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Are you tired of your art career going nowhere? You may be looking for a guide that tells you how to sell art online and succeed and thrive as an artist.

Let's face it, with the advent of AI art generation tools and people making Studio Ghibli images with single prompts, being an artist in today's times and making a living is tough. It's not as easy as the olden days when our marks and penmanship had value. Soulless creations are also sold for high prices, and let's not forget the world of NFT art.

So, how do you compete? What does it take to sell out online? This guide will tell you all about it. Be prepared to hear some hard-hitting truths, and get ready to scale up with us.

Disclaimer:

Before we start, a quick disclaimer: we are not art experts, but we have experience selling art via print-on-demand customizations. Take everything with a grain of salt, or a gallon. Not everything we say is legal or professional advice, but simply a sum of our personal opinions and experiences. Don’t sue us.

The Real Guide to Selling Art Online and How To

Many art websites are great for starting your art journey and selling art online. You can showcase your work on those platforms, but they are not the only ways to sell your There are a variety of ways, such as finding commissions, doing freelance artwork, making prints, and taking custom requests.

Whether you're a self-taught artist, illustrator, or someone who aspires to build themselves up from scratch, this post is perfect for you. Let’s get down to the juicy stuff.

Tip #1: Make Tons of Art

The first tip we can give you right off the bat is to make lots of art. You can't sell art unless you're constantly producing content. The more art you create, the more legroom you have to sell even more pieces. In the process, you will build a great portfolio and discover what you love making. It's without a question that this should be common sense, but sometimes people forget the basics.

So, how do you start creating more art? That's the big question. Sketch every day. Draw from life your surroundings, especially people and places. If you're into realism, you can polish your skills in that area. Whether drawing anime, manga, or any creative art style, your foundation should be strong in realistic sketching and painting. Glenn Vilppu, who is a renowned artist, stresses on

He strongly suggests that students focus on the essentials. What are the essentials? Composition, perspective, lights and shadows, color theory, and anatomy. Don't forget these.

You'll also want to work on your memory-drawing skills. Drawing from memory can help enhance your visual memory and expand the library of images in your mind. You will be able to come up with more creative ideas and paintings. Then, if you are struggling with memory drawing, there are many places you can start working on, but the best way is through trial and error. There are many memory-drawing books you can start working on, but the best way is through trial and error. There are many memory-drawing books you can look up online. 

Tip #2: Attend Gesture Drawing Sessions 

There's Croquis Café, and Stan Prokopenko on YouTube also has a posing library that you can use as reference. Do gesture sketches every day as warm-ups when you're first starting. That will get you into the artistic field. Attending live gesture drawing sessions is a great way to meet virtually or physically with other like-minded artists. It’s a tremendous indirect networking opportunity you don’t want to miss.

And then, when your fingers are warmed up, you can proceed through your day. Set realistic goals for your art making. Don't burn out quickly; again, you must work on your craft and serve your clients. You will have to plan and pace yourself accordingly as an artist.

Tip #3: Make an Art Portfolio and Post on Social Media

Once you have many sketches and artworks to share, we'd like you to organize them. Do this:

• Create a gallery or a carousel and put it up for display on your website, blog, or any online platform. You can also make animated videos from your sketches if you have drawn a lot.

For example, if you're drawing scenes frame by frame, you can rearrange them together or make a flipbook and flipbook animations, which are also great ways to showcase your art skills. Many artists on YouTube do this to gain an audience, and they become famous.

• You should start sharing your art on social media, like Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, DeviantArt, and ArtStation. These are excellent websites where you can connect with other artists worldwide. Clients also frequent these websites because they are popular.

Who knows? You can land a great comic book deal, a graphic design commission, or an art project. The point is you will get—you will receive a lot of attention on these platforms, and by sharing your work and staying active, you can really—you can put yourself out there.

• YouTube, X, and Instagram are other great platforms. But be careful not to spam your feed with too many hashtags. Especially on X, your account can get flagged as a bot, and people might mistake it for spam. 

• Instagram is great for art promos. Again, be light on the tags and don't go too overboard. Five to eight tags are enough to do the trick. When you get enough organic growth, you want to reach a point where you're sparingly using tags, like two or three. 

Tip #4: Collaborate with Other Artists

This is also where you should collaborate with other artists on those platforms. You can ask them to tag you in their posts, or you can shout them out as well. Instagram story-for-story (SFS) shoutouts are popular for organically gaining more followers. You must interact manually with other content creators and artists, but the effort is worth it. Keep—keep aside some time for these few days of the week. Don't get too distracted because social media can be addictive and hamper your day. You don't want your tool to work against you. But if you play your cards right, you can spread the word and get a lot of followers and clients by sharing your work.

Collaborating with other artists on art projects is one of the best ways to get the word out about yourself. Clients will be impressed, and you can be hired for future work. It’s one of the easiest ways to expand your portfolio, network, and get noticed.

Tip #5: Build a Unique Online Brand

Your online brand is your signature in the digital space and a key element in selling art online. Create a cohesive style across your website, social media, and portfolios. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process and personal stories that resonate with potential buyers. Consistency builds trust and recognition. 

Focus on quality images, a professional bio, and authentic interactions. A strong, memorable brand helps you stand out, drawing art enthusiasts to explore your work. Your journey in how to sell art online starts with a unique brand. 

Tip #6: Engage with Online Communities

To learn how to sell art online effectively, participate actively in art forums, subreddit threads, and dedicated Discord channels. Join communities like r/ArtBusiness and r/ArtistLounge to share experiences and gain insights. Contribute by posting your work, asking questions, and offering feedback. 

