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How To Sell Digital Art Online For Beginners
This article will tell you How to Make Money as a Digital Artist and Sell Digital Art Online.
How to Make Money as a Beginner Digital Artist
I started my Digital Art Journey with the goal of selling my art online. Is this possible for a complete beginner? Yes! With the right strategies, platforms, and a sprinkle of perseverance, you can transform your digital art into a thriving business. To help you start this journey, I created a Digital Art Business Plan workbook to help see the big picture of your business.
Related Post: How to Create an Art Business Plan
Let’s explore the exciting avenues available for you to sell your digital art online and make money even as a beginner.
Ways to Sell Digital Art Online
First things first, let’s talk about the different ways you can sell your digital art online. The internet is teeming with opportunities, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some popular methods that can help you monetize your artistic talents:
Print on Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) services are a fantastic option for digital artists. These platforms allow you to upload your artwork, and they take care of printing and shipping products to customers. You earn a commission on each sale. Popular POD sites include Redbubble, Society6, and TeePublic. With these services, you can see your art on everything from t-shirts to phone cases, mugs, and more.
Digital Downloads
If you’re looking to keep things entirely digital, selling downloadable art is a great route. You can create high-resolution files of your artwork and sell them on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website. Customers can purchase and download the files to print themselves or use them digitally. This method is convenient and has the potential for passive income, as you create the art once and sell it repeatedly.
Commissions and Custom Art
Offering commissions and custom artwork can be highly lucrative. Many people are willing to pay for personalized art tailored to their preferences. You can take commissions through your social media, personal website, or platforms like DeviantArt. This approach allows you to build a direct relationship with your clients and often leads to repeat business.
Licensing Digital Art
Licensing your digital art to companies can be another profitable avenue. Businesses are always looking for unique artwork to use in their products, marketing, and media. By licensing your art, you grant them the rights to use it while you retain ownership. Platforms like Art Licensing International and Society6 can help you get started with this.
Places to Sell Digital Art Online
Now that we’ve covered the ways to sell your art, let’s dive into the best places to do so. Each platform has its unique audience, features, and benefits, so it’s essential to find the one that suits your needs. Here are the different types of platforms where you can sell your digital art:
Marketplaces
Marketplaces are online platforms that bring together buyers and sellers. They have a vast audience and offer a variety of tools to help you sell your art. Examples include Etsy, which is known for handmade and vintage items, and Amazon, the well-known online marketplace with millions of daily viewership.
Your Website
Having your own website gives you complete control over your brand and customer experience. Platforms like Shopify and WordPress make it easy to set up an online store where you can sell digital downloads, prints, and more. With your website, you can build a direct relationship with your audience and keep more of your profits. In my opinion, this is the best way to sell digital art online.
Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your art and brand. But now you can sell digital art too. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest allow you to showcase your work, engage with potential buyers, and even sell directly through their integrated shopping features. Social media also helps you build a loyal following and drive traffic to your online store.
Print on Demand Sites
Print-on-demand sites like Society6 and TeePublic handle production and shipping, allowing you to focus on creating art. These platforms are ideal for artists who want to see their work on a wide range of products without worrying about inventory or logistics.
Check out this Artist Who Sells Puzzles with AI Art
Do You Need a License to Sell Art Online?
One common question among budding digital artists is whether you need a license to sell art online. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on several factors, including where you live and how you plan to sell your art. In general, if you’re selling art as a hobby and not making significant income from it, you might not need a business license. However, if you plan to make a substantial income or run it as a business, obtaining a license is a good idea.
Here are a few points to consider:
Business License
Everyone thinks about filing an LLC and the federal government with their business but forget the laws of their state or city. Many jurisdictions require a business license if you’re selling goods or services regularly. This license allows you to operate legally within your city or county. Be sure to check with your local government to determine the requirements in your area.
Commercial-Use License
If you incorporate elements from other artists’ work into your own creations, it’s important to obtain commercial-use licenses. This type of license grants you the rights to use someone else’s artwork in your products. Always ensure you have the appropriate permissions to avoid legal issues. Platforms like Creative Market and Envato Elements offer commercially licensed assets for purchase. When using stock images, fonts, or other design elements, read the license agreements carefully to understand the usage rights.
Sales Tax Permit
If you’re selling physical products, such as prints, you might need a sales tax permit. This permit allows you to collect sales tax from customers and remit it to the government. The rules vary by location, so it’s essential to research your local regulations.
Copyright and Trademark
While not a license, protecting your artwork with copyright and trademark can be crucial. Copyright ensures that you have exclusive rights to your creations, preventing others from using them without permission. Trademarks can protect your brand and any unique logos or names associated with your art business. This is not required but something you may want to think about as your business and brand grows.
PLatform-specific Requirements
Some online platforms might have their own requirements for sellers. For instance, Etsy may require you to follow specific guidelines if you’re operating as a business. Always review the terms and conditions of any platform you plan to use and stay informed of any updates or changes over time.
Take Action Now: Build Your Art Business with Me!
Embarking on the journey to sell digital art online can be incredibly rewarding. By leveraging the right methods and platforms, you can reach a global audience and turn your passion into a sustainable income. Even as a beginner. The best part? You get to share your creativity with the world.
Ready to take the next step? Download my Free Digital Art Business Plan to get started on your journey to making money as a digital artist. This workbook will provide you with the insights you need to start building an online digital art business. This workbook will be your foundation for making money as a digital artist by helping you see the big picture and figure out exactly what you need to do to make your creative dreams come true.
