How Should a Beginning Artist Sell Artwork?

A beginning artist is an unknown artist. It is necessary to make yourself known before you can start making money. There are many venues where a beginning artist can sell artwork. You will need to do some research, continue to develop your artistic talents, work hard to market yourself and reach out for local and online opportunities in order to turn profits.

• Research the world of selling art. Regardless of whether you graduated with an art degree or not, you will need to learn to market your artwork. This can be learned by talking to professional artists, or from publications such as The Artist’s Market and other art magazines. The Artist’s Market, available online for a low monthly subscription, is a wonderful resource for the budding artist.


• Create an attractive website that can serve as your portfolio, and that can showcase your graphic design talents. Write a nice, short bio about yourself. Upload photos of your artwork and write short descriptions of the meaning and inspiration behind each piece.


• Start an account with an online artisan marketplace. Etsy and Artfire offer online shops and opportunities to showcase, advertise and sell your art. There is no charge to set up the shop or to upload photos of your work, although they charge a small percentage when you sell your art. You set your own prices, shipping fees, and payments can be conveniently processed through PayPal.


• Advertise your website and online shops on Facebook and other social networks. Every time you upload photos of artwork, share it on Facebook. Tell your friends to share the link.


• Enter local art shows. Art shows present an opportunity to network with other artists, showcase and market your work, and get feedback from people who may or may not like your artwork. Be prepared to hear some positive and negative comments about your work.


• Sell your work on consignment. Many trendy gift stores will sell your artwork on consignment if they like what you show them. 


• Introduce yourself to everyone as an artist. Have business cards printed with a piece of artwork, name, phone number, your website, and location of online shops. Tell your family, friends, business owners, and everyone you meet.