Selling Prints Online 101: A Beginner's Guide

Selling prints online can be a great way to share your art with a wider audience, but it's essential to understand the basics before getting started.

To sell prints online, you'll need a professional-looking website or online marketplace to showcase your work. According to the article, Etsy is a popular platform for selling prints, with over 39 million active buyers.

Having a clear and concise product description is crucial for selling prints online. As mentioned in the article, a good product description should include the print size, medium, and any relevant details about the artwork.

To get started, you'll need to create a high-quality image of your print, which should be at least 1024 pixels on its longest side, as recommended by the article.

First, you need to build an audience waiting to buy your prints. Just because you make some prints available on your website does not mean they’re going to sell.

You have a lot of choices to make, such as deciding whether to make and ship the prints yourself or outsource the printing or shipping to someone else. Do you want to print on paper or canvas? At what sizes? How much will you charge?

The key is to find the easiest way to get started. You don't need to have all the answers right away. Just pick 3 or 4 of your favorite paintings and decide on the simplest way to get them scanned or photographed and printed and shipped.

You'll learn a lot about the process as you go along and may change your mind about what works best for you.

High-quality images are crucial for selling art online. Invest in a good camera or scanner to capture your art accurately, ensuring even lighting and true colors to the original piece.

To present your artwork in the best light, use editing software to enhance your images. Adjust brightness, contrast, and colors to make them look their best.

Crop out any unnecessary background to focus solely on the art. This helps your online store look professional and makes your artwork stand out.

Here are some tips for preparing your work:

To start selling your art online, you need to have a dedicated space to showcase your products. This can be done by creating an online store on an e-commerce platform or marketplace.

It's essential to determine the pricing of your art prints based on production costs, market demand, and your desired profit margin. Make your prices competitive yet profitable.

You should promote your online business through social media, online advertising, and artist communities to reach a broader audience and boost sales. High-quality photos and scans of your fine art are crucial to enhance the appeal, accuracy, and credibility of your products.

To get started, consider the following questions:

By answering these questions, you'll be able to curate a portfolio that is much more likely to sell art online.

To capture the true essence of your art, you need to photograph it effectively. Invest in a good camera or scanner to get high-quality images.

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to photographing art. It helps capture the true colours of your piece. I've found that shooting near a window or outside during the golden hour produces stunning results.

Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and avoid blurry images. Steady shots are essential for showcasing your art in the best possible light.

Taking photos from different angles is a great way to give potential buyers a complete view of the artwork. Experiment with various perspectives to find the most captivating ones.

Editing your images is a crucial step in preparing your artwork for online sale. It's essential to present your art in the best light to attract potential buyers.

Use editing software to enhance your images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and colors to make them look their best. This will help you showcase your artwork effectively.

Crop out any unnecessary background to focus solely on the art. This will make your images more visually appealing and easier to view.

A well-edited image can make a huge difference in how your artwork is perceived. It's worth taking the time to get it right.

You can use editing software to make adjustments to your images, and it's a skill that can be learned with practice.

As you prepare your work for reproduction, it's essential to understand the different types of reproductions available. Reproductions can be sold in various formats, such as framed, unframed, canvas prints, or digital downloads.

Reproductions can be categorized into three main types: Limited-Edition Prints, Open-Edition Prints, and Digital Downloads. Each type has its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Limited-Edition Prints are numbered prints, often signed by the artist, which can be sold at a higher price due to their exclusivity. This exclusivity can make them highly sought after by collectors.

Open-Edition Prints, on the other hand, are not limited in number and can be sold continuously. They are often a more affordable option for customers.

Digital Downloads allow customers to purchase digital files of your art to print. This option is ideal for customers who want to print their own copies of your work.

Here's a quick rundown of the types of reproductions:

Selling on marketplaces can be a great way to get your art prints seen by a large audience. You can sell on various platforms such as Society6, Minted, and Amazon.

Society6 is a good option if you want to sell prints of your artwork on various products such as canvas, wood, and metal. They have a community of over 450,000 independent artists and offer customizable pricing.

Minted is another popular platform where you can sell your art prints. They have a peer-selected art feature where artists vote on the best submissions, giving you more exposure and recognition. They also offer personalization features and a quality guarantee.

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Amazon is the largest online marketplace where you can sell art prints. They have a vast customer reach and offer marketing tools and advertising options to increase visibility and drive sales.

Here are some key features of each marketplace:

Keep in mind that each marketplace has its own fees and requirements, so be sure to research and understand their terms before getting started.

Shopify is a great platform to sell art prints online, with 1.75 million sellers worldwide.

Shopify offers a user-friendly interface and flexibility, making it an ideal environment to create an online store that suits your unique styles. You can easily create an appealing and functional website in just a few clicks.

