How to Sell Your Art Online: 11 Creative Ways

Last updated on 27th September, 2024 at 06:17 pm

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When I started selling my art online, I had no idea what I was doing. I thought, “Is this even possible? Can I make money from this?”.

Like many of you, I was nervous about putting my work out there, unsure of how to even begin.

Ignoring all my thoughts, I took the courage to upload my artwork on one of the most famous print-on-demand sites.

To my surprise, within a few days after my first upload, I’ve made sales!

However, right after I listed that first piece on Redbubble, nothing happened for months. No sales, no inquiries, just crickets.

It was discouraging, and I almost gave up.

But over time, as I explored different methods and platforms, something clicked.
And suddenly, it felt like everything was possible.

Does that experience sound familiar to you? Maybe you’re wondering if selling art online is even worth it.

Or maybe you’ve tried, but like me in the beginning, you’re struggling to find success.

I get that—it can feel overwhelming.

But trust me, the online world is full of opportunities for artists. You just need to know where to look and how to leverage the right tools.

Today, my mission is to help you navigate this space.

I’ve learned that it’s not just about putting your art online—it’s about finding creative ways to connect with the right people.

I hope all the options I listed here will give you the lightbulb moments to get started or maybe grow your online sales.

So, I’ll share 11 creative ways to sell your art online, drawing from my own experiences and lessons learned.

Related Posts You Might Be Interested In:

• How To Sell On RedBubble (Ultimate Guide)
• AI Income: 10 Best Free AI Art Generators for Money-Makers
• 5 Ways to Start Earning with AI-Generated Art

1. Leverage Social Media Platforms

They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire, right?

So, when there’s a crowd online, there’s gotta be opportunities for artists like you.

That’s why social media is a big deal. It’s not just about showing off your stuff. It’s about building a crew of people who love your art.

Let’s talk about the best social media spots to start hanging out.

Pinterest

I couldn’t help but put this platform as the number one choice. Not only is it a great spot for inspiration, but you can also make some money while you’re at it.

Pin your artwork: short videos, and even some behind-the-scenes content. Just make sure each pin links back to where people can buy your art.

What I like the most about Pinterest is that the pins stick around way longer than regular social media posts, so they’ll keep sending traffic to your shop long after you’ve shared them.

Now, one thing I want to point out—don’t be scared to invest in learning about Pinterest.

Yes, I know there’s a ton of free stuff out there, but honestly, it’s usually just scratching the surface.

That’s why I decided to invest in this ebook called “The Golden Compass to Pinterest Traffic.“

And let me tell you, my Pinterest analytics have turned around since then.

What I’m trying to say is that if you learn from someone who’s already killing it on the platform, chances are, you’ll see success too by applying what they teach.

But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Check out the ebook yourself, and I bet you’ll be surprised by the amount of useful info she packs into it.

With that kind of knowledge, I’m pretty sure you’ll be boosting your art sales in no time.

No question.

Instagram

If you’re not on Instagram yet, you’ve got to get on it. It’s such a visual platform, which makes it perfect for artists like you.

Lately, I’ve been seeing a bunch of Instagrammers using this “3-second” trick where they only post Reels that are like 3 to 5 seconds long.

I know, you’re probably thinking, “What can you even show in less than 5 seconds?”

Well, they’re keeping it super simple. A quick, faceless clip—maybe just their hands drawing on an iPad or picking out colors in a drawing app.

Then, they add a short text in the Reels that directs people to check out the full explanation in the caption.

In the caption, they break everything down—like, really go into detail about what’s happening in the video.

And at the end, they sneak in a solid call to action, telling people to comment on a specific word to get freebies or art.

Once someone comments, they slide into their DMs.

It’s a genius way to get people engaging with the post, and guess what? That engagement often turns into sales.

Pretty clever, right?

TikTok

It’s not just for dancing teens anymore. Artists are blowing up on TikTok by showing the process behind their work.

You don’t need fancy editing skills—just your phone and some creativity. Try showing a time-lapse of a painting or a sketch coming to life.

2. Use Print-on-Demand Services

Out of all the options I’ve talked about in this post, this one’s my favorite.

I mean, who doesn’t love a setup where you can upload your artwork and then just kick back?

However, just because you can “wash your hands” after uploading your art doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for promoting it.

That’s why social media still plays a huge role in getting those sales rolling in.

Believe me, even with a great platform, you’ve got to get your work in front of people.

If you’re hearing about Print-on-Demand (POD) for the first time, let me break it down for you.

POD platforms let you sell prints, apparel, and even home décor with your artwork on them.

You don’t have to mess with inventory or shipping. They handle all that for you.

Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

• Design and upload: You create a design (or use one you’ve already got), and upload it to the platform. It could be anything—an image, some cool text, a pattern—whatever suits your style.
• Choose products: Then you decide what products to put your design on. T-shirts? Mugs? Phone cases? The options are endless.
• Set your price: Next, you pick your prices. Make sure to factor in the platform’s fees and your profit margin.
• List your products: Once everything looks good, you list your items for sale on the platform’s marketplace. Now your products are out there for people to buy!
• Orders and fulfillment: When someone buys something, the platform handles the printing and shipping for you. No need to deal with boxes and postage.
• Earn your profit: After deducting their fees, the platform sends you your share of the sale.

3. Leveraging Email Marketing

Email marketing might sound a little old-school, but trust me, it’s still one of the most effective ways to sell your art online.

Why? Because people who sign up for your email list are already interested in what you do.

Building an Email List

Start by creating a simple sign-up form on your website. Offer something in exchange—maybe a free desktop wallpaper featuring one of your pieces.

Or even early access to new collections. The key is to attract art lovers who are more likely to buy from you later.

Sending Regular Newsletters

Once you’ve got an email list, send out a newsletter at least once a month. Share updates, promotions, and sneak peeks of upcoming artwork.

If you just finished a new series of paintings, show your subscribers before anyone else sees them.

Offering Exclusive Discounts

Make your subscribers feel special. Give them early-bird discounts or promo codes only available through email.

It’s a simple way to build loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

Personalizing Campaigns

Don’t just blast the same email to everyone. If you know someone who has bought a piece from you before, send them a personalized message thanking them and offering a discount on their next purchase.

Segmenting your list by past purchases or preferences can lead to higher sales.

4. Sell Through Online Art Marketplaces

Another great way to sell your art online is through art marketplaces.

There are so many out there dedicated just to selling art, and they’re perfect for getting your work in front of people who are looking to buy.

Etsy

Etsy is probably one of the most popular platforms for handmade and unique items. Setting up an Etsy shop is super easy, and you can sell everything from original pieces to prints, even digital downloads.

And here’s a little tip: if you use my link, you’ll get 40 FREE listings on Etsy, which saves you from paying the listing fees.

eBay

I know, eBay might sound like an odd place for selling art, but you’d be surprised.
A lot of artists have had success auctioning their work there.

What I like about this auction is that if your art is in demand, you could end up getting a higher price than you expected.

Artfinder

Artfinder is a bit more niche—it’s designed specifically for artists selling original work. It’s more curated than Etsy, and you’ll need to apply to get accepted.

But once you’re in, you’re showcasing your art to a global audience of collectors, which can help you grow your reach.

Saatchi Art

If you’re targeting serious art collectors, Saatchi Art is a platform worth checking out.

They’re known for showcasing high-quality work, and they offer worldwide shipping, which is a big plus if you’re trying to reach buyers outside your home country.

5. Offer Art Commissions

This option works perfectly alongside social media.

You can easily let your followers know you’re open for custom pieces, and they can either DM you or click the link in your bio to get started.

Super simple, right?

How to Advertise Commissions

Make it obvious that you offer custom work. Create a dedicated page on your website just for commissions, and don’t forget to mention it in your social media bios.

You want people to know it’s an option without having to dig around.

Freelancer and Upwork

If you want to expand beyond your own audience, platforms like Freelancer and Upwork are full of people searching for custom artwork. You can offer anything from pet portraits to logos—it’s really up to you.

Just be sure to set clear expectations from the start, like how much time you need, the pricing, and how many revisions you’re willing to do.

Pricing and Client Expectations

I know pricing commissions can feel tricky. But here’s a tip: start by thinking about how much time and effort you’re putting in, plus the cost of any materials.

And always be upfront with clients about what they’re getting for the price.

• How many revisions are you including?
• Do they need to pay extra if they want more changes?
• The clearer you are, the smoother the process will be.

6. Start a Blog

Starting a blog is kind of like owning your art gallery.

You get to control everything—the branding, the experience, and, best of all, the pricing.

It’s your space to showcase your work the way you want.

Why You Need a Blog

Social media? It’s awesome, but it’s unpredictable.

One day, your posts are getting tons of views, and the next, the algorithm changes, and you’re barely reaching anyone.

Your blog, though? That’s your home base. It’s where people can always find you, no matter what happens on social media.

Integrating E-commerce

If you’re ready to sell directly from your site, platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce are great options.

They let you have full control over your prices and how your art is presented. No middleman, just you and your buyers.

SEO Tips

If you want people to find your website, it needs to be optimized for search engines.

Make sure to use keywords in your page titles and descriptions. For example: “buy art online” or “original paintings for sale”, etc.

And don’t forget the little details, like adding alt text to your images so they show up in image searches too.

