Ever wondered how to turn your art into income online? For artists who dream of sharing their creations—and making money doing it—knowing where and how to sell art on the web is essential.
With so many platforms and strategies out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. That’s why this article lays out everything you need to know: from choosing the best websites to expert tips for standing out and making sales.
Related Video
How to Sell Art Through a Website: A Comprehensive Guide
If you want to sell your art online, building a website dedicated to showcasing and selling your work is a powerful way to reach collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re an established artist wanting to grow your audience or a newcomer ready to take the leap, having an online platform gives you control over your brand, prices, and customer relationships. Let’s walk through the entire process—step by step—and cover essential tips, platforms, and considerations to help you succeed.
Why Sell Art Online?
Selling art online offers advantages that traditional galleries or art fairs can rarely match:
- Global Reach: Your audience isn’t limited by geography.
- Control: Set your own prices, present your art your way, and build your mailing list.
- Accessibility: Collectors, fans, and buyers can view your work 24/7 from anywhere.
- Variety: Sell originals, prints, digital downloads, and more.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Art
There are two main approaches to selling art online:
- Building Your Own Website
- Joining Established Art Marketplaces
Both have benefits and potential drawbacks. You can choose one or combine both depending on your goals.
1. Building Your Own Website
Creating your own site gives you maximum flexibility and control over how your art is presented. Here’s what’s involved:
Essential Steps
- Pick a Website Builder: Tools like Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, and WordPress offer art-focused templates and e-commerce features.
- Design Your Gallery: Organize your artwork by theme, medium, or collection. Use high-resolution images and clear titles.
- Enable E-Commerce: Add a shop section where visitors can click to purchase. Set up secure payment options like PayPal, Stripe, or credit card processing.
- Write Compelling Descriptions: Tell the story behind each piece. Share inspiration, materials used, and size.
- Set Up Contact and About Pages: Build trust by telling your artist story and providing clear ways for customers to reach you.
- Optimize for Mobile: Make sure your website looks great on phones and tablets.
- Add a Blog or News Section: Share updates on new work, exhibitions, and insights to boost SEO and connect with visitors.
Benefits
- 100% control over branding and presentation.
- Direct access to customer contact information.
- Fewer commissions and fees compared to third-party platforms.
Challenges
- Managing the website yourself may take extra time and technical know-how.
- You’ll need to drive your own traffic using social media, email, and search engine optimization (SEO).
2. Joining Art Marketplaces
Well-established art selling platforms bring built-in audiences, streamlined buying processes, and marketing reach. Some popular options include:
- Fine Art America: Focused on prints, canvases, and merch as well as originals. Offers print-on-demand services.
- Art Brokerage: Specializes in higher-end, gallery-level art and auctions.
- Artsy: Connects artists with collectors and galleries, often for more established or fine artists.
- ARTMO: Commision-free platform where you control sales directly.
- Saatchi Art, UGallery, and Others: Global reach and curation features.
How Marketplaces Work
- Create an artist profile and upload your artwork.
- Set your prices, artwork details, and shipping preferences.
- The platform handles transactions and payments.
- Some platforms offer print-on-demand, shipping assistance, or insurance options.
- They typically charge commissions or listing fees, so read terms carefully.
Benefits
- Exposure to millions of art buyers.
- Simplified sales, payment processing, and sometimes shipping.
- Community features like forums, social sharing, and curated collections.
Challenges
- Platform fees or commission (often 20–35%).
- Less control over brand presentation.
- Your work may compete with thousands of other artists.
Setting Up Your Art to Sell Online
Regardless of the platform you choose, you’ll need:
High-Quality Images
- Use natural light or professional lighting.
- Capture various angles, including close-ups of details.
- Include size references (such as your art hanging on a wall).
Detailed Descriptions
- Title, medium, size, year created.
- Describe your inspiration and techniques.
- Mention framing, mounting, and whether it’s ready to hang.
Clear Pricing
- Research comparable works to price competitively.
- Account for material costs, your time, platform fees, and shipping.
- Consider offering a range of price points (originals, prints, mini works).
Shipping and Packaging
- Calculate costs for domestic and international shipping.
- Choose sturdy packaging to protect your art.
- Consider shipping insurance for expensive pieces.
- Clarify shipping times, tracking, and return policies on your site.
Practical Tips for Selling Art Successfully
Here are some proven tactics to boost your online art sales:
- Build Your Audience: Use social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest) to connect with potential buyers and drive traffic to your shop.
