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If you’re an artist looking to sell your artwork online, it can be overwhelming to navigate through countless platforms and find the best one for your needs. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top online marketplaces that cater specifically to artists. From established platforms to up-and-coming ones, these marketplaces offer a range of features and benefits to help you showcase and sell your art to a global audience. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, sculptor, or any other type of artist, there’s bound to be a marketplace on this list that can help you reach your goals and connect with art enthusiasts from around the world.
General Online Marketplaces
When it comes to selling art online, there are several general online marketplaces that offer a wide range of products, including artworks. One of the most popular online marketplaces is Amazon. Known for its vast selection of products, Amazon provides artists with a great platform to showcase and sell their artwork. With hundreds of millions of active customers, your art has the potential to reach a large audience on this platform.
Another well-known online marketplace is eBay. While eBay is primarily known for its auction-style listings, it also offers a fixed-price format, making it versatile for artists to sell their artwork. The site allows you to create your own listings and set your own prices, giving you control over the selling process.
If you are more focused on selling handmade and unique art pieces, Etsy is a great platform to consider. With its emphasis on handcrafted and vintage items, Etsy attracts a community of art enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and individuality of handmade artworks. Setting up your own Etsy shop is easy, and you can customize it to reflect your brand and style.
Art-Specific Marketplaces
For artists looking to sell their artwork specifically to art lovers and collectors, there are various art-specific marketplaces available. Artfinder is an art-centric online marketplace that focuses on connecting artists directly with buyers. With a curated selection of artworks, Artfinder attracts people looking for unique and original pieces to add to their collections.
Saatchi Art is another art-specific online marketplace that has gained popularity among artists and collectors. With a strong emphasis on emerging artists, Saatchi Art provides a platform for artists to showcase their work to a global audience. The site offers various features such as art advisory services and the ability to sell limited edition prints.
Artsy is a well-established online marketplace that brings together galleries, collectors, and artists. It offers a wide range of artworks from renowned artists and galleries around the world. Artsy provides a platform for artists to reach a broader audience and connect with potential buyers who are passionate about art.
Print-on-Demand Marketplaces
Print-on-demand marketplaces have gained popularity in recent years, offering a convenient and cost-effective way for artists to sell their art. Redbubble is a print-on-demand marketplace that allows artists to upload their artwork, and the platform takes care of the printing, shipping, and customer service. Artists have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of products such as prints, apparel, home decor, and more.
Society6 is another popular print-on-demand marketplace that offers a wide range of products featuring artists’ designs. From prints and home decor to apparel and tech accessories, Society6 gives artists the opportunity to showcase their artwork on various mediums. The platform handles the production and shipping, allowing artists to focus on creating their art.
Fine Art America is a leading print-on-demand marketplace that focuses specifically on fine art prints. Artists can upload high-resolution images of their artwork, and Fine Art America takes care of producing and shipping the prints to customers. The platform also offers various customization options, allowing artists to set their desired margins and add their own branding.
Niche Art Marketplaces
In addition to general and art-specific marketplaces, there are also niche art marketplaces that cater to specific art styles, themes, or target audiences. One such marketplace is 20×200, which focuses on limited edition fine art prints. Artists can submit their work to be considered for publication, and if selected, their prints are made available for purchase on the site.
Turning Art is a unique marketplace that operates on a subscription-based model. It offers customers the opportunity to rent artworks and rotate them on a regular basis. Artists can submit their work to be considered for inclusion in Turning Art’s catalog, reaching a broader audience who may not be ready to make a permanent purchase.
UGallery is an online marketplace that focuses on showcasing original artworks from emerging and mid-career artists. The platform offers a curated selection of art to attract buyers who appreciate unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. UGallery also provides artists with support and guidance to help them succeed in their art careers.
Social Media Marketplaces
Social media platforms have also become popular marketplaces for artists to showcase and sell their artwork. Instagram, with its visual focus, allows artists to create a portfolio-like feed where they can share their art with their followers. Artists can also utilize Instagram’s shopping features to tag their artwork with product information and direct users to purchase.
Facebook Marketplace is another platform that artists can utilize to reach a local audience. With its large user base, Facebook Marketplace provides an opportunity for artists to connect with potential buyers in their area. Artists can create listings for their artwork, set their desired prices, and negotiate directly with interested buyers.
Pinterest, though not primarily an online marketplace, can also be a valuable tool for artists to promote their artwork. By creating eye-catching boards and sharing high-quality images of their art, artists can attract attention and drive traffic to their own website or other online marketplaces where their artwork is available for purchase.
