10 Ways to Sell Printable Art Online

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Have you been looking for more ways to sell your printable art on the internet to earn more income?

Thinking about selling your printable art? It can feel like a big step, but there are lots of ways to get your work out there. Whether you’re a painter, a digital whiz, or love making cool designs, people want to buy your creations.

This guide will break down some popular methods to help you turn your art into something people can buy, from prints to cool merchandise. Let’s get started on making your art accessible to everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Print-on-demand services are a simple way to start selling printable art without holding any stock. They handle printing and shipping for you.
• Partnering with a printing company can be good if you have popular pieces, but you’ll still need to manage shipping.
• Offering digital downloads of your art is a low-overhead way to reach customers who want to print it themselves.
• Selling printable art is great for unique pieces, but reproductions can offer more sales opportunities.
• Putting your art on different items like posters, cards, or planners can open up new markets for your work.

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1. Utilize Print-on-Demand Services

Using print-on-demand (POD) services is a really straightforward way to get your art out there without a lot of upfront hassle or cash. Basically, you upload your designs to a POD company, and they handle all the printing, packaging, and shipping when someone buys something with your art on it. It’s like having a fulfillment center that works for you, 24/7.

This hands-off approach means you can focus more on creating art and less on the nitty-gritty of production and logistics. It’s also super budget-friendly because you don’t need to buy a bunch of supplies or keep inventory. You just create, upload, and let the POD service do the rest regarding your printable art. Plus, your art isn’t just limited to paper prints; you can put it on all sorts of things like mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and even tote bags. It’s a great way to diversify your product line and reach more customers.

How it Generally Works

• Choose a POD service: Companies like Printify, Printful, or Redbubble are popular options for printable art. Do a little research to see which one fits your needs best in terms of product selection, pricing, and integration with your online store.
• Upload your artwork: Make sure your files are high-resolution and formatted correctly for the products you choose.
• Create your product listings: Add descriptions, set your prices, and connect your POD account to your online shop (like Etsy or Shopify).
• Customer orders: When a customer buys something, the POD service automatically gets notified.
• Production and shipping: The POD company prints your design on the product and ships it directly to your customer.

It’s a good idea to order samples yourself first. This way, you can check the print quality, colors, and overall feel of the products before they start going out to your buyers. You want to make sure everything looks just right.

POD services can be a game-changer for artists who want to sell physical products without the headaches of managing inventory and shipping. It really lets you concentrate on what you do best: making art.

2. Partner with a Printing Company

So, you’ve got your amazing digital printable art ready to go, but how do you get it into people’s hands as physical prints? One solid way is to team up with a printing company. Think of them as your production partners. They’ve got the fancy machines and the know-how to turn your digital files into high-quality prints, whether that’s on paper, canvas, or even greeting cards.

This can be a really smart move if you’re looking to sell a smaller selection of your work but want to sell a lot of each piece. You’re still in charge of the packaging and getting it to your customers, but they handle the actual printing, often with better quality than you might manage at home, especially as you grow.

Why Partner with a Printer?

• Quality Control: Professional printers often use advanced equipment that can produce sharper images and more accurate colors than standard home printers. This is super important for making your printable art look its best.
• Scalability: If your art starts taking off and you get a ton of orders, a printing company can handle the volume much better than you could printing one by one yourself. It saves you a lot of time and effort.
• Product Variety: Many printing partners offer a range of products beyond just paper prints, like canvas wraps, posters in different finishes, and even custom framing options.

Choosing the Right Printing Partner

When you’re looking for a printing company, it’s a good idea to do a little homework. See what kind of products they specialize in. Do they offer the paper types or canvas finishes you’re interested in? Also, check out their pricing structure.

Some might offer discounts if you order in larger batches, which could be great if you anticipate steady sales. Don’t forget to ask about turnaround times – how long does it take them to print and get your order ready?

It’s also a really good idea to order samples yourself before you start selling. This way, you can see the print quality firsthand, check the colors, and make sure you’re happy with the final product. You want to be confident in what you’re sending out to your buyers.

