Best Places to Sell Art Online

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Sell Art Online?
3. The Advantages of Selling Online
4. Best Platforms to Sell Art Online
5. Selling Art on Your Website
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to turn your artistic passion into profit? In today's digital age, selling art online has never been more accessible or rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, understanding the best platforms available can significantly impact your success. This blog post aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best places to sell art online, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision.

Why Sell Art Online?

Over recent years, the art market has experienced a dramatic shift towards digital platforms. According to a 2021 Hiscox report, online art sales surged to $6.8 billion in the first half of 2021 alone. This shift opens up tremendous opportunities for artists to reach a global audience, bypass traditional gallery constraints, and maintain more control over their creative and business processes.

The Advantages of Selling Online

Global Reach

Online platforms provide access to a global customer base, allowing artists to transcend geographical limitations.

Control and Flexibility

Selling online gives you more control over how you present and price your work. Unlike traditional galleries, you can update your portfolio in real-time and respond to market demands quickly.

Cost-Effectiveness

Many online platforms take a modest commission compared to traditional galleries, which can take up to 50% of the selling price.

Ease of Process

From simplified payment options to handling logistics, most online marketplaces make it easy for artists to focus on what they do best—creating art.

Best Platforms to Sell Art Online

1. Etsy

Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for artists and crafters. It has a large, engaged audience looking for unique, handmade items.

Costs and Fees: $0.20 listing fee per item, 6.5% transaction fee, and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee.

Advantages:

• Large, active user base
• Community support and networking opportunities
• Easy to use

Challenges:

• High competition
• Various fees that add up

2. eBay

eBay offers the advantage of auctioning your artwork, potentially fetching a higher price through bidding wars.

Costs and Fees: 12.35% final value fee, offers 250 free insertion listings per month.

Advantages:

• Broad audience
• Auction format can increase sale price

Challenges:

• Diverse audience less focused on art
• Competitive visibility

3. Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade provides an opportunity to reach Amazon's massive customer base, specifically for handmade art.

Costs and Fees: 15% referral fee on each sale.

Advantages:

• Extensive audience reach
• Proven, trusted platform

Challenges:

• Requires approval to sell
• High competition

4. Society6

Society6 focuses on print-on-demand, allowing you to sell art prints and other merchandise.

Costs and Fees: Society6 sets base prices; artists set their markups.

Advantages:

• Easy to manage
• Retain rights to your artwork

Challenges:

• Low profit margins
• High competition

5. Fine Art America

Fine Art America offers another print-on-demand option but with a focus on high-quality fine art.

Costs and Fees: $30/year for a premium account allowing unlimited uploads.

Advantages:

• Quality-centric platform
• Global audience

Challenges:

• Monthly fees for premium features

6. Shopify

For those who want full control over their sales process, Shopify provides an excellent platform to create a dedicated online store.

Costs and Fees: Plans start at $29/month plus transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments.

Advantages:

• Full customization
• Control over pricing and branding

Challenges:

• Requires more effort to drive traffic
• Higher upfront costs

7. Redbubble

Redbubble is another print-on-demand platform that helps artists sell their designs on various products.

Costs and Fees: Artists set their retail prices above Redbubble’s base price.

Advantages:

• No upfront costs
• International reach

Challenges:

• Smaller profit margins
• High competition

Selling Art on Social Media

1. Instagram

Instagram's visual nature makes it a preferred platform for artists. The introduction of shoppable posts allows users to buy directly from their feeds.

Advantages:

• Large user base
• Direct engagement with buyers

Challenges:

• Takes time to build a following
• Requires consistent, high-quality content

2. Facebook

Facebook's Marketplace and Shops features make it feasible to sell art to a wide audience.

Advantages:

• Extensive reach
• Robust advertising tools

Challenges:

• Organic reach can be limited
• Requires paid ads for broader visibility

3. Pinterest

Pinterest serves as a visual search engine, perfect for showcasing art.

Advantages:

• Users often search for purchase inspiration
• High-quality imagery can attract significant traffic

Challenges:

• Requires effort to maintain and update regularly
• Takes time to build a following

Selling Art on Your Website

Creating and managing your website offers complete control over your brand and customer experience. Platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace allow you to build an online store tailored to your needs.

Advantages:

• Full control over your brand
• No commissions
• Flexible pricing

Challenges:

• Requires more effort for traffic generation
• You handle all logistics

Conclusion

Selling art online opens a world of opportunities but comes with its own set of challenges. The best platform for you will depend on your goals, the amount of effort you're willing to put in, and your target audience. Whether you choose to sell on a marketplace like Etsy, social media platforms like Instagram, or your website, each option offers unique benefits and challenges.

FAQs

Q1: Can I sell on multiple platforms? Yes, diversifying where you sell can increase your reach and sales opportunities.

Q2: How do I price my art? Consider factors like material costs, time spent, competitor pricing, and your brand's position.

Q3: Is social media essential? While not mandatory, social media can significantly help in building a brand and engaging with potential buyers.

Q4: How can I protect my art from being copied online? Watermark images and use low-resolution pictures for online listings.

Q5: What’s the easiest platform for beginners? Etsy and Redbubble are user-friendly and excellent for beginners.

In summary, the world of online art sales is vast and varied. With the right strategy and platform, you can turn your passion for art into a profitable venture, reaching audiences far and wide.