Whether you are a full-time artist or if art is simply a hobby that you would like to make some money from, why not sell your artwork online in the UK?
Today, the internet has opened the doors for artists from all over the world, giving them the chance to:
- Exhibit their work without borders
- Generate an extra source of income
Let's see what possibilities currently exist for selling your artwork through the internet.
What are the best places to sell your artwork online?
If you already have a high level of sales, creating your own online store allows you to have complete control of the entire sales process and leave commissions behind.
Skip down for details on opening your own online store.
However, if you are just starting out, you can try selling through websites that specialise in selling art online.
The most popular platforms for this include...
- Etsy
- Society6
- Artelista
- ARTEnet
- Saatchi Art
Let's look at the details of each of them in a little more detail.
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace that is well-known among artists and craftspeople.
This is a great place to start selling your works, and creating a profile is completely free.
It also has a payment platform that automatically converts into different currencies.
Etsy has its tricks - be careful - and it takes a commission for each sale you make through its website. But it attracts buyers and is a good option for starting out in the world of online sales - even if you are an amateur.
Society6
Society6 is another of the best-known platforms for illustrators, photographers and artists that is also suitable for amateur artists.
In addition to being a perfect platform for making yourself known, it allows you to transfer your images onto various media:
- Prints
- Home textiles
- Phone cases
This platform is responsible for production and shipping, making the entire process much easier for illustrators.
Artelista
With more than 15 years of experience, more than 1 million works of art sold, and more than 140,000 artists on its platform, Artelista is considered an important online art gallery. It’s open to artists from around the world and used by buyers from 170 countries.
It’s free to register on the platform and it allows you to sell both original works and reproductions.
ARTEnet
ARTEnet is an online art gallery that makes original works by contemporary artists available to the public. It’s a site that specialises in emerging artists.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is the largest online art gallery in the world. Based in Los Angeles, it is a good option for selling your work to international buyers.
You should know that Saatchi takes a 35% commission for acting as an intermediary.
Use second-hand buying and selling apps
Many people are encouraged to search for artwork in apps like Wallapop - especially those of a specific theme or character. Therefore, they are a good showcase if you are just starting out in the world of illustration.
Plus, this app lets you set prices and even ship under their guarantee. Why not give them a try?
Sell your artwork through your own online store
Once you’ve sold a few pieces online, it’s time to create your own online store.
Your own store means you don’t have to share your profits with anyone.
Building one is much easier than you might think.
To get started, I would like to recommend two different options:
- Launch your online store with GoDaddy's Online Store Builder, a super-easy tool that will get you up and running with your own eCommerce store in less than an hour.
- Those who have some tech skills (or a skilled friend) can create a unique store with WordPress + WooCommerce.
Thanks to these platforms, you can control everything from production to shipping and the price of products. Best of all, there are no commissions!
Other ways to earn from your artwork
Here are a few more ideas for selling your art online.
Make money through your social media profiles
Instagram and Pinterest are extremely visual social networks and, as such, a perfect showcase for your artwork.
Ranking your pins correctly in Pinterest searches or creating a community on Instagram to reach potential customers is completely free.
Additionally, users can now make purchases without leaving the app thanks to Facebook and Instagram shops.
You might also like: Complete guide to selling on Instagram
Create an online subscription model for your artwork
Offering a product membership can be the perfect solution to obtaining an extra source of income through your work.
The way subscription websites work is very simple: subscribers pay a monthly amount (some have different subscription levels) and receive something in return.
Some people offer subscriptions through their own website while others choose platforms like Patreon to earn money from these resources. And you don't even have to send anything in the post: thanks to digital illustrations, it's now easier than ever.
Where to find funding for your business
Crowdfunding platforms are perfect for launching projects that require a certain amount of investment. For example, publishing a comic or an illustrated book.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunder are popular funding platforms in the UK.
Verkami, meanwhile, is crowdfunding platform that’s especially aimed at the world of art and culture. Check it out to see if it’s right for you.
Some final tips for selling your art online
Now that you know all the platforms available to you, let us give you some final tips for selling your pieces online:
- In addition to selling online, why not also try selling offline? Every year, there are many craft and creative markets that can help you make new sales while getting firsthand feedback from your customers.
- Diversify the platforms when selling your art online. Test them and you will be able to determine which one(s) works best for you. Then focus on those.
- Print on demand websites can be very useful to avoid stock accumulation. Only print items that other customers have already purchased.
