Selling Art Online for Beginners

Are you an artist who wants to start selling your art online? I’ve got you. Just follow the steps below to get started!

Selling Art Online for Beginners

1. Build a portfolio of high quality work

In order to start selling your art online, you should have a decent sized portfolio for potential customers to choose from. Aim for 10-25 artworks or products you want to list for sale.

You can either make a batch of new artwork, or dig up some old pieces that could work digitally or physically to sell and repurpose them.

I also want to emphasize that quality and unique-ness is more important now than ever. There is a ton of competition out there so make sure your designs are good and unique enough that you won’t get lost in a sea of competitors.

Not quite there yet? Keep practicing and honing your craft. No one really is born with some amazing artistic ability, it takes times and practice to develop skills. Over time you will get there and build your portfolio in the process.

2: Decide what type of art you want to sell

Next, you’ll have to decide what kind of art you want to sell, which will depend on your medium, style, and goals as an artist.

Identify your audience and how you want to sell your art.

Are you going to sell art prints?
Are you going to sell physical artwork, such as paintings?
Do you create sculptures, jewellery or some other physical product?
Are you interested in designing t-shirts and/or home décor products to sell through print on demand?
Do you want to sell digital products like cell phone wallpaper or graphic assets for designers?
Are you interested in selling NFTs?

All of these are viable ways to make money selling your art online. You can choose just one or a combination of these.

Want even more ideas? Check out my list of 101 Ways for Artists to Make Money!

3. Digitize your artwork

If you don’t already have your art in a digital format, you’ll need to digitize it in some way. Either by scanning or photographing your physical artwork in high quality with good lighting.

Scan or photograph your artwork in high resolution.
Try to get sharp lines and true colors by using a tripod and good lighting.
Post process in a program like Photoshop to fix colors, or clean up scans.

Check out my video tutorial below on how to digitize your artwork using Photoshop and Illustrator.

4. List your artwork for sale on your chosen platform(s)

Upload your designs or create listings on your chosen platform.

If you are going the Print On Demand route, only add to products that look good and work with the design. You may need to customize the design for different products, like having a version with a transparent background for stickers and t-shirts.

For physical products you can sell on your own website, social media or Etsy. Make sure the photos look good and it’s clear what you are selling. Also make sure it’s simple and easy for a customer to purchase from you.

5: Market your products

Marketing sounds hard but there are actually so many ways to market your artwork online!

You can use social media or a shopping website like Pinterest. There are many ways to market your artwork these are just a few ideas.

Share your products and artwork on social media. You can use a mock-up generator like Place It to help show the designs on physical products without having to purchase them yourself.
Create an Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook page dedicated to your art. (Ideally, choose one you use frequently so it’s not a burden to learn or use daily).
You may consider building a website, which can be a hub if you sell on multiple platforms. It could be a blog like this, or just a simple portfolio of your work.
To dive deeper into marketing, watch tutorials on YouTube or try Skillshare to hone your business skills or even artistic skills as your business grows.

Consistently create new designs so you can figure out what works and what doesn’t, then make more of what resonates with your audience.

Consistency is key!

I hope you’ve found this guide to selling your art online useful. Feel free to leave any additional tips or questions for me in the comments below!

If you want to learn even more make sure to check out my Skillshare class! From Design to Product: Sell Your Art Online through Print on Demand.

Cheers,

The Best Print on Demand Automation Tools

best print on demand automation tools software

~ Julie ~ 2 Comments

the best print on demand automation software tools

Are you looking to scale your print on demand art business with automation tools and software?

As artists and entrepreneurs we are usually the sole employee of our business, and can only do so much. At some point we must turn to automation tools (or else hire someone) to take away some of the busy work, like uploading to marketplaces like Etsy, Redbubble, Society6 etc. This gives us back more time to create designs, which is what you’d rather be doing right?!

So if you’re ready to take your print on demand business to the next level, keep reading for a list of tools that might work for you!

