It can be challenging for artists to see their work by the right people. Galleries can be expensive and often require you to have a degree or some level of formal training. Even if you manage to get your work in front of the right person, there’s no guarantee they’ll buy it.
Selling online is a great way to get your work in front of a larger audience and build name recognition. Getting started can be a bit daunting, but you can sell art online like a pro if you follow the steps below.
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Decide What Type of Art to Sell Online
When selling art online, the first step is deciding what type of art you want to sell. There are a few different options to choose from, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, you can get a higher price per piece if you sell originals, but you’ll have a limited inventory. On the other hand, if you sell prints, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience, but you’ll make less per sale. There are also options, like selling limited edition prints or commissions.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of art you want to sell online. But whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about and confident in your selling ability.
Original Art
Original artwork, such as paintings and illustrations, can be a great option to sell online. You can market your artwork through social media platforms, online stores, or even directly to buyers through websites like Etsy or Saatchi Art. Selling art online is becoming more popular every year for independent artists.
Open and Limited Edition Prints
Another option for artists who want to sell art online is to offer art prints of their work. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience since prints are more affordable for people interested in purchasing art for their homes.
The artist does not sign open edition art prints, they do not have individual numbering, and there is no limit to how many prints can be sold.
A limited-edition print is a work of art that has been printed a limited number of times. This means no more print copies will be made once the specified print run has been reached. Limited edition prints are usually numbered and signed by the artist and often come with a certificate of authenticity.
These factors all contribute to the value of a limited edition print, which can be significantly higher than an open edition print (a print that is not limited in quantity). For collectors, investing in a limited edition print can be a wise choice, as the value of the print is likely to increase over time.
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Digital downloads
There has been a growing trend of artists selling digital downloads in recent years. These items include anything from desktop wallpaper and templates to print-at-home wall art.
One of the advantages of selling art online as digital downloads is that there are no production or shipping costs associated with the sale. You can also sell unlimited copies, which means you can reach a larger audience than if you were selling physical prints.
Related Post – How to Sell Digital Downloads: The Ultimate Guide
Commissioned Art
Another option is to offer commissioned artwork. This means someone commissions you to create a piece of art specifically for them, based on their specifications.
Commissioned artwork can be a great way to make money as an artist because you’re getting paid for your time and talent rather than waiting for someone to purchase an original painting.
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Merchandise
If you’re looking for a way to sell your art that doesn’t require as much time and effort, you can consider selling merchandise. This can include t-shirts and mugs to enamel pins and greeting cards.
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Repeat prints
Another option is to sell repeat prints on fabric, wrapping paper, or wallpaper.
Licensing work
Another way to make money from your art is to license it for use on products like t-shirts, notebooks, or phone cases.
Related post – How to License Your Artwork: 5 Tips for Artists
There are many ways an artist can make money selling art. Decide what will be best for your art business goals.
How to Scan and Photograph Art
You will need to make a digital image of your artwork to sell art online. A digital image can be created with a scanner or DLS camera.
Here are some tips to help you get the best possible results:
Place your artwork on a flat surface and make sure it is well-lit. Use a scanner or camera with a high resolution to avoid pixelation. If scanning, use a setting to produce a clean, line-art image. Use a tripod to keep the camera steady and prevent blurriness when photographing. Be sure to capture the entire piece of artwork in the frame.
With these tips in mind, you can be confident that your scanned or photographed art will accurately represent your hard work and creativity.
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Print at Home
One of the best ways to sell art online is to print it yourself. By printing your own art prints, you can control the quality of the final product and the price.
In addition, printing at home allows you to produce a limited edition of prints, which can be sold for a higher price than open editions. You can sell your art prints on your own website or art marketplaces like Etsy.
Fine Art Printers
Before you can print and start selling your prints, you need to have a good printer. Look for a printer that offers high-quality inkjet or giclee printing, as these will produce the best results. Once you have a good printer, invest in some quality paper. This will ensure that your prints look their best and are less likely to fade over time. With a good printer and some quality paper, you’re well on your way to printing amazing art prints that you can sell online or at an art fair.