Shopify's intuitive features simplify the setup and management of online stores, with customizable themes and straightforward guides. There's also an extensive library of apps to integrate into your Shopify store, including print-on-demand, social marketing, and customer service apps.

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To get started, you'll need to pay a monthly subscription fee starting from $25/month. New accounts will enjoy a discount of only $1 for the first month.

Here's a breakdown of Shopify's features:

Etsy is a great platform for selling DIY and craft art, connecting 9 million sellers in 2023. It's a go-to spot for crafters, designers, painters, and artists.

Etsy is known for its artistic focus, protecting handmade makers' and designers' work by prohibiting reselling and restricting rules. This distinguishes Etsy from more mass-produced e-commerce platforms.

With an estimated daily traffic of 158 million globally, Etsy allows you to tap into diverse audiences and increase sales significantly. You can use relevant keywords for your art prints to reach target customers.

Etsy offers a tagging system to display relevant products when buyers search for a query. This means your art print may generate a lot of attention and increase sales.

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The cost of selling on Etsy is reasonable, with sellers only taking $0.2 for each item listed for sale. However, you'll need to pay transaction fees and payment processing fees once you make a sale.

Here are the key benefits of selling on Etsy:

Etsy has a lot of traffic, which can help increase your sales. However, it's very competitive, with millions of other artists selling their work on the platform.

Amazon is the largest online marketplace where you can sell art prints. It has millions of online shoppers turning to Amazon as their preferred platform, opening up profitable opportunities for artists to sell art prints online.

With Amazon, you can sell customize art prints, wall art, home decor, apparel, and accessories. You can also leverage Amazon's marketing tools and advertising options, from sponsored product listings to targeted advertising campaigns, to increase the visibility of your prints and drive more sales.

Here's an interesting read: How to Sell Photography Prints on Amazon

Amazon offers two plans for sellers: Individual sellers pay $0.99 for each item sold, while professional sellers pay a monthly fee of $39.99. There are also additional fees on Amazon such as refer fees, fulfillment fees, etc.

One of the benefits of selling on Amazon is its extensive customer reach. With vast customers browsing Amazon regularly, you can capture the attention of art enthusiasts from various corners of the world. Additionally, Amazon's Merch by Amazon is a specialized place for print-on-demand sellers, allowing you to combine on-demand selling features with the advantages of Amazon's vast marketplace.

Here are some key benefits of selling on Amazon:

By selling on Amazon, you can tap into its massive customer base and increase your chances of selling your art prints.

Personalizing print-on-demand art prints is a best practice for boosting sales and revenue, offering several benefits, including increased customer engagement, greater satisfaction, and a competitive edge.

To set competitive prices, it's essential to cover your costs and make a profit, but also consider offering a range of prices to attract different types of buyers. Limited-edition prints can be priced higher, while open-edition prints can be more affordable.

Regularly review and adjust your prices based on market trends and feedback. The amount of money you can make selling your artwork on print on demand sites varies depending on many factors, such as the price of the products, the quality of your artwork, and how well you market your work.

Here are some factors to consider when determining the value of your print:

By understanding your pricing options and staying informed about the current market landscape, you can make informed selling decisions and confidently determine the right time to sell your prints online.

Licensing your art for royalties can be a great way to make passive income as an artist. You can continue to sell the same piece of art over and over again without having to do any additional work.

The amount you get paid will depend on the usage, how many units are sold and the terms you agree upon in your contract. This means you can negotiate a fair deal that suits your needs.

You can license your art for royalties and earn money each time it's used. This can include anything from phone cases to fabric to stationery, art prints, wallpaper, and more.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your prices based on market trends and feedback can also help you make more money from your art. This will ensure your prices remain competitive and attractive to buyers.

By licensing your art for royalties, you can tap into a global audience and reach customers worldwide. This is especially true when selling art prints online, which can be done cost-effectively without investing in physical galleries.

Pricing your art prints competitively is crucial to attracting buyers. Your prices should cover costs and provide a reasonable profit margin.

To calculate your costs, factor in the cost of materials, printing, packaging, and shipping. Ensure your prices cover these costs while providing a reasonable profit margin.

Consider both fixed and variable costs, such as equipment, supplies, and labour. Additionally, include indirect costs like marketing and platform fees to get a complete picture of your expenses.

Your prices should also be competitive, offering a range of prices to attract different types of buyers. For instance, limited-edition prints can be priced higher, while open-edition prints can be more affordable.

Regularly review and adjust your prices based on market trends and feedback.

To determine the right price for your print, research market prices by looking at what similar artists are charging for their prints. Consider factors like the size of the print, the medium used, and your experience level.

Here's a rough guide to help you get started:

Remember, pricing is an ongoing process, and you may need to adjust your prices as market conditions change.

