Every aspiring artist sooner or later faces the daunting task of selling their own art. The choice of sales method presents numerous possibilities, not all of which may be suitable for one's own works. Making the right choice demands a lot of effort, patience, and careful consideration.
So, the question "Where is the best place to sell my art?" is by no means simple.
To help answer this question, we outline here some of the more popular options, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
Selling Online
The easiest way to start selling your art today is to establish an online presence. It's relatively easy to be discovered by interested people, and a well-maintained profile (or website) can serve both as a sales catalog and a portfolio for potential buyers.
The choice of sales platform naturally depends on the artist:
- Social Media: A well-managed, engaging, and regularly updated social media account (such as on Instagram) is a good starting point for marketing your art. However, artists aiming to secure a place in a gallery should avoid overloading their posts with tags and comments, and instead respond to inquiries via email.
- General Trading Platforms: Despite seeming almost unbelievable at first glance, there are numerous buyers and collectors who look for art on sites like eBay or Amazon.
- Art Sales Websites: In addition to platforms like Artfinder or Saatchi Art, there is now a wide selection of new and established online services specializing in the sale and shipping of artworks. It is crucial to research thoroughly beforehand for two main reasons: firstly, the internet is subject to constant and rapid changes and trends, so adapting to these can help reach more interested parties. Secondly, different sales websites may specialize in attracting different types of buyers. For instance, artists focused on sculptures should look for platforms that cater specifically to that niche. Caution should always be exercised, particularly regarding the reputation of websites and avoiding dubious offers.
Local and In-person Art Sales
For those who prefer to sell their works locally, there are also various options for marketing:
1. Art Galleries:
Finding the right art gallery is key, although established galleries unfortunately rarely take on "new" artists at the beginning of their careers. There are exceptions, however, such as galleries actively seeking and nurturing emerging artists. Approach galleries through their curators; for example, inviting curators and critics to your own exhibition. While applying to a gallery directly is uncommon and often frowned upon, a well-suited portfolio can still convince even such galleries.
2. Art Fairs:
Although most art fairs serve as direct trading platforms from artist to customer, they also provide valuable feedback and allow artists to interact with potential buyers onsite, learning about their target audience. Many fairs, however, do not accept artists without gallery representation, but there are exceptions designed specifically for artists without representation. Research briefly and then apply.
3. Auctions:
Placing works in auctions is challenging for emerging artists, but it's worth trying at local or charitable auctions, even if profits may be low or non-existent. However, auctions can provide insights into how and to whom your work appeals, and ideally attract collectors.
4. Pop-up Exhibitions:
Hosting a pop-up exhibition requires not only an exhibition space and promotional materials but also catering for guests. While attendance can never be guaranteed, such exhibitions create a pleasant atmosphere for artists, buyers, and simply interested or curious individuals to engage in conversation. Those interested in exploring such exhibitions up close are warmly invited to visit the Academy of Fine Art Germany's exhibition.
5. Studio Sales:
Selling directly from your own studio is the most commonly used option by artists and one of the best ways to start selling, as it allows for a lasting impression on the buyer. Buyers benefit from not having to pay gallery fees or shipping costs and can meet the artist and see the art in person. All that's needed is a proper studio, a portfolio, and possibly a website, although brochures and social media marketing can also be advantageous. The main challenge here is that sales may not happen immediately.
What else needs to be considered? The nature of the work!
If you are looking for a sales platform for the first time, you should also consider what exactly you are actually selling and align this with your future actions. Depending on the medium, there are different options that are more suitable than others:
- Prints: Prints are among the most sold media in art. They are relatively easy to ship, making early online sales advantageous even while seeking gallery representation.
- Drawings: With drawings, the approach is similar to prints, but ensuring secure shipping is more critical since the original is sold.
- Sculpture: Sculptures are difficult to ship due to weight or fragility. It's better to market such works through representatives (like a gallery or advisor) and exhibit them locally. Social media can aid in promoting an exhibition.
- Paintings: The shipability and saleability of paintings can vary greatly depending on their nature and materials, so they are often better sold directly to the customer who can inspect the displayed work before purchasing. Using a specialized online platform experienced in transporting such works is not ruled out.
- Digital Art: Digital artworks pose no shipping problems, but sellers intending to enter the "real" art world should ensure they can provide proof of origin. Such works are well-suited for independent online sales, although support from an advisor or galleryist is advisable for sales in the "real" art world.
Ultimately, consultation, a well-curated portfolio, and contact with the target audience are important in practically all sales forms. Communication is key to the art world, whether from the perspective of the selling artist, the buyer, or simply the interested party.
To foster this communication, art schools and universities also frequently host exhibitions for the artists of tomorrow.