As an artist, the internet offers a wealth of opportunities to turn your passion into profit. Selling your art online has never been more accessible, whether you’re a painter, illustrator, digital creator, or even a photographer. With the right platforms and strategies, you can share your creativity with the world and build a sustainable income stream. Here are 10 proven ways to sell your art online, perfect for beginners looking to get started!
1. Etsy: Perfect for Handcrafted and Custom Art
Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for artists, especially those who create handmade, custom, or vintage pieces. The site is known for its user-friendly interface and strong focus on creativity, making it an ideal place to set up an online store.
Tips for Success:
- Set up a strong profile: Write a clear bio and store description that showcases your style and creative process.
- Optimize listings for searchability: Use keywords related to your art and describe the materials, techniques, and inspirations behind each piece.
- Offer custom options: Personalized artwork is highly sought-after on Etsy. Consider offering custom commissions to attract a wider audience.
2. Redbubble: Selling Print-on-Demand Products
Redbubble allows artists to upload their designs, which can then be printed on a variety of products, including t-shirts, stickers, phone cases, and more. This print-on-demand service is perfect for artists who want to earn passive income without managing inventory.
Tips for Success:
- Focus on trending designs: Keep an eye on what’s popular and create art that resonates with current trends (without losing your unique style).
- Offer diverse products: Upload your art in formats suitable for different items—some designs work better on stickers, others on home decor like pillows or wall art.
- Promote your shop: Redbubble helps with exposure, but promoting your work on social media can significantly boost sales.
3. Society6: Turning Your Art into Home Decor and Lifestyle Items
Society6 is similar to Redbubble but with a stronger emphasis on high-quality home decor items like wall art, furniture, and lifestyle accessories. If you’re interested in seeing your designs on everything from tapestries to shower curtains, this is the platform for you.
Tips for Success:
- Upload high-resolution images:** Society6’s products require high-quality art, so make sure your designs are crisp and detailed.
- Create collections:** Organize your artwork into themed collections to make your shop more appealing and professional.
- Promote on Pinterest: Society6 products perform well on Pinterest, especially when it comes to home decor. Use the platform to drive traffic to your shop.
4. DeviantArt: Building a Fanbase and Selling Commissions
DeviantArt is a popular platform for artists to showcase their portfolios, connect with other creators, and sell commissions. It’s particularly well-known in the digital art and fan art communities, making it a great place to grow a loyal following.
Tips for Success:
- Engage with the community: Comment on other artists’ work, join groups and participate in art challenges to increase your visibility.
- Offer commission services: Many users on DeviantArt are looking for custom work. Clearly outline your commission prices and services to attract buyers.
- Utilize the print shop feature: DeviantArt allows you to sell prints of your work directly on the platform, making it easy to monetize your existing art.
5. Instagram Shop: Direct Sales Through Social Media
Instagram has evolved into a powerful platform for artists to both showcase their work and sell directly to fans. The Instagram Shop feature allows you to list your art as products, making it easier for followers to buy your creations right from your profile.
Tips for Success:
- -Build a cohesive feed: Use Instagram to create a visually consistent portfolio of your work, showcasing your best pieces.
- Use Instagram Stories and Highlights: These tools are great for promoting new products, behind-the-scenes content, and customer testimonials.
- Run promotions: Offer limited-time sales or exclusive discounts to your followers to encourage purchases directly through Instagram.
6. Patreon: Crowdfunding for Long-Term Art Projects
Patreon is a platform that allows artists to earn money through subscriptions. Fans can support your ongoing projects by becoming patrons, gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and special perks like prints or original artwork.
Tips for Success:
- Offer different membership tiers: Create a variety of subscription options with benefits, such as monthly digital downloads, early access to new art, or physical prints.
- Promote exclusivity: Make your patrons feel special by offering content they can’t find anywhere else.
- Engage regularly: Regular updates and communication with patrons are key to keeping them interested and invested in your work.
7. ArtStation: The Hub for Concept Artists and Digital Creators
ArtStation is a go-to platform for digital artists, particularly those working in concept art, game design, and 3D modeling. It’s both a portfolio site and a marketplace where artists can sell digital products like tutorials, 3D assets, and prints.
Tips for Success:
- Showcase your best work: ArtStation is highly competitive, so curate your portfolio to feature only your top pieces.
- Sell digital products: In addition to prints, you can sell tutorials, brush packs, and other digital resources to fellow artists.
- Engage with the community: Participate in ArtStation challenges and contests to gain visibility and attract potential buyers.
8. Fiverr: Freelancing Your Artistic Skills
Fiverr is a freelancing platform where you can offer art-related services, such as custom illustrations, logo design, or digital portraits. It’s a great way to generate income by offering specific, project-based services to clients around the world.
Tips for Success:
- Create clear, well-priced gigs: Make it easy for potential clients to understand what they’re getting and how much it costs.
- Offer package deals: Provide tiered pricing options, such as a basic illustration for one price and more detailed work for a higher price.
- Encourage reviews: Positive reviews on Fiverr can help boost your profile and attract more clients.
9. Personal Website: Building Your Own E-commerce Store
If you want full control over your sales, a personal website is the way to go. Using platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress, you can create your own online store where you can sell original art, prints, and merchandise without the need for a middleman.
Tips for Success:
- Optimize your site for SEO: Use keywords, alt text, and proper metadata to ensure your site is discoverable on Google.
- Install e-commerce plugins: Depending on the platform, use e-commerce tools like Shopify or WooCommerce to streamline sales and inventory management.
- Create a blog: Regularly update your site with blog posts about your art process, inspirations, or art tips to drive traffic.
10. Online Galleries and Virtual Exhibitions
Online galleries have become a new way to showcase art, especially in the post-pandemic world. Many artists are now participating in virtual exhibitions, which allow them to reach global audiences and sell their work without leaving home.
Tips for Success:
- Research reputable online galleries: Look for established virtual galleries that have a good track record of sales and artist promotion.
- Create a strong digital portfolio: Ensure your work is professionally photographed or scanned to make a good impression.
- Leverage social media: Promote your participation in virtual exhibitions through your social media channels to maximize exposure.
Conclusion
Selling your art online offers endless possibilities, and with the right platform and approach, you can turn your creative passion into a lucrative business. Don’t be afraid to try multiple platforms and strategies to find what works best for you. There are money options out there that can be a better fit. Let’s take Goknack.io for example, they let you earn money by the number of views you get and you don’t need to sell your art. Remember, consistency and marketing are key to growing your online presence and boosting sales. So get started today—your audience is waiting!