Auction-Based Marketplaces
For artists whose work reaches a higher price point or who have gained recognition in the art world, auction-based marketplaces provide an avenue to sell their artwork to collectors and art enthusiasts. Sotheby’s is a renowned auction house that conducts auctions both online and in person. Artists who have established themselves in the art world may choose to consign their artwork to be included in an auction at Sotheby’s.
Christie’s is another prestigious auction house that offers both traditional and online auctions. With a global reach and a reputation for handling prestigious artworks, Christie’s attracts a discerning clientele who are willing to invest in valuable and high-quality artworks. Artists with artworks of historical significance or unique artistic value may consider consigning their pieces for auction.
Bonhams is an international auction house that specializes in diverse categories, including art. From contemporary art to fine jewelry, Bonhams offers artists the opportunity to sell their artwork alongside other valuable items. Artists can consign their artwork for auction and benefit from Bonhams’ extensive marketing efforts to attract potential buyers.
Local Online Marketplaces
If you prefer to sell your art locally, there are online marketplaces that cater specifically to local communities. Craigslist is a widely used platform that allows users to create listings for various products and services. Artists can create listings for their artwork and target buyers in their local area who are interested in supporting local artists.
Gumtree is another popular online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers within local communities. It provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their artwork to a local audience. Gumtree allows artists to create listings with detailed descriptions and photos, making it easier for interested buyers to find and purchase their artwork.
Additionally, Facebook Marketplace offers the option to join and post in local groups, allowing artists to connect with potential buyers in their specific area. By joining local art groups or creating their own, artists can actively engage with the local community and promote their artwork to interested buyers nearby.
International Marketplaces
For artists looking to expand their reach beyond their home country, there are international marketplaces that cater to a global audience. Artprice is a comprehensive online marketplace that offers access to millions of artworks from all over the world. It provides artists with the opportunity to reach an international clientele and connect with collectors and art enthusiasts globally.
Artnet is another well-established international marketplace that provides a platform for artists, galleries, and collectors to buy and sell artwork. With its extensive database of artists and artworks, Artnet offers a valuable resource for artists looking to connect with a global network. The marketplace also provides art market intelligence and analytics to assist artists in making informed decisions about their art careers.
While eBay was mentioned earlier as a general online marketplace, it also offers an international selling option through its Global Shipping Program. Artists who choose to participate in the program can reach buyers from around the world. The program handles the international shipping process, making it easier for artists to sell their artwork internationally without the hassle of managing shipping logistics.
Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces
Peer-to-peer marketplaces provide artists with a platform to sell their artwork directly to collectors and art enthusiasts. Artspace is a peer-to-peer marketplace that aims to make collecting art accessible to a wider audience. Artists can showcase their artwork on the platform and connect with potential buyers who appreciate their unique style and talent.
Artsper is another peer-to-peer marketplace that focuses on contemporary art. The platform allows artists to create their own online gallery and sell their artwork directly to buyers. Artsper also offers art advisory services to assist artists in finding the right buyer for their work and navigating the art market.
Saatchi Art, previously mentioned as an art-specific marketplace, also operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace. Artists can create their own profiles, showcase their artwork, and connect directly with buyers. Saatchi Art provides artists with a platform to gain exposure and sell their artwork internationally.
Traditional Gallery Websites
While online marketplaces provide artists with a broader reach and more control over their sales, traditional gallery websites still hold significance in the art market. White Cube is a renowned gallery with locations in London and Hong Kong. Its website serves as a platform for artists represented by White Cube to showcase their work to a global audience. Artists affiliated with prestigious galleries like White Cube benefit from the gallery’s reputation and established collector base.
Gagosian Gallery, with locations in several major cities worldwide, also maintains a comprehensive website that showcases the artists it represents. The gallery represents globally recognized artists and hosts exhibitions that attract art enthusiasts and collectors. Artists represented by Gagosian Gallery gain exposure through the gallery’s online platform and its established clientele.
Pace Gallery is another prominent gallery with locations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Its website provides artists with a platform to showcase their work and connect with collectors on an international scale. Artists affiliated with Pace Gallery benefit from its strong presence in the global art market and its reputation for representing some of the most influential contemporary artists.
In conclusion, the best online marketplaces for selling art offer artists a range of options depending on their style, target audience, and goals. Whether artists choose to utilize general online marketplaces, art-specific platforms, print-on-demand marketplaces, niche art marketplaces, social media platforms, auction-based marketplaces, local online marketplaces, international marketplaces, peer-to-peer platforms, or traditional gallery websites, there are numerous opportunities to reach a global audience, connect with art enthusiasts, and ultimately sell their artwork.
