4 answers
Esther
Student
McKinney, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What are the steps to begin making my own art business and selling my artwork?
I dream to have my own art business where I can sell my art prints and stickers. I want to know what steps I should follow to make this happen?
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3 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
109
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Esther,
Try Googling "print on demand stickers" (or whatever other swag you want to sell) and you'll get options for Sticker Robot et al. I'm not sure if CafePress does stickers or not; I think they do. Anyway, those POD services take a big bite from each sale and won't make you a ton of money unless your products really take off, but they take care of all the production, fulfillment, and delivery, so all you have to do is produce your artwork according to their specifications, upload it, and fill out the required forms. You probably also need to have someone 18 or older with a bank account to help you if you're younger. Sites of this type are good places to test products because you don't have to deal with order minimums, storing inventory, payment processing, fulfillment, collecting taxes, and shipping.
CafePress offers a ton of product options, and you just select which products you want to make available--mugs, shirts, totes, whatever.
Looking at what other artists and vendors offer will help you determine what kinds of products are popular and how you can add something original to the mix that stands out from others but isn't so off trend that people will be uncomfortable and not buy. That's the sweet spot--picking something that's not played out but not far out! If you're looking for something a little more advanced in terms of style, you might have to find other ways to sell, like wholesaling your premade products to record or comics stores. It really depends on your style and your intended audience.
Hope this helps!
Try Googling "print on demand stickers" (or whatever other swag you want to sell) and you'll get options for Sticker Robot et al. I'm not sure if CafePress does stickers or not; I think they do. Anyway, those POD services take a big bite from each sale and won't make you a ton of money unless your products really take off, but they take care of all the production, fulfillment, and delivery, so all you have to do is produce your artwork according to their specifications, upload it, and fill out the required forms. You probably also need to have someone 18 or older with a bank account to help you if you're younger. Sites of this type are good places to test products because you don't have to deal with order minimums, storing inventory, payment processing, fulfillment, collecting taxes, and shipping.
CafePress offers a ton of product options, and you just select which products you want to make available--mugs, shirts, totes, whatever.
Looking at what other artists and vendors offer will help you determine what kinds of products are popular and how you can add something original to the mix that stands out from others but isn't so off trend that people will be uncomfortable and not buy. That's the sweet spot--picking something that's not played out but not far out! If you're looking for something a little more advanced in terms of style, you might have to find other ways to sell, like wholesaling your premade products to record or comics stores. It really depends on your style and your intended audience.
Hope this helps!
Paul Hultman
Freelance Illustrations
15
Answers
Torrington, Connecticut
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Esther, achieving success is a journey that requires passion, dedication, and patience. Focus on the art forms that excite you the most and feel natural to you. Discover your unique style. Connect with various artists to learn from their experiences. Art school can be a great start, especially if it offers placement programs to help you find opportunities. There are many career paths in art, like commercial art, digital art, animation, fashion design, and branding. If you prefer to work independently, consider selling your art on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Art Storefronts. You can also use Facebook Marketplace and social media to showcase and sell your work. Be cautious of scams and learn how to effectively use social media tools for your art business. Remember, many artists worldwide are on a similar journey. Best of luck, Esther!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Esther,
It is great to hear that you are looking to create your own art business to start selling your artwork. Firstly, make sure to get a habit of making as much as you can, and know that there will be more responsibilities the more work you sell and receive. Master your skills and progress and keep record of everything. Know that a part of making a business is making some mistakes, know that you will learn more as you go through differenet experiences. There are a few different things you can keep in mind when selling your art.
You can sell your art a few different ways including galleries or online like Etsy. Depending on your art will depend on how you would like to sell it. You can also go down the route of selling it on Instagram by gaining a social media following. Either way, creating connections and networking within your art community can help finding people to help sell your work. If you are looking to display at galleries, make sure to start going to opening in order to network and find a place you might be able to display. If you are looking to take the social media route, be sure it is something you would enjoy and be able to stay determined to. That goes for any ways of selling your art, and know the more you work at it, the more you will sell.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are looking to create your own art business to start selling your artwork. Firstly, make sure to get a habit of making as much as you can, and know that there will be more responsibilities the more work you sell and receive. Master your skills and progress and keep record of everything. Know that a part of making a business is making some mistakes, know that you will learn more as you go through differenet experiences. There are a few different things you can keep in mind when selling your art.
You can sell your art a few different ways including galleries or online like Etsy. Depending on your art will depend on how you would like to sell it. You can also go down the route of selling it on Instagram by gaining a social media following. Either way, creating connections and networking within your art community can help finding people to help sell your work. If you are looking to display at galleries, make sure to start going to opening in order to network and find a place you might be able to display. If you are looking to take the social media route, be sure it is something you would enjoy and be able to stay determined to. That goes for any ways of selling your art, and know the more you work at it, the more you will sell.
Best of luck on your journey!