Flying Upload

Flying Upload is a versatile automation software which integrates with Redbubble, Printful, Society6, Teepublic, Zazzle and several other marketplaces. It also includes keyword suggestions, trademark / copyright checks, and more. You can upload images and then fill in the design information right in the software. It’s fairly easy to learn and user friendly compared with some of the others in this list.

Best for: Artists who sell on many different platforms and do artistic / pattern work as well as t-shirt designers.

Cost: Free version available, Pro from $7.95 per month, (JULIE10 for 10% off)

print on demand automation with flying upload

Pod Connect

Pod Connect is another automation software which integrates with Printful and other marketplaces like Redbubble, Zazzle etc. Through Printful you can easily sell on Etsy, or even on your own website with a Shopify or Woocommerce storefront. The easiest way to upload your designs to the software is by creating a “CSV file” or spreadsheet with all of the design data. This requires a bit of work upfront but saves time in the long run.

Best for: Artists who use Printful with their own website or Etsy and do t-shirt designs.

Cost: Free trial, then $19.99 per month (JULIE20 for 20% off lifetime)

Book Bolt

Book Bolt is an all-in-one Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) low content book creation tool, which works in the browser so you don’t have to download anything. It allows you to make lots of KDP interiors quickly and easily. There is also a built-in design tool which is pretty intuitive and you can upload your own images to pair with text and shapes. Keyword and niche research tools are also available in the tool. Upgrade to get access to PuzzleWiz which allows you to create all sorts of puzzle interiors, sudoku and more!

Learn more about selling your art on books through Amazon KDP.

Best for: Artists and designers who want to make book covers and sell “low content” books through Amazon KDP.

Cost: Some free interiors available, free trial then starts at $9.99 per month (20% off with code JULIE20).

Merch Informer

Merch Informer is an all-in-one Merch by Amazon selling platform which includes upload automation to Amazon but also other print on demand platforms like Redbubble, Teespring etc. It also includes niche research, keyword suggestion tools and a built-in design tool for those who don’t have access to design software.

Best for: Artists and designers who focus on Merch by Amazon as their main selling platform.

Cost: Free trial, starts at $9.99 per month.

print on demand automation software merch informer

Merch Titans

Like Merch Informer, Merch Titans is more geared towards folks who sell mainly on Merch by Amazon, but it can also upload to other marketplaces like Redbubble, Society6, Teepublic etc. There is also a separate tool for KDP, and tag (keyword) generators.

Best for: Artists and designers who focus on Merch by Amazon and make t-shirt designs.

Cost: Starts at $9.99 per month.

Productor Chrome Extension

Productor is a Google chrome extension which works on your Merch by Amazon dashboard. It gives you lots of analytics and also includes easy product copy and relisting functions. It’s not a 100% automated upload process since you still have to do some clicking, but it is very quick to relist designs and translate into other languages for international marketplaces.

Best for: Merch by Amazon sellers who want more analytics, translation and relisting tools.

Cost: Free!

So what are the best print on demand automation tools?

There are several different automation tools that have come available for print on demand in the last couple of years, and they’re all a little different. Your needs will vary depending on the style of art you do and the marketplaces you mainly sell on. I suggest using the free trials where available to test them out before making a decision.

Personally I’m using Flying Upload at this time. I also use the Productor Chrome Extension a lot and Book Bolt for KDP.

In the end, the best tool is the one that works for you, and is in your price range!

I hope you’ve found this post useful, feel free to leave any questions or other tools you use for your print on demand business in the comments below.

Cheers,

NOTE: If you’re having issues with a particular software, please contact their support, as I don’t work for them.

*Please note: Some of the tools listed include an affiliate link. When you make a purchase through the links I may earn a commission, which helps me create more content :)

Common Scams for Artists to Watch Out For

common scams for artists to look out for

~ Julie ~ 6 Comments

Hey guys! If you’ve been online pretty much ever, you’ve probably seen a scammer in action. But did you know there are scams that specifically target artists and creatives?

I have personally encountered some of these scams and they can be very difficult to identify. I created this post in order to share them with you so you don’t fall prey to them!

