How To Start Selling Your Art

Are you an artist who is looking to start selling your art? If so, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we will share some tips on getting started selling your art. So, read for helpful advice on selling your artwork today, whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist.

Figure Out What Kind Of Art You Want To Sell

Before an artist begins to sell their artwork, they need to take some time to figure out what kind of art they want to sell. This may seem daunting, but it is essential to ensure that the artist can find the right audience for their work.

The artist should consider various factors, such as the style of their artwork, the price point they are comfortable with, and the type of art buyer they want to target.

The artist can create a more focused and successful marketing strategy by figuring out these details in advance.

In addition, by knowing what kind of art they want to sell, the artist can create artwork specifically designed to appeal to their target market.

Different Types Of Art To Sell

1. Paint

One of the most popular mediums for creating art is paint. Many paints are available, including oil paints, acrylic, and watercolor paints. Each type of paint has its own unique properties that can be used to create different effects.

2. Sculpture

The sculpture is another popular medium for creating art. Sculptures can be made from various materials, including clay, metal, stone, and wood. Sculptures can be either representational or abstract.

3. Photography

Photography is another popular medium for creating art. Photographs can be taken with either digital or film cameras. The composition of a photograph can be used to create a variety of different effects.

4. Printmaking

Printmaking is a medium that can be used to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Various printmaking techniques can create different effects, including relief printing, intaglio printing, and lithography.

5. Drawing

Drawing is a medium that can be used to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Various drawing techniques can be used to create different effects, including line drawings, shading drawings, and perspective drawings.

6. Mixed Media

Mixed media is a term used to describe an artwork that incorporates two or more mediums. For example, an artwork may combine painting and photography or sculpture and painting. Mixed media artworks can often be quite creative and unique.

7. Digital Art

Digital art is a term used to describe artwork created using digital technology. Digital artwork can be created using various software programs, such as Photoshop or Illustrator.

Different Styles Of Painting And Drawing

1. Realism 

Realism is a style of painting and drawing that seeks to depict the world as it appears. This style emerged in the mid-19th century in response to the growing popularity of photography. Realist artists sought to create works faithful to nature and often used photographic references to ensure accuracy.

2. Impressionism 

Impressionism is a style of painting and drawing that emerged in the late 1800s. This style is characterized by its use of light and color to create an impression of the scene rather than an accurate representation. Impressionist artists often used loose brushstrokes and vivid colors to capture the momentary effects of light.

3. Post-Impressionism 

Post-Impressionism is a style of painting and drawing that developed in the late 1800s as a reaction to Impressionism. While Impressionist artists sought to capture the momentary effects of light, Post-Impressionist artists were more interested in conveying their impressions of the world. This style is characterized by its use of bold colors and expressive brushwork.

4. Cubism 

Cubism is a painting and drawing style developed in the early 20th century by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. This style is characterized by its use of geometric shapes and fragmented forms to simultaneously depict objects from multiple viewpoints.

5. Abstract Expressionism 

Abstract Expressionism is a style of painting and drawing that emerged in the 1940s in New York City. This style is characterized by its use of gestural brushwork and non-representational imagery to convey emotion and feeling. Abstract Expressionist artists often worked on large canvases to allow for spontaneous expression.

6. Pop Art 

Pop Art is a style of painting and drawing that emerged in the 1950s in Britain and America. This style is characterized by using popular culture references and everyday objects to create artworks with an ironic or humorous edge. Pop Art artists often used bright colors and bold graphics to make their artworks stand out from traditional fine art.

Whether you want to start selling art online or at local art fairs, having a clear vision of what original art style you want to create will help you build a thriving art business.

Research The Art Market And Find Your Niche

As any artist knows, selling your work can be a challenge. Not only do you have to create beautiful pieces, but you also need to find the right buyers and convince them to part with their hard-earned money. However, one crucial step that is often overlooked is research.