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Fine Art Paper
Artists who want high-quality artwork prints need to use Fine Art Paper. This paper is specially coated to accept inkjet printing, resulting in rich color and detail prints.
Fine Art Paper is also thicker and more durable than standard photo paper, meaning that it will withstand the rigors of being exhibited or transported without becoming damaged.
In addition, Fine Art Paper has a special surface texture that gives prints a professional look and feel.
For these reasons, Fine Art Paper is essential for artists who want to produce the best possible prints of their artwork.
Outsource Printing
Another option an emerging artist has for making prints of their art is to have fine art prints produced by a local print shop or online printing service. This can be a good option if you don’t have the time or equipment to print your own work.
When outsourcing prints, it’s essential to use a reputable company specializing in fine art printing. This will ensure that your prints are made with high-quality materials and the best possible printing process. In addition, be sure to order a few test prints before placing a large order, as this will allow you to check the quality of the final product.
Print-on-Demand Sites
Print-on-demand sites are becoming popular with emerging artists and photographers selling their work online. These sites allow you to upload your images and print them onto various products, such as t-shirts, framed prints, home decor, canvas prints, mugs, and phone cases.
The benefit of using a print-on-demand site is that you don’t have to worry about printing or shipping your products, as the site takes care of this.
Most POD sites will provide you with an online art gallery where you can showcase your designs to art buyers worldwide.
Popular Print-on-demand services
- Printful
- Zazzle
- Society6
- Redbubble
- Saatchi Art
- Fine Art America
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Set Prices for Art
Determining how to price your art can be a frustrating and challenging process. There are several factors that you need to take into account, and it can be hard to know where to start. The most important thing to remember is that you are the only one who can set the price for your art. There is no right or wrong answer, and what you charge should be based on your own unique circumstances.
With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when setting prices for your art:
The cost of materials is one of the most important factors to consider when pricing your art. Make sure to factor in the cost of all the materials you use and any other expenses you incur during the creation process.
Your time: Time is money, and your arArtakes time to create. Make sure to price your art accordingly, and don’t undervalue your own time and effort.
The market: Look at what similar artists charge for their work and use that as a starting point. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to match the prices of other artists, but it can give you a good idea of what customers are willing to pay.
Your goals: What are your goals for selling your art? If you’re just trying to cover the cost of materials, your prices will differ from if you’re looking to make a profit. Make sure to set prices that align with your goals.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be better positioned to set prices for your art. Remember, there is no perfect price, and what you charge should be based on your own unique circumstances. It is also important to remember that the objective of online sales is to generate a profit, not a loss.
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Start an Online Gallery
As an artist, one of the best ways to sell art is to create an online gallery. Online art galleries provide art lovers with a convenient way to view and purchase artwork from the comfort of their own homes.
To build an effective online gallery, you need to keep a few key things.
First, it is essential to choose an easy platform to use and navigate.
Second, make sure to showcase a variety of your work to appeal to a wide range of potential customers.
Finally, promote your gallery through social media and other online channels. By following these tips, you can build an online gallery that will help you sell art to collectors worldwide.
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Pick a Good Domain Name for Your Website
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people will type into their browsers to find your site. And just like your street address, it’s unique to you. Your domain name is how you’ll be known online, so choosing the right one is essential.
While you can change your address later, it’s not easy (or cheap). So it’s worth taking some time to choose a good one from the start.
An artist’s website is their online portfolio, and their domain name is their ‘cyberspace address.’ It should be easy to remember and reflect the artist’s branding.
A good domain name can make a big difference in helping an artist’s website stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of people looking to buy art online.
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Create a Logo for Your Brand
In the past, artists could rely on brick-and-mortar galleries to represent their work and build their brand. However, with the rise of the internet, artists now have the opportunity to sell art online and reach a global audience.
However, this also means that artists must work harder to create a recognizable brand for their business.