These interactions foster a supportive network that enhances your skills and builds credibility. Effective community engagement is a cornerstone of selling art online. Networking opens doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and opportunities that can elevate your art career. Grow your online presence and achieve greatness.

Tip #7: Optimize Your Website for Sales

Design your website as a central hub for selling art online. Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Use SEO techniques and quality content to attract art lovers and buyers. Incorporate secure payment systems and precise contact details. Regularly update your blog and social media links to keep your audience engaged. Consider integrating an online store and booking system for custom orders that reflect your creative identity. 

Tip #8: Offer Art Bundles and Limited Editions

Experiment with offering art bundles and exclusive limited editions as part of your strategy for selling art online. Grouped related pieces into themed collections that appeal to collectors and casual buyers alike. Pricing bundles can drive higher sales volume. Highlight the value and uniqueness of limited runs. Promote these offers on social media, art fairs, and online communities. Limited editions create urgency and foster demand. Offering deals boosts your approach to how to sell art online. Keep customers informed about upcoming releases and bundle deals to sustain interest and momentum.

Tip #9: Diversify Your Revenue Streams

Expand your income by exploring multiple avenues for selling art online. Consider offering commissions, freelance projects, hourly work, and selling prints and originals. Reach out to galleries, participate in art exchange fairs, and list your job on platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder. Experiment with subscriptions or membership clubs for steady income. Incorporate licensing, NDAs, and copyright agreements when necessary. 

Tip #10: Protect Your Art Legally and Professionally

Safeguard your creative work with proper legal measures as you master how to sell art online. Secure copyrights, trademarks, and NDAs to protect your intellectual property. Always review contracts carefully and consult legal counsel when needed. Use reputable online marketplaces that offer artist protection. Stay updated on copyright laws and digital rights. How to sell art online becomes more secure when you protect your work. A secure foundation is essential for sustained success and peace of mind. Ensure peace with safeguards.

How to Make Your First Art Sale

Your first sale is a milestone when you begin selling art online. Start with friends and family—they're often your first supporters. Offer special first-time buyer discounts or include a small bonus item with the purchase. Consider joining local art fairs, where you can meet buyers face-to-face while directing them to your online store. Etsy is perfect for first-time sellers due to its built-in audience looking specifically for handmade items. Approach small local businesses about displaying your work with a QR code linking to your online store.

What Commission Rates Should You Charge?

When taking commissions to sell art online, your rates should reflect your skill level, the complexity of the request, and the time investment. For beginners, 15-20% of your standard rates for similar-sized work is reasonable. Experienced artists typically charge 25-50% upfront as a non-refundable deposit. Consider charging hourly rather than a flat rate for complex projects—$25-100 per hour, depending on your experience and medium. Always use written contracts specifying revisions allowed, timeline, usage rights, and payment terms. As demand for your work increases, you can raise your commission rates. Remember that clients commissioning personal pieces often expect more communication and revisions, so factor this time into your pricing when you sell art online.

How to Price Art Bundles

Art bundles are an excellent way to sell art online at higher prices.

• Select pieces that share a theme, color palette, or story.
• Price the bundle 10–15% less than items sold separately—this encourages purchases while keeping margins.
• Limited-time bundles create urgency and help boost sales during slow periods.
• Consider seasonal bundles for holidays or special occasions.
• Offer tiered bundles (small, medium, large) to suit different budgets.
• Communicate value: explain how pieces fit together and highlight buyer savings.

Legal Considerations for Online Artists

When you sell art online, protecting your work is essential.

• Include copyright notices on your images and website.
• Watermark preview images; send unmarked versions to customers.
• Trademark your brand name and logo if you're building a serious business.
• Use contracts for commissions—even simple ones protect both parties.
• Use NDAs for unreleased client work.
• Learn DMCA takedown steps in case your work is stolen.
• Research tax rules for online sellers in your country—many artists must report income and may qualify for deductions.
• Keep detailed records of all sales and expenses for easier tax prep.

Online Platforms to Sell Your Art

The right platform can make or break your efforts to sell art online:

• Etsy works well for traditional art and prints with its craft-focused audience. Society6 and Redbubble handle printing and shipping for you, ideal for passive income. 
• For fine art, Saatchi Art and Artfinder connect you with serious collectors. Selling directly through Instagram using Shopify integration gives you more control over pricing and customer relationships. 
• Patreon is perfect for artists who create regular content and want subscriber support.
• DeviantArt has a built-in community but more competition. 
• For digital artists, Gumroad is excellent for selling tutorials, brushes, or other digital products. 
• Reddit communities like r/HungryArtists and r/ArtCommissions can connect you with buyers, but research each subreddit's rules before posting.

Community Building for Artists

Finding your tribe helps you sell art online more successfully. Here’s how: 

• Discord servers like "The Art Corner" and "Illustrators Headquarters" offer community and feedback. 
• Facebook groups specific to your medium or style can provide support and collaboration opportunities. 
• Twitter art challenges with hashtags like #Inktober build visibility. 
• You can attend virtual art conventions and live stream events to network with other artists and potential buyers. 
• Clubhouse rooms focused on art marketing offer valuable insights. 

Conclusion

Selling art online isn't just about talent, strategy, persistence, and business sense. Building your skills, developing your brand, and connecting with the right audience takes time. Don't get discouraged by slow growth or rejection; every successful artist faced similar challenges. Focus on creating authentic work while implementing the marketing tactics we've covered. Stay adaptable as platforms and trends evolve.

Most importantly, don't lose your passion in the pursuit of sales. When you balance artistic integrity with innovative business practices, you create sustainable success that allows you to keep making the art you love. Your unique vision deserves to be shared; now you have the tools to make that happen.