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How do I find the right market for my art?

Writer's picture: Kasi DrummerKasi Drummer

The digital age has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, including how artists showcase and sell their work. With numerous online platforms available, selling art has never been more accessible.


However, choosing the right platform can be daunting given the variety of options, each with its unique features and audience. This guide will help you navigate the world of online art sales, compare different platforms, and provide tips on finding the right market for your art.



Understanding Different Online Platforms

Before diving into the specifics of each platform, it's essential to understand the broad categories they fall into and the general benefits they offer.


Etsy

Etsy is a well-known marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including art. It’s popular among independent artists and crafters due to its large, established user base and community-centric approach. Etsy charges listing fees and takes a commission on sales, but it offers substantial exposure.

  • Audience Demographics: 4/5

    • Etsy attracts a diverse and extensive audience looking for handmade, unique, and vintage items. It's particularly popular among younger, craft-oriented buyers and art enthusiasts.

  • Fees and Commissions: 3/5

    • Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and takes a 5% transaction fee on the sale price (including shipping). There’s also a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee.

  • Ease of Use: 4/5

    • Etsy offers a user-friendly interface with helpful tools for listing items, managing orders, and promoting products. It’s relatively easy to set up and start selling.

  • Marketing and Visibility: 4/5

    • Etsy provides significant marketing support, including SEO tools, Etsy Ads, and featured spots on the homepage. However, competition is high, so visibility can be a challenge for new sellers.

  • Community and Networking: 4/5

    • Etsy has a strong community of sellers and buyers. The platform offers forums, teams, and social features that allow sellers to connect, share tips, and collaborate.


Saatchi Art

This platform caters specifically to fine artists looking to sell original artworks and prints. Saatchi Art offers a curated experience and connects artists with a global audience. They take a commission on sales but provide significant marketing and sales support.

  • Audience Demographics: 5/5

    • Saatchi Art attracts serious art collectors and enthusiasts, offering a more targeted audience for fine art.

  • Fees and Commissions: 4/5

    • Saatchi Art takes a 35% commission on sales, which is higher than some other platforms but includes marketing and promotional efforts.

  • Ease of Use: 4/5

    • The platform is designed to be artist-friendly, with straightforward tools for uploading artwork and managing sales.

  • Marketing and Visibility: 5/5

    • Saatchi Art excels in marketing, featuring artists in newsletters, on the homepage, and through social media channels. This provides excellent visibility for featured artists.

  • Community and Networking: 3/5

    • While Saatchi Art is primarily a marketplace, it lacks the community features found on platforms like Etsy and DeviantArt. However, its focus on serious art collectors can lead to valuable connections.


ArtPal

ArtPal is a free platform that allows artists to sell original art, prints, and even digital downloads. It’s user-friendly and does not charge commissions, making it an attractive option for artists on a budget.

  • Audience Demographics: 3/5

    • ArtPal caters to a wide range of art buyers, but its audience size and engagement level may not be as high as more established platforms.

  • Fees and Commissions: 5/5

    • ArtPal is commission-free, which is a significant advantage for artists looking to maximize their earnings.

  • Ease of Use: 4/5

    • The platform is easy to use, with simple tools for uploading and managing art. The lack of fees and commissions makes it a low-risk option for new artists.

  • Marketing and Visibility: 3/5

    • ArtPal provides basic marketing tools, but it lacks the extensive promotional support seen on platforms like Saatchi Art and Etsy.

  • Community and Networking: 3/5

    • ArtPal doesn’t offer extensive community features, but its straightforward approach can appeal to artists looking for a no-frills selling experience.


Redbubble

Ideal for graphic designers and digital artists, Redbubble allows artists to upload their designs, which can then be printed on various products like t-shirts, phone cases, and posters. Redbubble handles the printing, shipping, and customer service, allowing artists to focus on creating.

  • Audience Demographics: 4/5

    • Redbubble attracts a broad audience interested in unique designs and art on various products. It's particularly popular among younger, tech-savvy buyers.

  • Fees and Commissions: 4/5

    • Redbubble sets the base price for products, and artists add their margin on top. The platform handles all production, shipping, and customer service, which justifies the commission.

  • Ease of Use: 5/5

    • Redbubble’s interface is very user-friendly, making it easy to upload designs and set prices. The platform handles production and fulfillment, allowing artists to focus on creating.

  • Marketing and Visibility: 4/5

    • Redbubble provides robust marketing support, including featured artist spots and promotional campaigns. However, the platform's large size means new artists need to work hard to stand out.

  • Community and Networking: 4/5

    • While primarily a marketplace, Redbubble offers forums and social features that allow artists to connect and share experiences.


DeviantArt

Originally a community for digital artists, DeviantArt has evolved to include a marketplace where artists can sell prints and digital downloads. It’s a great platform for connecting with other artists and building a fan base.

  • Audience Demographics: 4/5

    • DeviantArt has a large, engaged community of digital artists and art enthusiasts. It’s a great platform for networking and gaining feedback on your work.

  • Fees and Commissions: 3/5

    • DeviantArt offers a mix of free and premium memberships. It takes a commission on sales through its print program, but the fees are generally reasonable.

  • Ease of Use: 3/5

    • The platform can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features and community tools. However, once familiar, it offers great opportunities for engagement and sales.

  • Marketing and Visibility: 3/5

    • DeviantArt provides basic promotional tools and features popular artworks on its homepage. However, competition is fierce, and visibility can be challenging without active participation.

  • Community and Networking: 5/5

    • DeviantArt excels in community engagement, offering forums, groups, and extensive social features. It’s an excellent platform for building relationships and gaining support from other artists.




Engage with Your Audience

Building a relationship with your audience is key. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to showcase your work, interact with followers, and drive traffic to your online store. Engaging with your audience helps build a loyal customer base and increases the likelihood of repeat sales.


Experiment and Adapt

Don't be afraid to try different platforms and strategies. Track your performance on each platform, and be prepared to pivot if something isn’t working. Experiment with different types of listings, promotional tactics, and pricing strategies to see what resonates with your audience.


We’d love to hear about your experiences selling art online. What platforms have worked best for you? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation! For more tips and insights on selling art and growing your online presence, check out our other blog posts and resources.


Happy selling!

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