What is the best way to sell art?

First and foremost, I want to emphasize an observation I've made in the art community over recent years: success comes to those who take multiple routes simultaneously to achieve their ultimate goal. This is known as a "combined approach". It's essential to diversify your strategies, especially if you're looking into how to start an art business, and not rest on your laurels. This principle is not only good for the art business but also for many other spheres of our life.

Here are the main, in my opinion, effective ways to sell art in today's world and answer the burning question, "how to sell art online and make money":

Modern online platforms, or art selling websites,, like our website, Jose Art Gallery, provide artists with the opportunity to reach a global audience, making them one of the best places to sell art online. These platforms simplify the sales process and allow automation of many aspects, such as payment processing and delivery. I've put this point first because I genuinely consider it the most efficient and less costly compared to others.

Despite the popularity of websites to sell art, traditional galleries still play a significant role. They offer artists access to a specific audience and help establish a reputation in the market. Most importantly, they have a live atmosphere. No website art solution can and should replace direct human interaction. Galleries are typically run by passionate individuals, and it's crucial to establish a relationship with them. Some of these people might not only become good friends but also reliable business partners over time.

Selling prints of original artworks, or understanding how to sell prints, can be more accessible to a broader audience, increasing potential sales. Customers might not always want to pay a lot for an original piece, but they might be willing to spend $150 on a copy. It's gratifying for a client to buy a desired print directly from the artist, and you get to monetize your art without losing anything, increasing your popularity by selling a copy of your creation. By the way, we'll soon be updating our print sales feature, and it's going to be fantastic!

Digital copies of your works can also be in demand, especially for use in advertising, design, or other media. There's a growing demand for digital images, and our team has noticed this. It's a good sign. Firstly, it speaks of a culture respecting the copyright of the artwork owner. Secondly, it significantly broadens the boundaries of using images of your artwork and helps you earn.

A personal website can serve as the central point for showcasing your art, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of your work. But having a personal website always comes with hassles. It's not enough just to have one; otherwise, it's pointless. You need to maintain it, monitor it, and most importantly, engage in SEO strategy for its promotion. Most of the artists I know, even if they started creating and developing their website with great enthusiasm, eventually neglected and abandoned it as more effective branding methods emerged. But if you have the resources, time, and desire to have a website, it certainly won't hurt. However, a better alternative to your website is a comprehensive page on an already established and popular online platform for artists.

A blog allows you to engage with your audience, discuss your art, share news, and behind-the-scenes stories. When I talk about a blog, I mean it in a broad sense. It doesn't mean the blog should be singular or on one site. A blog is one or several platforms where you can share your thoughts and creativity with your audience. Such platforms include medium.com, quora.com, linkedin.com, reddit.com, and blogger.com. In other words, it's a place where people know the "real" you. That's why on our platform, we've enabled article publication on behalf of artists in your feed. You can do it easily and quickly, and all your fans will see both your artworks and your reflections in one place. 

Speaking of blogs, they're often overlooked, and that's a mistake. Here's why:

Art competitions and art marketplaces can offer a platform to showcase your talent and also offer the chance for recognition and rewards. By "competitions", I am referring broadly to events that can significantly expand your target audience. In some cases, these are not just competitions per se, but art festivals, fairs, or other large events where your work might be introduced to a wider audience through media or word of mouth.

Networking can be the key to success. Interacting with collectors, gallerists, and other professionals can open new opportunities. It's simple: maintain contact with everyone passionate about the art collection process. Typically, these individuals are aware of subtle nuances that can assist you in making the right decision, be it in choosing a style for an upcoming painting or a venue for an upcoming exhibition.

Commissioned artwork can be an excellent way to earn by creating unique pieces for specific clients. Let your circle of friends, acquaintances, social media followers, and art admirers know that you accept individual orders for exclusive masterpieces. It might seem trivial, but believe me, even if your circle knows you create art, they might not always realize you are open to custom orders. Many might think it's just a hobby for you, although it might be your life's purpose.

Share your skills, knowledge, and learn how to sell your art by teaching by teaching courses or workshops. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to produce a documentary. But if you share your creative journey in a public space, it can significantly increase the level of trust from your audience.

Digital art, especially when considering the best place to sell digital art, is becoming more popular, and NFTs provide a unique platform for its sale. And here I might surprise you, but NO. This is my personal opinion. No matter how NFT enthusiasts might disagree, I believe that a solid, reliable dollar is far more valuable and precious for a real artist than any NFT. It's complicated, highly volatile, and, in my opinion, still very raw. Why stress about learning it when you could spend that time, say, creating another masterpiece or simply spending time with loved ones?

Platforms like Instagram, a popular choice for instagram for artists, and Pinterest have become powerful tools for promoting and selling art, especially when you're keen on selling art online. If not regularly, at least try to post something weekly.

I sincerely hope this article serves as a small but useful guide for you. I understand that implementing all the methods mentioned above is no easy task. Indeed, many of them require significant effort and energy. Perhaps you'd prefer to dedicate more time to your art rather than diving into new technologies or modern communication nuances. And that's fantastic! But remember, your close ones, be it children, friends, or fans of your art, are always there. Why not delegate some of these tasks to them? They can assist in promoting on social media, creating content, or even finding new contacts. The art world is full of surprises and unexpected turns. Let's greet each new day with joy and curiosity, never losing our enthusiasm. As the classic, Winston Churchill once said, "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm".