So, You Want to Sell Art Online? My Brutally Honest Take
The Allure of the Online Art World
Okay, let’s be real. The idea of selling art online is incredibly appealing, right? You picture yourself sipping coffee, effortlessly uploading photos of your creations, and watching the money roll in. I mean, Instagram makes it look SO easy. You see all these artists with thousands of followers and you think, “Hey, I can do that!” Honestly, I thought the same thing. I mean, I’ve been painting for years, I’m pretty decent (if I do say so myself!), and I figured the internet would be my instant ticket to art world fame and fortune. Spoiler alert: it’s a little more complicated than that. Like, a lot more. The online art scene is HUGE, which is both exciting and totally overwhelming. Where do you even start? Etsy? Shopify? Your own website? There are so many platforms, each with its own pros and cons. It’s enough to make your head spin.
My Naive First Attempt (and How It Failed)
I jumped in headfirst, thinking I had it all figured out. I created an Etsy shop, uploaded a few photos of my paintings (taken with my phone, because who needs a fancy camera, right?), and waited for the orders to flood in. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Crickets. Total silence. I think I sold one small watercolor painting to my aunt. Thanks, Aunt Carol! I didn’t understand things like SEO (search engine optimization), marketing, or even just taking decent photos of my art. My descriptions were terrible, my prices were probably too high, and honestly, my shop just looked…unprofessional. I was basically throwing my art into the void and hoping someone would notice. Ugh, what a mess! It was a humbling experience, to say the least. It made me realize that selling art online isn’t just about creating art; it’s about running a business. And I had absolutely no clue what I was doing on the business side of things. I even remember one night staying up until like 3am trying to figure out how Etsy’s algorithm even worked. Total waste of time, I think.
The Harsh Realities of Selling Art Online
Let’s talk about the less glamorous aspects of selling art online. First off, the competition is fierce. There are literally millions of artists vying for attention online. Standing out from the crowd requires more than just talent; it requires hustle, strategy, and a lot of hard work. And then there are the fees. Etsy, Shopify, and other platforms all take a cut of your sales. It’s understandable, of course, but it can eat into your profits, especially when you’re just starting out. And don’t even get me started on shipping. Packaging artwork securely and shipping it can be a nightmare. I had one painting arrive at a customer’s house completely damaged. Ugh. The hassle of dealing with insurance claims and angry customers is just… draining. Plus, you have to handle customer service, marketing, and all the other tasks that come with running a business. It’s a lot to juggle, especially if you’re also trying to create art! Was I the only one confused by this?
Building an Audience: The Long Game
Building an audience is crucial for success in the online art world. But it takes time, effort, and consistency. You can’t just post a few photos on Instagram and expect thousands of people to start following you. You need to engage with your audience, create valuable content, and build relationships. I started posting behind-the-scenes videos of my painting process, sharing tips and techniques, and interacting with other artists. It helped, but it was still a slow grind. I also started using hashtags more strategically, researching what keywords people were using to find art online. It’s kind of like a whole different skill set to master. And honestly, it can feel a little…inauthentic at times. Like you’re trying to “game the system” to get more followers. But hey, that’s just part of the game, right? The other thing that helped was collaborating with other artists. We would promote each other’s work and cross-pollinate our audiences. It was a win-win situation.
Platforms: Etsy vs. Shopify vs. Your Own Website
Choosing the right platform is a big decision. Etsy is great for beginners because it has a built-in audience and is relatively easy to use. But the fees can be high, and you don’t have as much control over your branding. Shopify gives you more control over your website and branding, but you have to drive your own traffic. It’s more work, but it can be worth it in the long run. Then there’s the option of creating your own website from scratch. This is the most challenging option, but it gives you complete control over everything. I’ve dabbled in all three, and honestly, I’m still not sure which one is the best. Right now, I’m focusing on building my own website because I want to have more control over my brand. But I still keep my Etsy shop open for extra exposure. It’s all about finding what works best for you. If you are curious you might want to dig into Wix as well.
Photography and Presentation: Making Your Art Shine
Okay, let’s talk about photography. This is HUGE. You can create the most amazing art in the world, but if your photos are bad, nobody is going to buy it. Invest in a good camera or at least learn how to take decent photos with your phone. Good lighting is essential. Natural light is best, but if you don’t have access to natural light, invest in some good artificial lights. And don’t just take photos of your art on a blank wall. Stage them! Show them in a home setting, with furniture and accessories. This helps people visualize how the art will look in their own homes. Presentation matters. Package your art beautifully. Include a handwritten note. Make the whole experience special. People are more likely to buy from you again if they have a positive experience.
Pricing Your Art: Finding the Sweet Spot
Pricing your art is tricky. You don’t want to undervalue your work, but you also don’t want to overprice it and scare people away. Consider your materials, your time, and your experience. Research what other artists are charging for similar work. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different price points and see what works. I actually sold some original paintings at a steal when I first started out – I kind of regret that in hindsight. Don’t be afraid to raise your prices as your reputation grows. Remember, your art is worth something. Don’t sell yourself short. It is important to remember to factor in shipping costs as well. Nobody wants to pay a ton in shipping on top of an already expensive piece of artwork.
Marketing and Promotion: Getting the Word Out
Marketing is essential for selling art online. You can’t just sit back and wait for people to find you. You need to actively promote your work. Social media is a powerful tool. Use Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and other platforms to showcase your art and engage with your audience. But don’t just post photos of your art. Share your story, your process, and your inspiration. People connect with artists who are authentic and relatable. Email marketing is also effective. Build an email list and send out newsletters to your subscribers. Share new work, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content. Paid advertising can also be helpful, but be careful not to overspend. Target your ads to the right audience and track your results.
Dealing with Rejection and Criticism
Not everyone is going to love your art. That’s just a fact. You’re going to get rejected. You’re going to get criticized. It’s going to sting. But don’t let it get you down. Learn from your mistakes and keep creating. Remember, art is subjective. What one person hates, another person might love. Don’t try to please everyone. Focus on creating art that you’re passionate about. I remember one time I got a really nasty comment on one of my paintings. It was brutal. It totally ruined my day. But then I realized that the person probably just had a bad day themselves. Don’t take it personally. Easier said than done, I know!
The Future of Selling Art Online
The online art world is constantly evolving. New platforms are emerging, and new technologies are being developed. Who even knows what’s next? Embrace the change and be willing to adapt. Experiment with new techniques and strategies. Stay curious and keep learning. The future of selling art online is bright. But it requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. And maybe just a little bit of luck. It isn’t easy, but it can be so rewarding. I can’t wait to see where it takes me (and you!).
