In 2024, the art world has undergone a significant transformation. The internet has emerged as a powerful platform for artists to connect with a global audience and monetize their creative passion. But with countless online platforms competing for your attention, finding the right one to showcase and sell your art can be a daunting task. 

Choosing the right platform is not just about visibility. It’s also about strategic positioning to maximize your exposure and income. This guide will illuminate the 13 best websites to sell your art online in 2024, empowering you to navigate the digital landscape and achieve your artistic goals.

The Rise of Online Art Marketplaces

The online art marketplace has experienced exponential growth in recent years. Ad digital platforms continue to revolutionize the way we consume and interact with art; artists now have unprecedented opportunities to reach a global audience and sell their work directly to collectors.  

Why selling art online is a game changer

• Global reach: Online platforms allow artists to transcend geographical boundaries and connect with art enthusiasts worldwide.
• Direct-to-consumer sales: By eliminating intermediaries, artists can retain a higher percentage of their sales revenue.
• Increased Visibility: The online marketplace provides a platform to showcase your work to a diverse audience, including art collectors, galleries, and curators.

Key factors to consider when choosing a platform

• Target audience: Identify your ideal buyer and choose a platform that aligns with their preferences and demographics.
• Platform fees: Evaluate each platform’s fees, including listing fees, transaction fees, and commission fees. 
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface can simplify the process of uploading, managing, and selling your artwork.

13 Best Websites for Selling Art in 2024

1. Etsy has become a household name for creatives, offering a marketplace tailored to handmade, unique, and vintage items. Artists can list anything from original paintings and sculptures to handcrafted prints. Etsy provides a built-in audience of buyers who appreciate artistry and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for those looking to sell niche or distinctive art. The platform charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item and a 6.5% transaction fee on sales. With its global reach and intuitive interface, Etsy simplifies the process for artists just starting. However, the competition can be fierce, so investing in high-quality images and compelling descriptions is essential.
2. Saatchi Art is a premier online gallery that caters to emerging and professional artists looking to sell original works. Unlike platforms that focus on prints or reproductions, Saatchi Art is dedicated to showcasing high-quality, unique art pieces like paintings, sculptures, and photography. One of its standout features is its global collector network, providing artists with exposure to an international audience. Saatchi Art handles all the logistics, including shipping, allowing artists to focus solely on their work. While the platform takes a 35% commission on sales, the professional presentation and high-end clientele often justify the cost for serious artists.
3. Artfinder is a curated marketplace that connects art lovers with authentic, original artwork. The platform prides itself on showcasing sustainable and independent artists, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize ethical practices. Artists can list works like paintings, drawings, and mixed media, which are vetted to ensure quality. Artfinder operates on a subscription model, with plans starting at a modest fee, and it charges a commission on sales. Its focus on sustainability and originality helps artists stand out in a competitive market while appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
4. Society6 is ideal for artists who want to expand their reach through prints and merchandise. The platform allows artists to upload designs that can be printed on a wide range of products, from wall art and posters to phone cases and furniture. This print-on-demand model eliminates the need for upfront investment in inventory, making it a low-risk option for creators. Society6 handles production, shipping, and customer service, offering artists a passive income stream. While the profit margins are smaller since the platform sets base prices, Society6’s wide array of products and established customer base make it a popular choice for graphic designers and illustrators.
5. Redbubble offers a model similar to that of Society6, focusing on print-on-demand artwork. Artists can upload their designs, which are then transformed into products like apparel, home decor, and stationery. The user-friendly platform attracts a younger, broader audience, making it a great choice for bold, quirky, or pop-culture-inspired art. Redbubble handles the production and shipping processes, freeing artists from logistical concerns. While the default profit margins can be adjusted, the platform works best for artists comfortable with high-volume sales at lower price points.
6. Artsy operates at the intersection of technology and fine art, providing a platform for artists to connect with high-end collectors and galleries. It focuses on high-value works, including contemporary art and limited editions. Unlike other platforms, Artsy emphasizes partnerships with galleries and auction houses, ensuring a professional network for its users. Artists can benefit from the exposure Artsy provides, but the platform is more exclusive, requiring approval before listings are allowed. Its reputation as a premium destination for art collectors ensures that serious buyers are willing to pay for quality.
7. Amazon Handmade leverages the global reach of Amazon’s marketplace while maintaining a focus on artisan-crafted goods. This platform is ideal for artists looking to tap into a vast audience without the complexity of setting up an independent website. Sellers must apply to join, ensuring a curated selection of handmade items. While Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee on sales, it offers access to millions of potential buyers, making it a powerful tool for scaling a small art business.
8. Shopify is a versatile platform for artists who want complete control over their online store. Unlike marketplaces, Shopify provides the tools to build a personalized e-commerce site where you can showcase and sell art without direct competition. The platform supports a wide range of customization options, from branding to payment systems, giving artists full creative and operational freedom. While Shopify requires a subscription fee and transaction costs, it is an excellent choice for artists with a solid marketing strategy who are ready to invest in growing their business independently.
9. DeviantArt is a hub for digital artists and creative enthusiasts, offering both a community and a marketplace. While primarily known as a social platform for artists to share their work, DeviantArt also allows users to sell prints and digital downloads. The site has a younger, tech-savvy audience, making it ideal for experimental, digital, or fan-inspired art. Though the marketplace functionality is not as robust as some other platforms, the active community and networking opportunities can be invaluable for new artists looking to grow their audience.
10. Artplode is unique because it doesn’t charge a commission on sales but requires a one-time listing fee per artwork. This makes it an attractive option for artists selling higher-value pieces where commission costs could add up. Artplode caters to serious collectors and dealers, focusing on original works like fine art and sculptures. The platform allows both artists and buyers to negotiate directly, providing a transparent and professional sales experience.
11. Zazzle specializes in customizable products, allowing artists to sell designs that can be adapted to various items like clothing, home goods, and stationery. It’s particularly appealing for artists who want to experiment with a broad range of merchandise without the hassle of inventory. Zazzle uses a royalty-based model, where artists earn a percentage of each sale. While it requires effort to optimize designs for different products, the platform’s reach and flexibility can result in steady sales.
12. Fine Art America caters to photographers and visual artists, offering tools to create and sell prints, canvas art, and other merchandise. The platform includes built-in community and marketing tools like newsletters and promotional widgets. Artists can set their profit margins for prints, giving them more control over pricing. Fine Art America also handles production and shipping, allowing creators to focus on their craft. Its comprehensive features make it a strong option for visual artists looking to scale their online presence.
13. Big Cartel is a minimalist platform designed for independent artists and small-scale sellers. It allows users to create their own online store with simple customization options. Big Cartel is free for users with fewer than five products, making it an excellent starting point for emerging artists. The paid plans are affordable and offer additional features like custom domains and analytics. While it doesn’t have a built-in audience like marketplaces, its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a favorite among DIY sellers.

