Being a successful career artist involves more than just making beautiful art. It means understanding how to grow your audience, setting fair prices for your art, and handling the logistics of shipping your artwork. It’s about thinking like an artrepreneur.

Most artists often rely on middlemen like galleries, agents, and retailers to sell their work. But in today’s digital age, artists can take charge of their distribution, creating and selling their art online – on their terms.

If you’re one of these artists, pouring your heart and soul into creating stunning art and tirelessly searching for galleries or curators to showcase your work, it’s time to consider creating your online art store.

You can be the one who decides what art to display instead of waiting for someone else to give you the chance. This is what an online art store offers – a platform to show off your art and take charge of your journey.

This blog will reveal the secrets to making a simple and professional online art store. We’ll guide you on this journey, starting from ground zero and leading you through creating your online art shop. We’ll demystify the process, provide practical advice, and inspire you to realize your vision. 

It’s time to dream, think, and create a platform that celebrates your creativity like never before. So, let’s get started,

How to build an online art store?

To begin, choose the right platform for your online store. User-friendly options like Shopify, Wix, or WordPress with WooCommerce are ideal for beginners. Once chosen, create your store by signing up and customizing it to reflect your art brand.

Now, let’s talk about showing your art. Put up clear, good-quality pictures of your artwork. These images need to show your art well and highlight the details. 

Remember, when you’re online, the pictures are your best tool to interest people.

Along with the pictures, write down explanations for each piece. Describe what someone sees and what feelings, thoughts, and messages your art is trying to convey. This way, people can connect more with your work.

Sharing the story behind your art and what inspires you can be appealing. Explain what drives you as an artist, what influenced your art, and the ideas you want to express. This can help people relate to your art on a deeper level.

Organize your art into different categories to make it easy for people to find what they’re looking for in your online art store. These categories could be based on themes, materials, or styles. A well-organized store makes it simpler for visitors to discover the art they like.

You’re not alone if you need help to create an artist statement that tells your story effectively. Many artists find it hard. If you need help putting together an artist statement that truly reflects you and your art, consider contacting the Arts to Hearts Project. 

We specialize in assisting artists like you in expressing your journey through clear and engaging stories. Your unique story is a part of your art, and we’re here to assist you in sharing it with the world.

Pricing your art is a crucial step. Consider factors like the cost of materials, your time invested, and your reputation as an artist. Striking the right balance between affordability and fair compensation is essential to attract buyers.

Next, set up secure payment options for your customers and determine shipping methods and costs. Clear communication about these details on your site is vital to build trust with your audience. Ensuring safe and reliable packaging is equally important to protect your art during transit.

Building your brand is about more than just the art itself. Create an “About Me” page to introduce yourself as an artist. Share your journey, inspirations, and philosophy. Connect your customers to your story; this personal touch can set you apart in the competitive art market.

Marketing and promotion are key to getting your art in front of the right audience. Leverage social media to share your art, engage with your followers, and build a community. Consider using email newsletters to inform your audience about new creations and promotions. (If you need ideas for creating a newsletter, you can read our blog https://artstoheartsproject.com/10-newsletters-every-artist-should-have/ )

Optimizing your website for search engines (SEO) is crucial. Incorporate relevant keywords into your product descriptions and blog posts to improve your store’s visibility on search engines like Google.

Positive feedback from satisfied customers can boost your credibility. Encourage them to leave reviews and testimonials, inspiring trust and encouraging more sales.

Selling Your Art Through Third-Party Platforms

You can sell your artwork on various e-commerce websites like Amazon or eBay. These platforms allow you to sign up as a seller and only charge a portion of the profits when you sell through their website. Since these websites have a large user base, finding buyers for your art is often easier.

Bonus Tip: Your fans admire your work and want to support your journey as an artist. Consider asking for their support in a creative way. You can set up a subscription service where your admirers receive art-related items from you in exchange for monthly contributions. This approach can boost your earnings over time.

Running an online art store requires dedication, driven by your passion as an artist. Your art has the potential to reach a global audience and establish its reputation, but it’s essential to be patient and persistent. With effective marketing and a focus on quality, your online art store will gradually generate your needed income.

So, stay determined and give it your all to become your boss and earn from doing what you love! We wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Don’t have an online art store but still want your work to be seen?

If you don’t have an art platform yet but still want to share and sell your artwork, there’s a solution for you. The Arts to Hearts Project is an inclusive platform supporting emerging artists, especially women. Whether you’re looking for a platform to showcase your work or want to expand your art’s reach, ATH 100 artworks from Emerging Artists in collaboration with @milanartinstitute here for you.

This annual publication aims to bring forward the most promising works and put women creatives in the spotlight. From new media, and installations to traditional methods we seek artworks across genres, generations, and borders, Bringing forward a collective stronger female narrative in contemporary art.

You can submit your artwork before 5 Oct, and it will be provided with a space to be seen and appreciated.