Why not turn your art passion into a blog that makes money? You can share your creations, spill your tips and tricks, and inspire others along the way. Plus, you might just earn some cash while you’re at it! Interested? Join my FREE 7-day email course on starting a blog below.

7. Host Virtual Art Shows

I’ll be honest, in-person art shows aren’t as common as they used to be. But you know what? Virtual art shows are an awesome alternative.

You can reach people from all over the world without even leaving your house.

Why Virtual Shows Are Amazing

Think about it: no need to pay for travel, no stressing over venue costs, and no setting up tables or displays.

Instead, people can check out your work whenever they want, from the comfort of their own homes. It’s a win-win, right?

Where to Host Your Virtual Show

Some cool platforms like Kunstmatrix let you set up virtual galleries. It’s almost like visitors are walking through a real-life gallery, but it’s all online. Pretty neat, huh?

How to Promote Your Virtual Show

To get the word out, use your email list and social media to spread the news. You could even build some hype by creating a countdown to the big day. Trust me, a little anticipation goes a long way.

8. Sell Art Licensing

Do you know what’s been on my mind lately?

I’ve been wondering if I should try licensing my art. Have you ever thought about it? I mean, who wouldn’t want to make some extra cash while sleeping, right?

Here’s how it works: You let companies slap your artwork on their stuff, and they pay you for it. Pretty neat, huh?

Sometimes you’ll get paid upfront, and other times you’ll get royalties rolling in over time. Not too shabby, if you ask me!

I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t it be awesome to see your art on products everywhere? And get paid for it?

I’m telling you, the thought alone gets me all giddy!

I bet it’s a feeling I can’t even describe, spotting my designs out in the wild. Don’t you think that’d be mind-blowing?

Top Platforms for Licensing

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. There are platforms like ArtLicensing.com and Printful that make it easy.

You can license your work for all kinds of products—everything from book covers to T-shirts.

Negotiating Deals

When it comes to negotiating, just make sure you’re clear on the terms.

Some companies will pay you upfront, while others give you a cut for every sale they make using your design.

It’s all about finding what works best for you and your art.

9. Collaborate with Brands for Sponsored Content

Do you know what’s a great way to get more eyes on your art and make some extra cash? Partnering with brands that vibe with your style.

When you collaborate with the right brand, it’s like a win-win. You promote their product or service to your audience, and they pay you for it.

Finding the Right Brands

Here’s the thing—you don’t want to just work with any brand. You want to find ones that align with your values and the kind of art you create.

So, if you’re big on sustainability or eco-friendly themes, look for brands that share that focus. It’s all about making sure their message matches yours.

That way, the partnership feels genuine, not forced.

Creating Sponsored Posts

There are tons of ways to create sponsored content. You could write a blog post, share an Instagram reel, or even make a YouTube video featuring their product.

Whatever format you choose, just make sure it feels authentic to you and adds value to your audience.

Nobody likes a sales pitch that feels out of place.

10. Join Online Art Competitions

What about joining some online art competitions?

It’s a fun way to not only get your work seen by a wider audience but also a chance to win some prizes or get a little extra recognition.

How to Find Competitions

There are plenty of places online where you can find these competitions. Platforms like ArtStation and DeviantArt host regular contests.

Just look for ones that match your style—whether you’re into illustration, photography, or digital painting, there’s something out there for everyone.

The Benefits of Competitions

Even if you don’t win, just participating can put your name out there in front of new people.

You never know who might notice your work. And if you do win?

Well, some competitions offer cash prizes or even promotional opportunities, so it’s worth a shot!

11. Selling Art Online Classes

This is a bit different. Instead of selling your art, you are selling your skills, your knowledge, and your experiences as an artist.

There are a bunch of ways you can offer art classes online, whether you want to go the live workshop route or create something people can access on their own time.

Hosting Online Workshops

If you’re comfortable teaching live, hosting workshops on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet is a fantastic option. And I say this is an introvert-friendly method.

You can charge per session or create a bundle for multiple lessons. This works especially well if you’re teaching niche art techniques or if you’re focusing on beginners who need a little extra guidance.

Sell an eBook Teaching Art

Another option? Writing an eBook! You could share your process or teach specific techniques in a way that’s easy to follow.

Then, just sell it on your website, Amazon Kindle, or Gumroad.

Sell Art Classes via Email Series

Or, if you prefer something a little more automated, you could create an email course. This way, students get lessons sent straight to their inbox over a few days or weeks.

It’s like setting up a passive income stream because once it’s all scheduled, it runs itself.

You can easily implement this strategy with Convertkit, as their automation tools are easy to set up.

FAQ – Sell Your Art Online

Hey, you know what? I’ve stumbled upon some seriously cool ways for introverts to rake in some passive cozy income without all the social drama. Want to peek at my Pinterest board and see if anything catches your eye? Just click my Pinterest link here and you’re good to.