are willing to pay.

You can use several resources to research the art market, including online databases and art market reports. Once you understand the market well, you will be better positioned to sell your work successfully.

Research How Much Art is Selling For

One typical challenge artists face is when they decide to sell art online. After all, you don’t want to charge too much and discourage potential art buyers, but you also don’t want to sell yourself short.

One of the best ways to determine a fair price for your art is to research how much similar pieces are selling. This will give you a good starting point for setting your prices.

Several online resources can be helpful in this process, including auction sites and gallery websites.

By taking the time to do your homework, you’ll be in a better position to sell your art successfully- without the need for a gallery.

Create an Art Portfolio

An art portfolio is an essential tool for marketing and selling your artwork. It is a collection of your best work that showcases your creative style and talent to the art world.

When putting together your art portfolio, you will want to ensure that it includes various pieces representing the styles you are comfortable working in.

Your portfolio should also include a bio that tells your story as an artist and provides information about your education and experience.

Tailor your portfolio to match if you target a specific market or genre.

Including high-quality images of your artwork is also important, as potential buyers will want to see what they are buying.

Make sure to keep your portfolio updated as you create new art pieces.

How Many Pieces Should You Have on Hand Before You Start Selling Art

There is no set number of paintings you will need to have on hand before you start selling your art online. However, it is easier to reach art collectors on the online marketplace if you have a variety of pieces available.

When starting an online store, it’s essential to have a variety of art to sell. This way, you’ll be able to appeal to more art collectors and make a more significant profit. It also allows you to see what art sells best to focus on that type of work in the future.

The general rule of thumb is to have 10 to 20 pieces of art ready to sell before starting your online store. This way, you’ll be able to keep up with customer demand and always have something new and exciting available.

It is also a good idea to have a variety of original art and art prints available to reach a broader group of people online.

How to Create Your Own Online Shop

An online store is a great way to showcase your art to art lovers worldwide. An e-commerce platform allows you to sell your artwork directly to art collectors.

When setting up your own online store, choose an easy platform that provides all the features you need to run your business successfully.

Popular Art Gallery Platforms Independent Artists Use to Sell Art Online

Saatchi Art – is an online art gallery that offers a wide range of original artwork from artists worldwide. The company was founded in 2006 by Charles Saatchi, a well-known British art collector, and it has since become one of the leading sources for buying and selling art online. Saatchi Art offers a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms, and it provides a platform for artists to sell their work directly to buyers. The company also offers several services for artists, including marketing and promotion tools. Saatchi Art frequently hosts exhibitions and events showcasing its artists’ work. Whether you’re an artist looking to sell your work online or a buyer looking for original art, Saatchi Art is a great option.

Artfinder – is an online marketplace that connects artists with art collectors. It offers a convenient way for artists to sell their work and collectors to find new artists to add to their collections. The website features a searchable database of artworks and a forum where collectors and artists can connect. In addition, Artfinder offers a wide range of resources for collectors and artists, including articles, interviews, and tips. Whether you’re an artist looking for a new place to sell your work, or a collector searching for the perfect piece to add to your collection, Artfinder is a great resource.

Squarespace – is a website builder and hosting platform that enables users to create professional-looking websites without requiring coding. With Squarespace, you can drag and drop elements to create custom page layouts, add content such as text, images, and videos, and use built-in tools to optimize your site for search engines. In addition, Squarespace offers a wide range of templates and designs that can be customized to suit your needs, and you can also use your domain name with a Squarespace site. Whether you’re a small business owner, an artist, or just looking to create a personal website, Squarespace makes it easy to get online.

Print-on-Demand Partner

As an artist, you may be wondering how to sell art online. One option is to use a print-on-demand company. This type of partner will print your artwork on high-quality materials and ship it directly to the customer. They will also handle any customer service issues that may arise.

Another benefit of using a print-on-demand service is that they usually have an extensive network of retailers that they work with, so your artwork will be exposed to a broad audience. And, because they handle all of the fulfillment, you can focus on creating new artwork and promoting your work. If you’re interested in selling prints of your artwork online, consider working with a print-on-demand partner.

Popular Print-on-Demand Companies

Printful – is a print-on-demand fulfillment company that offers on-demand printing, warehousing, and shipping services. They also provide a wide range of product customization options, including t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and more.

RedBubble – is an online marketplace that allows artists to sell their artwork on various products. Founded in 2006, Redbubble has become a go-to destination for independent artists looking to sell their work. The site offers a wide range of products, from t-shirts and hoodies to phone cases and wall art. Artists can upload their designs and set their prices, and Redbubble takes care of the manufacturing, shipping, and customer service. This model allows artists to focus on their creative work without worrying about business. As a result, Redbubble has become a breeding ground for creativity, with thousands of unique designs being added to the site every day.

Related Post – The Ultimate Guide To Selling On Redbubble

Brand Your Online Business

It is essential to create a brand for your business as an artist. This will help potential buyers identify your work and set you apart from other artists. A well-branded business will be more professional and trustworthy, leading to more sales.

Here are a few tips for creating a brand for your online art business:

Choose a Name That is Unique and Memorable

Your business name should be reflective of your brand and art style. It should be easy to remember and spell so potential buyers can easily find you online. Your art business name should also contain keywords like”art” or “paintings” to make it easier to find in a search engine.

