Best Places to Sell Art Online in 2024

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Etsy: Perfect for Crafts and DIY Art
3. Amazon Handmade and Amazon Art: High Visibility and Global Reach
4. Fine Art America: Versatile and User-Friendly
5. Saatchi Art: For Exposure and Global Reach
6. Shopify: Build Your Own Store
7. TurningArt: Targeting Commercial Clients
8. Pixpa: Showcase and Sell
9. Society6 and RedBubble: Print-on-Demand Services
10. Conclusion
11. FAQs

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of showcasing your artistic creations to a global audience, turning your passion into profit? You're not alone. Many artists aspire to find the perfect platform to sell their works online, but the overwhelming number of options can be daunting. Navigating this digital landscape is crucial for transforming from a "starving artist" to a "thriving creator." This blog post will guide you through top places to sell art online, each offering unique benefits and challenges. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of the best platforms suited to your specific needs, ensuring your art finds its ideal digital gallery.

Etsy: Perfect for Crafts and DIY Art

Etsy is often the go-to marketplace for handmade, vintage items and unique crafts. It's well-suited for artists wanting to reach a community deeply interested in creative and one-of-a-kind offerings. Etsy’s user-friendly platform and established audience base make it a popular choice.

Pros:

• Extensive existing customer base
• User-friendly shop setup
• Various tools for sellers to promote their listings

Cons:

• High competition
• Fees include $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fee on sales
• Additional costs for premium features like Etsy Plus

For a successful Etsy shop, create SEO-optimized product descriptions, use high-quality photos, and engage actively with the community.

Amazon Handmade and Amazon Art: High Visibility and Global Reach

Amazon Handmade offers artisans a platform to sell crafted items, while Amazon Art specializes in fine art. Both platforms provide access to Amazon’s extensive customer base, increasing your artwork’s exposure.

Pros:

• Massive customer base
• Trusted global platform
• Various tools for tracking and promoting sales

Cons:

• Steep competition within a broad marketplace
• Fees include a 15% referral fee for Handmade, different fees for Amazon Art

To stand out, ensure your product listings are optimized for search and invest in promotions like "Sponsored Products."

Fine Art America: Versatile and User-Friendly

Fine Art America combines traditional gallery features with print-on-demand services for various products. Whether you're selling originals or art prints, this platform is versatile and artist-friendly.

Pros:

• Global reach
• No upfront costs; set your prices
• Print-on-demand options for varied product lines

Cons:

• Quality control issues for some printed items
• 30% mark-up commission on digital downloads

Set competitive but fair markups for your artwork to maximize profits while maintaining customer interest.

Saatchi Art: For Exposure and Global Reach

Saatchi Art is renowned for its focus on quality and its global consumer base. Ideal for emerging and mid-level artists, the platform has strict onboarding processes ensuring only top-tier artwork.

Pros:

• High-quality exposure
• Strong social media presence
• End-to-end marketing and shipping solutions

Cons:

• 35% commission on sales
• High competition

Optimize your profile with professional-quality images and an engaging artist biography to attract collectors.

Shopify: Build Your Own Store

For artists looking for full control over their online presence, Shopify provides an intuitive platform to create a personalized e-commerce store. This includes customization options and integrated marketing tools to manage your brand and sales independently.

Pros:

• Full control over branding and customer experience
• No limitations on product types
• Extensive app store for added functionalities

Cons:

• Monthly fees starting at $29, higher if using external payment gateways
• Requires more effort to drive traffic and manage sales independently

Consider using Shopify Payments to avoid transaction fees and invest time in SEO and social media marketing to drive traffic to your store.

TurningArt: Targeting Commercial Clients

TurningArt specializes in renting and selling artwork to commercial clients, including businesses and corporations. It also coordinates original commissions, providing artists with diversified revenue streams.

Pros:

• Access to a professional and corporate client base
• Opportunities for long-term commissions and rentals
• Managed marketing and logistics

Cons:

• Variable commission rates
• More suited for established artists with substantial portfolios

Target your portfolio to appeal to corporate aesthetics and continually update your collection to keep it fresh and relevant.

Pixpa: Showcase and Sell

Pixpa offers a no-code website builder ideal for artists wanting to showcase, sell, and share their work from a single platform. It combines ease of use with professional-grade tools and templates.

Pros:

• Customizable templates
• Integrated e-commerce and client galleries
• No commissions on sales

Cons:

• Requires a paid plan to access all features
• Basic plans don't support an online store

Leverage the trial period to explore template options and create a visually compelling site that can attract and retain customers.

Society6 and RedBubble: Print-on-Demand Services

Society6 and RedBubble are giants in the print-on-demand industry. They allow you to showcase your designs on an array of products from t-shirts to home decor, reaching a broad audience.

Society6:

Pros:

• Wide range of products
• Handles printing, shipping, and customer service
• Artist retains rights to their work

Cons:

• Artists earn only 10% of every sale
• High competition among similar designs

RedBubble:

Pros:

• Set your profit margins
• Global audience
• Handles all logistical aspects

Cons:

• Complex interface for first-time users
• Heavy competition

Regularly update your designs and utilize social media promotions to remain visible and attract more buyers.

Conclusion

Selling art online offers many opportunities but also presents unique challenges. Choosing the right platform largely depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize creative control, ease of use, customer reach, or revenue potential. From Etsy’s craft-centric marketplace to Amazon’s far-reaching customer base, each platform caters to different aspects of an artist's business model. Armed with the knowledge of these top platforms, you can strategically choose where to showcase your talent, ensuring your work reaches the audience it deserves.

FAQs

1. What is the most profitable platform for selling art online?

The most profitable platform depends on your sales volume and business model. For direct control and higher profit margins, creating your website with Shopify or Pixpa can be the best option.

2. Can beginners effectively sell art on these platforms?

Absolutely. Platforms like Etsy and Society6 are user-friendly and provide excellent starting points for beginners. They offer various tools and resources to help new artists succeed.

3. How much do artists typically earn from online sales?

Earnings vary widely depending on the platform, pricing, and market demand. Some artists make a few hundred dollars per month, while others can earn a full-time income.

4. Are there fees associated with these platforms?

Yes, most platforms charge listing fees, transaction fees, or commissions on sales. It's essential to understand these costs to price your art accordingly.

5. How can I increase my chances of selling my art online?

Invest in high-quality photos, SEO optimization, and active marketing through social media and email newsletters. Engage with potential buyers and continuously update your portfolio to attract repeat customers.

Ready to turn your passion into profit? Dive into the world of online art sales and find the perfect platform for your creative journey!