4 answers
Sora
Student
Bellingham, Washington
1
Question
Asked
516 views
How do i sell my artwork??
I am very very new to the business side of art and the art communities, how do i get myself more involved i am wondering? what tips do you have on collabing with others and galleries and murals ?
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4 answers
Pedro Pinto
Software Engineer Sr. Manager
7
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Pedro’s Answer
Selling your artwork and getting involved in the art community can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Develop your artistic skills: Continue honing your artistic abilities and experimenting with different styles and techniques. Consistently practice and create art to refine your craft.
2. Build an online presence: Create a portfolio website or use platforms like Instagram, Behance, or DeviantArt to showcase your artwork. Share your creative process, engage with your audience, and build a following. Use relevant hashtags and explore artist communities to connect with other artists.
3. Participate in local art events: Look for art fairs, exhibitions, and community events in your area. Participating in these events can help you network with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and potential buyers. It's an opportunity to showcase your work, receive feedback, and make connections.
4. Collaborate with other artists: Collaboration can expand your network and expose you to new audiences. Seek opportunities to collaborate with other artists on joint projects, exhibitions, or creative endeavors. Connect with artists whose style complements yours or who share similar interests.
5. Approach galleries: Research local galleries that align with your artistic style and vision. Visit their websites or reach out to them to inquire about their submission process for showcasing artwork. Prepare a professional portfolio and artist statement to present your work effectively. Keep in mind that galleries may have specific submission guidelines, so be sure to follow them.
6. Explore mural opportunities: Look for public art programs or organizations that support mural projects in your community. Submit your portfolio and proposal to be considered for mural commissions. You can also reach out to local businesses, community organizations, or property owners who might be interested in having a mural on their walls.
7. Attend art workshops and classes: Participating in workshops and classes can help you develop new skills, learn from experienced artists, and expand your network. Look for local art schools, community centers, or organizations that offer art classes or workshops.
8. Collaborate with local businesses: Approach local cafes, restaurants, or shops that showcase artwork by local artists. Inquire if they would be interested in displaying and selling your artwork on their premises. This can help you gain exposure and potential customers.
Remember, building a successful art career takes time and persistence. Stay dedicated to your craft, seek feedback and constructive criticism, and continue to develop your unique artistic voice.
1. Develop your artistic skills: Continue honing your artistic abilities and experimenting with different styles and techniques. Consistently practice and create art to refine your craft.
2. Build an online presence: Create a portfolio website or use platforms like Instagram, Behance, or DeviantArt to showcase your artwork. Share your creative process, engage with your audience, and build a following. Use relevant hashtags and explore artist communities to connect with other artists.
3. Participate in local art events: Look for art fairs, exhibitions, and community events in your area. Participating in these events can help you network with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and potential buyers. It's an opportunity to showcase your work, receive feedback, and make connections.
4. Collaborate with other artists: Collaboration can expand your network and expose you to new audiences. Seek opportunities to collaborate with other artists on joint projects, exhibitions, or creative endeavors. Connect with artists whose style complements yours or who share similar interests.
5. Approach galleries: Research local galleries that align with your artistic style and vision. Visit their websites or reach out to them to inquire about their submission process for showcasing artwork. Prepare a professional portfolio and artist statement to present your work effectively. Keep in mind that galleries may have specific submission guidelines, so be sure to follow them.
6. Explore mural opportunities: Look for public art programs or organizations that support mural projects in your community. Submit your portfolio and proposal to be considered for mural commissions. You can also reach out to local businesses, community organizations, or property owners who might be interested in having a mural on their walls.
7. Attend art workshops and classes: Participating in workshops and classes can help you develop new skills, learn from experienced artists, and expand your network. Look for local art schools, community centers, or organizations that offer art classes or workshops.
8. Collaborate with local businesses: Approach local cafes, restaurants, or shops that showcase artwork by local artists. Inquire if they would be interested in displaying and selling your artwork on their premises. This can help you gain exposure and potential customers.
