Selling Prints: Easy Ways to Make Money from Your Art
If you create artwork you love, you probably wonder how to get it into people’s hands without spending a fortune on framing or shipping. The answer is simple: sell prints. Prints let you offer the same image many times, keep your original safe, and reach a wider audience. Below you’ll get straight‑to‑the‑point advice on where to list your prints, how to price them, and how to promote them so they actually sell.
Where to Sell Your Prints
First, pick a platform that matches your style and budget. Online marketplaces like Etsy and Folksy let you set up a shop in minutes and reach art‑loving buyers looking for unique pieces. If you have a growing fan base, consider a dedicated store on Shopify or Big Cartel – they give you more control over branding and fees.
Don’t forget niche sites that specialize in fine‑art prints. Websites such as Artfinder, Saatchi Art, and Society6 attract collectors who are ready to spend on high‑quality giclee or canvas prints. These platforms often handle printing, packaging, and shipping for you, so you can focus on creating.
Local options are worth a look too. Art fairs, pop‑up markets, and coffee shops let you showcase prints in person. People love to see a print up close before buying, and you can hand out business cards with a link to your online shop for future orders.
Tips for Pricing and Promotion
Pricing can feel like a guessing game, but a simple formula helps. Start with the cost of materials (paper, ink, printing service), add a 2–3× markup for your time and profit, then compare with similar prints on the same platform. If your print is limited edition or signed, you can charge a premium.
High‑quality photos are a must. Shoot the print under natural light, use a plain background, and include a ruler or a familiar object for scale. Write clear, friendly descriptions that mention size, paper type, and whether it’s a limited edition.
Promotion is where most sales happen. Share behind‑the‑scenes videos on Instagram Reels or TikTok – people love seeing how a print is made. Offer a discount code to newsletter subscribers or run a small giveaway to grow your email list. Even a weekly post showing a new print or a customer photo can keep your audience engaged.
Finally, don’t overlook SEO. Use keywords like "selling prints," "giclee print," and "art print for sale" in your product titles and descriptions. Search engines love specific phrases, and it helps buyers find you when they type those words into Google.
With the right platform, smart pricing, and a bit of online buzz, selling prints becomes a steady side income or even a full‑time business. Start with one or two pieces, test the waters, and scale up as you learn what works for you.
8 May 2025
This article digs into what it really takes to make a living as a fine art photographer today. You’ll find out which business models actually work, what buyers and galleries expect, and why most income doesn’t come from glamorous sources. Get tips on marketing yourself, setting prices, managing costs, and surviving in an unpredictable market. If you’re thinking about making photography your job, this guide lays out the real-world facts.
Continue reading...