- Email Marketing: Collect email addresses with a newsletter signup. Reward subscribers with exclusive previews or discounts.
- SEO Matters: Use keywords that art collectors search for (such as “abstract landscape paintings” or “modern art prints”).
- Regularly Update Your Collection: Adding fresh work keeps your website dynamic and visitors returning.
- Offer Limited Editions or Prints: Make your art accessible at different price points.
- Tell Your Story: People love to buy from artists they feel connected to. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, process videos, and personal stories.
- Responsive Communication: Reply quickly to questions from potential buyers to build trust.
Cost and Shipping Tips
Shipping art requires special attention:
- Weigh and Measure Carefully: Shipping providers base costs on size, weight, and destination.
- Print-on-Demand: Platforms like Fine Art America allow you to sell prints and merchandise without managing inventory or shipping.
- Charge for Shipping: Consider offering flat-rate shipping, building costs into your price, or giving free shipping as an incentive on higher-priced items.
- Protection: Use acid-free wrapping, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes or tubes. For framed pieces, add corner protectors.
Tips to Manage Costs
- Buy shipping materials in bulk for better pricing.
- Use online postal calculators (from your carrier) to avoid undercharging.
- For international sales, factor in customs duties and import taxes.
- Keep accurate records of shipping costs for taxes and profitability tracking.
Choosing What Art to Sell
Successful artists online often diversify their offerings:
- Originals vs. Prints: Originals command higher prices. Limited-edition prints let more fans buy your work.
- Merchandise: Offer your art as mugs, shirts, phone cases, or home goods.
- Digital Downloads: With digital art or photographs, buyers can download, print, and enjoy instantly.
- Commissions: Offer bespoke artwork on request (set clear expectations and pricing).
Managing Your Artist Brand
Personal branding is powerful. Here’s how to stand out:
- Have a consistent look across your site, social media, and packaging.
- Use a professional artist biography and statement.
- Share milestones (awards, press, exhibitions) in your updates.
- Collect testimonials or reviews from happy collectors.
Staying Safe and Professional
- Use secure payment processors and never share banking information directly.
- Vet commission requests—watch for common art scams.
- Protect your images online with watermarks or by using lower-res previews.
Measuring Success and Improving
Track these important metrics:
- Website Traffic: Use analytics tools to see how many and where visitors are coming from.
- Conversion Rate: What percentage of visitors make purchases?
- Sales Data: Which pieces or price points are most popular?
- Customer Feedback: Listen to buyers’ suggestions for improving your offerings or site usability.
Regular review and adaptation can help keep your art business growing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I price my artwork for online sales?
Research similar artists and factor in your experience, the medium, size, and complexity of the piece. Calculate your material costs, time, and desired profit margin. Consider platform fees and shipping when deciding your final price. Don’t undervalue your work, but remain competitive for your niche and audience.
What’s the best website to sell art online?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you want maximum control, build your own website. If you prefer tapping into existing audiences and easy setup, try art marketplaces like Fine Art America, Artsy, or Art Brokerage. Many successful artists use a combination—promoting their own site while listing on third-party platforms.
How do I ship artwork safely and affordably?
Choose sturdy packaging materials and wrap art securely. Use boxes or tubes appropriate for your medium. Insure high-value pieces and use tracked shipping. Print-on-demand marketplaces can handle shipping for prints and merch, eliminating that chore for you. Always communicate shipping costs and policies clearly to your buyers.
Can I sell both original art and prints online?
Yes! Many artists do this. Originals are unique and command higher prices, while prints (open or limited edition) make your work accessible to a wider range of buyers. Many platforms support both. You can also offer digital downloads, home goods, or merchandise featuring your work.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to sell art on a website?
Not necessarily. Website builders offer drag-and-drop features and step-by-step guidance. Marketplaces simplify tasks like listing, payment, and sometimes even shipping. If you want more advanced features or a custom look, you may need to learn basic web skills or hire a designer, but many artists manage everything themselves with little technical background.
Conclusion
Selling your art online through a website is a rewarding way to reach collectors, manage your business, and express your creative brand on your own terms. With the right platform, high-quality presentation, and smart marketing, you can turn your passion into a thriving online business. Focus on building relationships with your audience, providing excellent service, and continually learning from your experiences—you’ll set yourself up for lasting success in the evolving world of online art sales.