Remember, building a successful art career takes time and persistence. Stay dedicated to your craft, seek feedback and constructive criticism, and continue to develop your unique artistic voice.
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Soro
Funny, but I just answered this to another student. Below is an edited version of what I wrote, based on my experiences selling online and in art fairs and galleries.
Selling artwork seems easy, and if you are an artist, it makes sense, however, it is really more involved than most people think. There are some things you need to know and put in place before you sell. You really have to have a good body of art to sell in the form of a portfolio You need to know how to price your art, and you have to investigate where to sell in your community or where to sell online. In addition, you'll need to be able to "take care of business" and get a small business license from your state, and know how to pay sales taxes and income tax on the things you sell.
There are lots of online platforms to sell art and crafts, and Etsy.com is one of the biggest. It is also very well organized and very welcoming to people new to selling, with lots of (free) online tutorials, so check it out. Once you have your Etsy shop up and running, you will need to maintain it, and figure out how to package your artwork for sending to the buyer once it sells. You will pay a small fee to Etsy to list your item(s), and a small fee when you sell something. I suggest going to Etsy and checking out other artwork similar to yours and see what it is selling for; when you click on an Etsy shop, you'll see how many sales that person has made. Even if you don't sell on Etsy, all of this information along with their tutorials are useful.
You can also see about selling your artwork at local art and crafts fairs. Just Google, art and craft fairs with your zip code to see what fairs are happening, and visit to see what is selling. Be aware that applications for art and craft fairs are often due weeks to months before the fair, and that there will be a fee to apply. Again, you'll need a small business license and you'll need to collect sales tax and pay income tax on what you earn. You'll also have to some way to collect the money for sales if a customer wants to use a credit card. Square is an app that will let you do makes sales with a customer using a credit card, and is easy to use and to track your sales.
The least complicated way to sell your artwork is seeing if a local gallery or other business (gift shops and restaurants) will sell your artwork for you. They will display your artwork and then take a commission when something sells. Galleries and gift shops will take a commission from anywhere from 20%-60% of the selling price. However, getting accepted by a gallery or other business can be very competitive. See if you can find a non-profit community gallery to sell your work, they often are more welcoming to new artists and take less of a commission. You will still have to pay income tax on what you make, and in some cases, report and pay the sales tax.
So selling artwork online or in person is a little complicated, but doable. It's really like running a small business, but be aware that, like most small businesses, it may take time to become profitable. Of course it depends on your artwork, and if it takes off and sells well, that is great. However, if you are expecting to make a lot of money from the start, you might be disappointed, but hang in there!
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Funny, but I just answered this to another student. Below is an edited version of what I wrote, based on my experiences selling online and in art fairs and galleries.
Selling artwork seems easy, and if you are an artist, it makes sense, however, it is really more involved than most people think. There are some things you need to know and put in place before you sell. You really have to have a good body of art to sell in the form of a portfolio You need to know how to price your art, and you have to investigate where to sell in your community or where to sell online. In addition, you'll need to be able to "take care of business" and get a small business license from your state, and know how to pay sales taxes and income tax on the things you sell.
There are lots of online platforms to sell art and crafts, and Etsy.com is one of the biggest. It is also very well organized and very welcoming to people new to selling, with lots of (free) online tutorials, so check it out. Once you have your Etsy shop up and running, you will need to maintain it, and figure out how to package your artwork for sending to the buyer once it sells. You will pay a small fee to Etsy to list your item(s), and a small fee when you sell something. I suggest going to Etsy and checking out other artwork similar to yours and see what it is selling for; when you click on an Etsy shop, you'll see how many sales that person has made. Even if you don't sell on Etsy, all of this information along with their tutorials are useful.
You can also see about selling your artwork at local art and crafts fairs. Just Google, art and craft fairs with your zip code to see what fairs are happening, and visit to see what is selling. Be aware that applications for art and craft fairs are often due weeks to months before the fair, and that there will be a fee to apply. Again, you'll need a small business license and you'll need to collect sales tax and pay income tax on what you earn. You'll also have to some way to collect the money for sales if a customer wants to use a credit card. Square is an app that will let you do makes sales with a customer using a credit card, and is easy to use and to track your sales.
