Introduction

The world of art has changed forever. No longer do you have to wait for a gallery to “approve” your work or spend years knocking on doors hoping for recognition. Today, your art can reach the eyes of millions with just a few clicks. Selling art online isn’t just about making money—it’s about freedom, visibility, and sharing your creativity with the world.

But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Let’s dive deep and explore the best places where your art can not only be seen but also loved, appreciated, and purchased.

Why You Should Sell Art Online

Selling art online opens a world of possibilities. Imagine sitting in your studio in Sydney and selling a painting to someone in New York, or designing a digital illustration that gets downloaded in Tokyo within minutes. That’s the power of online platforms.

Global Reach: Your audience isn’t limited by geography.

Low Barriers: Most platforms require little to no upfront investment.

Control & Flexibility: You decide how much your art is worth and how to present it.

It’s a chance to turn your passion into a sustainable income stream.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Platform

Before jumping into any platform, think about:

Target Audience: Is your art for collectors, casual buyers, or digital product users?

Fees & Commissions: Some platforms take up to 50% per sale.

Marketing Tools: Does the platform help you get discovered, or do you need to promote yourself?

Ease of Payments & Shipping: Is it hassle-free for you and your buyers?

A little research upfront saves frustration later.

Top Platforms to Sell Your Art

Etsy

Etsy is a household name when it comes to handmade and unique items. It’s perfect for artists who create paintings, crafts, or custom designs. The setup is easy, but competition is fierce. Success comes down to SEO-friendly listings, eye-catching photos, and consistent customer engagement.

Saatchi Art

If you’re into fine art, Saatchi Art is a goldmine. It connects you with serious collectors worldwide and even handles shipping logistics for you. The downside? A 35% commission fee. But for the global exposure and professional presentation, it’s often worth it.

Redbubble

Ever dreamt of seeing your art on t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases? Redbubble makes that possible. You upload your design once, and they handle production, shipping, and customer service. It’s a fantastic way to create passive income.

Society6

Similar to Redbubble, Society6 specializes in turning art into everyday products like wall art, furniture, and décor. Artists earn a royalty (usually around 10%) per sale.

DeviantArt

DeviantArt isn’t just a community—it’s a marketplace too. With millions of users, it’s great for building an audience while selling prints and digital downloads.

Shopify

Want full control? Shopify lets you build your own branded online store. You keep all profits, but it requires effort in marketing, design, and customer support.

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade brings your art to one of the world’s biggest marketplaces. It’s a powerful platform for exposure but comes with strict requirements and a commission cut.

eBay

eBay is old but gold. You can auction off original pieces or sell at fixed prices. It works well for both beginners and seasoned sellers looking for quick sales.

Facebook & Instagram Shops

Social media has blurred the lines between networking and selling. With Instagram and Facebook Shops, you can sell directly while engaging with your followers.

Artfinder

Focused exclusively on original art, Artfinder is for painters, photographers, and sculptors who want to sell authentic creations—not mass prints.

Best Platforms for Digital Art

If you’re a digital artist, these platforms are worth considering:

Gumroad: Sell downloads like illustrations, templates, or brushes.

Creative Market: Great for fonts, graphics, and design packs.

Design Cuts: A curated platform with higher-quality standards.

Platforms for Commission Work

Some buyers want personalized pieces. That’s where commission-based platforms shine.

Fiverr: Start small and offer affordable commissions.

Upwork: Perfect for professional freelance gigs.

Personal Website: Build a brand and let clients reach out directly.

Comparing the Platforms

Beginners: Etsy, Redbubble, DeviantArt

Professional Artists: Saatchi Art, Shopify, Artfinder

Passive Income Seekers: Redbubble, Society6

Digital Artists: Gumroad, Creative Market

Marketing Your Art

No matter the platform, marketing is key. Share the story behind your art—why you painted it, what it means to you, and how it connects to buyers emotionally. Use Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your process. Build an email list to stay in touch with collectors.

Maximizing Your Earnings

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—use multiple platforms.

Offer limited edition prints to create urgency.

Expand into merchandise like mugs, posters, or phone cases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Undervaluing Your Work: Don’t sell yourself short—price reflects value.

Ignoring Customers: Engagement builds loyalty.

Relying on One Platform: Diversification keeps your income stable.

Conclusion

Selling your art online is more than just making money—it’s about sharing your soul with the world. Each platform offers different opportunities, and the best choice depends on your style, goals, and audience. Whether you’re painting canvases, designing graphics, or creating digital downloads, the online art world is waiting for you.

FAQs

1. What platform is best for beginners?
Etsy and Redbubble are beginner-friendly with simple setups and large audiences.

2. Do I need a website to sell art?
Not necessarily, but having one (via Shopify or WordPress) builds your brand and credibility.

3. How much can I realistically earn?
Earnings vary widely—from pocket money on print-on-demand sites to full-time income through fine art marketplaces and commissions.

4. Is print-on-demand profitable?
Yes, if you consistently upload quality designs and market your store. It’s a long-term passive income strategy.

5. Can I sell both digital and physical art together?
Absolutely! Many artists combine physical originals with digital downloads and merchandise for maximum reach.

Best Platforms to Sell Your Art and Make Money