
Selling art today isn’t limited to gallery walls or weekend markets. Creators around the world are making real money by offering their art online as prints, downloads, merchandise, and more. Whether you’re a digital illustrator, painter, or mixed media artist, exploring the best places to sell art, your work is key there are platforms designed to help you reach buyers who want what you create.
The best part? Many of these platforms don’t require upfront costs or a large following. With the right marketplace, you can start small, test what sells, and scale up as your audience grows. Some cater to handmade originals, while others specialize in digital files or print-on-demand products.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best places to sell your art and actually get paid with tips on how to succeed on each one.
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1. Etsy
Etsy remains one of the top marketplaces for independent artists. It’s a favorite for selling digital downloads, custom portraits, handmade pieces, and even print-on-demand art. With millions of monthly shoppers specifically looking for unique and creative products, Etsy is ideal for artists who want to build a brand and connect directly with customers.
The platform gives you control over pricing, branding, and the types of products you offer. You can even bundle digital prints or upsell limited edition items to increase order value.
To stand out, optimize your product titles and descriptions with relevant keywords, use clean product photography or mockups, and regularly update your shop to improve search visibility.
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2. Redbubble
Redbubble is a popular print-on-demand platform that helps artists turn their designs into products like shirts, stickers, phone cases, and wall art. It’s especially useful for digital illustrators and graphic designers who want to monetize their work without managing inventory or shipping.
Once you upload your art, Redbubble handles everything else like production, packaging, delivery, and customer service. You earn a percentage of each sale based on the markup you set.
To increase earnings, focus on creating niche collections, use keywords that reflect what people are searching for (such as “botanical wall art” or “retro sticker pack”), and refresh your shop with new uploads frequently.
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3. Society6
Society6 works similarly to Redbubble but leans more toward premium home decor, lifestyle goods, and wall prints. It’s a great fit for painters, illustrators, and designers who want their art featured on high-quality products like framed prints, throw pillows, and even furniture.
The site handles the printing, shipping, and customer support while you earn artist royalties. Your designs can be featured in collections and promotions curated by Society6’s editorial team a major boost if your style aligns with current trends.
To succeed here, submit cohesive series of artworks, create mockups that show your designs in lifestyle settings, and make use of the artist dashboard to track what sells best.
Creative Market
Creative Market is a top destination for selling digital art assets, especially if your work leans toward design, illustration, or graphics. Artists earn money by selling items like clip art packs, digital brushes, texture overlays, vector files, and pre-made templates.
This platform is ideal for artists who want to earn passive income through digital downloads. You upload once, and customers around the world can purchase and use your work for websites, products, or branding materials.
To increase your visibility, include detailed descriptions, use accurate tags, and group similar items into themed bundles. Since Creative Market attracts designers and business owners, focus on quality and utility products that offer creative value.
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5. Saatchi Art
If you’re a traditional painter, mixed media artist, or photographer, Saatchi Art offers a high-end way to connect with collectors globally. It’s one of the most reputable platforms for selling original artworks, and it even handles shipping, logistics, and customer service on your behalf.
The platform also allows you to sell fine art prints of your originals, helping you build multiple revenue streams. Artists receive 65 percent of each sale, and there’s no cost to list your work.
To succeed on Saatchi Art, treat your artist profile like a portfolio include a detailed bio, use professional photographs of your work, and write thoughtful descriptions that convey the story or process behind each piece.
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6. Gumroad
Gumroad is one of the easiest ways to sell digital art directly to your audience with no middleman. Artists use it to sell digital prints, comic books, zines, coloring pages, and even subscription-based content. The platform supports pay-what-you-want pricing, bundles, and even memberships.
Unlike marketplaces with built-in audiences, Gumroad works best when paired with your own social media or website traffic. You keep more control over your branding, pricing, and customer communication. This platform is ideal if you want to build a loyal following and gradually grow your income through repeat buyers and exclusive offers.
