How to Sell Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Turning Creativity Into Income

Erin MacNab
Apr 11
5 min read

Updated: Apr 28

You don’t need a fancy gallery or a massive following to start making money from your art.

Whether you're painting in a spare room, sketching during your lunch break, or digitally creating from your tablet, there’s space for your art in the world—and someone out there who’s going to love what you make.

Selling your artwork might feel overwhelming at first (Where do I even begin? What should I charge?), but this guide will walk you through the process, step by step. Whether you're wondering how to sell paintings, digital art, or anything in between, you’ll find grounded advice here for turning your creativity into income—without selling your soul.

Let’s start with the basics.

Key Takeaways: How to Sell Art (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

🎨 Define what you're selling – Originals, prints, digital art? Get clear on your style and ideal customer.
🛍️ Choose your platform – Sell on Etsy, Shopify, or social media. Explore local opportunities too.
💸 Price with confidence – Don’t undercharge. Consider time, materials, skill, and value.
🌐 Set up a simple online presence – Even a one-page site builds credibility.
📖 Share the story behind your art – Emotion sells more than product.
❤️ Engage your community – Offer workshops or volunteer your art to build trust and visibility.
📣 Promote authentically – Share your journey, not just your pieces.
🔁 Keep experimenting – The best strategy is the one that fits you.

woman standing in front of the art she is selling — You CAN sell your art

1. Get Clear on What You’re Selling

Before you jump into selling, take a moment to define your artistic identity:

What medium do you work in? (Paintings, prints, digital designs, mixed media?)
Are you selling originals, prints, or both?
Who is your art for? What feelings or themes do you explore?

Getting clarity on your creative offering will help you speak to your ideal customers and choose the best platforms for showcasing your work.

Whether you’re wondering how to sell paintings or digital illustrations, the first step is to understand your work and who it’s meant to connect with.

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2. Choose Your Selling Platforms

There are more ways than ever to sell art, especially online. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

Online Platforms:

Whatnot - Live shopping marketplace
Etsy – Great for handmade and small-batch art.
Shopify or Squarespace – Perfect for building your own branded storefront.
Society6 / Redbubble – Ideal for print-on-demand merchandise.
Instagram or TikTok – Use content to draw people in, then sell through integrated shops or DM-based commissions.

Local Opportunities:

Art fairs and craft markets
Coffee shops or yoga studios open to showcasing local art
Community centers or libraries
Pop-up events or vendor collaborations

If you’re selling art online as a beginner, start simple. Choose one platform that feels aligned, and grow from there.

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3. Price Your Work with Confidence

Pricing is one of the biggest hurdles for new artists, but here’s the truth: your time, talent, and energy are valuable.

When setting prices, consider:

Time spent
Cost of materials
Your experience and skill level
The uniqueness and emotional value of your work

Avoid the temptation to underprice “just because you’re new.” Instead, stand confidently in the worth of your art. You’re not just selling an object—you’re offering a piece of your creative spirit.

woman shopping for art supplies so she can make money — The world needs your art!

4. Set Up a Simple Online Presence

You don’t need a complicated website—but having a clean, professional space where people can view your work is key.

Start with:

A one-page website or portfolio
An email sign-up form (to start building your collector community)
Clear contact info and links to your shop or socials

Social proof—like testimonials, photos of your art in real spaces, or a short artist bio—can go a long way in helping new buyers feel confident.

5. Tell the Story Behind the Art

People don’t just buy what you create—they buy why you create it.

Sharing the stories behind your work invites your audience into your process:

What inspired this piece?
What emotions or experiences does it represent?
What’s your creative process like?

Storytelling builds emotional connection and helps your audience see themselves in your art—which makes them more likely to buy.

6. Get Involved in the Community

This is the part most guides leave out—but it can be transformational for your art and your business.

When you share your creativity generously, beautiful things happen:

You grow your confidence and visibility.
You form real, heartful connections.
You attract buyers who align with your values.

Ideas to get involved:

Offer a free art workshop at a women’s shelter, children’s home, or community center.
Host a “paint day” in a local garden or school.
Volunteer to co-create a mural or art installation.
Donate a piece to a local fundraiser or nonprofit.

These experiences can breathe new life into your creative practice and inspire content you can share with your audience—like behind-the-scenes photos, stories of impact, or new work that was born from the experience.

7. Promote Without Feeling Pushy

Marketing doesn’t have to feel awkward. If you lead with connection, it becomes a form of storytelling.

Easy, authentic ways to share your art:

Share your creative process on social media.
Post progress pics, finished pieces, and the meaning behind them.
Send occasional emails with updates, new work, or stories behind the scenes.

Your people want to hear from you—especially when you’re being real, not salesy.

8. Keep Learning and Adjusting

There’s no single “right way” to sell art. Stay open and curious.

Track what types of art are resonating (and what you love making).
Test different platforms or approaches.
Stay rooted in your style, even as you try new things.

Learning how to sell artwork is an evolving journey—not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Give yourself permission to grow slowly, creatively, and sustainably.

Final Thoughts: Your Art Belongs Here

You don’t have to be “established” to start. You just have to begin.

Your art has value. Your voice matters. There’s someone out there right now who needs to see what you’re creating—and this could be the first step in getting it to them.