top of page
IMG_0112.jpeg

Selling to Earn as an Artist

Turn your creativity into income by learning the art of selling.

This guide will help you move from hobby to income, whether you’re just starting or already a pro.

Why Selling is Important for Artists

Many artists wait for others to notice their work. But today, you need to learn how to sell if you want to grow.

Selling doesn’t mean forcing people to buy. It simply means showing your art to the world and getting paid for your effort.

 

Whether you want to earn a little extra money or build a full-time art career,

learning how to sell your art will help you:

 

  • Get more people to see your work

  • Earn money from your skills

  • Feel more confident as an artist

 Step-by-Step: How to Start Selling as an Artist

1. Understand What You Can Sell

Before anything, list what you can offer:

 

  • Original artworks

  • Prints or posters

  • Digital downloads (brushes, clip art, coloring pages)

  • Commission work

  • Merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers)

  • Tutorials or art classes

​

Even a beginner can sell simple prints or digital downloads!

2. Set Up a Portfolio

People need to see your work before they buy.

 

  • Create an Instagram or ArtStation page

  • Or make a simple website using platforms like Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace

  • Post 5–10 of your best artworks

  • Write short, clear captions or descriptions

 

Keep your portfolio clean, focused, and updated regularly

3. Choose Where to Sell

There are 3 main ways to sell your art: 

 

A. Online Platforms

​

These are websites where you can upload and sell your work:

 

  • Etsy – for handmade and digital products

  • Gumroad – for selling digital files (like brushes, PDFs, tutorials)

  • Redbubble / Society6 – for selling your designs on T-shirts, mugs, etc.

  • Fiverr or Upwork – for offering custom commission work

​

>>> Easy to start

>>> Ready-made audience

>>> Great for beginners

 

B. Your Own Website

​

Selling through your own website gives you:

​

  • Full control over your brand and pricing

  • More profit (no marketplace commission)

  • A chance to build a long-term business

​

>>> You can use platforms like Wix, Shopify, or WordPress to build your art store.

>>> Ideal when you’re ready to grow bigger.

 

C. Offline Sales (In-Person)

​

Don’t forget the power of local!

Selling your art in person helps you connect directly with people.

​

Try:

 

  • Art exhibitions

  • Local art fairs or craft markets

  • Cafes and galleries (ask if they showcase local artists)

  • Workshops and pop-up stalls

  • Stationery or home decor shops (to sell prints or merch)

​

>>> Builds real-world connections

>>> Get live feedback

>>> Great for local reach and building your name

​

Tip:

Start with online platforms if you’re a beginner.

Then slowly grow your own website and try offline sales to reach more people.

4. Price Your Work

Pricing can be hard, especially for beginners. Start with:

 

  • Your time + material cost + profit margin

  • For prints or digital items, use flat pricing ($5, $10, $15…)

  • For commissions, charge based on size, detail, and time taken

 

Remember: Don’t undervalue your art. You’re building a career.

5. Create Simple Product Listings

When you upload a product, include:

 

  • A clear image

  • A short, clear title

  • A simple description (what it is, size, format, use)

  • Price

  • Delivery time (for commissions or physical)

 

Make sure your product looks professional and easy to understand.

6. Promote Your Work

No one will buy if they don’t see it!

 

  • Post regularly on Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter

  • Share behind-the-scenes, process videos, and customer reviews

  • Use hashtags like #artistsoninstagram #digitalart #artprintsforsale

  • Join art communities on Discord, Reddit, or Facebook

 

Keep your tone real, friendly, and consistent.

7. Build Trust with Customers

  • Deliver on time

  • Communicate clearly

  • Be honest about what you offer

  • Use testimonials or reviews

 

This builds a positive reputation, and leads to repeat customers and referrals.

8. Grow Slowly and Smartly

Start small and improve based on feedback.

 

  • Add more products every month

  • Test new ideas (stickers, digital packs, etc.)

  • Keep learning about sales and marketing

  • Reinvest earnings into better tools, packaging, ads, etc.

 

Selling art is a long-term game — consistency matters more than overnight success.

Final Thoughts

Selling your art is not just about money - it’s about sharing your passion, valuing your time, and building a creative life on your terms.

 

You don’t have to be famous or perfect to sell your work.

You just need to start with what you have, and keep growing one step at a time.

Keep Exploring

Now that you’ve learned how to start selling, you might ask:

 

  •  How do I price my art properly?

  •  What’s the best way to talk to clients and take commissions?

  •  How can I teach art and earn too?

 

We’ll cover all of that in our next blogs - so stay tuned and keep creating!

bottom of page