As more of our life happens online, our relationship with art has changed. Many forms of art—video, music, images, interactive art—have moved out of the physical world and into the digital.
If you’re an artist, you’ve likely looked for ways to sell art online. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to get your digital art into the hands (or screens) of people who will appreciate it. Learn more about some of the most popular ways to sell digital art, with tips for selling art online.
What is digital art?
Digital art is any artwork that is principally created in a digital medium. Much like physical art, digital art can take many diverse forms:
- Images. One popular form of digital art is two-dimensional images. This can include anything from artistically altered photographs to computer-generated fan art to sketches on Microsoft Paint.
- 3D art. Using graphic design software such as SketchUp or Adobe, artists can add another dimension to their art, creating 3D spaces and objects that people can interact with through a computer or mobile device.
- Virtual reality art. Designing experiences for virtual reality is an art form in itself. This kind of artwork is particularly immersive.
- Video. Animation and live action are the two primary categories of video art available in digital spaces like TikTok, YouTube, and beyond.
Ways to sell digital art
Creating art is often a reward in itself. But if you’re looking to start selling digital art, you might be wondering how to start.There are a few different ways to sell digital art, and many artists combine several income streams to sell their art online, including these pathways:
Digital downloads
A straightforward way of selling art online is to sell digital downloads of your work. In this model, people pay to download a digital art file they can print, use as wallpaper, or simply add to their digital art collection. Sometimes art enthusiasts will purchase a digital product as a show of support, even if they don’t plan on using the file for anything specific.
You can also turn your artwork into a non-fungible token (NFT), which encodes it with a unique digital identifier that publicly certifies ownership. This type of crypto art is popular among collectors of digital assets.
Digital art on physical products
A popular way to sell your digital art is to print it on physical products. Work with a printing company to create canvas prints to use as wall art, t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs, or anything else your fans might like. Begin by popularizing your style on social media sites like Instagram, then monetize your work by selling digital prints.
Commissions
Depending on your format and style, you might consider offering commissioned art. A commission is where somebody hires you to create art in your style according to their specifications, similar to the job of a graphic designer. For instance, if a band likes your art they may hire you to design an album cover.
🌟Earning a living as an artist requires a degree of entrepreneurial skill—whether you’re selling your art online or in galleries. Learn more ways to make money as an artist.
How to sell digital art online
If you’re looking to start selling art online, here are a few steps you can take to begin your business venture:
1. Decide on format
The format you choose will depend on your style and what you think people will purchase. If you work in visual art, you may sell downloadable files. You can also create and sell art prints through a print-on-demand service. Alternatively, you can take commissions to create custom work, like social media profile pictures, pet portraits, gifts, and more.
2. Choose a platform
There are several ecommerce platforms and online marketplaces that will allow you to sell your work. Whether you set up an Etsy shop or build your own website with an ecommerce platform like Shopify, your ideal selling platform will ultimately depend on your needs.
Different artistic styles may work better on a specific online marketplace, or you may consider building your own customizable online store.
3. Promote
Making money online is not guaranteed. But selling art is not impossible, and the best way to find a market as a digital artist is to build a fanbase. Use marketing tools, social media promotions, and simple engagement in an online community to identify potential customers for your art.
Tips for selling digital art online
As with any marketplace, there are a few security concerns to consider when selling digital art online:
- Use watermarks. You can protect your digital images by overlaying watermarks (your signature or brand name) on images that are available on your website or social media platforms. This ensures potential thieves cannot copy or pirate the original art.
- Offer low-res previews. Uploading low-resolution versions of your art to your online store dissuades people from stealing files, and prompts them to purchase a full-res version.
- Send licensing agreements. When selling digital downloads, you’ll want to be clear with your customers about what uses are permitted. You should emphasize that you retain the copyright so they cannot profit from your work (unless that is part of the agreement).
How to sell digital art FAQ
Is selling digital artwork profitable?
It is possible for digital artists to make a profit. Whether you’re selling digital files, digital art products like templates and custom thumbnails, or working with a print-on-demand business to create physical art prints of your digital paintings, making a profit will come down to finding the right medium and market for your work.
What type of digital art sells best?
If you’re looking to sell art online, your online business will ultimately depend on what you make and who wants to buy it. If you’re creating digital art that can hang on a wall, your audience may want digital art prints. For some artistic styles, like 3D rendering artists, audiences may prefer digital files or 3D-printed objects. Your online art sales will depend on your specific style and what kind of art business you want to run.
How much does digital art sell for?
The art market is complicated. If you’re an artist hoping to start selling online, getting your work into online galleries and offering it for sale on your own online store will help you understand what pieces are interesting to buyers. With any luck, you’ll be able to make some online sales, build demand, and increase your prices with time.