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to take your money or intellectual property, so I’m sure this list will be outdated as soon as it’s published. However, I’ve also provided some tips on how to weed out a scam if you think you’ve encountered one.

scam alert letting text on black background

How to Identify a Scam

It’s always exciting as an artist when people reach out to you and recognize your talent. Many people and companies prey on this and find ways to disguise their scams as “opportunities” for artists.

Read every e-mail or message thoroughly. If the language and grammar is very poor and sentences don’t make sense, it’s likely not worth your time and could even just be an automated message.

Whenever you are approached by a person or company find out as much as you can about them before proceeding. Google the company, and read reviews about them on websites like Better Business Bureau. Ask friends or other artists if they have experience with this company. If you can’t find anything about them online that’s usually a red flag.

When a company sends you an offer or contract, thoroughly read the fine print because there could be a catch. If you have to spend any of your own money up front, it’s probably a scam.

Always consider what’s in it for them. Why are they interested in you and your art? What do they get out of the partnership? Not to say your art isn’t good, but no one works for free or without motive.

Here are some common scams for Artists to watch out for

Companies reaching out to you for a “media feature” – Don’t waste your time. You will later learn you have to pay upwards of $5000 for this feature that probably doesn’t reach your target audience at all.
People asking to “collaborate” only to get free content from you, such as a photo of yourself using their product. Unless it is a big company which aligns with your brand, don’t give away your content for free.
Someone asking to use your art for their website or logo. Be very wary and do your research before sending them anything. Do not give it to them for free either. At least create some sort of contract saying they cannot re-sell your art and only use it for a specific purpose so you could take legal action if needed.
People asking for free art or products in exchange for a social media shout-out. I strongly encourage you never to give your art away for free. If the person is a legitimate social media influencer they probably would not be approaching you.
Amateur art shows that are paid for by the artists. These art shows sound exciting but you should not be forced to sell tickets or pay to fund the show yourself. Always research the company, read reviews, and consider what they are getting out of it.
So-called “gurus” trying to you sell you expensive courses to “help your business”. Some of them ask for $20,000 or more! Don’t give up your life savings for the same things you can learn online for free.
People asking to buy your artwork, but want to pay through non-traditional payment methods. ONLY accept payment through Paypal, Cards or E-transfer. Do not accept cheques. Never send files or ship art until after you’ve received payment and it’s in your bank account.
Sellers ripping off your designs to sell on websites like Amazon, AliExpress, TeeSpring etc. Google the keywords of your most popular works every few months to see if it shows up on websites that are not your own. Then submit take-down notices.

Have you ever been scammed or encountered an artist-specific scam? Leave your experience below for others to learn from!

Cheers,

Want to learn some legit ways to sell your art online? Start here!

How to Fill Out the W-8BEN Tax Form for Print on Demand Royalties

print on demand tax forms and information

~ Julie ~ 7 Comments

Ah, tax forms. They’re one of those tedious administrative tasks that we simply can’t avoid when it comes to selling artwork online through Print on Demand websites. If you’re using a U.S.-based Print on Demand company like Zazzle, you’ll likely need to fill out and submit a W-8BEN tax form to ensure your payments are processed correctly.

**This post was updated to reflect the most current information available in July 2023.

Let’s dive in and explore the importance of the W-8BEN tax form specifically for royalties on Print on Demand platforms.

Now, this form can be quite confusing, and here’s the kicker: if you fail to submit it or fill it out properly, you might find yourself facing a hefty 30% withholding tax on your royalties. Ouch!

Fortunately, there’s good news for individuals residing in countries that have an income tax treaty with the U.S., like Canada. You may be exempt from paying this hefty withholding tax or, in some cases, eligible for a reduced withholding tax rate. To determine the specific withholding amounts based on your country, refer to the comprehensive list available on the IRS website.