What to Offer

• Posters: These are usually a more budget-friendly option for customers and come in various sizes and paper types. They’re great for dorm rooms or as a more accessible entry point to your art.
• Canvas Prints: For a more premium feel, canvas prints offer a textured, gallery-ready look. You can get them stretched and ready to hang, giving your art a professional presentation.
• Greeting Cards: These are fantastic for seasonal designs or smaller, more affordable pieces. They’re often impulse buys and can be a nice way for customers to share your art with others.

Partnering with a printing company can really help you scale your business and offer a professional product without needing to invest in all the printing equipment yourself. It lets you focus more on creating and less on the production side of things.

3. Offer Digital Downloads

Offering digital downloads of your printable art is a fantastic way to reach a wider audience and generate income without the hassle of physical production. Think of it as selling a license for people to enjoy your art in their own space. This means you create the digital file once, and then you can sell it over and over again. It’s a pretty sweet deal for passive income, honestly.

What kind of digital art can you sell? The possibilities are pretty broad. You could offer high-resolution files of your paintings, illustrations, or graphic designs. Many artists also sell digital planners, printable wall art, custom fonts, or even Photoshop brushes. It really depends on what you enjoy making and what you think your audience would like.

When you’re ready to start selling, you’ll need a place to host and sell these files. There are several platforms out there that make this process straightforward. Some popular choices include Etsy, which is a huge marketplace, or more specialized platforms like Podia or Sensei.

These platforms handle the payment processing and file delivery for you, which is a huge time saver. You can even integrate some of these into your own website if you have one. It’s a good idea to look into a few options to see which one fits your needs best, especially considering fees and features.

For instance, some platforms offer free plans to get started, which is great when you’re just beginning.

Types of Digital Downloads

• High-resolution image files of your artwork (e.g., JPEGs, PNGs, TIFFs)
• Printable wall art in various sizes
• Digital planners, journals, or trackers
• Custom fonts or graphic design elements
• Digital stickers or clip art
• Procreate brushes or Photoshop actions

Choosing a Platform

When picking a platform for your printable art, consider these points:

• Ease of Use: How simple is it to upload files and set up your shop?
• Transaction Fees: What percentage does the platform take from each sale?
• Customization: Can you make your shop look like your brand?
• Features: Does it offer things like discount codes, email marketing, or analytics?

Pricing Your Digital Downloads

Pricing can be tricky, but here’s a general idea:

• Simple Printables: $3 – $15
• Complex Designs/Planners: $10 – $30
• Digital Art Files (for personal use): $5 – $50 (depending on complexity and artist reputation)

Remember, you’re selling a digital license, so factor in the value of your time and the uniqueness of your art. Don’t be afraid to experiment with pricing to see what works best for your audience.

4. Sell Original Artwork

Selling your original printable art is a direct way to connect with collectors who appreciate the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you create. Unlike prints, originals carry a higher price point and often represent a significant investment for the buyer. This means you’ll need to build a strong connection with your audience, showing them the value and story behind each piece.

When you’re selling originals, your online store is usually the best place to start. It gives you full control over presentation and pricing. However, don’t shy away from working with galleries, either online or physical ones.

They can expose your work to new people and handle the promotion and sales process, which can be a big help if that’s not your strong suit. Just remember to do your homework and reach out with a personalized, professional email that includes a link to your portfolio. Each gallery has its own way of accepting submissions, so be prepared for that.

Pricing Your Originals

Pricing original printable art can feel a bit like guesswork sometimes, but there are some common-sense approaches. Consider the materials you used, the time you spent, your experience level, and what similar artists are charging for comparable pieces.

It’s also important to factor in your overhead costs and the platform fees if you’re selling through a marketplace.

Documenting Your Originals

High-quality documentation is super important for original art. This means taking clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. You might also want to include a short video showing the texture or details. For paintings, a close-up of your signature is a nice touch. This helps buyers feel more confident about what they’re purchasing.

Telling the Story

People often buy printable art not just for the aesthetics, but for the story and the artist behind it. Share the inspiration for a piece, the techniques you used, or any personal meaning it holds. This narrative adds depth and can make a piece much more appealing to a potential buyer. Think about including a small artist statement with each original sold.