A strong brand will help customers remember your work and make them more likely to purchase from you again in the future.
It can also help you stand out from the thousands of established and emerging artists who sell artwork online. So, if you’re serious about building a successful online business, don’t forget the importance of branding. By taking the time to develop a solid and recognizable brand, you’ll be well on your way.
Creating a logo is one of the first things you’ll need to do when designing your brand. This may seem daunting, but creating a unique and memorable logo with creativity and effort can be relatively simple.
The first step is to decide what style of logo you want. Do you want something minimalist or something more elaborate?
Once you have an idea of the overall look you’re going for, you’ll need to choose some colors. These should be based on the overall theme of your business. Once your colors are chosen, you’ll need to develop a design. This can be anything from a simple icon to a more complex illustration. The important thing is that it represents your business goals.
If you do not have the time to create a logo for your own site, you can hire a professional for a very reasonable price at Fiverr.
Make Your Online Store Easy to Navigate
As an artist, having an online presence is essential. In today’s age, potential collectors and fans will almost certainly look you up online before they decide to purchase your art online or attend one of your exhibitions.
That’s why it’s important to ensure that your online store is well-designed and easy to navigate. A cluttered or confusing website will only serve to turn people away, while a clean and user-friendly site will give art collectors a positive impression of you and your work.
An easy-to-navigate website will help ensure that people take the time to look at your art rather than quickly clicking away in frustration.
By taking the time to create a well-designed website, you’re much more likely to succeed in selling your art online.
Some tips for creating a user-friendly website include:
- Use clear and concise text to describe your work
- Use high-quality images that accurately represent your art and organize your products in an easy-to-understand manner
- Use white space to create a clean and uncluttered look
- Avoid using Flash or other animations that could slow down your site
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Write Content About Your Products and Services
If you’re an artist, whether you paint, sculpt, or create digital art, it’s essential to sell your art online if you are interested in starting a business. But to increase online art sales, you need to write compelling content that will convince an art collector to purchase your artwork.
Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to write great product descriptions and other content when selling art online:
1. It’s a chance to tell your story. When you write about your products and services, you can connect with potential customers on a personal level. You can share your creative vision, explain what inspires you to create your original artwork, and give people a glimpse into your process. This helps buyers feel more connected to your work, making them more likely to purchase from you.
2. It helps you stand out from other professional artists who sell art in the online marketplace. There is a lot of competition for art collectors’ attention in today’s online marketplace. Writing great content can make your store more visible and increase potential customers’ chances of finding and purchasing your artwork.
3. It allows you to show off your knowledge. It is important to sound knowledgeable and authoritative when you write about art. This will help build trust with potential buyers and make them more likely to purchase from you.
4. It can help improve your search engine ranking. Including relevant keywords in your content can help improve your store’s search engine ranking. This, in turn, will make it more likely that potential customers will find your store when searching for artwork online.
5. It can help you sell more expensive art pieces if you write great content. You can convince potential buyers that your higher-priced artwork is worth the investment. This can help you increase your average order value and boost your overall sales.
Some tips for writing great content include:
1. Write clearly and concisely.
2. Use robust and persuasive language.
3. Be sure to proofread your work before you publish it.
4. Use images, video, or other visuals to supplement your text.
5. Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions to improve your search engine ranking.
6. Write guest blog posts or articles for other websites to build exposure for your store.
7. Use social media to share your content and connect with potential customers.
Advertise your Store on Social Media
Getting your work in front of as many people as possible as an artist is essential.
One way to reach a large audience is to advertise your store on social media.
With over 2 billion active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms. By creating a Facebook page for your store and sharing your work, you can reach a global audience quickly and easily.
Social media also provides an opportunity to connect with potential customers personally. For example, you can share stories about your process, share the dates of art fairs you will attend, or offer discounts and promotions. Building a relationship with your fans can turn them into lifelong customers.
