Ask an Artist: How do I start selling my art online?

Ask an Artist: How Did You Start Selling Your First Pieces of Art and How Can I Sell My Own?

One of the most common questions I get asked by aspiring artists is:

How do I start selling my art online?

I totally understand where this question is coming from. When you’re just beginning your artistic journey, the idea of selling your work can feel a little intimidating. But trust me, it’s possible—and you don’t need a huge following or a fancy website to get started.

Let me share how I got my first sales and offer some advice on how you can do the same.

My First Art Sales: From Instagram to Commissions

When I first started sharing my work online, I didn’t have a big plan to sell it. I simply wanted to share my art and connect with others. I started posting regularly on Instagram, showing the art I was creating and sharing bits of my creative process.

What surprised me was how quickly things started to happen. After sharing a few pieces, I received direct messages from people asking if I could do commissions for them. That was how I got my first paid work! They had seen my art, liked what they saw, and wanted something special made just for them.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to overthink it. Just share your art. When you put it out there, you’ll be surprised at how many people connect with your work and reach out for commissions.

The Power of Personal Connections

While social media played a huge role, I also started selling my art through personal connections. At a networking event, I spoke with someone who loved my work and asked if I would illustrate their book. That led to my first big commission, and it’s one of the projects I’m most proud of.

It’s easy to forget, but in-person connections matter just as much as online ones. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, a networking event, or even chatting with someone at the grocery store, you never know when a casual conversation could lead to your next commission.

Free Channels to Share Your Art

There are so many free channels available to get your art out there—Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and even TikTok. You don’t need a huge following to start selling your art; you just need to begin. The more you share, the more people will see your work, and the more chances you have to connect with people who will love it.

If you’re feeling nervous about putting your art out there, that’s completely normal. Start small. You can even block friends and family from seeing your posts if that makes you feel more comfortable. Just take that first step, and remember: the more you share, the more chances you’ll have to sell your work.

The Key Takeaway

So, how do you start selling your art? The answer is simple: just begin. Share your work, both online and in person. Don’t worry about what others think. The right people will find you, and soon enough, you’ll be getting messages for commissions just like I did.

Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start selling. Start now, share what you love, and see where it takes you.

I wrote another blogpost a wile ago where I list a long list of online marketplaces and resources to help you along the way:

How do I start selling my art online?

https://www.makingsandmusings.com/post/how-to-sell-your-first-pieces-of-art-a-beginner-s-guide