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How to Sell Art: A Complete Guide for Artists

Selling art is about more than just setting a price for your creation; it's also about increasing awareness, building trust, and developing relationships with customers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to grow your sales, this guide will walk you through the top online platforms, alternative options, and best practices to sell your paintings and prints successfully.

Why Selling Art Online Matters

The internet gives artists direct access to collectors around the world — without needing gallery representation. You control how your art is presented, priced, and promoted. That said, success online requires planning, consistency, and a willingness to learn both creative and business skills.

Top Online Marketplaces to Sell Art

Here I will tell you, based on my personal experience, about various online galleries and marketplaces where you can sell your paintings.
how to sell art, selling art online, best platforms to sell art, artist marketing tips, art pricing guide, where to sell paintings, art sales strategies, art business tips, online art marketplaces, how to find art collectors, Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Singulart, OXYPOINT artist, Oxana Kravtsova
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/

Best for:
Emerging artists, handmade or print-on-demand work

  • Huge marketplace with millions of buyers looking for original and affordable art
  • Ideal for prints, small originals, and digital files
  • Requires strong SEO, product photos, and customer service

💡 Pro tip: Use specific keywords in your listing titles and descriptions, like “palette knife abstract oil painting” or “original textured canvas art."

My personal experience shows that this platform is currently flooded with AI-generated images, which has significantly devalued the sale of high-quality prints based on original paintings, as well as any products featuring hand-drawn illustrations or artworks. On this platform, it’s only realistic to sell items priced under $150 with free shipping.
how to sell art, selling art online, best platforms to sell art, artist marketing tips, art pricing guide, where to sell paintings, art sales strategies, art business tips, online art marketplaces, how to find art collectors, Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Singulart, OXYPOINT artist, Oxana Kravtsova
Saatchi Art https://www.saatchiart.com/

Best for:
Mid-range and high-end original paintings

Global Online Art Gallery
▸ Showcases emerging and established artists worldwide
▸ Focus on contemporary, high-quality artwork

Sells Originals and Prints
▸ You can offer both original artworks and fine art prints
▸ Saatchi handles printing, shipping, and returns for prints

Commission Rate: 35%
▸ You receive 65% of the sale price
▸ Commission includes payment processing and customer service

Free to Join and List Artwork
▸ No listing fees or upfront payments
▸ Easy upload process: just add photos, details, and pricing

Original Art Shipping
▸ Artists are responsible for securely packing and shipping original works
▸ Saatchi pays for the shipping label and provides instructions

Certificate of Authenticity Required
▸ Originals must be shipped with a signed certificate of authenticity

💡 Pro tip: Use high-resolution photos and detailed descriptions, and keep your portfolio active by uploading consistently.

Since this is an open platform for selling your artwork, the competition among artists is very high, which often results in low sales. It’s also worth noting that the shipping costs are set automatically by the platform and are quite high— this significantly increases the final price for collectors (or reduces your profit if you offer a consistent price across all platforms).
how to sell art, selling art online, best platforms to sell art, artist marketing tips, art pricing guide, where to sell paintings, art sales strategies, art business tips, online art marketplaces, how to find art collectors, Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Singulart, OXYPOINT artist, Oxana Kravtsova
Artfinder https://www.artfinder.com/

Curated Marketplace for Original Art
▸ Artfinder focuses exclusively on original artworks (no prints, no mass production).
▸ Perfect for painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists.

Artist Application & Approval Required
▸ You must apply and be accepted by the Artfinder team before selling.
▸ They review your portfolio for quality, originality, and consistency.

Commission Rates: Tiered System
Free Starter Plan: 45% commission, up to 30 artworks
Standard Plan (paid): 40% commission, $5 USD, £4 GBP, or €4,17 EUR per month
Professional Plan (paid): 40% commission, $12 USD, £10 GBP, or €10 EUR per month
▸ Monthly subscriptions give you access to lower fees and more features.

No Prints or Digital Downloads Allowed
▸ Only handmade, original works can be listed.
▸ Limited edition prints must be signed and numbered.

Artist Handles Shipping
▸ You are responsible for packaging and shipping all artworks.
▸ Shipping costs are set by you and added to the price.

Eco-Friendly & Ethical Focus
▸ Artfinder emphasizes sustainability and fair practices.
▸ Artists are encouraged to use eco-friendly materials and processes.

Global Reach
▸ Ships to collectors worldwide — Artfinder has a strong international buyer base.
▸ Offers multi-currency support and global visibility.

Direct Artist-to-Collector Sales
▸ You manage your own storefront and communicate directly with buyers.
▸ Great for building long-term relationships with collectors.

