How to Start a Successful Online Art Business

How to Sell Your Art Online: A Simple Guide

Want to sell your art online? It's totally doable! This guide will help you get started.

1. Pick Your Platform

First, you need a place to show your art. Here are a few options:

• Etsy: Great for handmade stuff. Easy to set up, but Etsy takes a cut of your sales. Think of it like a craft fair, but online.
• Shopify: More control, but it costs money each month. It's like having your own little art shop.
• Saatchi Art: Specifically for art. They handle shipping and payments, but their cut is bigger. It's like having a gallery represent you.
• Fine Art America: You upload your art, and they print and ship. Easy, but you make less per sale. Perfect for beginners.
• Your Own Website: Complete control, but it's more work. It's like building your own art empire!

Choose what fits your style and budget. Many artists use several platforms.

2. Amazing Photos are Key

Online, your photos are your art. Invest in good photos! Really good ones. Clear, bright, and showing off your art's best features. I even hired a pro photographer once – best decision ever!

Pro-tip: Use the same background and lighting for all your photos. Show different angles and close-ups. Include something to show the size, like a ruler.

3. Pricing Your Art: The Balancing Act

How much should you charge? It's tricky. Consider:

• Cost of supplies: Paint, canvas, etc.
• Your time: How long did it take you?
• Your skill: More experience usually means higher prices.
• What others charge: Check out similar art.
• Size and detail: Bigger, more complex pieces cost more.

Experiment! See what sells and adjust your prices.

4. Get the Word Out

Marketing is important! Try a few things:

• Social Media: Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook... show off your art! Use great photos. It's like having a free online gallery.
• SEO: Use words people search for (like "watercolor paintings for sale") so your art shows up in search results.
• Email list: Tell people about new art and sales. It's like having your own personal art fan club.
• Blog: Write about your art or process. It's like sharing your creative journey.
• Paid ads: Pay to have your art shown to more people. It's like boosting your art's visibility.

5. Happy Customers are the Best

Good customer service is key. Respond quickly to messages. Package your art carefully. Happy customers will come back for more. I once had a customer rave about my packaging – it was a small thing, but it meant the world.

6. Stay Organized

Use accounting software to track sales and expenses. Keep your inventory organized. Staying organized helps you grow your business.

7. Create Your Brand

What makes your art you? Develop a unique style and online presence. This will help you attract the right customers.

8. The Legal Stuff

Understand the laws around selling art online, like taxes and copyright. If you're unsure, get professional advice.

9. Keep Learning

The online art world changes. Stay updated on trends and new techniques. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

10. Be Patient

Success takes time. Don't give up! Celebrate your wins along the way.

Selling art online is exciting! With hard work and these tips, you can share your art with the world and build a successful business. Good luck!