Factors to Consider When Selling Art Online

When choosing an online platform to sell your art, it’s crucial to consider several factors that can significantly impact your business.

Platform Fees and Commission Rates:

• Direct Sales: Platforms like Etsy and Artfinder often charge a small listing fee and a transaction fee for each sale.
• Print-on-Demand: Platforms like Society6 and Redbubble take a percentage of each sale, but you don’t have to handle shipping or inventory.

Marketing Tools:

• Social Media Integration: Many platforms allow you to share your work directly on social media, increasing visibility.
• SEO Optimization: Some platforms provide tools to optimize your listings for search engines, attracting organic traffic.
• Email Marketing: The ability to build an email list and send promotional emails can help you connect with potential buyers.

International Shipping and Payment Processing:

• Shipping costs: Consider the cost of shipping your artwork internationally, especially for larger prices.
• Payment processing fees: Platforms typically charge a fee for each transaction, so factor this into your pricing.
• Custom and duties: Be aware of customer regulations and import duties for international shipments. 

Ease of use:

• User-friendly interface: A simple and intuitive platform can save you time and effort.
• Clear guidelines: Easy-to-follow instructions for uploading artwork, setting prices, and shipping items.
• Customer support: Reliable customer support can help you troubleshoot issues and resolve problems. 

Tips for Successful Online Art Sales

How to create compelling product descriptions: To captivate your audience, your product descriptions should be more than just a list of features. They should tell a story. Weave a narrative around your artwork, highlighting its unique selling points and the emotions it evokes. Use vivid language to paint a picture with words, inviting the viewer to imagine themselves immersed in the piece.

For instance, instead of simply stating, “Oil painting of a sunset,” you could write, “A breathtaking oil painting that captures the serene beauty of a sun-kissed horizon. The warm hues of orange and gold dance across the canvas, inviting the viewer to escape into a tranquil moment.”

High-quality photos and the importance of presentation: High-quality images are essential for showcasing your artwork online. Invest in a good camera or use a smartphone with a high-quality camera. Experiment with different angles and lighting to find the most flattering perspective. Natural light can enhance the colors and textures of your artwork, so consider shooting near a window or outdoors.

Once you’ve captured your images, use photo editing software to enhance them without overdoing it. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance to make your artwork stand out.

Leveraging social media to drive traffic: Social media platforms are powerful tools for connecting with your audience and promoting your art. Create engaging visual content, such as short videos, time-lapses, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. Share your artwork consistently and interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages.

Consider collaborating with other artists or influencers in the art world to cross-promote each other’s work and reach a wider audience. Running contests and giveaways can also help you attract new followers and generate excitement around your art.

Building an artist brand that stands out: A strong artist brand is essential for building a loyal following and attracting potential buyers. Develop a consistent visual style for your artwork and marketing materials, including your website, social media profiles, and business cards. Use a recognizable logo, color palette, and typography to create a cohesive brand identity.

Building an email list is another important aspect of building your brand. Collect email addresses from your website visitors and social media followers to send newsletters, promotions, and exclusive offers.

By following these strategies and consistently creating high-quality artwork, you can establish a strong online presence and achieve success in the competitive world of online art sales.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, the opportunities for artists to sell their work online are vast. You can maximize your reach and revenue by leveraging the 13 platforms we’ve explored. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these platforms offer a variety of tools and resources to help you succeed.

From Etsy’s user-friendly interface to Artsy’s high-end market, there’s a platform for every artist. Experiment with different platforms to find the best fit for your unique style and target audience.

“Ready to start selling your art online?

Choose your platform and share your creativity with the world!”