7. ArtStation
ArtStation is one of the most trusted platforms for digital artists, concept designers, and illustrators in creative industries like gaming, animation, and film. It allows you to showcase your work professionally and sell digital assets including prints, tutorials, 3D models, and brushes.
ArtStation’s integrated marketplace and print-on-demand store make it a powerful hub for both exposure and sales. The platform also attracts industry recruiters, which opens up freelance and full-time opportunities.
To monetize your art effectively on ArtStation, focus on high-resolution, portfolio-quality work, tag your uploads with relevant search terms, and take advantage of their Pro tools for additional visibility.
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8. Zazzle
Zazzle gives artists the ability to upload designs that can be applied to hundreds of products — from business cards and mugs to shoes and phone cases. It’s great for artists who enjoy creating surface patterns or typography-based work.
Unlike some platforms, Zazzle allows deep customization and even lets customers tweak your designs, which appeals to a wide range of buyers. You earn a royalty from every sale, and there are no upfront fees to list your art. To succeed on Zazzle, create a themed storefront, upload multiple design variations, and take time to fill out product descriptions with keywords customers actually search for.
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9. Displate
Displate specializes in high-quality metal prints, and it’s built specifically for selling wall art that has visual impact. Artists who focus on bold illustration, fan art, landscapes, or sci-fi themes tend to do well on the platform.
Displate handles production, fulfillment, and global shipping. It also features artist spotlights, which can drive a surge of visibility to your work. Each piece is sold as a ready-to-mount product, appealing to buyers who want stylish decor without the hassle.
This is a strong option for creators who want to reach a trend-savvy audience and earn ongoing royalties for eye-catching artwork.
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10. Your Own Website
Selling through your own website gives you full control over branding, pricing, and customer experience. Using platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or even Big Cartel, artists can showcase and sell original pieces, digital downloads, or merchandise without competing listings or platform fees.
Building your own site requires more effort upfront including marketing, SEO, and traffic generation but it also gives you the freedom to build a long-term brand. You can link it to your social channels, embed a blog, and collect emails for future product launches. Many artists use a hybrid strategy: start on marketplaces for visibility, then drive repeat customers to their personal site to maximize profit margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about Selling Art.
Where is the best place to sell digital art online?
Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, and Gumroad are ideal for selling digital art because they let you upload once and earn from every download. Etsy is best for casual buyers, while Creative Market targets designers and businesses.
What platform is best for selling original paintings?
Saatchi Art is a leading platform for selling original artwork to global collectors. It manages shipping and payments, giving artists a professional marketplace without upfront fees.
Can I sell art on multiple platforms at once?
Yes. Many artists use a combination of platforms to maximize reach and income. For example, you can sell prints on Society6, digital downloads on Etsy, and high-ticket originals on your own site.
How do I start selling art with no audience?
Start with platforms that already have built-in traffic like Redbubble or Zazzle. Use keyword-rich titles, eye-catching thumbnails, and trend-focused tags to get discovered by searchers.
Do I need a business license to sell my art online?
Most platforms don’t require a license to get started, but depending on where you live and how much you earn, you may need to register your art business later. Check your local laws if you begin earning regularly.
What kind of art sells best on print-on-demand sites?
Bold, high-contrast designs, pop culture themes, motivational quotes, and aesthetic patterns perform well. Trends in home decor and fashion also influence what sells best on print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble and Society6.
10 Best Places to Sell Art to Make Money-Summary
selling your art online is no longer just for established professionals. Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, Creative Market, and even your own website give you the tools to turn your creative work into income, even if you’re starting small. Whether you specialize in digital prints, handmade originals, or art for merchandise, there’s a platform designed for your style and skill level.
The smartest artists diversify. Selling on multiple platforms, combining digital and physical products, and building a personal brand helps you increase visibility and build long-term income. Every piece of art you create is more than just a visual it’s a product, a connection, and a business opportunity.
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