To get started on your tax journey, head over to the IRS website and download the W-8BEN tax form. Now, filling out this form correctly is crucial to ensure your royalties are processed smoothly. Here’s an example of how to complete the form as a Canadian artist.

w8-ben royalties for print on demand websites canada

Let’s go over a few key points to remember:

The Foreign Tax identifying number (Box 6a) is equivalent to a U.S. Social Security Number and serves as your personal identification number for tax purposes in your country.
To find the correct Article and Paragraph number you will need to consult the tax document for your Country, which is provided on the IRS website.
The ____% rate of withholding (Line 10) will vary based on the withholding tax rate of your resident country. Remember to consult the same list provided on the IRS website for the specific rate applicable to you.

In conclusion, dealing with tax forms may be a bit of a hassle, but when it comes to selling your art and earning royalties through Print on Demand websites, it’s crucial to understand and comply with the W-8BEN tax form requirements.

By properly filling out this form and ensuring your eligibility for tax treaty benefits, you can avoid unnecessary withholding taxes and receive your hard-earned royalties in full.

I hope this guide has shed some light on the importance of the W-8BEN tax form for royalty payments on Print on Demand platforms. If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Cheers to a successful and tax-compliant art-selling journey!

Looking for more information about selling your art through Print on Demand sites? Check out the resources section of my website.

Also check out these posts:

Selling your Art on TeePublic

~ Julie ~ 2 Comments

I’ve been selling my designs on a Print On Demand website, called TeePublic for several years now. So, I decided to share my experience with you!

Read on to find out more about selling art on TeePublic and see if it might work for you!

Open a free TeePublic store and start selling your artwork today!

First Impressions of TeePublic

This POD is very T-shirt focused (it is TeePublic after all).
Prices are comparatively very reasonable. Maybe your friends/family won’t pay $30 for your t-shirt but they might be willing to pay $14!
Caters to branded and/or fan art. (Personally I avoid this because I’m not willing to have my stuff taken down due to copyright infringement)
Punny and funny designs also seem to do well.
Owned by Redbubble.

Ease of Upload

Very quick and simple uploading process. Few steps.
Intuitive tagging (suggestions come up even before you start typing)!
Must use a .png image for the t-shirts (ie. no background).
You can upload patterns for some products like pillows or totes, but you can only use one version of the image, you can’t upload a different file for the t-shirt (so in that case there would be no t-shirt for that design).
As mentioned above, there is no ability to upload multiple versions of the same design to suit a different product type, so keep this in mind.
You can resize and centre your design easily.

TeePublic Storefront

Pretty basic. Focus is on the design and T-shirts.
No models, just images of the products by themselves.

Here is a screenshot of my (old) store front:

T-shirt product page display:

Products and Pricing

A fairly small range of products but they are quite affordable.
Basic t-shirts are $14 for the first 3 days after upload, then they go up to $20.
T-shirts go on sale for $14 at least 1x per month. (Other products go on sale too)
A wide variety of shirt styles including hoodies and kids’ clothing are available.
They also have stickers, totes, tapestries, phone cases, mugs, pillows, notebooks and prints.
Prices in USD.

Shipping

Starts at $5.99 to the U.S. and Canada.

Payment

Paypal or Payoneer payment options.
Paid monthly on the 15th for previous month’s earnings.
Affiliate program available, but you have to apply.
They also have a “refer an artist” program, where you can potentially get paid if you refer someone to open a store and they make sales.

TeePublic Community

There is a Facebook group but it isn’t very active.
No obvious forum.
Ability to follow other designers but not to like their individual works.
Less sense of community than other platforms such as Zazzle or Redbubble.

Promotional Tools

You will get an e-mail once a month or so letting you know about upcoming sales.
In this email are links to download various advertisement templates catered to different social media platforms, which can be used and edited in Photoshop.
Teepublic advertises their top design picks on the homepage and through e-mail campaigns so if you can get noticed by them, they’ll do the work for you!

Summary

If your work is very graphic, and especially if you do fan art, TeePublic could be a great option for you.
Their website and uploading process is simple and easy to use.
Their affordable prices, especially $14 T-shirts, is an excellent way to entice buyers.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check out TeePublic today and let me know what your thoughts and experiences are in the comments below!

Cheers,