For example, if you paint abstract landscapes, you might choose a name like “Jenny’s Abstract Landscapes” or “Bob’s Fine Art.”

Consider Your Target Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your art?

What kind of buyer are you targeting?

Your branding should reflect the type of customer you want to attract.

Create a Logo That Represents Your Brand

As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is create a logo representing your brand.

Your logo will be what potential customers see first when they visit your website or online store, so it must make a good impression.

When creating a logo, keep in mind that less is more. A simple, elegant design will be more effective than a busy, complicated one.

In addition, make sure that your logo is easy to read and remember. After all, you want potential customers to be able to easily find your website or store when they’re looking for art.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a logo that will help you sell art online. If you need help designing a logo, you can hire a freelancer for an affordable price at Fiverr.

How to Market and Sell Your Artwork

Once you have created a body of artwork, it’s time to start marketing and selling it.

You can go about this in several ways, including online and offline methods.

Here are a few tips for marketing and selling your artwork:

Sell Your Art on Social Media

Social media is a great place to sell art. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have millions of users, many of whom are potential buyers.

To sell your art on social media, start creating accounts on the platforms you want to use. Then, post high-quality images of your artwork and descriptions and prices.

Promote your social media accounts on your website and other marketing materials so potential buyers can find you.

Blog About Your Art Business

Blogging is a great way to market your art business. By writing informative, keyword-rich blog posts, you can attract new visitors to your website and sell more artwork.

Create a blog and write about topics related to your art business to get started. For example, you could write about the process of creating your artwork, the story behind your art, or the meaning of your art.

In addition, be sure to promote your blog on social media and other channels. This will help you attract more readers and sell more artwork.

Use Pinterest To Sell Artwork Online

As an artist, getting your work out there in front of as many people as possible is important. With the advent of social media, there are more opportunities than ever to share your work with the world. One platform that can be particularly useful for artists is Pinterest.

Here are a few tips on how to use Pinterest to sell your art:

1. Create a board specifically for your artwork. This will make it easy for potential customers to browse through your work.

2. Make sure to include keywords in your pins’ descriptions so that people searching for art can find your work.

3. Use high-quality images of your own art so that people can get a good sense of what they’re looking at.

4. Besides promoting your own art, share other artists’ work that you like. This will help you build relationships with other artists and expand your reach.

You can use Pinterest to sell more artwork and grow your business by following these tips.

Sell Your Art Offline

In addition to selling online, you can also sell your art offline. This can be done through art galleries, fairs, and shows.

Selling artwork at an art fair is a great way to build name recognition locally.

Business Cards

Another essential marketing tool for artists is business cards. When you meet them in person, these can be given out to potential customers and clients.

Make sure that your business cards include your name, contact information, website, and a brief description of your art. You can also have a photo or image of your work on the business card.

Where To Purchase Business Cards

Zazzle

Vistaprint

Staples

Open House Studio Events

One way to sell art offline is to participate in open house studio events. These are usually held by local artists and allow the public to come and see the artist’s work.

Open house studio events can be great for meeting potential customers and selling your art.

Enhance Your Business Skills

When starting an online art business, it’s essential to have strong business skills. This will help you operate your business effectively and efficiently.

Some of the business skills you’ll need to succeed in the art world include:

Marketing: You’ll need to know how to market your artwork to sell it. This includes learning to use social media, write compelling copy, and create attractive visuals.

Business: You’ll need to understand the basics of running a business. This includes bookkeeping, pricing your artwork, and dealing with customers.

Technology: You’ll need to be familiar with the technology involved in selling art online. This includes using online payment processors, a website, and social media.

If you don’t have strong business skills, it’s essential to learn them. Many resources are available to help you, including books, online courses, and local workshops.

Take the time to enhance your business skills to run your art business successfully.

Marketing Tools

As a new artist, it’s important to use marketing tools to sell your art. These tools can help you reach more people and sell more artwork.

Some of the most crucial marketing tools for artists include:

Social media: social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help you share your artwork with a broader audience.

Email marketing: email newsletters can be a great way to keep in touch with your customers and promote your latest artwork.

Website: A website for your art business is essential for selling online. Your website should include high-quality images of your work, a portfolio, and information about how to purchase your artwork.

Blog: a blog can be a great way to connect with your audience and share your thoughts on the art world.

Press kit: a press kit is a valuable tool for getting media coverage for your art business. It should include high-resolution images of your work, a press release, and a list of media outlets that you’ve been featured in.

Developing a marketing plan is essential for selling your artwork. Use these marketing tools to reach more people and sell more art.

Final Thoughts On How To Sell Art Online

Selling art can be a rewarding experience, both financially and creatively. With the right approach, you can sell your art without a gallery. Use the tips and resources above to market and sell your artwork online.

Many artists like you are interested in learning how to sell art. The internet has allowed artists to sell their work without a gallery. You can reach a global audience and sell your art without leaving home. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.

Start by creating a portfolio of your work. Then, use the tips and resources in this article to market and sell your artwork online. You can build a successful art business selling your artwork to customers worldwide with little effort.

Related Articles

How to Write a Content Marketing Plan For Artists

A Complete Guide for Starting an Art Business

How To Drive Traffic To Your Online Art Gallery

9 Artist Website Basics You Need To Know For Selling Art

How To Write Well Written Art Descriptions

22 Creative Things To Sell On Etsy

Tips For Printing High-Quality Large Poster Prints