Art Sales: How to Sell Your Artwork Online and Offline
If you’ve created a piece you’re proud of, the next step is getting it into a buyer’s hands. The good news is that selling art today doesn’t mean you have to choose between a gallery and a website – you can use both. Below are the most straightforward ways to start moving your work and actually make money from it.
Where to Sell Your Art
First, decide which platform fits your style and audience. Online marketplaces like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder let you list pieces for a flat fee or a commission. These sites already have traffic, so you don’t need a huge marketing budget. If you prefer a more personal touch, set up a simple shop on Instagram or Facebook. Post clear photos, write a short story about the piece, and use hashtags like #artforsale and #originalart.
For offline sales, local art fairs, pop‑up stalls, and coffee‑shop walls are gold mines. Even a small community gallery can give you exposure if you’re willing to share a slice of the profit. Remember to bring business cards and a QR code that leads straight to your online portfolio – that way visitors can follow up later.
Pricing Strategies That Work
Pricing is the biggest hurdle for most artists. A common mistake is pricing too low and undervaluing your time. Start by adding up material costs, then estimate how many hours you spent on the piece. Multiply your hourly rate (think of what you’d charge for a freelance design job) by those hours, and add a 20‑30% markup for profit.
Another method is the “market check.” Look at similar works on the platforms you’re using and note their price range. If your piece is larger, more detailed, or uses expensive materials, place yourself on the higher end of that range. Keep the price round – $250 instead of $247 – because buyers feel more comfortable with clean numbers.
Don’t forget to factor in fees. Online marketplaces charge a commission, and payment processors take a cut. Build those costs into your final price so you don’t lose money after the sale.
Lastly, offer tiered pricing. Sell originals at full price, but also create limited‑edition prints at a lower price point. This gives collectors a way to own your work without breaking the bank and can increase overall sales volume.
Now that you know where to list and how to price, it’s time to promote. Share behind‑the‑scenes videos, run a short Instagram story poll, or email a monthly newsletter with a featured piece. Consistency beats occasional hype.
Keep track of what sells best – a bold abstract, a calm landscape, or a small portrait. Use that data to guide future creations. The more you understand your market, the easier it becomes to predict demand and set prices that attract buyers while protecting your effort.
Remember, art sales isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all game. Test a few platforms, watch the numbers, adjust your pricing, and stay active on social media. In a few weeks you’ll see which approach brings the most interest, and you can double down on that.
Bottom line: sell where your fans hang out, price with a clear formula, and keep the conversation going. With these steps you’ll move from creating art to actually making a living from it.
