What kind of art sells best?
Making art that sells: Nine tips for more sales
How to choose the right platform to sell your art?
When choosing a platform to sell your artwork, you must evaluate its pros and cons for your success as an artist. Let's look at some platforms and then delve into key factors to make the right selection.
Dedicated art marketplaces
These platforms are specifically designed for artists and their art lovers. They can offer a sense of community within the art world and accommodate a variety of art styles and mediums. Let’s take a look at some of the leading options.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is a well-renowned art marketplace featuring work from artists all over the world. With a mission to connect artists with art lovers, Saatchi Art offers curated collections and personalized recommendations.
Key features: Curation and personalized recommendations, global shipping.
Target audience: Art collectors, interior designers, and commercial buyers.
Commission or fee structure: You earn a 40% commission on every sale.
Artfinder
Artfinder is an online marketplace aimed at helping independent artists sell their work. They promote original art and limited edition prints.
Key features: Mobile app, artist stories, original artwork, limited edition prints.
Target audience: Art enthusiasts, independent art buyers, and interior designers.
Commission or fee structure: 35-42% commission deducted on every sale.
General ecommerce platforms
These platforms can increase the visibility of an artist’s work to a wider audience outside of the traditional art community. They are also typically easy to navigate and often cost-effective.
Etsy
As a marketplace for handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies, Etsy offers a space for artists to sell unique art pieces and prints.
Key features: Personalized shopfronts, secure transactions, seller tools and analytics.
Target audience: Creatives, crafters, and collectors.
Commission or fee structure: Listing fee ($0.20 per item), transaction fee (6.5% on price including shipping).
Amazon
Amazon, a giant in the online shopping world, offers an 'Art' category where artists can showcase and sell their creations.
Key features: Worldwide marketplace, customer reviews, advertising opportunities.
Target audience: General consumers of all demographics.
Commission or fee structure: 'Individual Selling' plan: $0.99 per artwork sold; 'Professional Selling' plan: $39.99 a month + selling fees.
Social media channels
Social media platforms are increasingly used as sales channels, leveraging their large user bases and visual-friendly formats to sell art.
As a visually-focused platform, Instagram is popular among artists for showcasing their work and connecting directly with fans and buyers.
Key features: Shoppable posts, story highlights, IGTV for artist talks and process videos.
Target audience: Millennials and Gen Z users, influencers, art and design enthusiasts.
Commission or fee structure: No upfront fees, but using paid features such as Instagram ads will incur costs.
Pinterest serves as an excellent platform for artists looking to broadcast and sell their work to a global audience in 2024. This visual social media site offers an ideal space for artists to showcase their beautiful creations in a setting ripe with creative and aesthetically driven individuals.
Key features: Business account, promoted pins, analytics
Target audience: Art lovers and high-intent shoppers looking to purchase high-quality artwork.
Commission or fee structure: You earn a commission on every sale made via affiliate link clicks.
Criteria to consider when choosing a platform
When choosing a platform to sell your art, think about how it matches your unique art style, who your target audience is, and what your sales goals are. Here are some key factors to consider:
Commissions and fees: What’s the cost of selling your art on the platform? Are fees based on listing, transactions, or commissions on sales?
Audience: Does the platform’s user base match your target audience in terms of demographics, interests, and buying behavior?
Usability: How user-friendly is the platform? Does it offer tools and resources to help manage your storefront and sales?
Support: Does the platform offer support services to help you address any challenges or issues that may arise?
Presentation: Is the platform designed in a way that lets your artwork shine? You'd want your art to look its best!
