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How to Sell Digital Art Online for Free Guide to Selling Art by 2023[Guide to Selling Art in 2023]

Mar 2, 2023

 Last updated: March 1, 2023

A lot of artists are finding out how to market their works online has created huge possibilities to showcase and earn money from their work with other like-minded art enthusiasts. Many creative professionals are confused about what to do to begin and how to successfully create a solid online presence.

If you're thinking that this is a familiar scenario and you're one of the thousands of artists trying to figure out how to sell digital art online , then this guide is written for you. We'll guide you through the entire process that you must know how to make money selling digital artwork for free.

Below is a brief list of things that we'll discuss:

The benefits of selling Digital Art Online

There are several benefits to selling digital art online an alternative to selling physical art

1. Reach a wider audience

The selling of digital artwork online allows the artist to connect with a worldwide audience and showcase your artistic work to a wider market than selling through traditional avenues.

Digital art can also cost less to make when compared with creating original artwork through physical mediums like oil painting. Selling digital art online makes the artwork accessible to a wider range of customers, which includes people who do not have access to galleries that offer traditional art.

2. Cost reduction - There is no more price of products

Digital art sold online can eliminate the need to have physical storage space and shipping costs, making it a more cost-effective option for artists.

3. Unlimited passive income potential

Digital art sales can generate passive income for artists since you are able to sell your work over and over again , without having to pay additional costs for production or shipping. You won't have to take part in the order fulfillment process as most eCommerce platforms like will automatically deliver the digital art work to your customers once they've completed their purchases.

4. It's just so easy to do with little-to-no budget

Digital art is easily sold and distributed through various online platforms, making this procedure easy and efficient for both buyers and artists. Artists will be able to sell your digital art whenever, and from anyplace, offering you greater flexibility and control over your earnings and sales.

How to Create Digital Art for Sale

If you're a seasoned artist, then you're likely familiar working out your own digital artwork with Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Rebelle as well as numerous other software specifically designed for artists.

Digital art does not need to be created exclusively within a digital setting. A high-quality scanner can allow artists to turn their artwork like watercolors into printable digital files like JPEGs and PDFs.

One thing to consider here is the dimensions of the bed. A majority of scanners for budgets have been designed for typical paper sizes, like A4. If you typically create artwork bigger than that, you'll have to either get a more powerful scanner, or be able to scan individual sections and join them using an application such as Photoshop. Additionally, you'll likely utilize Photoshop to enhance the quality of your digital images in order to prepare them to sell.

You should be aware that clients can increase the size of your image after printing the image (so as you've scanned at a sufficient resolution). The majority of printers operate at 300 dots per inch (dpi) so scans at 300 dpi give plenty of resolution even larger pints.

One thing to keep in mind is that higher resolution means bigger files. A lot of artists post different sizes of their files on their online shop in order to let customers choose the one that is most suitable for them. It is possible to upload several images within a single list, with each file having a maximum size which can exceed 5GB (this will usually be more than enough for most artists).

Will I Need Any Other equipment?

A well-specced computer or iMac will certainly aid in the process. There's ample memory for manipulating these large files as well as an excellent quality display that represents colors faithfully.

We talked about Photoshop previously. This is a great tool for cleaning your digital files as well as removing backgrounds. It's pretty easy to use and comes with online tutorials to help. Cleaning digital files is particularly crucial if customers wish to increase the size of their prints.

Where can I sell Digital Art Online

There are two main avenues for selling your digital artwork on the internet:

Through Online Marketplaces

There are plenty of online marketplaces which allow you to sell your digital art such as Etsy, SketchFab, CreativeFabrica, ArtStation, DeviantArt, and many more.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages selling digital artwork via online marketplaces.

 Pros

  • Access to online marketplace's audience Access to the marketplaces' existing customer base and traffic so that you won't have to conduct as many marketing as you would have when you wanted to direct traffic to your own website (there are some limitations to this, check out the pros section down below)