Promotional Support
▸ Featured artist opportunities
▸ Thematic collections
▸ Social media shoutouts and email marketing

Payment Terms
▸ Payments are processed once the buyer confirms delivery
▸ You receive payment via bank transfer or PayPal (depending on your country)


how to sell art, selling art online, best platforms to sell art, artist marketing tips, art pricing guide, where to sell paintings, art sales strategies, art business tips, online art marketplaces, how to find art collectors, Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Singulart, OXYPOINT artist, Oxana Kravtsova
Singulart https://www.singulart.com/

Exclusive, High-End Art Platform
▸ Singulart is a curated online gallery for contemporary artists
▸ Focused on high-quality, professional-level artwork
▸ Ideal for mid-career and established artists looking for serious collectors

Current Pricing Structure
Subscription tiers:
▸ Silver: ~€30/month for up to 10 artworks
▸ Gold: ~€70/month for unlimited uploads
▸ Platinum: ~€150/month with added benefits like portfolio reviews and priority support

Application and Selection Process
▸ Artists must apply to join and be approved by Singulart’s curatorial team
▸ Portfolios are reviewed for artistic quality, originality, and professionalism

Originals Only (No Digital Downloads)
▸ You can sell original paintings, sculptures, photography, and limited edition prints
▸ All works must meet Singulart’s quality and format standards

Global Audience and Support in Multiple Languages
▸ Website and customer service available in multiple languages
▸ Buyers and collectors come from over 100 countries

Shipping Handled by Singulart
▸ Singulart fully manages and pays for shipping and insurance
▸ You only need to carefully package the artwork — they provide the courier and instructions

Commission and Pricing
▸ Commission is around 50% (includes logistics, promotion, customer service)
▸ You set your own prices, and Singulart reviews and may suggest adjustments for market alignment

Supportive Artist Relations
▸ You are assigned a personal artist manager to assist with sales, promotion, and pricing
▸ Singulart provides help with optimizing your portfolio and increasing visibility

Certificate of Authenticity Required
▸ Every artwork must be shipped with a signed certificate of authenticity

Fast and Secure Payments
▸ Payments are made after delivery is confirmed by the buyer
▸ Options include PayPal or direct bank transfer

I left this platform after they introduced a paid subscription, I think it is too expensive compared to other platforms, especially since in addition to the subscription they also take the most expensive commission.


Other Ways to Sell Your Art Online
  • Your Own Website
    Full control over brand, pricing, and collector relationships

    • Platforms: Tilda, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix
    • You keep 100% of profits (minus processing fees)
    • Great for SEO and blog content

    💡 Pro tip: Create a clean portfolio layout, include a shop, and add trust elements like testimonials and FAQs. Start a blog to boost your SEO.
  • Instagram & Social Media
    • Build an audience and connect directly with buyers
    • Post behind-the-scenes, process videos, and finished works
    • Use features like Instagram Shop or DM for commissions

    💡 Pro tip: Treat it like a mini-gallery. Engage genuinely, don’t just sell.
  • Email Newsletter
    • Build a mailing list of fans and collectors
    • Send updates about new work, blog posts, or exclusive sales

    💡 Pro tip: Offer a free download (like an art wallpaper) or early access to new collections to encourage signups.
Offline Options to Sell Art
  • Art Fairs and Local Markets
    • Great for meeting buyers face-to-face and building a local presence
    • You'll need printed materials, packaging, and POS setup

    💡 Pro tip: Have a mix of originals and small, affordable items like prints or postcards.
  • Galleries & Pop-up Exhibits
    • Offer exposure and credibility
    • Some take 40-50% commission

    💡 Pro tip: Approach galleries with a clear portfolio, artist statement, and price list.
  • Interior Designers & Decorators
    • Reach out to professionals who need original art for clients

    💡 Pro tip: Offer a commission or trade deal to start partnerships.

Final Tips for Selling Art Successfully

  • Have High-Quality Photos
    Your artwork needs to shine — natural lighting, close-ups, and styled room shots make a huge difference.
  • Tell Your Story
    Collectors don’t just buy art — they buy emotion, inspiration, and meaning. Share what the piece means to you.
  • Be Consistent
    Show up regularly on your platforms. Keep your portfolio updated, answer messages promptly, and stay professional.
  • Know Your Pricing
    Factor in your time, materials, experience, and value. Don’t underprice — it can hurt long-term credibility.
  • Stay Patient
    Building an art business is a journey. Success takes time, but every step builds momentum.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selling your art. Try different platforms, build your audience, and trust your unique voice. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale up, you have more opportunities today than ever before.
If you’re looking for more tips on art marketing, artist life, and creative business — check out my blog for resources tailored to both artists and collectors.
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