In addition, social media is a great way to get feedback from potential customers. You can gauge interest and gain valuable insights into what people want to buy by asking for input on new products or designs.
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Offer Great Customer Service
Most people think customer service is only necessary for businesses selling products or services. However, artists must also provide excellent customer service to sell art online successfully. After all, art is a product, and potential buyers must feel confident that they will be treated well. An artist who offers excellent customer service makes an excellent first impression, builds trust and confidence, and creates repeat customers.
Good customer service starts with an excellent first impression. When potential buyers see that an artist is professional and courteous, they are more likely to consider purchasing their artwork. Building trust and confidence is also important. Artists who take the time to get to know their customers and build relationships are likelier to make sales. Finally, creating repeat customers is essential for any business, and artists are no exception. By offering great customer service, you can create lifelong fans who will buy from you again and again.
Some ways to offer excellent customer service include:
1. Respond to inquiries quickly and courteously.
2. Follow up with buyers after they purchase artwork.
3. Offer discounts or promotions to repeat customers.
4. Stay in touch with your customers through social media and email newsletters.
5. Send thank-you notes or cards to customers who have purchased from you.
6. Go above and beyond to make your customers happy.
Ship Products Promptly
Artists need to ship products promptly because it shows that they are professional and reliable. When an artist sends a product late, it reflects poorly on their reputation and can damage their relationship with customers.
In some cases, late shipments can even lead to legal action. Therefore, artists must do everything possible to ensure that their products are shipped on time.
There are a few key ways to do this, such as communicating with the shipping company, tracking numbers, and securely packing the products. By taking these steps, artists can help ensure that their products arrive on time and in good condition.
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Learn Online and Offline Marketing Strategies
It is important to learn both online and offline marketing strategies to be a successful artist. While online marketing can reach a broad audience quickly and easily, it is important to remember that not everyone is online all the time.
Additionally, people are often more likely to remember a physical encounter than an online one. This is why offline marketing tactics, such as street art or performances, can be as important as online ones. By reaching out to people in both the physical and digital art world, artists can create a well-rounded marketing strategy to help them reach their target audience and achieve their goals.
Many marketing tools are completely free for online galleries. Take advantage of the available tools to start selling prints and originals quicker.
Conclusion On How To Sell Art Online
This article reviewed the importance of providing excellent customer service and shipping products promptly to keep your customers happy. We also discussed how it is important for artists to learn online and offline marketing strategies to sell art online successfully. Finally, we talked about how you can offer great customer service as an artist who sells their artwork online. By following these tips, you can create a successful online art business that will make your customers happy and help you reach your goals.
FAQ
Is it worth selling art online?
It depends on your goals as an artist. If you want to reach a broad audience quickly and easily, then selling online is a good option. However, offline marketing strategies may be more effective if you are more interested in building relationships with customers and creating repeat business.
Is selling art online profitable?
Yes, selling art online can be profitable if you take the time to build a good reputation and create a marketing strategy. However, it is essential to remember that selling art is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, effort, and dedication to making money from selling online.
Is it better to sell arArtnline or in-person?
It’s all about your objectives as an artist. If you want to reach a large audience quickly and simply, showcasing art online may be a smart choice. On the other hand, offline marketing methods might be more effective if you are looking to develop client relationships and repeat business.
How to sell art online tips?
Some good tips for selling art online include:
1. Creating high-quality content for your store
2. Offering excellent customer service
3. Shipping products promptly
4. Learning both online and offline marketing strategies
5. Building a good reputation
6. Creating a marketing strategy
What is the best site to sell artwork?
The best site to sell artwork will vary depending on the artist’s goals. However, some popular options include Etsy, Fine Art America, and Shopify.
What kind of a makes the most money?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on the artist’s reputation, the type of art, and the market demand. However, some artists who make a lot of money selling art online include fine artists, sculptors, and photographers.
What should I include in an online art portfolio?
When creating an online art portfolio, you must include high-quality images of your work, a biography, and contact information. You should also include any reviews or testimonials from past clients.
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