The least complicated way to sell your artwork is seeing if a local gallery or other business (gift shops and restaurants) will sell your artwork for you. They will display your artwork and then take a commission when something sells. Galleries and gift shops will take a commission from anywhere from 20%-60% of the selling price. However, getting accepted by a gallery or other business can be very competitive. See if you can find a non-profit community gallery to sell your work, they often are more welcoming to new artists and take less of a commission. You will still have to pay income tax on what you make, and in some cases, report and pay the sales tax.
So selling artwork online or in person is a little complicated, but doable. It's really like running a small business, but be aware that, like most small businesses, it may take time to become profitable. Of course it depends on your artwork, and if it takes off and sells well, that is great. However, if you are expecting to make a lot of money from the start, you might be disappointed, but hang in there!
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Scott Sampson
Graphic Design, Photography
1
Answer
Pueblo, Colorado
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Create a signature or logo for yourself. Then make an art specific social media. Try to have the same handle for all the different social media sites and an email with the same handle and sign up on those sites with your art email. That will help filter and separate emails from your personal email. I also recommend reading Art/Work by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber.
Mona Ahmadi
Art Instructor, Artist
23
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Mona’s Answer
Hello Sora,
It is wonderful that you are turning your passion into your profession. Pedro said everything perfectly; I want to add some details.
-The very first thing that you need is a Portfolio; it can be a book that has at least 15 photos of your works that show your artistic approach, or It can be a simple website with at least four pages; the first page displays your artwork and shows your visitors your latest works or those you wish to publish, the second page where you write your statement and explain your artistic practice which is very important, the third page where you share your curriculum ( if you are an emerging artist you can build up your curriculum little by little and add the information gradually to this page), and a fourth page where people can contact you.
-Then, you must set up an Online-shop to sell your artwork. It can be another page on your website that has information about your works and the prices and explains how you will ship the purchased item to your customers when they make a payment. You can also use so many art-selling platforms that are already established and have very user-friendly templates. You sign up there, set up your page (it is very easy to do), upload photos of your work, add info, and start selling.
** I suggest you build your own website and online shop, but if it is difficult for you now, you can use the intro page these platforms give you as your main page, which becomes your online portfolio. They give you a link to share, and it is very easy to set up and start.
-Then you need to establish your Social-meida presence where you can share your works, share the link to your online shop and portfolio, and eventually lead traffic there. This is how you can find your audience and help them find your works online if they want to buy.
-Later, you can also create Ads on different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Google, etc., for your online shop. But if you are using big platforms, such as Fine Art America, Etsy, Artsy, Saatchi, eBay, etc., they already have a lot of visitors and traffic. If you pay attention to the design on your page and create a good customer service plan with proper shipping, return policy, and ..., you can get good results.
-Then, you should start getting to know the local-businesses and collaborating with them. For example, participate in local markets to set up a small booth and show your work, or ask local businesses like restaurants, coffee shops, or home decor shops if they want to show your work in their establishment and collaborate with you.
-The next step is Networking. Any business needs to be connected to its community and people that work in different fields related to it to improve and expand. Reach out to local interior designers, for example. Send them your portfolio and see if they want to work with you. Join your local Art communities and Art events and get in touch with other artists, and ask them to give you a hand if needed. Participate in workshops held locally, and eventually start your own workshops. You can rent a studio from your local Art Centers and invite your social media followers or audience to participate. Like any other platform, these centers also have their own traffic and members, which can be an excellent help for artists with a smaller audience or whose followers are in different cities or countries.
-Then you can start looking up your Local-Galleries and research them. Most of them have events inviting artists to submit their works and, if accepted, participate in group or individual shows. Please pay attention to their vision and goal and the styles they present. Each Gallery has its own approach, interest, and clientele.
