Where to Sell Artwork Online: 12 Best Websites for Artists

Where to Sell Artwork Online: 12 Best Websites for Artists
This post may contain affiliate links, but the opinions are the author's own.

If you are wondering where to sell artwork online, you have more options than ever. Artists now sell through curated galleries, handmade marketplaces, print-on-demand shops, and their own websites. The right choice depends on what you make and how much work you want to do.

First, know what you are selling. Original art is a one-of-a-kind piece, such as a painting or drawing. Prints are reproductions of your work, sold in multiples. Digital downloads are files buyers print or use themselves, so there is no shipping.

Quick answer: For original paintings, start with Saatchi Art or Artfinder. For prints and merchandise, try Fine Art America, Redbubble, or Society6. For a mix of everything, Etsy is the easiest starting point, and Shopify gives you the most control.

We compared each platform on four things: fees, audience, artwork types supported, and earning potential. Fees and rules change often, so the numbers below reflect what was published as of 2026. Always confirm them on each platform before you sign up.

Table of Contents

What Are the Best Websites to Sell Artwork Online?

The best websites to sell artwork online fall into three groups. Curated galleries review your work and charge higher commissions. Open marketplaces let almost anyone list, with lower fees. Your own store costs a monthly fee but lets you keep control of pricing and customer data.

Best Overall Platforms for Selling Art

  1. Etsy is the most flexible choice because it supports originals, prints, and digital downloads. On a typical US sale, Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee on the full order total including shipping, and 3% + $0.25 in payment processing. On a $100 sale with free shipping, that adds up to about $9.95 in fees. 

Etsy’s big advantage is built-in shopper traffic. Its downside is competition, since your listing sits next to millions of others.

  1. Saatchi Art is one of the best-known online galleries for original work. Saatchi Art takes a 40% commission on the final sale price of an original artwork, and anyone 18 or older can apply to sell. Listing is free, so you only pay when you sell.

Saatchi suits painters, photographers, and sculptors who want exposure to collectors. A $1,000 painting would leave you about $600 before materials and packing.

Best Art Marketplaces for Beginners

  1. Fine Art America (and its sister site Pixels) is a print-on-demand marketplace. You can start on a free plan, and a premium plan costs $30 per year and adds an artist website and extra selling tools. You set your own markup on top of the base price. 

There is no inventory and no shipping to manage. That makes it a low-risk first step for photographers and digital artists.

  1. Redbubble lets you upload a design once and sell it on stickers, prints, apparel, and home goods. Redbubble sets a base price for each product, and you add an artist margin, which defaults to 20%. Its fee model has shifted in recent years, so read the current artist terms before you commit. 
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Redbubble works best for illustrators, designers, and anyone with a recognizable style or fan base.

  1. Society6 is another print-on-demand shop focused on wall art and home decor. Society6 has paid a 10% royalty on most products, and art prints have allowed you to set your own price. Because Society6 controls retail pricing on many items, your upside is capped. 

Choose Society6 if you want a hands-off storefront and your work looks good on pillows, prints, and tote bags.

Best Platforms for Independent Artists

  1. Shopify is a store builder, not a marketplace. The Basic plan costs $39 per month, or $29 per month when billed annually, and online card payments cost 2.9% + 30¢. Using an outside payment provider can add an extra transaction fee. 

Shopify gives you full control over branding, pricing, and customer email lists. The trade-off is that you must bring your own traffic.

  1. Squarespace is a website builder with built-in store tools and a monthly subscription. It is popular with artists who want a polished portfolio and a shop on one site. Plans and payment fees change, so compare current pricing before you choose.
  2. Gumroad is built for digital sellers. Artists use it for printable art, brush packs, textures, and tutorials. It takes a percentage of each sale plus payment processing, so check its current rate before listing.

Best Websites for Selling Art Without a Personal Website

  1. Artfinder is a curated gallery focused on independent artists. Recent reports put its commission at 40% or 45%, depending on whether you pay $40 or $14 per month. Other recent guides list slightly different figures, so confirm your exact rate when you apply. 

Artfinder handles shipping logistics for you. That is a real benefit if you sell larger originals.

  1. Singulart is a curated platform with a more European, contemporary-art audience. One recent comparison lists its commission at 50%. Artists generally apply and are reviewed before they can sell.

It is a fit for established artists with a strong portfolio and higher price points.

  1. Zazzle lets designers create products and earn a royalty on each sale. Royalty rates depend on the product and the rate you set. It works well for greeting cards, invitations, and personalized gifts.
  2. Foundmyself is a smaller marketplace that markets itself as commission-free. Its operator states that it does not take a commission when a buyer purchases artwork. Traffic is lower than the big names, so plan to bring your own audience. 

