Welcome to the ultimate guide for artists looking to sell their drawings and illustrations online! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, this guide will help you navigate the world of online art sales, from choosing the right platforms to setting up your website, marketing your art, and understanding pricing and shipping. Let’s dive in!

Best Platforms for Selling Drawings

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of creating your website, it’s essential to understand where you can sell your drawings. Different platforms cater to different needs, so let’s take a look at some popular options:

1. Etsy

Overview: Etsy is a well-known marketplace for handmade and vintage items, making it a great place to sell your drawings.

• Pros:

  • Large Audience: Millions of buyers visit Etsy looking for unique items.
  • User-Friendly: The platform is straightforward to set up and manage.
  • Community: Etsy has a supportive community of sellers and buyers.

• Cons:

  • Fees: Etsy charges listing and transaction fees.
  • Competition: Many artists sell on Etsy, making it competitive.

2. Society6

Overview: Society6 is an excellent platform for artists to sell their art as prints and various merchandise.

• Pros:

  • Print-on-Demand: You don’t have to worry about inventory; they handle printing and shipping.
  • Multiple Products: Your designs can be featured on various items, from wall art to home decor.

• Cons:

  • Lower Profit Margins: You earn a percentage of the sales price, which can be lower compared to selling directly.
  • Limited Control: You have less control over how your art is displayed and marketed.

3. Redbubble

Overview: Similar to Society6, Redbubble allows artists to upload designs and sell them on various products.

• Pros:

  • Global Reach: Redbubble has an international audience.
  • Diverse Products: Sell your designs on clothing, home goods, and more.

• Cons:

  • Profit Sharing: You set the price, but Redbubble takes a cut.
  • Quality Control: The quality of products can vary.

4. Creative Market

Overview: Creative Market is a platform for digital goods, including illustrations and graphics.

• Pros:

  • Targeted Audience: It attracts designers and creators looking for high-quality digital assets.
  • Easy to Use: The platform is straightforward for both buyers and sellers.

• Cons:

  • Competition: There are many talented artists selling on Creative Market.
  • Fees: Listing and transaction fees apply.

5. Your Own Website

Overview: Selling directly through your own website gives you complete control over your brand and sales.

• Pros:

  • Complete Control: You dictate how your art is presented and sold.
  • No Marketplace Fees: You keep all the profits.

• Cons:

  • Initial Setup: Setting up a website can take time and effort.
  • Marketing Responsibility: You’ll need to promote your site to attract buyers.

Creating a Website to Sell Your Art

Now that you know where you can sell your drawings, let’s discuss how to create your own website. This can be a rewarding experience that allows you to showcase your art and connect with your audience.

Step 1: Choose a Domain Name

Your domain name is your online address, so choose something that reflects your art style or your name. Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.

Step 2: Select a Website Builder

Several website builders cater to artists and creatives. Here are a few options:

• Wix: Known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Wix is great for beginners. You can customize templates to fit your brand and showcase your art.

• Squarespace: This platform offers stunning templates that highlight visual content. It’s perfect for artists who want a polished look.

• WordPress: If you want more customization options, WordPress is highly versatile. However, it may require a bit more technical knowledge.

Step 3: Design Your Website

When designing your website, focus on a clean layout that highlights your artwork. Here are some tips:

• High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images of your drawings to showcase your work.
• Organized Galleries: Create galleries for different types of art or collections. This helps visitors navigate your site easily.
• Artist Statement: Include an “About” section that tells your story, your artistic journey, and your inspirations. This personal touch helps connect with potential buyers.

Step 4: Set Up an E-Commerce Functionality

To sell your drawings, you need e-commerce capabilities on your website. Most website builders have built-in e-commerce options or plugins.

• Payment Gateways: Set up payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe to accept payments securely.
• Shopping Cart: Ensure visitors can easily add items to their cart and check out without hassle.

Step 5: Create a Blog

A blog is an excellent way to engage with your audience. You can share behind-the-scenes stories, art tips, and your creative process. This not only showcases your personality but also helps with SEO (more on this later!).

Step 6: Optimize for Mobile

Many users shop on their mobile devices, so ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Most website builders offer responsive templates that adjust to different screen sizes.

SEO and Marketing Tips for Artists

Once your website is set up, you’ll want to attract visitors. Here are some essential SEO and marketing tips:

1. Keyword Research

Identify keywords related to your art. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find terms that potential buyers might search for, like “buy drawings online” or “original illustrations for sale.”

2. On-Page SEO

Optimize your website’s content for search engines. Here’s how:

• Title Tags: Use descriptive and keyword-rich titles for your pages and artworks.
• Image Alt Text: Include alt text for your images to help search engines understand what they depict.
• Meta Descriptions: Write compelling meta descriptions that encourage clicks from search results.

3. Social Media Marketing

Promote your art on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Here are some strategies:

• Share Your Process: Post time-lapse videos of your drawing process or before-and-after images.
• Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and messages to build a community around your art.
• Collaborate with Other Artists: Collaborate with other creatives to reach new audiences.

4. Email Marketing

Build an email list of interested buyers. Send regular newsletters featuring new artwork, upcoming events, or exclusive offers. Use platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to manage your email campaigns.

5. Participate in Online Communities

Join online art communities or forums where artists and buyers gather. Participate in discussions, share your work, and offer valuable insights. This can help you build relationships and attract potential buyers.

Pricing and Shipping Digital or Physical Art

Pricing your artwork can be tricky, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re making a profit. Here are some tips:

Pricing Your Art

1. Cost of Materials: Consider the costs of materials, time spent on creating the artwork, and any fees associated with selling (e.g., platform fees).

2. Market Research: Check similar artists’ prices for comparable works. This can give you an idea of what buyers are willing to pay.

3. Perceived Value: Don’t undervalue your work. If you believe your art is worth more, price it accordingly.

4. Offer Different Price Points: Consider offering a range of products at different prices (e.g., original drawings, prints, digital downloads) to attract a broader audience.

Shipping Digital Art

• Instant Downloads: For digital drawings, allow buyers to download the art immediately after purchase. Use platforms like Gumroad or Sellfy to manage digital sales.

Shipping Physical Art

1. Packaging: Invest in quality packaging to ensure your artwork arrives safely. Use protective materials like bubble wrap or cardboard.

2. Shipping Costs: Consider the cost of shipping when pricing your art. Use services like USPS or UPS for reliable shipping options.

3. Tracking and Insurance: Offer tracking and insurance for higher-priced items to provide peace of mind to your buyers.

Conclusion

Selling drawings online can be a fulfilling way to share your art with the world and make some money while you’re at it. By choosing the right platforms, creating a stunning website, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you’ll be well on your way to turning your passion into profit. Remember to stay true to your artistic voice, engage with your audience, and continuously refine your approach. Happy selling!