Before you start trying to sell your artwork, it is essential to take some time to learn about the art market and find your niche. Understanding the market enables you to price your work competitively and target the right buyers.

Also, finding your niche will help you stand out from the crowd and build a reputation as an expert in your field. With some research, you can significantly increase your chances of success as an artist.

How To Research The Art Market

1. Online research

One of the best ways for artists to research the art market is online. Several websites provide information on art prices, auction results, and gallery listings. This information can be beneficial in determining what price to list your artwork at.

2. Attend art fairs

Another excellent way for artists to research the art market is to attend art fairs. Art fairs are events where galleries and dealers come together to sell artwork. This is an excellent opportunity to see what kind of artwork sells for what price.

3. Speak with gallerists

To sell art through a gallery, you must speak with the gallerist beforehand. They will be able to tell you what type of artwork they are looking for and what price range they are willing to pay.

4. Speak with other artists

Another great way to learn about the art market is to speak with other artists. They may be able to give you insights into the market that you would not be able to get from any other source.

5. Read industry publications

Finally, another good way to research the art market is to read industry publications. These publications will often have articles on recent trends in the market, as well as information on specific galleries and dealers.

How To Fing Your Niche

1. Consider your audience

When narrowing down your niche, it is crucial to consider who your target audience is. What type of art do they like? What are their interests? What is their age range? By considering these factors, you will be able to focus better on your artwork and marketing efforts to appeal to your target audience.

2. Consider your medium

Another factor to consider when narrowing down your niche is what medium you prefer to work in. Are you a painter? A sculptor? A photographer? By focusing on a specific medium, you can better hone your skills and produce higher-quality artwork that will appeal to collectors and buyers.

3. Consider your style

Your style is another essential factor to consider when narrowing down your niche. Do you prefer abstract art or realistic art? Do you like to use bright colors or muted colors? Do you like to create art with a message or without one? By considering your style, you can better focus your artwork and market it to the right people.

4. Consider your price point

When narrowing down your niche, it is essential to consider what price point you are comfortable with. Are you willing to sell your artwork for less money to reach a wider audience? Or are you only interested in selling to collectors willing to pay top dollar for your work? By considering your price point, you can better determine where to market your artwork and who to sell it to.

5. Consider your goals

Finally, when narrowing down your niche, you must consider your goals as an artist. Do you want to make a living off of selling your artwork? Do you want to have your work displayed in galleries? Do you want to win awards? By considering your goals, you can focus your efforts better and achieve success as an artist.

Create A Portfolio Of Your Work

A portfolio is a compilation of an artist’s work demonstrating their skills, range, and experience. For many artists, a portfolio is essential for selling art. It can be used to show potential employers what an artist is capable of and to help them decide if the artist is a good fit for the job.

A portfolio can also be used as a marketing tool to attract new clients or sell artwork. In addition, a portfolio can be a valuable way for an artist to track their own progress and growth over time. By regularly adding new pieces to their portfolio, artists can see how their style has changed and evolved over the years.

As a result, a portfolio can be an invaluable tool for both artists and art lovers alike.

What Should Be In An Art Portfolio

1. A portfolio is a collection of artists’ work to showcase their skills and abilities. 

2. A portfolio should contain various pieces demonstrating the artist’s skills and styles. 

3. Pieces in a portfolio should be well-crafted and display a high level of technical skill. 

4. The portfolio should also contain a selection of the artist’s best work, regardless of medium or style. 

5. Besides finished pieces, a portfolio may also contain sketches, studies, and other works in progress. 

6. A portfolio should be organized in a way that is easy for the viewer to understand and appreciate. 

7. The artist should be prepared to discuss their work in detail with anyone who views their portfolio

Related Post – How To Make An Art Portfolio

Set Up An Online Shop Or Gallery To Sell Your Work

Many artists find that setting up an online shop or gallery is the best way to sell their work. There are several reasons for this.

First, it provides a global audience for your work. Sellers on sites like Etsy and Fine Art America report that a significant portion of their sales come from buyers outside their own country. This is especially valuable for emerging artists who may not have as large a local following.