Where to Sell Artwork Online: Best Platforms by Artwork Type

Not every site fits every medium. Matching your work to the right platform saves months of trial and error.

Where to Sell Original Paintings and Fine Art

Original paintings sell best on curated galleries where buyers expect higher prices. Saatchi Art, Artfinder, and Singulart are the main choices. Etsy also works, especially for smaller and more affordable originals.

Expect to pay 35–50% commission on gallery sites. Build that cost into your price before you list.

Where to Sell Digital Art and Illustrations

Digital art sells well because you create it once and sell it many times. Etsy and Gumroad work for printable downloads. Redbubble and Society6 work if you want your designs on physical products.

Be clear about what the buyer receives. State the file type, size, and whether commercial use is allowed.

Where to Sell Art Prints and Posters

Prints are the easiest way to earn from art you have already made. Fine Art America, Society6, Redbubble, and Etsy all support them. Print-on-demand sites handle printing and shipping, so you hold no stock.

If you want higher quality control, order prints from a local printer and sell them on Etsy or Shopify.

Where to Sell Photography and Custom Artwork

Photographers do well on Fine Art America and Saatchi Art, where buyers browse for wall art. Custom work, such as portraits and commissions, sells best on Etsy or your own website. A personal site lets you collect deposits and build repeat clients.

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Where to Sell Artwork Online: How Do the Platforms Compare?

Here is a side-by-side look at the main options. Figures reflect published terms as of 2026 and may change.

PlatformTypeArtwork supportedTypical costsAudienceBest use case
EtsyOpen marketplaceOriginals, prints, digital$0.20 listing, 6.5% transaction, ~3% + $0.25 processingBroad shoppersAll-round starter shop
Saatchi ArtCurated galleryOriginals, prints40% commissionArt collectorsFine art originals
ArtfinderCurated galleryOriginals, prints~40–45% commission + optional monthly planArt buyers, UK/EU strongIndependent artists
SingulartCurated galleryOriginals~50% commissionContemporary collectorsEstablished artists
Fine Art AmericaPrint-on-demandPrints, decorFree or $30/year; you set markupDecor shoppersPhotographers, digital artists
RedbubblePrint-on-demandPrints, merchBase price + your margin (default 20%)Fan-driven shoppersIllustrators, designers
Society6Print-on-demandPrints, home decor~10% royalty on most itemsHome decor buyersHands-off storefront
ZazzlePrint-on-demandCustom productsDesigner-set royaltyGift buyersCards, invitations
GumroadDigital platformDownloadsPercentage + processingYour own audienceDigital products
ShopifyOwn storeAnything$29–$39/month + card feesYour trafficBuilding a brand
SquarespaceOwn storeAnythingMonthly subscriptionYour trafficPortfolio + shop
FoundmyselfMarketplaceOriginals, printsMarketed as commission-freeSmaller audienceLow-cost listing

Platform Fees and Commission Rates

Curated galleries charge the highest commissions, usually 35–50%. Open marketplaces charge several small fees that add up. Print-on-demand sites pay you a margin or royalty on top of production cost.

A low fee does not always mean more profit. A gallery that takes 40% but brings serious buyers can beat a “free” site with no traffic.

Audience Reach and Discoverability

Discoverability means how easily buyers find your work. Marketplaces like Etsy and Redbubble bring shoppers, but you compete with many sellers. Galleries like Saatchi Art attract collectors but review what you list.

On your own store, nobody finds you unless you promote it. Plan to use social media, email, or search.

Product Fulfillment and Shipping

On print-on-demand sites, the platform prints and ships for you. On Etsy and Shopify, you pack and ship originals yourself. On Saatchi Art, the buyer covers shipping and the platform reimburses what you spend after the sale completes.

Large or fragile originals need strong packaging and insurance. Include those costs in your price.

Ownership, Licensing, and Copyright

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You keep the copyright to your art on these platforms. You are giving them a license to display and reproduce it for sales. Read the terms for how long that license lasts and whether it is exclusive.

Never upload work you do not fully own. If you create fan art or use licensed characters, many sites will remove it.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell Artwork Online?

Most artists spend between nothing and a few dozen dollars a month to start. The real cost is what each sale takes from your price.

Listing Fees and Transaction Fees

A listing fee is a charge for posting an item. A transaction fee is a percentage taken when it sells. Etsy charges both, while Saatchi Art and print-on-demand sites charge only when you sell.

Payment Processing and Commission

Payment processing is the charge for handling card payments. Most platforms bundle it or add it on top, usually around 3% plus a small fixed amount. Commission is the percentage a gallery keeps, such as Saatchi’s 40%.

Printing, Packaging, and Shipping Costs

If you sell originals, budget for tubes, boxes, corner protectors, tape, and postage. If you sell prints yourself, budget for printing and mailers. Small flat fees hurt cheap items most, so avoid listing very low-priced prints.

