How To Sell Your Art Online in 5 Easy Steps (Even If You're a Beginner)
You probably became an independent artist to showcase your artistry and share your visions around the world. The majority of artists are driven by their passion and visions to create beautiful art using their chosen medium. But making lovely artwork won’t pay the bills. Selling artwork the traditional way in galleries is a good option. However, not everyone can go to galleries and check out your paintings or drawings.
Photo by Ana Kolosyuk from Unsplash
The Internet is more accessible. That’s why selling artwork online is an excellent idea for many artists. But how to sell art online on your own online shop or on an online art market? Whether you're a seasoned, experienced artist or a newbie, this guide will help you sell artwork online. Let’s start!
Why selling art online is a good option for artists
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If you’re wondering whether selling paintings online is for you, here are 4 reasons why you should sell paintings online.
Low-Cost Operation
Traditional ways to sell custom canvas paintings and artwork requires the viewers to go to a certain location to view and purchase them. Renting establishments and paying for utilities. By selling artwork online, you only have to pay for the domain name and applications (optional).
Reach A Broader Audience
The more people who see your minimalist faceless portraits, paintings, and artwork, the higher the chances you’ll sell them. By selling art online, you can reach many people worldwide.
Digital Portfolio
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A digital portfolio lets the artists showcase their art portfolio wherever, whenever they need it. All you have to do is load the website on your smartphone to show and view your own online galleries like colored pencil dog portraits, paintings, and drawings.
Inventory
You’ll have an accessible updated inventory list anytime you need it, especially if you’re joining art fairs and online art galleries. This lets you see which art pieces are out of stock.
Now you know its benefits, it’s time to start selling art online. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to sell art online like a pro, even if you’re a beginner.
Step 1: Choose the Right Platform
The first step in selling art online is searching and selecting the right platform. You can also sell artwork online on various online galleries and marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, ArtPal, Artfire, Artplore, CafePress, and more. However, online marketplaces require the seller to give a percentage of their profit or transaction fees. Also, the online marketplace is storing the customer information, not you. Hence, you don’t have a way to communicate with your potential customers. By selling art on your own platform, you have more freedom to showcase your art or, if you want, invite other artists to sell their art on your platform.
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Here are the top 3 platforms for artists to sell paintings online:
WordPress
This online platform is easy to use, inexpensive, and versatile. However, some people find WordPress hard to use.
Shopify
One of the most widely used eCommerce platforms worldwide, Shopify is straightforward, affordable, and versatile. It lets various applications be integrated to make building your website easier and faster.
Squarespace
It offers a free trial, so if it doesn’t work for you, you can cancel the subscription. Squarespace makes website creation very easy.
The platform you choose will depend on your budget, preferences, and tech expertise. However, you can also hire an expert to help you build a website.
Step 2: Create High-Quality Images
Once your website is done, it’s now time to create your original artwork and take photos. The photos will attract a potential buyer to the website. That’s why clear, high-quality photos are essential. Here are tips to help you take photos that will sell your painting, drawing, art prints, and pet portrait, on your online shop or online art marketplace:
- Invest in the right equipment.
- Learn how to use your camera.
- Take a lot of photographs.
- Use a neutral background that doesn’t overshadow your art.
- Choose the right lighting.
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Use editing software.
Step 3: Write Effective Product Descriptions
The main purpose of product descriptions is to provide additional information about the original artwork you’re selling, especially if you’re using a faceless art style. And a well-written and crafted product description can compel the viewer to purchase your art. Here are a few tips to help you create compelling product descriptions.
Use searchable, inviting, and artistic titles for your art.
Tell the story behind your artwork, your inspiration, and what you're aiming for in this specific art.
Identify the details including the size, medium, materials used, delivery process, shipping costs, type of art, and call to action (CTA).
Include the right keywords. Don’t go overboard. If you’re not familiar with SEO optimization, you can hire a marketing expert.
Step 4: Market Your Art
Sharing your art on different social media platforms allows people to view your products. This is free and you can ask your family and friends to share your posts to help you out.
Instagram is one of the best social media platforms where you can sell artwork online. Take advantage of Instagram Reels. You can also make videos while creating your art and post them on Youtube or Tiktok.
Step 5: Ship and Fulfill Orders
The packaging and shipping process is important when selling art and other physical products. Consider what the art has to go through before reaching its destination. You’ll need to use various materials like cardboard, packing paper, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and more.
Consider the weight, dimensions, labeling, and tracking when shipping your art.
Get Your Beautifully Made Art From Memorialize Art
Making beautiful, high-quality art is not easy. That’s why learning how to sell art online is a must for all artists, especially beginners. But if you’re searching for professionally made art, order from reliable artists from Memorialize Art. Our experienced staff checks the quality of the artwork before shipping to ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