Second, an online shop or gallery gives you more control over the presentation and sale of your work. You can design your own website, curate your own galleries, and set your own prices. This allows you to create a unique brand identity and build a loyal customer base.

Finally, selling online makes it easy to reach new markets and connect with new collectors. You can list your work on dozens of different platforms and reach buyers worldwide with just a few clicks.

For these reasons, setting up an online shop or gallery is essential for any artist interested in selling art prints and original art.

Market Your Art To Buyers And Collectors

For artists, marketing your art is essential for two reasons: to make sales and to attract collectors. While some artists may be able to sell their work without actively marketing it, most will need to put in some effort to reach buyers and collectors.

Marketing your art can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is worth the investment if you want to succeed as an artist.

There are many different ways to market your art.

The most important thing is to choose the right mix of strategies for your target audience. You can build a successful career as an artist by taking the time to market your art effectively.

How To Market Art

1. Social media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are great ways for artists to reach a broad audience. By posting images of their work and tagging relevant hashtags, artists can connect with potential customers worldwide. Additionally, social media can be used to promote art events and exhibitions.

2. Online galleries

Several online galleries feature artwork from a variety of artists. These galleries typically charge a commission on sales, but they provide an excellent way for artists to reach an international audience. Many online galleries also offer marketing and promotion services to help artists sell their work.

3. Traditional galleries

While traditional brick-and-mortar galleries may not have the same reach as online galleries, they can still be an excellent way for artists to sell their work. Traditional galleries typically charge higher commissions than online galleries but also provide more personal service and support.

4. Art fairs

Art fairs are events where artists can showcase and sell their work. They are typically held in major cities and attract a large number of people who are interested in buying art. While art fairs can be expensive to participate in, they can be an excellent way for artists to make sales and connect with potential customers.

5. Private commissions

Private commissions are another excellent way for artists to sell their work. When an artist is commissioned to create a piece for someone, they typically receive a percentage of the total sale price. This allows artists to set their own prices and earn more money per sale than they would sell through a gallery or art fair.

6. Online Art Store

Many artists sell their work through online stores such as Etsy or Society6. These platforms allow artists to create their own storefronts and list their products for sale. Online stores typically charge lower fees than traditional galleries or art fairs, making them a more affordable option for selling artwork.

7. Local businesses

Local businesses such as cafes, boutiques, and bookstores are often interested in displaying and selling artwork from local artists. This can be an excellent way for artists to see their work seen by people who live in their community and generate sales.

There are various ways to sell your art and increase online art sales. Review your goals to see what will be the best options for you.

Stay Creative And Keep Producing New Artwork

As any artist knows, creativity is essential to produce compelling and original artwork. However, it cannot be easy to maintain a high level of creativity, especially if you feel like you’ve already done everything you can think of. That’s why artists must keep pushing themselves to try new things and experiment with different mediums and techniques. Even if you don’t end up using the piece you create, creating it can help spark new ideas and open up new possibilities. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and see what you can create.

Stay Creative And Keep Producing New Artwork

As any artist knows, creativity is essential to produce compelling and original artwork. However, it can be difficult to maintain a high level of creativity, especially if you feel like you’ve already done everything you can think of. That’s why artists must keep pushing themselves to try new things and experiment with different mediums and techniques. Even if you don’t end up using the piece, you create, creating it can help spark new ideas and open up new possibilities. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and see what you can create.

Conclusion:

Artists who want to sell their work must be creative and regularly produce new artwork. They also need to find the right mix of marketing strategies that will reach their target audience. Social media, online galleries, traditional galleries, art fairs, private commissions, online stores, and local businesses are all excellent ways for artists to sell their work.

Related Posts:

How To Find Your Art Style

How To Start An Online Art Business

What Style Of Art Sells Best?

How to Sell Art Without a Gallery

How To Make An Online Art Portfolio