Selling Your Artwork on an Art Marketplace: A Guide for Emerging Artists
If you’re new to selling artwork online or unfamiliar with marketplace websites, creating a compelling product listing is essential. High-quality images, clear descriptions, and transparent pricing can help attract buyers and build your reputation. Here’s a guide to help you successfully list and sell your artwork:
- High-Quality Images
- Main Image: Your main image should be distraction-free and solely feature the artwork. Use proper lighting and ensure the colours in the image accurately reflect the actual piece.
- Multiple Angles: Upload high-resolution images showing different perspectives to give buyers a complete view of the artwork.
- Close-Ups: Include close-up shots highlighting brushstrokes, textures, and fine details.
- Contextual Images: Display your artwork in real-life settings (e.g., on a living room or office wall) to help buyers visualise how it would look in their space.
- Crafting a Compelling Product Description
- Title: Choose an engaging and descriptive title that captures interest.
- Medium and Materials: Clearly specify the medium (e.g., acrylic, watercolour) and the materials used (e.g., canvas, paper, wood).
- Dimensions: List accurate dimensions in inches and centimetres. If framed, include the frame’s size as well.
- Inspiration and Story: Share the meaning behind the piece—what inspired you, the emotions conveyed, or the story behind it.
- Style and Themes: Describe the style (e.g., realism, abstract) and themes (e.g., nature, portrait) to help buyers understand what they are purchasing.
- Color Palette: Mention dominant colours and shades, as this can influence a buyer’s decision based on their home decor.
- Setting the Right Price
- Competitive Pricing: Research similar artwork to set a fair price based on your experience, material costs, and time spent creating the piece.
- Pricing Transparency: Clearly state what’s included in the price (e.g., frame, certificate of authenticity, shipping costs).
- Series Information: If your artwork is part of a series, mention the number of pieces, their titles, and the inspiration behind the collection.
- Building Trust Through Reviews and Testimonials
- Customer Reviews: Encourage buyers to leave feedback. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and help future buyers make a decision.
- Artist Testimonials: If available, include endorsements from galleries, art critics, or collectors to enhance your reputation.
- Sharing Your Story as an Artist
- Artist Bio: Provide a brief background about yourself, your artistic journey, and any achievements.
- Artist Statement: Explain your creative process and artistic philosophy to connect with buyers on a deeper level.
Your artist profile on The Undiscovered Artists website is an opportunity to share your journey, inspiration, and creative process with potential buyers. It allows you to express what drives your artistry, the emotions behind your work, and the stories that shape each piece. A compelling profile helps buyers connect with you on a deeper level, making your art more meaningful and increasing the likelihood of a sale.
- Additional Features to Enhance Your Listing
- Shipping Information: Clearly outline expected delivery times, and packaging methods.
- Returns and Refunds: To prevent disputes, take photos of your artwork before and after packaging, for additional protection you could make a short video of you packaging the art piece.
- Certificate of Authenticity: If applicable, mention that your artwork comes with a certificate, adding value to the purchase.
- Legal Considerations
- Copyright Protection: Clearly state that the artwork is copyrighted and specify any restrictions on reproductions or commercial use.
- Marketplace Terms and Conditions: Provide a link to the platform’s policies on sales, returns, and intellectual property.
- Monitoring Performance and Improving Listings
- Ask for Feedback: After a sale, request buyer feedback to refine and improve your listings.
By following this guide, you can create a strong marketplace presence, showcase your artwork effectively, and build trust with potential buyers. Remember, presenting your artwork professionally helps establish your brand and encourages sales, even if you’re just starting out.