 Cons

  • Low profit margin: Online marketplaces typically charge large fees when compared with selling on your own site. In addition, some online marketplaces will also cost listing fees, regardless of whether or not you've succeeded in selling your digital art.
  • Payouts delayed: The majority of online marketplaces will only payout your income after you reach the income threshold for a specific amount or only on certain period of pay (e.g. monthly).
  • There isn't much customization for your online store and product listing A benefit having a creative background is that you should have the ability to show your artistic style in the layout of your store However, this isn't typically available when you're selling your products on an online marketplace. The store (e.g. Etsy Shop) will look exactly like the other sellers' stores with minimal personalization.
  • It's not your responsibility to manage your customers' data: You can't easily get your customers' email addresses and keep in touch with them in order to build ongoing relations and advertise your new products.
  • Some online marketplaces may have a high level of competition. You'll be fighting for attention. However in the event that the marketplace alters its algorithm to search (which has definitely happened multiple times on a number of marketplaces) the listing you have on it could drop in the search results and your prospective sales.
  • The challenge is to create trust with your customers: They basically shop in an online mall which allows them to view your digital art along with the work of other artists and more. In many cases, this leads to prices being a factor or people opting for the lowest-cost products, which isn't conducive for artists who would love to make a name for themselves or a value their distinctive artistic creations.
  • A limited marketing tool: Your marketing efforts on online marketplaces tend to be restricted to offering discounts or coupons. But selling from your own websites using platforms like Amazon permits you to create a range of imaginative marketing campaigns ranging from one-time discounts , to an entire affiliate programme.

Via Your Own Website

Selling digital art on your own website involves signing up on an eCommerce platform like where you can upload your digital art and design a completely custom online store or web.

These are the pros and cons to selling digital art from your website.

 Pros

  • An online store that is fully customizable or website for selling your artwork
  • The ability to create additional revenue streams by selling other things on your site (e.g. merch, online courses, art commission and coaching services, memberships and more)
  • Full control over your customer experience
  • Full ownership over your customer's data, allowing you to send out email marketing campaigns to promote your digital art products to your clients.
  • You will be paid more quickly as the majority of eCommerce platforms payout instantly through payment gateways , such as Stripe and Paypal

 Cons

  • It is necessary to direct visitors to your website which might be a bit time-consuming depending on your marketing efforts

We recommend selling your digital art through your website. But the great thing about this is that you do not have to choose. It is possible to sell your artwork on your personal website, and on online marketplaces simultaneously. Spread your wings as wide as possible to increase the chances of making a sale!

If you plan to sell on multiple platforms, you should select platforms with a free forever option, so you do not be required to invest a penny prior to earning your first penny. Now, let's go over ways to begin on selling your digital art online in the following section.

How to sell Digital Art Online Free

1. Start an online Store for Free

The site has an impressive set of features, which includes:

  • A generous forever-free plan. Perfect for artists who want to create a gorgeous site without having to spend a cent
  • A simple website builder that includes drag and drop editor (no need for technical expertise)
  • Built-in eCommerce tools so you can sell various products such as Digital downloads (e.g. digital art, design assets), online courses and arts tutorials, coaching and custom art commissions as well as memberships and physical items
  • Security features such as download limits and PDF stamping that aid in stopping pirates.
  • Unlimited storage space - perfect for photographers who must upload huge image files to your website
  • Hosting and domain registration for free (you may also join to custom domains if you'd like to)
  • Integration with the payment gateways Paypal and Stripe so you can get paid instantly once orders arrive
  • Effective marketing tools for referral systems, affiliate marketing upselling, cross-selling coupon codes and the marketing through email
  • If you have an existing site, you could integrate a "Buy" button on your current website
  • There's more!

A side note: it has been running the same forever-free pricing plan for nearly 10 years now, so you can rest assured that this plan won't be going anywhere soon!

Register for a free account on (no payment info needed) to follow along with the remainder of our guide below.

SELL DIGITAL ART ONLINE

Join more than 130,000 sellers who have launched their online businesses with

2. Upload your digital files as Product Listings

After your work is in a ready-to-sell digital file, it is possible to upload them to as product listings. You can upload any formats of your choice, so that you don't need to think about converting your files.

has a comprehensive guide of how to upload your digital artwork product listing here.

More than that Here are a couple of other important things to note:

  • Create a captivating cover photo to promote your products. If you're required, create the mockup of your artwork using free graphics design tools such as Canva
  • Effective product descriptions won't simply entice customers to purchase your products and help your business rank for organic traffic
  • Other things you can do to increase your customers' purchase conversion, such as review reviews from customers as well as "Related items"

3. Set pricing

If you're new to online selling, deciding the amount you'll charge will be the trickiest part. It's about finding the sweet spot that allows you to earn an income and establish a reputation while not selling yourself short.

Find out how much similar items of similar artists sell online. Remember, you are able to constantly increase the price as you grow your reputation and profile.

You can also establish a charge-what-you-want policy that allows your clients to pay an additional "tip" in addition to the minimum cost.