Handling Sales and Shipping

Selling originals means you’ll be dealing with shipping one-of-a-kind items. Make sure you have a solid plan for packaging your artwork securely to prevent damage during transit. Research shipping carriers and costs, and clearly communicate your shipping policies and timelines to your buyers. Offering insurance for higher-value pieces is also a good idea.

5. Create Merchandise

Beyond just prints, think about putting your art on everyday items. This is where merchandise can really boost your income. People love to carry art around with them, whether it’s on a t-shirt, a coffee mug, or even a phone case.

Using print-on-demand services makes this super easy. You just upload your design, pick the product, and the service handles all the printing, packing, and shipping when someone buys something. It means you don’t have to keep any stock yourself, which is a huge plus.

It’s a great way to get your art out there and let people connect with it in a more personal way. Plus, the profit potential can be pretty good. You can offer a whole range of items, from stickers to tote bags, giving customers lots of choices.

Choosing Products

• T-shirts and Apparel: Always a popular choice. Think about different styles and fits.
• Mugs and Drinkware: Great for daily use, people often buy these as gifts.
• Phone Cases: A small but very visible way for people to show off their favorite art.
• Tote Bags: Practical and eco-friendly, these are fantastic for carrying groceries or everyday items.
• Stickers: Small, affordable, and perfect for decorating laptops or notebooks.

Pricing Your Merchandise

When you’re figuring out prices, remember to cover your costs and make a profit. A good rule of thumb is to double what it costs the print-on-demand service to make the item. So, if a t-shirt costs $15 to produce and ship, aim to sell it for at least $30. This way, you still make money even if you decide to run a sale later on.

Legal Stuff and Store Policies

Don’t forget the important business side of things. You’ll need to set up clear store policies. This includes:

• A clear return and refund policy.
• A privacy policy and terms of use.

Make sure these are easy for customers to find on your website or shop. If you’re using a print-on-demand service, they often handle replacements for items lost or damaged in transit, but it’s good to know their policy.

6. Design Greeting Cards

Greeting cards are a classic way to connect with people, and offering them as printables is a smart move for artists. Think about it – people always need cards for birthdays, holidays, thank yous, or just because. You can create a whole range of designs, from funny to heartfelt, and your customers can print them right at home. It’s super convenient for them and a great way to get your art out there.

How to Create and Sell Printable Greeting Cards

1. Design Your Card: Most standard greeting cards are 5″ x 7″ when folded. To make a printable, you’ll want to create a file that’s 10″ x 7″. Place your main design on the right half of this file – that’s the front of the card. You can leave the left half blank or add a subtle design for the inside message area. Remember to leave space for folding!
2. Include Printing Instructions: This is important! Make sure to provide a clear guide for your customers. Tell them what kind of paper works best (cardstock is usually a good bet for durability), how to print it, and how to fold it neatly. A little guidance goes a long way.
3. Export and Upload: Save your finished card design as a high-resolution PDF. This ensures the best print quality. Then, you can upload this file to your online shop or platform. You can sell them individually or even bundle them into sets for different occasions.

Offering printable greeting cards means your customers can get a unique, personalized card quickly without waiting for shipping. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

I would also consider taking a look at additional ways to generate income like money making apps. You can tell your printable art and earn additional supplemental income for doing things you already do like shopping or buying gas and groceries. Below are 10 of our top recommended revenue generating apps to consider.

1. InboxDollars
2. Zoombucks
3. Fetch Rewards
4. User Interviews
5. KashKick
6. Ibotta
7. FreeCash
8. Five Surveys
9. Branded Surveys
10. My Points

7. Produce Posters

Posters are a fantastic way to get your art out there, especially if you’re aiming for a younger audience or just want a more budget-friendly option for customers. Think college dorm rooms, first apartments, or just a pop of color for a kid’s bedroom. They’re generally less expensive to produce than canvas prints, making them an accessible entry point for buyers new to collecting art.

