How to Sell Art Online: Everything You Need to Know [2025]

You make art. People like it. Now you’re wondering if you can sell your art online and make it work.

The good news? You can. And no, you don’t need a huge following or a perfect store to begin.

This guide breaks down what matters: what to sell, where to sell it, how to price it, and how to start without getting overwhelmed.

Let’s keep it simple and get your art in front of people who’ll buy it.

Why More Artists Are Selling Art Online Now?

Selling art online isn’t just for full-time painters or designers. It’s become a practical path for anyone who wants to make money from their work, whether you do it full-time, part-time, or on weekends.

You don’t need to wait for a gallery to notice you. You can share your work directly with people who love your style, wherever they are. And you don’t need a big budget either. A basic setup and a few good photos can get you started.

Here’s why selling art online makes sense:

• You reach more people. Someone across the country (or across the world) can buy your art without ever walking into a store.
• You control what you sell and how. Want to offer originals, prints, or downloads? You decide.
• You keep more of the money. You’re not giving up a big cut to galleries or middlemen.
• You can build something real. Even small, steady sales can turn into something long-term.

More artists are giving it a shot because it’s doable. You don’t need to be famous. You just need to show up, put your work out there, and let people buy it.

How to Sell Art Online: A Step-by-Step Guide that Works

You don’t need a perfect setup or a big launch. You just need to start small, stay consistent, and move one step at a time. Here’s how to do it in a way that works, and doesn’t drive you nuts.

Step 1: Pick the Way You Want to Sell

Before anything else, figure out how you want to make money from your art. There’s no single “right” way — it depends on your time, tools, and what feels right to you.

Here are a few options (with pros and cons):

Model	What It Means	Good If…
Sell originals	One-of-a-kind artwork	You want to charge more per piece
Sell prints	Reproductions in various sizes	You want repeat sales from one design
Digital downloads	Buyers get instant access, no shipping needed	You prefer hands-off income
Commissions	Custom artwork based on requests	You enjoy working closely with clients
Licensing	Businesses pay to use your art	You want to earn without physical sales

Start with one or two. You’ll figure out what suits you best once sales start rolling in.

Step 2: Decide What You’ll Sell First

Let’s keep this part simple. What are you most excited to offer right now?

Try this quick filter:

• Pick 3–5 pieces you’re proud of
• Make sure they’re ready to ship or easy to reproduce
• Ask yourself: Would I buy this if I saw it online?

If yes, that’s your starting point. You don’t need a massive catalog — just a few strong listings done right.

Step 3: Show Your Art in the Best Light

Photos can make or break your first sale. So this step matters more than people think.

Let me give you a checklist:

✅ Shoot in natural light (early morning or late afternoon is best)
✅ Use a plain background — white, wood, or neutral walls
✅ Get close-ups of detail or texture
✅ Show the back if it’s a canvas or has signature work
✅ Use lifestyle mockups (like your art above a couch) to help buyers picture it in their space
✅ Scan flat work at high resolution (300 DPI or more)If you’re selling digital downloads, include previews and usage examples. A well-presented file feels more valuable, even if it’s just pixels.

Step 4: Find a Printer (If You’re Selling Prints)

If you’re offering art prints, the print quality matters. A poor print can make great work look average. You don’t want that.

Let’s break down your options:

Option 1: Print at home

Good if you’re just starting and have a quality printer. Keep in mind, you’ll need to invest in fine art paper and ink. Also, consistency might be an issue if you’re printing in batches.

Option 2: Local print shops

Great if you want to check the color and paper in person. Ask for samples first. Don’t be afraid to try a few shops before settling on one.

Option 3: Online print-on-demand services

Print-on-demand services (like Printful, Gooten, and Gelato) handle printing and shipping for you. You upload the artwork, set prices, and they do the rest. It’s hands-off, but you earn less per sale.

Quick tip:Always test your prints before selling. Order one or two samples and check everything — color, sharpness, finish, packaging.

Step 5: Build Your Brand Without Overthinking It

You don’t need a full “branding strategy.” You just need to look consistent and feel genuine.

Think of it like this: if someone sees your art online, can they remember your name, style, and tone? That’s branding.

Keep it simple:

• Choose a name that reflects your art, even if it’s just your name
• Write a short, honest story about yourself and your work
• Stick to 1 or 2 fonts, a consistent color palette, and clean visuals across your site and socials
• Add a profile picture (your face or a logo — either is fine, just be consistent)

You’re not trying to impress an art director. You’re trying to help buyers feel like they know you.

Step 6: Price Your Work Fairly (Without Guessing)

Pricing feels hard for every artist at first. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s a basic way to think about it:

Materials + Time + Fees + Margin = Price

Let’s say it takes you 4 hours to make a piece. Your canvas and paints cost $40. Your platform takes 10%. You want to earn $100.

That gives you:

• $40 (materials)
• $100 (your time)
• 10% fee buffer
• Add a small margin if you’re packaging, shipping, or framing

If that sounds like a lot, you can offer smaller pieces or prints at lower price points. That way, you cover different types of buyers without undercharging yourself.

Step 7: Build Your Online Store

You don’t need a big, fancy site to start selling. You just need a clean layout, a few great product pages, and a way for people to pay you.