Accurately calculating shipping costs is also essential to ensure you don't lose money on shipping. Be transparent with your customers about shipping fees and delivery times.

Offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount can also encourage higher purchase values.

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You can make a full-time income from selling your artwork on print on demand sites, but it's not a guarantee. It took some artists a while to reach their first four-figure month, but it's possible with the right strategy and dedication.

The amount of money you can make varies depending on factors like the price of the products, the quality of your artwork, and how well you market your work. You'll likely make less money per sale compared to selling directly, as the site will take a cut of each sale.

To give you a better idea, here are some factors that can affect your earnings on demand sites:

You can sell as few or as many products as you want on demand sites, and many companies keep an eye on popular designs, which can lead to commission work or licensing opportunities. Some sites even host art contests, which can be a great way to showcase your skills and get noticed.

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Reproductions can be a great way to sell your art multiple times, making the most of your original work. This method allows you to sell the same piece over and over again without having to do any additional work.

Reproductions include prints and digital copies of your original work, which can be sold in various formats such as framed, unframed, canvas prints, or digital downloads. These can be sold continuously.

Limited-Edition Prints are numbered prints, often signed by the artist, which can be sold at a higher price due to their exclusivity. This can be a great way to earn more from your art.

Open-Edition Prints are not limited in number and can be sold continuously, making them a good option for popular pieces that have a broad appeal. They can be sold for a lower price than Limited-Edition Prints.

Digital Downloads allow customers to purchase digital files of your art to print, which can be a convenient option for those who want to print their own copies.

To get your prints seen by a larger audience, you can use email marketing to send regular newsletters with updates on new prints, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. This direct way of reaching interested customers can keep them engaged with your brand.

Collecting email addresses through your website and at art shows is a great way to build your email list. Offer incentives like discounts or exclusive previews to encourage sign-ups.

Using social media to promote your artwork is a great way to reach a large audience. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube, and Pinterest are ideal for visual artists like yourself.

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Email marketing is a direct way to reach interested customers and keep them engaged with your brand. Collect email addresses through your website and at art shows, like you would at a gallery opening.

Regular newsletters can be sent with updates on new prints, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. This will keep your audience informed and excited about your work.

Offer incentives like discounts or exclusive previews to encourage sign-ups, and you'll likely see a surge in interested customers.

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To leverage social media, you need to be active and engaging. Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which are great for visual artists.

Share high-quality images of your prints, time-lapse videos of your creative process, and engage with your audience through comments and direct messages.

Use stories, reels, and live sessions to create interactive content. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.

Having a strong social media presence is key to getting noticed by potential customers. This means posting regular updates about your work, as well as behind-the-scenes shots, process videos, and anything else that might be interesting to your followers.

Use hashtags like #art, #artist, #naturepainting, or #animaldrawing to get your work seen by a larger audience. You can also use art-specific hashtags like #buyart, #artcollector, and #interiordesign.

Collaborate with social media influencers and bloggers in the art community to reach a wider audience. They can help promote your work to their followers, increasing your visibility.

Engage with other artists by liking and commenting on their posts, sharing their work, and starting conversations. This will not only help you get noticed by potential customers, but it's also a great way to make friends in the art world.

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Encourage customers to leave reviews on your website and social media pages, as positive reviews build credibility and attract new buyers.

Displaying reviews prominently on your website can build trust and attract new buyers, just like displaying them on your social media pages.

Offer incentives, such as discounts on future purchases, to encourage customers to leave feedback.

Positive reviews can encourage new customers to make a purchase, making them a valuable marketing tool.

On a similar theme: Online Selling Pages

Calculating shipping costs is crucial to avoid losing money on shipping. Accurately calculating these costs ensures you don't lose money on shipping.

Be transparent with your customers about shipping fees and delivery times. This helps manage customer expectations and maintain satisfaction.

Offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount can encourage higher purchase values. I've seen this strategy work well for artists who offer free shipping on orders over $100.

Proper packaging is essential to ensure prints arrive in perfect condition. Invest in high-quality packaging to protect your prints during shipping.

For more insights, see: How to Determine Shipping Costs When Selling Online

Managing your business as an artist selling prints online requires a professional approach. Treat your art like a business, as this is the first step to becoming a raving success.

Creating a business plan is essential, but it can seem daunting. Don't worry, it's a crucial step in setting up a website or online shop to showcase your artwork.

Having a portfolio of your best work is vital to marketing your artwork and attracting potential buyers. This means selecting your most outstanding pieces and presenting them in a clear and organized manner.

Marketing your artwork is also a key part of running a successful business. This includes promoting your online shop and website through various channels, such as social media and email newsletters.

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Treat your business like a business by creating a business plan, which will help you set clear goals and a direction for your company.

Having a professional website or online shop is essential for showcasing your products and services, and for making it easy for customers to buy from you.

