Galleries, exhibitions, and direct sales to art lovers and collectors are still the most important ways for many artists to sell their works. In these offline sales channels, potential buyers can see the art physically, and not just virtually. This also allows the artist to be present and for them to be able to answer questions on a personal level.
The main advantage of selling art online isn’t a trade secret. People can get information about a work of art at any time and from practically any place in the world and, if they want to, can buy it immediately. However, the rules of the art market also apply on the Internet. You should generally ask yourself the following questions if you want to master the best way to sell art online:
- Who will buy my art - what does my (potential) audience look like?
- How much are my buyers willing to pay for my art?
- Which platforms (online and offline) can I best sell my art through?
- Which direction do I want to take my art in - independent of the trends in the art world?
- What are my goals in relation to the art market?
- How would I like to present myself as an artist?
- Who will take care of the marketing of my art - myself and/or others?
Even if art prides itself in its originality, as far as art marketing is concerned, you should look at how your successful colleagues are going about their business – literally! When it comes to art selling platforms, the answer to the question of “online or offline?” doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, even with art. Normally, it’s a matter of finding a mix of online and offline activities that suits the artist and their works.
If you are a budding artist thinking about making a living from selling your work, it may make sense to create a business plan. In our article on e-commerce, you’ll find some general tips on how to sell successfully online.
Selling art online – pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Not fixed to a location - reach a wide range of potential buyers around the world. | Works of art cannot be viewed “in person”. |
Not time-dependent - art can be viewed and purchased around the clock. | No direct, personal contact between buyers and artists. |
Financially independent - a dedicated website helps you sell your art directly to collectors without having to pay commissions to galleries. | Partly time-consuming - anyone who wants to sell art online has to deal in depth with the sales possibilities of the Internet. |