You can offer a wide range of poster styles, from simple graphic designs and quotes to more intricate illustrations. The key is to make sure your designs are high-resolution so they look sharp when printed, especially in larger formats like 24″ x 36″.

Here’s a quick rundown on how to approach poster sales:

• Design Variety: Create designs that appeal to different tastes. This could include minimalist prints, bold typography, abstract patterns, or even fun illustrations for children’s rooms. Consider offering sets or collections that customers can buy together.
• Size Options: Offer a few standard print sizes. Common choices include 8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″, 16″ x 20″, and the larger 24″ x 36″. Providing these options makes it easier for customers to find frames and fit the art into their existing decor.
• File Format: Always export your final artwork as a high-resolution PDF. This ensures the best quality when printed, preventing pixelation or blurriness. You might also include a JPG for digital use, but PDF is king for printing.
• Print Quality: While you can print at home, consider partnering with a professional printing service. They often have better equipment and can produce a more consistent, professional finish. Look for services that specialize in art prints.

Additional Tips

When you’re selling posters, think about the overall aesthetic your customers are going for. Are they decorating a study space? A living room? Tailor your designs to fit those vibes. It’s not just about the art itself, but how it fits into someone’s life and home.

Remember to also think about how you’ll present them. Will you offer them rolled in a tube? Or perhaps framed? While framing adds cost, it can also increase perceived value. For digital downloads, clearly state the recommended print sizes and paper types to help your customers achieve the best results.

8. Offer Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are a fantastic way to offer your art in a more substantial, gallery-ready format. Unlike paper prints, canvas has a texture and depth that really makes artwork pop. People often see canvas prints as a more premium product, which can justify a higher price point.

Think about offering different canvas types, like classic polycotton or gallery wraps, to give customers options. This can appeal to a wider range of buyers, from those looking for a simple, elegant display to those wanting something that feels more finished and ready to hang.

When you’re getting your art onto canvas, you’ll want to make sure your digital file is super high-resolution. This is key for a crisp, clear print, especially on larger sizes. You can either work with a print-on-demand service that handles the printing and shipping for you, or partner with a local printing company if you prefer to manage that part yourself.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Resolution is King: Always upload the highest resolution file you have. Aim for at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for best results.
• Color Accuracy: Different screens show colors differently. You might want to get a test print done to check how your colors translate to canvas.
• Finishing Touches: Some services offer options like mirrored edges or different wrap thicknesses, which can add a professional look.

Offering canvas prints can really step up your game in the online art market. It’s a way to present your work that feels more substantial and permanent, appealing to customers who want to invest in a piece of art for their home.

It’s also a good idea to provide a few standard sizes, like 8×10 inches, 11×14 inches, and 16×20 inches. This makes it easier for customers to visualize where the print might fit in their own space.

9. Develop Planners and Trackers

People are always looking for ways to get more organized and hit their goals. That’s where printable planners and trackers come in. These aren’t just for daily to-do lists; you can get really specific with them. Think about what your audience struggles with or wants to improve.

Maybe they need a workout log to track their fitness progress, a meal planner to eat healthier, or a content calendar to manage their social media. Creating a printable that simplifies a specific task can be a real game-changer for your customers.

Tailor to Your Niche

If you already have a business or a specific audience, think about what they need to plan or track. For example, if you sell a fitness program, a workout tracker is a natural fit. If you offer travel advice, a trip planner makes perfect sense. You can sell these as standalone items or bundle them with your other products to offer more value. It’s all about solving a problem for your customers.

Design and Formatting Tips

When you’re designing, keep usability in mind. Make sure there’s enough space for people to write things down by hand after they print. Also, offer a few standard print sizes, like 8.5″ x 11″ and A4, so printing is easy no matter where your customer is located.

Clear printing instructions are also a good idea, so customers know exactly how to get the best results. You can use tools like Canva or Adobe to create your designs, then export them as PDFs. Uploading multiple versions of a file to a single product listing is also a great way to cater to different needs, which you can learn more about in this guide creating and selling printables.