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A portfolio of your best work is crucial for attracting and retaining customers, and for demonstrating your expertise and skills.

Treat your business with the same level of seriousness and dedication as you would any other business, by setting up systems and processes to manage your time and resources effectively.

This approach will help you stay organized, focused, and motivated, and will increase your chances of success.

Handling issues promptly is crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction. A clear return and refund policy in place can manage customer expectations.

Resolving issues quickly can turn a negative experience into a positive one. This is especially true for issues like delays in shipping or problems with the print.

Selling prints online involves several key steps.

First, you need to create high-quality digital files of your artwork, which should be at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI) to ensure they appear sharp and clear when printed.

To determine the best print size for your artwork, consider the resolution and the intended use of the print. For example, a print intended for a large wall display will require a higher resolution than one for a smaller frame.

A well-designed online store will also help you showcase and sell your prints effectively. This typically includes adding a shopping cart and payment gateway to your website, as well as setting up shipping and handling options.

An edition size refers to the total number of prints made from a single design during a production run.

The size of an edition directly affects its value and pricing. Smaller editions mean fewer prints are available, usually increasing their rarity and overall value.

A limited edition has a predetermined and fixed number of prints, ensuring exclusivity. This is in contrast to an open edition, which has no set limit on the number of prints produced.

Each print in a smaller edition becomes more exclusive, making its value and worth increase.

Making informed decisions is crucial in the art market, and MyArtBroker's tools make it possible to stay ahead of the game. With real-time valuation insights from online marketplaces, sellers can confidently decide when to sell their artwork.

MyArtBroker's Trading Floor offers a private network of over 30,000 collectors and investors, providing a live view of supply and demand, including the number of artworks listed as "FOR SALE", "IN NETWORK", or "WANTED." This level of transparency is unparalleled in the traditional art world.

MyPortfolio, a free portfolio management tool, lets collectors track the value of their artworks in real-time, benchmark performance, and identify opportunities to sell. Its dedicated print market index provides valuable insights into recent and ongoing trends.

With over 400 auction houses and private sales analyzed by MyArtBroker's proprietary algorithm, sellers can make data-led decisions, backed by precise valuations. This level of intelligence usually reserved for art dealers is now available to everyone.

The combination of MyPortfolio and the Trading Floor gives sellers complete clarity on where their artwork sits in the current market. This data-driven approach ensures that sales are informed by more than just instinct.

Selling prints online offers numerous benefits, including customization options for your storefront, secure payments, and easy integration with other tools and platforms. This makes it easy to manage your store efficiently.

You can choose from various paper qualities, such as fine art paper, canvas, or photographic paper, depending on the effect you want. Professional printers also offer customization options like custom sizes and finishes.

Here are some key benefits and considerations to keep in mind:

Licensing your art is a great way to make passive income as an artist. This means that you allow other businesses to use your artwork for different products and applications.

You can license your art to be used on anything from phone cases to fabric to stationery, art prints, wallpaper, and more. This can lead to a wide range of products featuring your artwork.

In return for allowing others to use your art, you'll receive a commission each time it's used. This can add up to a significant income stream over time.

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Licensing your art can be done in various ways, including granting royalties. This means you'll get paid a commission each time your artwork is used, with the amount depending on the usage and terms of your contract.

You'll need to handle all aspects of the business, from production to marketing and sales, if you choose to create and sell your own art. This can be a lot of work, but it also gives you control over your work and pricing.

Proving your identity is authentic is a crucial step in many situations. This can be especially true when buying or selling high-value items, such as artwork or collectibles.

Sellers should always be prepared to provide a clear and detailed paper trail documenting the purchase history and provenance of any item they plan to sell. This can be a challenge, as fraudulent cases are not limited to any specific medium.

Involving a third party for authentication is highly recommended. Many high-profile artists have dedicated authentication bodies capable of verifying whether an item is genuine.

Paper trails can be forged, not just the items themselves. For sellers, it’s crucial to retain any original documentation provided at the time of purchase.

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Owning your own art can be incredibly liberating. You have the freedom to experiment with different styles and formats to see what works best.

Control over pricing is a major benefit of selling your own art, allowing you to set prices based on the value you perceive in your art and the market.

Selling your own art helps establish your brand and create a direct relationship with your customers, which can lead to a loyal following.

This flexibility in pricing and branding can be a game-changer for artists who want to take their careers to the next level.

Here are some key benefits of owning your own art:

Selling on on-demand sites can be a great way to get your artwork out there, but there are some downsides to consider.

You'll likely make less money per sale compared to selling directly yourself, as the site takes a cut of each sale.

The quality of products can be a concern, as you're not printing them yourself and have less control over the process.

It can be tough to stand out from the crowd, especially with so many other artists selling on the same platform.