Sell Digital Art: A Beginner’s Guide

A good question to ask yourself is how do you go about and sell digital art? It does not sound easy, however with these tips and a step by step guide selling your precious paintings might not be as hard as it sounds. 

Many little picture on a wall in an exhibition at Louisiana. Symbolizing how to sell digital art.

Selling Digital Art: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start by gaining a better understanding of your target audience and their specific interests and preferences in digital art. That is to say take an interest in other people and try to figure out who you are selling to. 

2. Dedicate time and effort into building a good and engaging online brand strategy and presence through social media platforms and digital galleries. Of course, this requires having your own personal website to showcase your artwork.

3. Third important step is to focus on utilizing the latest and most appropriate digital art software and techniques to produce only the highest-quality digital art pieces.

4. Step number 4, try catering to a diverse range of audiences by offering various product options, including prints, original pieces, and unique custom designs. Be flexible and try a bit of everything to see what will be your niche. 

5. More importantly, collaborate with other digital artists and businesses within the digital art community to expand your reach and broaden your artistic network. Again, it comes down to finding what you are good at and you need others to see it. 

Price Strategy

6. Develop a well-calculated pricing strategy that is competitive in your market. Perhaps, even offer occasional promotions and discounts. Like for Valentine’s day or Christmas. 

7. Seventh step is to make the best use of email marketing campaigns and paid advertising to increase the visibility of your portfolio and attract a wider audience. However be careful with paid advertising as it can easily spiral out of control and give very little. 

8. Above all, have a fantastic customer service and communicate consistently with potential and existing buyers. You need to make people feel loved and important. A personal touch is basically, the most important step. 

9. Definitely try showcasing and selling your digital art works to a broad audience by participating in art fairs and community events. Try going abroad if you can afford it. 

10. Keep practising and don’t give up on your dreams. You cannot get it right every time. Try staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices to maintain a competitive edge in the digital art market. 

Exploring Online Marketplaces for Digital Art

Louisiana exhibition of a body and head in shape of a flower.

Private image from a visit at Louisiana

In the United States, there are a plethora of online marketplaces available where digital artists can showcase and sell their work. The Logo Company uses Behance but I must admit not very actively right now due to lack of time. However, these platforms provide a valuable opportunity for artists to reach a wider audience and expand their reach. Even generating additional income from their creations. By taking advantage of these innovative marketplaces, artists can maximize their potential and gain exposure in the ever-growing world of digital art.

Maximizing Your Profits: Finding the Best Selling Platform

These top platforms are here to help you optimize your profits, and they’re guaranteed to get you started on the path to selling success. I would like to mention the ones that in my opinion are easy to use and what kind of art work they sell so that you know if it’s suitable for you. 

Etsy: Everybody knows it, a popular marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including digital art. Digital artists can set up their own online shops. List digital downloads of their artwork for sale and get useful tips on how to grow your business. Etsy charges a listing fee and a commission on each sale.

 

Society6: Society6 allows artists to upload their artwork and sell it as prints, apparel, home decor, and other products. Basically, artists earn a commission on each sale with the advantage that the company handles production, shipping, and customer service.

Redbubble: Actually, similar to Society6. For example, Redbubble enables artists to upload their artwork and sell it on a variety of products, including clothing, accessories, stickers, and home decor. Quite easy to use.

More Examples Of Popular Digital Art Platforms

Adobe Stock: Another example of a where to sell digital art is Adobe Stock. Totally different from Etsy and Redbubble as it is a stock photography marketplace where artists can upload and sell digital images, illustrations, vectors, and other types of digital art. Furthermore, artists earn royalties on each sale, and Adobe handles licensing and distribution.

ArtStation: For instance, this is a platform for digital artists, including concept artists, illustrators, and 3D modelers. A really good way to connect with other artists and industry professionals.

Gumroad: Here you can sell artwork directly to the audience. One of the advantaged is that you can set your own price however Gumroad takes a small percentage of each sale.

Patreon: Members only platform that allows creators to earn recurring revenue from their fans. One plus side is that artists can offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and digital downloads of their artwork to patrons in exchange for a monthly subscription fee.

Demystifying the Process: How to Sell Your Digital Art

Fantasy digital art and oil paining at an exhibition in Denmark,

Tips and Tricks for Successful Beeple

I would like to mention one successful digital artist. Beeple, whose real name is Mike Winkelmann. Incredibly, Beeple gained widespread recognition for his daily art project, where he created and posted a new digital artwork every day for over 13 years.  A super ambitious project, known as “Everydays,” showcased Beeple’s versatility, creativity, and dedication to his craft. 

Common Mistakes When Trying To Sell Digital Art

There are a few mistakes that you can try to avoid when selling digital art. I have mentioned a few here but of course, there are others. Just try to be logical about your selling.

  • Neglecting Marketing: One of the most common mistakes artists make is assuming that their work will sell itself. Of course, it’s essential to actively promote your digital art through social media, email newsletters, collaborations, and other marketing channels to reach potential buyers.
  • Ignoring Your Target Audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful sales. Make sure you tailor your artwork, pricing, and marketing efforts to appeal to your target demographic.
  • Overpricing or Underpricing: Please think about your pricing.  If too expensive then people won’t buy. However, pricing too low may undervalue your work. Therefore, research comparable artwork and consider factors such as time invested, skill level, and market demand when setting your prices.
  • Ignoring Copyright and Licensing: Make sure you have the necessary rights to sell your digital art. Crucially, respect copyright laws, obtain licenses for any third-party assets used, and clearly communicate the terms of use to buyers.
  • Limited Distribution Channels: Relying on a single platform or website to sell your digital art may limit your reach. Therefore, consider diversifying your distribution channels by selling on multiple platforms. Creating your own website, or participating in art fairs and exhibitions.
  • Ignoring Customer Feedback: Sounds easy but do pay close attention to feedback from your customers. Engage with your audience and try to listen to their needs. Expectations as usually high.
  • Lack of Patience and Persistence: Be realistic, selling digital art takes time and persistence. Don’t get discouraged by slow sales. Stay committed to your craft continue promoting your artwork to attract buyers over time.

Inconsistent Branding and Presentation:

Most of all, consistency is key. Remember that inconsistent branding and presentation can be detrimental to a company’s success. Confusing customers and make them feel less confident in the brand. More importantly, a company that presents itself differently across various mediums can lose trust and credibility.

 

To be consistent in branding to sell digital art is important to be able to create a strong and memorable brand. So do develop a clear visual guideline and ensure that these rules are followed across all platforms, from social media to packaging. 

 

 Developing a style guide and looking over brand kits can help ensure consistency in branding and presentation. By prioritizing consistency, companies can create a stronger, more recognizable brand that resonates with customers and builds long-term loyalty.

Last Few Words

Now you know a bit mer about how to sell your digital art online. If you follow the step by step guide and use the platforms wisely then you can succeed. One thing we cannot take into account is your talent nor the digital art software that you are using. That is one thing you will have to provide all by yourself.

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