How to Calculate Your Profit

Use this simple formula: sale price − platform fees − materials − packaging − shipping − your time = profit.

Example on Etsy: You sell a print for $40 with $5 shipping charged. The 6.5% fee on $45 is about $2.93, processing is about $1.60, and the listing fee is $0.20. That leaves about $40.27 before printing and postage.

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Example on Saatchi Art: You sell a painting for $600. Saatchi keeps 40%, which is $240. You receive $360 before materials.

How to Start Selling Artwork Online

You can set up your first shop in a weekend. Follow these steps in order.

Choose Your Artwork and Target Audience

Pick 10 to 20 pieces that look consistent together. Decide who you are selling to, such as home decorators, gift buyers, or collectors. A clear audience makes every later choice easier.

Select the Right Selling Platform

Start with one platform that fits your medium and budget. Use a curated gallery for high-priced originals. Use Etsy or print-on-demand for lower-priced items and easy testing.

Photograph and Describe Your Artwork

Shoot in bright, indirect daylight with the camera parallel to the artwork. Add detail shots, a size comparison, and a photo of the piece on a wall. Write titles and descriptions that state the medium, size, and subject.

Set Prices and Payment Methods

Price by covering materials, time, and fees first. Check what similar artists charge for similar size and style. Then set up payouts through the platform’s supported method, such as bank transfer or PayPal.

Promote Your Art and Attract Buyers

Share your listings on social media and send them to friends and followers. Start an email list from day one. Link every post back to your shop.

Tips for Selling More Artwork Online

Optimize titles, descriptions, and images. Use words buyers actually search, such as “abstract ocean painting” or “minimalist botanical print.” Put the most important words first.

Use social media and email marketing. Post work in progress and finished pieces regularly. Collect emails so you can announce new drops without paying for ads.

Build a recognizable artist brand. Use the same name, bio, and style across every platform. Buyers remember artists who look consistent.

Collect customer reviews and improve listings. Ask happy buyers for a review after delivery. Update photos and descriptions when sales are slow.

Test pricing and track sales performance. Change one thing at a time, such as price or main photo. Keep a simple spreadsheet of views, sales, and fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Art Online

Choosing a platform without comparing fees. A 40% commission and a 10% royalty are very different deals. Run your numbers first.

Underpricing artwork. Low prices can signal low quality and leave you with no profit. Count your time and all costs.

Ignoring copyright and licensing terms. Read what rights you grant the site. Know whether you can sell the same piece elsewhere.

Overlooking shipping and return policies. Unclear policies cause disputes and refunds. State them plainly on every listing.

Relying on a marketplace without a promotion strategy. Marketplaces help, but they do not guarantee sales. Bring your own traffic as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to sell artwork online?

The best place depends on your art. Saatchi Art and Artfinder suit original paintings, Fine Art America and Society6 suit prints, and Etsy suits a mix of products. Many artists use two or three platforms together.

What is the easiest website for artists to sell their work?

Print-on-demand sites like Fine Art America, Redbubble, and Society6 are the easiest. You upload your art, and the site handles printing, payment, and shipping. Etsy is also beginner-friendly for sellers who want to ship their own items.

Can I sell art online without a website?

Yes. Marketplaces like Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, and Redbubble give you a storefront without building a site. You get a shop page, and the platform handles checkout.

Where can I sell artwork for free?

Several sites are free to join, including Saatchi Art, Fine Art America’s free plan, and Society6. They earn money only when you sell. Etsy charges a small listing fee per item, so it is not fully free.

Can beginners make money selling artwork online?

Yes, but results vary widely and there are no guarantees. Beginners often earn first sales through prints, digital downloads, or commissions. Steady income usually comes from consistent posting, good photos, and patience.

How do I sell art online and get paid?

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Create a shop, list your work, and connect a payout method. After a sale, the platform collects the buyer’s payment and deposits your share, minus fees, to your bank account or payment service. Payout timing and minimum thresholds differ by platform.

Do I need a business license to sell art online?

It depends on where you live and how much you sell. Many places require a business registration, sales tax permit, or both, while some allow small hobby sales without one. Check your local rules or ask a tax professional, since this is not legal advice.

Conclusion

Knowing where to sell artwork online starts with matching your medium to the right platform. Use curated galleries like Saatchi Art for original fine art, print-on-demand sites for easy prints, and Etsy or Shopify when you want more control.

Three takeaways:

  1. Compare total fees, not just the headline rate.
  2. Match the platform to your artwork type and budget.
  3. Promote your work, because no site sells it for you.

Pick one platform, list three pieces, and photograph them in daylight today.

Ready to begin? Compare the costs above, choose the platform that fits your goals, and publish your first listing this week.

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