How To Sell Your Art Online In 2023 - The Basics

Summary

This video offers practical advice for artists looking to sell their work online. The speaker, an experienced artist, emphasizes the importance of starting, regardless of skill level, and warns against overvaluing art world credentials. They highlight the growing influence of social media for building an audience and suggest simplifying shipping processes. The artist also advises accepting a lack of understanding from others, curbing perfectionism, and postponing tax concerns until necessary. The video concludes with a teaser for a follow-up on choosing the best platform for selling art.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Start Now**: Begin selling art without waiting for perfection or extensive knowledge.
• 🏆 **Undervalue Credentials**: Awards and exhibitions are less impactful than actively selling art.
• 📈 **Prioritize Selling**: Focus on sales over acquiring credentials to grow your art career.
• 🤝 **Social Media Importance**: Building an audience on social media is crucial for modern art success.
• 💡 **Learn by Doing**: Practical experience in selling art is more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
• 🌐 **Shift in Art World**: The art world now values social media presence as a significant credential.
• 🚫 **Avoid Overcomplicating**: Simplify shipping and presentation to reduce costs and buyer burden.
• 🔍 **Expect Misunderstanding**: Accept that不理解 is common and don't let it hinder your artistic pursuits.
• 🛍️ **Simplify Transactions**: Make purchasing and shipping as straightforward as possible for buyers.
• 💼 **Market Over Perfection**: Let the market, not personal judgment, determine the success of your art.
• 💰 **Initial Tax Considerations**: Postpone worrying about taxes until after your initial sales to reduce overwhelm.

Q & A

What is the first step to selling art online according to the speaker?

The first step is to simply start. The speaker emphasizes that no one knows how to sell art until they actually do it, and the learning happens through experience.

Why does the speaker advise against spending too much time acquiring art world credentials?

The speaker argues that credentials like awards and exhibitions are often overvalued and don't significantly impact sales. Instead, the time spent acquiring them could be better used for selling art.

What is the speaker's view on social media for artists?

The speaker believes social media is now one of the most important credentials an artist can have. It's free to use, and building an audience there can greatly enhance an artist's success.

What life guidance does the speaker share from Pablo Picasso?

The speaker quotes Picasso, saying, 'The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away,' emphasizing the importance of sharing one's art with the world.

How does the speaker suggest artists deal with the fact that others might not understand their art career?

The speaker advises not to expect others to understand your art career, as most people will not. It's important to continue pursuing your goals regardless of external opinions or judgment.

What does the speaker recommend for shipping artwork?

The speaker recommends keeping shipping simple. For smaller works, use carton sleeves or tubes, and avoid expensive, professional shipping services or wooden crates unless absolutely necessary.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming perfectionism in the art-making process?

The speaker suggests letting the market decide the value of your art instead of judging it yourself. Producing more work (quantity) will naturally lead to higher quality over time.

What is the speaker’s advice regarding taxes when starting an art business?

The speaker advises not to worry too much about taxes at the beginning and to focus on learning the basics of selling art. Once a few sales have been made, then it's time to deal with taxes, but legal advice is recommended.

Why is choosing the right place to sell art online critical, according to the speaker?

Choosing the wrong platform can doom your art career, as each platform has different dynamics. The speaker stresses the importance of researching and selecting the right marketplace, website, or social media platform to sell your art.

How has the perception of social media followers changed in the art world?

The perception has shifted drastically. A few years ago, social media followers were not seen as valuable for artists, but today, having a large following can be more important than traditional credentials like exhibitions or gallery representation.