-If you are interested in Mural-Paintings, look up the public art offers provided by your county in city parks, residency complexes, or .... You can check their website ( go to governmental websites of each county or city and look up Public-Art-Projects) and apply for it when they announce a project. You can also contact agencies that handle street art and murals in your area that accompany your style.
And eventually, as you keep practicing and advancing your craft, you can expand your business and grow. I added some pages and articles about mural paintings and public art projects here. Take a look; they are helpful:
https://www.camelsandchocolate.com/how-to-get-more-work-as-a-muralist/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Mural-Artist/What-Is-How-to-Become
Starting and growing an art business is slow and requires patience, persistence, and practice. But when you start, you see it is not that different from any other business, and it is very satisfying to make a living from your art. I hope it was helpful, and I wish you the best of luck and success in your artistic career :)
It is wonderful that you are turning your passion into your profession. Pedro said everything perfectly; I want to add some details.
-The very first thing that you need is a Portfolio; it can be a book that has at least 15 photos of your works that show your artistic approach, or It can be a simple website with at least four pages; the first page displays your artwork and shows your visitors your latest works or those you wish to publish, the second page where you write your statement and explain your artistic practice which is very important, the third page where you share your curriculum ( if you are an emerging artist you can build up your curriculum little by little and add the information gradually to this page), and a fourth page where people can contact you.
-Then, you must set up an Online-shop to sell your artwork. It can be another page on your website that has information about your works and the prices and explains how you will ship the purchased item to your customers when they make a payment. You can also use so many art-selling platforms that are already established and have very user-friendly templates. You sign up there, set up your page (it is very easy to do), upload photos of your work, add info, and start selling.
** I suggest you build your own website and online shop, but if it is difficult for you now, you can use the intro page these platforms give you as your main page, which becomes your online portfolio. They give you a link to share, and it is very easy to set up and start.
-Then you need to establish your Social-meida presence where you can share your works, share the link to your online shop and portfolio, and eventually lead traffic there. This is how you can find your audience and help them find your works online if they want to buy.
-Later, you can also create Ads on different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Google, etc., for your online shop. But if you are using big platforms, such as Fine Art America, Etsy, Artsy, Saatchi, eBay, etc., they already have a lot of visitors and traffic. If you pay attention to the design on your page and create a good customer service plan with proper shipping, return policy, and ..., you can get good results.
-Then, you should start getting to know the local-businesses and collaborating with them. For example, participate in local markets to set up a small booth and show your work, or ask local businesses like restaurants, coffee shops, or home decor shops if they want to show your work in their establishment and collaborate with you.
-The next step is Networking. Any business needs to be connected to its community and people that work in different fields related to it to improve and expand. Reach out to local interior designers, for example. Send them your portfolio and see if they want to work with you. Join your local Art communities and Art events and get in touch with other artists, and ask them to give you a hand if needed. Participate in workshops held locally, and eventually start your own workshops. You can rent a studio from your local Art Centers and invite your social media followers or audience to participate. Like any other platform, these centers also have their own traffic and members, which can be an excellent help for artists with a smaller audience or whose followers are in different cities or countries.
-Then you can start looking up your Local-Galleries and research them. Most of them have events inviting artists to submit their works and, if accepted, participate in group or individual shows. Please pay attention to their vision and goal and the styles they present. Each Gallery has its own approach, interest, and clientele.
-If you are interested in Mural-Paintings, look up the public art offers provided by your county in city parks, residency complexes, or .... You can check their website ( go to governmental websites of each county or city and look up Public-Art-Projects) and apply for it when they announce a project. You can also contact agencies that handle street art and murals in your area that accompany your style.
And eventually, as you keep practicing and advancing your craft, you can expand your business and grow. I added some pages and articles about mural paintings and public art projects here. Take a look; they are helpful:
https://www.camelsandchocolate.com/how-to-get-more-work-as-a-muralist/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Mural-Artist/What-Is-How-to-Become
Starting and growing an art business is slow and requires patience, persistence, and practice. But when you start, you see it is not that different from any other business, and it is very satisfying to make a living from your art. I hope it was helpful, and I wish you the best of luck and success in your artistic career :)