4. Create your own website

Source: https://shop.alainajensen.com/ (Example of a Design Assets Online Store on )

You can choose any of their free web themes to create an appealing and cohesive design for your website as well as create a brand new one using 's no-code drag-and-drop store builder. It also offers an easy to follow video tutorial on how to create a site for free by using their store builders, so let your imagination run wild and design an amazing website that reflects your unique aesthetic as an artist!

A strong online presence is critical for selling digital artwork and showcase your portfolio. Be sure that your site is user-friendly. Have distinct website pages for your resume, biographical information, contact form, as well as your online shop section. Use only high quality photos and proofread your written content to ensure it appears professional.

5. Advertise your site or store

Once you've got all the pieces set and set to go, it's time to promote and get people to visit your site so that they can browse your work and purchase items.

Here are some low budget marketing concepts to begin with:

  • Create a following on social media. Social media platforms provide excellent opportunities for connecting with potential clients and showing off new ideas.
  • Connect with others artists and professionals within the field. It is possible to promote your stores online or even recruit these individuals to become affiliates
  • Participate in virtual art shows or join galleries to expand chances of selling
  • Make content that is engaging for your audience like newsletters, blog posts or even Q&As

What Other Digital Products Can I Make Money with as an artist?

As artists, you can sell a variety of digital products beyond just digital work or art works that are traditional. Some examples include:

Below are links to videos where you will be able to see what it's like to sell these types of products as an artist. This will allow you to get your creative juices flowing in terms of ways to create this income stream your own.

 Final Thoughts - Selling Your Digital Art Online

The selling of digital artwork online can be an exciting and lucrative chance for artists. Due to the popularity of online shopping and platforms for digital art It's never been simpler to reach a global market. Utilizing the strategies and strategies described in this book to improve your odds of success, and begin earning income from your passion.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out it's easy to market your digital artwork and reach a global audience. There's a great forever-free deal to allow you to start your online venture without having to spend a single dime. With  this plan, you'll get everything you need to make your artwork into a profitable business. Begin selling your digital art on the internet for free today!

FAQ

What is digital art?

The term "digital art" is an umbrella term which covers all types of art created by digital technology, at any stage of the process. As an example, you could snap a picture and employ digital tools to transform that photo into a work of art. Digital art can include digital art and drawing vector art, 3D modeling and photo manipulation, pixel art, animation, and more.

How much should I price my digital artwork for?

Digital artwork can sell for almost anything from a few cents to millions of dollars, depending on the artist and artist, as well as whether the art is being offered as a singular NFT or as several copies. If you're creating unique pieces made of digital art and you're selling the artwork for more than $100. When you're offering digital art which can be purchased over and over again , like general graphics, the price is likely to fall within the $1-$50 price range.

Is my art good enough to sell?

The only way to really know whether your art is good enough to sell is to test it by selling it. It's difficult to tell if art truly "good" or not because it's so subjective. Artwork that is loved by one individual could be considered banal or poorly done by another.

Do you think being a digital artist is really worth the effort?

If you enjoy the process to create artwork with digital technology, then being a digital artist could be hugely rewarding for you. It can be a long the time needed to earn significant sums of money, a lot of digital artists can earn a stable living from their work. You must be prepared to invest the hardwork to grow the number of customers you have before you begin to see a significant returns on effort.

Is selling art printables profitable?

Prints can be considered an art form that can be considered digital because you've likely designed the artwork using a computer or other device, and you're selling them on the internet. Printing them can be an extremely profitable way to sell your work, particularly if you enjoy creating art that is appropriate for printing. In particular, you could like designing border designs and calendars. You can also design checklists and other components that work well with printables.

Is the digital version of my art not considered art?

The digital representation of your artwork is an original piece of art. It's not a form of fraud: digital fine art paintings and digital illustrations, as well as digital graphics, or digital sketches require a great deal of skill in time and effort. Even though digital artwork can be reproduced several times, without losing any qualities, they still have merit as an art. The use of NFTs can provide digital art with the unique, one-of-a-kind impression of artworks made of paper.

Is it better to have an Etsy digital listing of your product or have a product page on your website?

Do I have to sell prints of art?

Selling the digital versions of your work is simple and enjoyable, you can also offer your clients the chance to buy art prints from your. A few customers possess the appropriate printers that can print the artwork which can showcase your creations in the most professional light. Art prints can be offered for sale via print-on-demand companies who create your work at your request and deliver the art prints directly to the customers. It is possible to earn a good return on investment by selling your art prints.