If you want full control:

Go with Shopify. It’s made for online stores, works well for art sellers, and you can customize your store however you want.

If you want a quicker setup:

Try Etsy. You won’t own the platform, but you’ll get access to people already browsing for art.

Your store should have:

• Clear product images (with close-ups and in-room mockups)
• Honest descriptions (size, materials, how it’s shipped)
• Payment options (PayPal, credit cards, etc.)
• Estimated delivery time
• A short About page with your photo or bio

Keep it easy to use. The fewer clicks it takes to buy something, the better.

Step 8: Use Social and Email to Get Traffic

Your store won’t get traffic on its own — at least not right away. You need to guide people there.

Start with this simple rhythm:

• Post 2–3 times a week on Instagram or Facebook
• Show your process, not just finished art
• Share stories about your work — what inspired it, where you made it, who it’s for
• Create an email list, even if it starts with five people

You’re not begging people to buy. You’re inviting them to follow your journey.

Helpful idea:

Add a “thank you” card in each order with your social handle and a note asking buyers to share their photos. That kind of organic reach works better than any ad.

Step 9: Sell Offline Too (It Still Helps)

Even if your goal is to build an online store, don’t ignore real-world opportunities. In-person selling helps you talk to buyers, get feedback, and build local connections that can support your online growth.

Here’s where you can show up:

• Art fairs or local craft markets
• Pop-up events at cafes, co-ops, or bookstores
• Community events, open studios, or college fests
• Small boutiques or gift shops that support local artists

Bring a simple setup — a few framed prints, business cards with your store link, and maybe a QR code that leads to your website. You don’t need a huge booth to make an impression.

Also, consider offering local pickup as a shipping option in your store. It’s a small thing, but it builds trust with nearby buyers.

Step 10: License Your Work for Extra Income

Licensing lets someone else use your art, and you get paid for it, while still keeping the rights. It’s a smart way to earn without printing or shipping anything.

Where your art could be licensed:

• Book covers or editorial work
• Album artwork for musicians
• Product packaging or branding
• Posters, t-shirts, or home decor items
• Phone cases, journals, digital wallpapers

You can reach out directly to brands, musicians, or publishers.

A few tips to stay safe:

• Always use a contract
• Make it clear what the buyer is allowed to do
• Keep pricing based on usage (small indie project vs global ad campaign)

Even if you only land a few licensing deals a year, they can add a nice bonus to your income, and you’re still free to sell that same piece in other ways.

Step 11: Package and Ship Your Art Without Stress

So you made a sale — now what? This is the part where many new sellers panic. But shipping your art doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You just need a few basics and a reliable method.

Let’s break it down.

If you’re shipping prints or flat art:

• Use rigid mailers or flat cardboard envelopes
• Add a backing board or cardboard sheet to prevent bending
• Slip the print into a clear plastic sleeve (helps protect against moisture)

If you’re shipping original canvases or framed work:

• Wrap the piece in glassine or craft paper
• Add bubble wrap around the entire item
• Use a double-walled box with padding (like crumpled paper or foam corners)

For digital downloads:

No packing needed, but:

• Make sure your files are high-resolution
• Include clear usage terms
• Test the download process to avoid broken links or confusion

Choose a Reliable Shipping Method

Use tracked shipping whenever possible, especially for originals. Buyers feel more comfortable when they can follow their package.

Platforms like Shopify let you print labels directly and compare rates. For international shipping, double-check customs forms and estimated delivery times.

It’s also a good idea to include:

• A thank-you note
• Your contact info or return policy
• A discount code for their next purchase

These small touches go a long way.

Step 12: Understand Copyright and Plagiarism (Without the Legal Headache)

When you sell art online, it’s smart to know your rights and protect your work from being copied.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You automatically own the copyright to anything you create (no paperwork needed).
• That means others can’t use, copy, or sell your work without permission.
• You can license your art if you want others to use it, but it should be on your terms.

If someone steals your work:

• First, take screenshots for proof.
• You can send a takedown notice (most platforms have forms for this).
• If it keeps happening, talk to a copyright lawyer — many offer low-cost consultations.

Also, don’t use someone else’s work without permission — even if you “change it a bit.” When in doubt, make your own or use public domain sources.

Step 13: How to Keep Going Without Burning Out

Selling art online isn’t a sprint. Some weeks you’ll make sales. Other weeks, nothing happens. That’s normal.

The key is to keep showing up — even when it’s quiet.

Here’s what helps:

• Don’t try to do everything. One platform, a few products, and regular updates are enough.
• Batch your work. Photograph five pieces at once. Write all your descriptions in one go.
• Take breaks when you need to. If you’re drained, step away for a day or two. Your store will still be there.
• Celebrate small wins — your first sale, your first five reviews, even your first email subscriber.

It’s easy to feel like you’re behind. You’re not. You’re building something that takes time, and that’s the only way it lasts.

Need Help Setting Up Your Shopify Art Store?

Selling art is creative work. Setting up your store doesn’t have to be.

At CartCoders, we help artists build clean, high-performing Shopify stores made for art sales. Whether you want to sell prints, originals, or digital files, we build setups that support easy checkout, mobile browsing, and custom product displays.

No templates. No unnecessary plugins. Just what you need to start strong.

Want your art store without the hassle?

Contact CartCoders — and start selling with confidence.