Examples of Planners and Trackers

• Habit Trackers: Help users monitor daily habits, like drinking water or exercising.
• Goal Planners: Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Budget Trackers: Assist people in managing their personal finances.
• Content Calendars: Aid creators in planning their social media posts.
• Travel Planners: Help organize trips, from booking to daily itineraries.

Offering planners and trackers is a smart way to provide practical value. They help people organize their lives and work towards their objectives, making them highly sought-after digital products.

10. Build Your Artist Brand

Think of your artist brand as the personality of your art business. It’s not just about the style of your paintings or prints; it’s about the whole package – how you present yourself, your story, and your values to the world. Building a strong brand helps people connect with you and your work on a deeper level, making them more likely to become loyal fans and customers.

Define Your Brand Identity

Start by thinking about what makes you, you as an artist. What’s your unique style? What inspires you? What message do you want to share? Jotting down answers to questions like these can help shape your brand’s core. Consider your brand’s visual look – the colors, fonts, and overall feel. Even if you don’t have a big budget, tools exist to help you create a simple logo and consistent visual elements for your website and social media.

Craft Your Brand Story

People buy from people they connect with. Your brand story is how you share your journey, your passion, and maybe even your struggles as an artist. This can be woven into your website’s ‘About’ page, your social media posts, or even little notes included with your orders. Sharing your process or what drives you can make your art more meaningful to buyers.

Be Consistent Across Platforms

Whatever you decide your brand is, make sure it shows up consistently everywhere. This means your website, your social media profiles, your email newsletters, and even your packaging should all have a similar look and feel. Consistency builds recognition and trust. If your art is whimsical and colorful, your online presence should reflect that.

Engage with Your Audience

Building a brand isn’t a one-way street. Interact with people who follow you. Respond to comments, ask questions, and show appreciation for their support. This engagement turns casual followers into a community that feels invested in your success. Think of it like building relationships, not just collecting likes.

Key Branding Elements:

• Brand Name: Your artist name or business name.
• Logo: A visual representation of your brand.
• Color Palette: Consistent colors used in your branding.
• Typography: Specific fonts used for text.
• Brand Voice: The tone and style of your communication.
• Brand Story: Your narrative as an artist.

Building a recognizable brand takes time and effort, but it’s one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded online marketplace. It’s about creating an experience for your customers that goes beyond just the artwork itself.

Conclusion

So, you’ve got the tools and the ideas to get your art out there. Selling printable art online can feel like a lot at first, but breaking it down into these steps makes it totally doable. Remember to think about what you want to sell, how you’ll get it printed, and where you’ll list it.

Building your brand and connecting with people who like your style is super important too. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works best for you. The online art world is huge, and there’s definitely a spot for your unique creations. Go ahead and start sharing your talent!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to sell my art online?

You can sell your art on many different websites! Think about places like Etsy, or even your own website if you build one. Social media is also a great spot to show off your work and connect with people who might want to buy it. Some sites specialize in art, like Creative Market or Adobe Stock.

Can I really make money selling digital art?

Yes, absolutely! Selling art online can be really profitable. Lots of people are buying art online now. To make good money, you need to find what makes your art special and tell people about it. Marketing is key!

How do I handle printing and shipping my art?

It’s smart to use services that print your art for you when customers order it. This way, you don’t have to keep lots of art in stock. You just upload your design, and they handle printing and sending it out. It’s a super easy way to start.

What kind of art sells the best?

Think about what kind of art you love making and what people are looking for. Maybe you like drawing cute animals, or perhaps you create cool abstract designs. Focusing on a specific style, like ‘minimalist nature art’ or ‘vintage-style planners,’ can help you attract more buyers.

What does it mean to build my artist brand?

Building your own brand means showing people who you are as an artist. Your style, the colors you use, and even how you package your art all tell a story. Sharing your journey and what inspires you can make people connect with your art on a deeper level.

Should I offer my art in different formats?

It’s a good idea to offer your art in different ways. You could sell digital copies that people can print themselves, or you could have it printed on things like posters, t-shirts, or greeting cards. This gives people more choices and can help you earn more.

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Are you looking for better ways and tools to build your monthly revenue and brand? Be sure to check out our other resources located here to speed up the process.