If you’re new to selling your art, you’ve probably asked yourself, How do I even start selling my paintings? Maybe you’ve shared your work on Instagram, dabbled in a few local art shows, or even heard whispers of online art marketplaces—but the thought of actually turning your passion into sales might feel overwhelming.
That’s where the Artist’s Launch Academy comes in.
Selling art is more than just uploading a few pictures online or hoping someone stumbles across your work. It’s about creating a solid foundation that allows your art to shine while reaching the right audience. Let’s break it down step by step so you can start confidently putting your work into the world.
Understanding the Art Market as a New Artist
Selling art as a beginner starts with understanding the space you’re entering. The art market is diverse, dynamic, and ever-changing—which is both exciting and intimidating. But don’t worry; even seasoned artists started where you are now.
Research Current Trends in the Art Market Using SEMRush
To sell art effectively, you need to know what’s trending and where your work fits. Tools like SEMRush are invaluable for identifying art-related keywords and aligning your strategy with buyer behavior. Let’s look at how Alex, an oil painter and a fictional example from the Artist’s Launch Academy, uses SEMRush to prepare for her move from New Mexico to New York.
Alex is moving to New York to connect with a larger art community and plans to geolocate herself for an exhibition in Manhattan. Using SEMRush, she researches the keywords potential collectors might use to find exhibitions and oil paintings in the area.
Keyword | Search Volume | Competition |
Oil paintings Manhattan | 5,000 | Medium |
Art exhibitions NYC | 12,000 | High |
Best oil painters in New York | 3,200 | Low |
By focusing on these keywords, Alex can tailor her online presence to attract New York-based collectors and galleries, ensuring her exhibition reaches the right audience.
To understand SEMRush metrics:
Search Volume represents the average number of times a keyword is searched in a month. High search volume indicates strong interest, which can lead to more visibility for Alex's work. Meanwhile,
Competition measures how challenging it is to rank for a keyword. Low competition is ideal for smaller, newer websites, as it offers a better chance of standing out.
By prioritizing keywords with a balance of good search volume and manageable competition, Alex can strategically position her exhibition to gain traction in a bustling market like Manhattan. This approach is just one example of how SEMRush empowers artists to optimize their reach effectively.
Identify Your Target Audience and Collectors by Using Psychographic Profiles
Understanding your audience is key. Who connects with your work, and why? Psychographic profiles—insights into people’s values, interests, and behaviors—help you identify and attract your ideal buyers.
These profiles go beyond demographics like age or location and delve into what truly motivates your audience:
their passions,
pain points,
and decision-making processes.
For example, consider Alex, the oil painter moving to New York. By creating psychographic profiles of potential collectors, she can identify art lovers who value bold, expressive work or those drawn to pieces reflecting cultural themes. Understanding these nuances allows Alex to craft tailored marketing messages and create artwork that resonates deeply with her audience.
Psychographic profiling also helps you:
Refine Your Messaging: Use language and imagery that speaks directly to the emotional core of your buyers.
Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on social media and community spaces where your audience is most active.
Design Offers That Convert: Create exclusive experiences or collections aligned with their interests.
Module 3 of the Artist’s Launch Academy dives deep into how you can define these profiles, use them to grow your reach, and ultimately sell more art by connecting with the right people.
Creating a Powerful Art Portfolio to Attract Buyers
Your portfolio is your first impression, your calling card, and your silent salesperson. Craft it thoughtfully to showcase your talent and make it easy for buyers to say yes.
A well-curated portfolio isn’t just a collection of your works—it’s a strategic tool to communicate your artistic identity and attract the right audience. Here’s how you can take your portfolio from good to great:
Select Your Best Work to Showcase Your Style
Choose pieces that not only represent your artistic voice but also resonate with your target audience. Focus on quality over quantity. Highlight pieces that tell a story, evoke emotion, or reflect your technical expertise. Think of your portfolio as a narrative that guides potential buyers through your artistic journey.
Organize Your Portfolio for Maximum Impact
How you present your portfolio can make or break a sale. Group pieces by themes, mediums, or collections to create a cohesive narrative that showcases your versatility or specialization. For example, Alex, the oil painter moving to New York, might group her work into collections inspired by New Mexico’s landscapes and another focused on urban motifs she plans to explore in Manhattan. This approach helps collectors visualize the breadth of her artistic perspective.
Core, Landing, and Blog Pages
Your website should include a core gallery page, a landing page for promotions, and a blog to share your artistic process. Your gallery page is where potential buyers can explore your work in depth. The landing page can highlight special exhibitions or featured pieces, while the blog adds a personal touch—offering insights into your creative journey, techniques, or inspirations behind specific works.
Internal Linking System
Build an internal linking structure to guide visitors naturally through your site, connecting your gallery to your shop and blog. An internal linking system creates seamless pathways for users to explore your content, encouraging longer engagement and increasing the likelihood of sales.
In Module 3 and 4 of the Artist’s Launch Academy, we show you how to strategically implement this system. For instance, Alex, the oil painter, could create internal links from her blog posts about her New Mexico inspiration to her gallery showcasing that collection.
Similarly, her landing page for an upcoming Manhattan exhibition could link directly to her shop, making it effortless for collectors to purchase related works.
Key elements of an effective internal linking system include:
Anchor Text: Use descriptive and compelling anchor text to guide visitors, such as “Explore the New Mexico Collection” rather than generic phrases like “Click here.”
Logical Structure: Ensure links lead visitors through a logical flow, from blog content to galleries and then to purchase options.
SEO Benefits: Internal links distribute SEO value across your site, helping important pages like your shop and gallery rank higher in search results.
With a thoughtful internal linking strategy, you can create a user experience that not only showcases your art but also supports sales effortlessly.
Evaluate Online Art Marketplaces and Galleries
Platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Artsy offer opportunities to gain visibility. Weigh their fees, audiences, and usability to find the best fit for your work.
Creating a Website as a Sales Hub on Wix or Shopify
Your own website is a game-changer. Platforms like Wix or Shopify make it easy to integrate e-commerce and create a central hub for your art.
This step is covered in-depth in Module 4 of the Artist’s Launch Academy.
Sell More Art in 2025 by Enrolling in the Artist’s Launch Academy
The journey to selling art doesn’t have to feel daunting. The Artist’s Launch Academy was designed to fill the gap that traditional art education left wide open—teaching artists not just to create, but to sell.
Exciting Update! Module 1 of the pilot program is complete. After reviewing the data, I’m making a few adjustments to refine the experience. Each module will be released as edits are finalized, and the full hard launch is planned for April 2025. Want early access? Sign up to get updates about the pilot program.
FAQ
Where can I sell my paintings online?
Platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder are great starting points. Building your own website adds a professional edge.
How can I start marketing my art?
Start with social media, email marketing, and participating in online communities. The Artist’s Launch Academy provides a step-by-step guide.
What’s the best way to connect with collectors?
Build authentic relationships through consistent email updates and personal stories that highlight your work.
Key Takeaways
Research trends and understand your target audience.
Create a professional, cohesive portfolio to attract buyers.
Use strategic marketing to expand your art’s visibility.
The Artist’s Launch Academy is your go-to resource for building a sustainable art business.
Ready to make 2025 the year you sell more art? Join the Artist’s Launch Academy and turn your creative passion into a thriving business.
Stay tuned for updates on the Academy’s progress and sign up for exclusive insights and early access to upcoming modules. Read the story behind the Academy and start planning your creative success today.
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