Discover the Best Online Places to Sell Art

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Sell Art Online?
3. Top Online Marketplaces for Selling Art
4. Print-on-Demand Platforms
5. Ecommerce Platforms
6. Social Media Channels
7. Your Website
8. How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Art
9. Revolutionize Art Sales with Global Print on Demand
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

Are you an artist looking to monetize your creativity? The digital age offers numerous opportunities for artists to sell their work online, reaching a global audience without the cumbersome overhead of traditional galleries. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, or digital artist, there are platforms designed to help you showcase and sell your art efficiently. In this blog post, we'll explore the best online platforms where you can sell your art, considering factors such as audience reach, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and control over your work.

By the end of this post, you will be equipped with the knowledge to select the best platform for your needs, understand the pros and cons of each option, and learn some tips and tricks to maximize your online sales.

Why Sell Art Online?

The online art market has seen exponential growth in recent years. According to the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report 2021, the online art industry saw sales reach $6.8 billion in the first half of 2021, a 72% increase from the previous year. This shift in consumer behavior presents an unprecedented opportunity for artists to reach a larger and more diverse audience than ever before.

Advantages of Selling Art Online

1. Global Reach: Online platforms allow artists to sell artwork worldwide, exponentially increasing the potential customer base.
2. Control and Flexibility: Artists have more control over their original artwork, pricing, and schedule.
3. Visibility and Discovery: Online platforms often feature tools that help new work be discovered by collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Online platforms typically take lower commissions than traditional galleries, allowing artists to retain a greater share of their profits.
5. Ease of Process: Selling art online eliminates the need for physical transportation, reducing both costs and risks. Artists can also sell digital copies, providing potential for a passive income stream.

Top Online Marketplaces for Selling Art

Online marketplaces are platforms that connect sellers and buyers from around the world, handling transactions, marketing, and customer reach. Here are some of the best online marketplaces for artists:

Etsy

Costs and Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and a 6.5% transaction fee on the sale price, plus shipping.

Benefits and Features: The platform is well-regarded for its community-focused approach and easy-to-use interface, attracting millions of customers who are interested in unique, handcrafted items.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Given the high number of sellers, competition can be tough. Stand out by using SEO-friendly product descriptions and high-quality photos.

eBay

Costs and Fees: eBay takes a 12.35% final value fee (including shipping costs) and offers 250 zero insertion fee listings per month.

Benefits and Features: The auction format can lead to higher selling prices. eBay’s global presence provides a broad customer base.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Art can be lost among non-art items. Optimize your listings with accurate descriptions and consider the 'Buy It Now' options to ensure a minimum price.

Amazon Handmade

Costs and Fees: Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee on the sale price, with a minimum fee of $1 per listing.

Benefits and Features: Selling on Amazon Handmade gives your work visibility to Amazon's massive customer base.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Standing out can be difficult with so many products available. Offer Prime shipping and use high-quality, engaging product images.

Print-on-Demand Platforms

Print-on-demand platforms allow artists to sell prints of their work on various products without handling the production, shipping, or customer service themselves.

Society6

Costs and Fees: No cost to set up a shop, but Society6 determines the retail price of products. Artists set royalty rates for prints and canvases.

Benefits and Features: Society6 handles production, shipping, and customer service, leaving artists free to create.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Regularly upload new work and promote your shop on social media to stand out.

Redbubble

Costs and Fees: No listing fees or upfront costs. Artists set their margins.

Benefits and Features: Redbubble manages manufacturing and shipping and allows artists to retain rights to their work.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Differentiation is key on this large platform. Use unique designs and regularly promote your work.

Fine Art America

Costs and Fees: Free option with limited features or premium option at $30/year. Artists set their prices.

Benefits and Features: Fine Art America provides a print-on-demand service and offers various products to print on.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Stay active, upload new work regularly, and promote your work to increase visibility.

Ecommerce Platforms

These platforms provide artists with the tools to create their online store, offering greater control over how their work is marketed and sold.

Shopify

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

Benefits and Features: Offers powerful customization options, analytics, and numerous apps to enhance your store.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Requires more hands-on work than an online marketplace. Invest in marketing and SEO to drive traffic to your store.

Wix

Costs and Fees: Ecommerce plans start at $16/month, billed annually.

Benefits and Features: High level of customization, integrated SEO tools, and a range of ecommerce features.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Drive traffic through social media and SEO strategies to attract potential customers.

Social Media Channels

Social media platforms have immense user bases, making them an attractive option for selling art online.

Pinterest

Costs and Fees: Posting is free, but promoted pins come at a cost.

Benefits and Features: Users often use Pinterest for inspiration and purchase ideas.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Build a following through consistent pinning and engagement.

Instagram

Costs and Fees: Posting is free, but sponsored posts come at a cost.

Benefits and Features: Instagram's shoppable posts feature allows users to purchase art directly from posts.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Building a following can take time. Engaging with the community, using relevant hashtags, and posting regularly can boost your profile.

Your Website

Creating your website gives you complete control over how you display and sell your art.

Costs and Fees: Costs include website hosting (typically $3-$50/month), domain name (around $10-$15/year), and possibly a website builder or ecommerce platform fee.

Benefits and Features: Complete control over branding, no direct competition, and potential for higher profit margins.

Challenges and Tips for Success: Driving traffic to a new website can be challenging. Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to attract potential buyers.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Art

Platform Reputation

Choose a platform with a good reputation for attracting dedicated art buyers. Look at the platform's history, reviews, and market standing.

User Base

A larger user base equates to a wider potential audience. Consider the platform's user type, e.g., Etsy draws people interested in unique handmade items, while Amazon caters to a broader audience.

Platform Features

Different platforms offer diverse features. Choose a platform that satisfies your specific needs.

Costs and Fees

Understand the platform's fee structure, including listing fees, commissions, and monthly fees. Calculate potential earnings after these costs.

Your Goals and Preferences

The ideal platform aligns with your personal goals and preferences. For instance, if you aim to maximize sales, choose a large platform with a vast user base.

Revolutionize Art Sales with Global Print on Demand

Platforms like Gelato offer a revolutionized approach to selling art globally. As the world's largest platform for local production of on-demand products, Gelato allows artists to sell globally and produce locally in 34 countries, extending their reach to up to five billion potential consumers.

Gelato integrates seamlessly with many ecommerce platforms and online marketplaces, making it simple and convenient to leverage their capabilities, regardless of where you sell your art.

Conclusion

Navigating the myriad of options for selling art online can be daunting, but selecting the right platform can significantly impact your success. Consider your goals, the platform’s reputation, audience reach, features, fees, and your personal preferences. By doing so, you can find the best place to monetize your creativity and reach a global audience.

FAQ

Is it profitable to sell art online?

Yes, with the right platform and marketing strategy, selling art online can be very profitable. Artists can benefit from higher profit margins compared to traditional galleries.

How can beginners sell art online?

Beginners can start selling art online by setting up shops on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, creating profiles on art-focused platforms like Fine Art America, or using social media channels. High-quality images, good descriptions, and active promotion are essential.

Where can I sell my art online for free?

Platforms like Redbubble, Fine Art America, and ArtPal allow you to list and sell your art for free. While these platforms might take a commission on sales, they generally do not require an upfront cost.

What is the best way to sell art online?

The best way to sell art online depends on your specific needs and goals. Options include online marketplaces like Etsy, ecommerce platforms like Shopify, social media channels, or your website. Consistent marketing and high-quality product images are key to online art sales success.

Take the plunge and start selling your art online today. The digital world offers endless possibilities for artists to reach global audiences and achieve financial success.