The internet has transformed the commercial landscape for artists of all kinds. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or digital artist, there are more ways than ever to make a great living doing what you love.
Online marketplaces have removed a lot of the gatekeepers that used to keep talented artists away from their potential customers, creating a place to sell your artwork online that’s open and free.
Of course, a big change to any system introduces new challenges, and this one is no exception. With so many other talented artists out there, selling their creations all over the internet, It can be tough to compete for customers.
And a big part of your initial business plan is deciding how to find your ideal market, but that’s not necessarily an easy task, especially when you have to choose between such a wide range of equally tantalizing options.
With all this in mind, we decided to put this article together, exploring a few of the more interesting online platforms for selling art, in the hopes of giving you a basic overview of what’s out there.
5 Places To Sell Your Artwork Online
Shopify
If you’ve ever thought about selling your art online, Shopify is one of the easiest ways to make it happen.
It’s super beginner-friendly—even if you’re not tech-savvy—and setting up your store takes just a few clicks.
Artists love it because you can customize your site, manage your products, and start accepting payments all in one place.
Shopify is widely known and trusted, which makes customers more comfortable buying from you. Also, It’s cheap to start—less than the cost of a night out! If you’ve got art to sell, there’s no reason not to claim your corner of the internet there as many other artists already have.
Go here to check out Shopify or read our Shopify review.
Etsy
This is one of the best known sales platforms on the internet, and they cater specifically to creatives of all kinds, including artists.
You can sell anything you can imagine here, from paintings, to photographs, to sculptures. Some categories are obviously more popular than others, and you’ll have to build a reputation before you can start making good money, but if you have the skills you might do really well.
While researching this article, I did a quick perusal of the paintings currently available, and found people getting sales across a wide range of price points.
Some artists offer their paintings for less than 20 bucks each, while others are charging closer to 1000. I also found a few sellers who make very good money doing custom art on demand, such as personal portraits.
Overall, it seems like there’s a big market for all kinds of creative work here, and it might be well worth you time to check it out.
You can read our Etsy review to learn more, or go here to get started on the site.
Fiverr
This freelance site is huge these days. There are tons of people making money there doing all kinds of work, and art is no exception. During my research I found people selling line art drawings, book covers, paintings, digital art for video games, and custom photographs.
The biggest thing that sets Fiver apart from most other sites mentioned in this article is the focus on commissioned work for client-specific needs.
Most people come to Fiver because they want something very particular that they can’t create themselves, and you’ll make the most money by using your talents to give them exactly what they want in a short amount of time with minimal fuss.
For the best results, you’ll need to be quick, and adaptable. Plus you’ll need to brush up on your communication skills for dealing with clients in a way that minimizes misunderstandings.
You can check out our Fiverr review to learn more, or go here to sign up on Fiverr.
Artfinder
Artfinder is a curated online marketplace where independent artists can sell original, handmade artwork directly to buyers around the world. When you sell here, you’re not just joining a platform, you’re joining a global community of creators who value fairness, creative control, and support.
You set your own prices, manage your listings, and get access to performance insights and tools to help grow your shop. Artfinder promotes you to over 450,000 art lovers and provides dedicated help to increase your visibility and sales.
To apply, you’ll need to show that you’re serious about your craft. That means submitting high-quality images, a personal website or social media presence focused on your art, and a compelling story about who you are as an artist.
They only accept original work. You can’t submit mass-produced pieces or watermarked images. Also, they take copyright seriously. While approval isn’t guaranteed (and can take a few weeks), accepted artists gain access to exclusive partner discounts, a supportive forum, and the chance to sell their work to a truly international audience.
Go here to check out Artfinder.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is one of the most well-known online galleries for artists who want to reach a global audience without dealing with the hassle of running their own storefront.
With millions of monthly visitors and artwork sold to collectors in over 140 countries, the platform offers serious exposure for artists at every level.
You’ll earn 60% of each sale, and they handle the shipping. Your only responsibility is packaging your artwork. There are no upfront fees, and you’re not locked into any exclusivity agreement, so you can still sell elsewhere too.
Go here to check out Saatchi Art.
In Conclusion
The above sites are just a small sampling of the many internet marketplaces available to talented artists. And it’s important to remember that you don’t have to choose just one. Like many other online businesses, focusing on a wide variety of marketplaces can be an effective strategy.
For example, you could offer your services as a portrait painter on Fiverr, while simultaneously selling your more personal creations on sites like Artfinder and Saatchi. The exposure derived from getting your name out there in a lot of different places can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as high-dollar commissioned work.
Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.