Top 5 Websites to Market and Sell your Handmade Art
Image Credit: Jonathan Borba
If you’ve read my previous piece, “AI Art vs. Handmade Art: Navigating the New Creative Landscape,” you already know my stance on the resurgence of handmade art. With AI pushing digital art into less profitable corners, it’s handmade art’s time to shine. Here, I’m sharing my top picks for third-party websites that aim to market and sell your art. Yes, there might be a fee or a commission rate, but these platforms might be worth considering, especially if self-marketing feels overwhelming.
Saatchi Art
Image Credit: SAATCHI Art
First up is Saatchi. They offer a 60% commission to artists, which is pretty impressive compared to the usual 50%. The real question is how they utilize their 40%. If they are effectively marketing and promoting your work and growing their platform, then it feels like a fair trade. They handle shipping, but you’ll need to cover packaging costs — something to factor into your art pricing.
What I really appreciate about Saatchi is their transparency. They’re upfront about the monthly page views, social media following, and their marketing efforts, which includes regularly sending out printed catalogs. This level of openness gives a good vibe and establishes trust right from the start.
Key Takeaways
60% Commission to Artists
They handle shipping, you pay for packaging
Non-exclusive
Sell paintings, mixed media, drawings, sculpture, photography, and prints
Earn additional income by allowing collectors to purchase open edition prints of your original artworks.
Using augmented reality, buyers can use Saatchi’s “View in Room” feature to see your artwork in their space before purchasing.
Artplode
Image Credit: Artplode
Artplode might first strike you as a bit underwhelming visually — it definitely needs a design update. However, where it shines is in its commission structure: artists keep 100% of the sales. You pay a flat $60 to list an artwork, and it stays up until you decide to pull it. This means you’re basically buying visibility on their platform. While I wouldn’t recommend using Artplode as your sole selling platform, adding it to your arsenal for increased exposure doesn’t hurt.
Key Takeaways
Artists get 100% Commission
Artplode charges a flat fee of $60 to advertise each artwork. The listing stays on the Artplode website until the seller removes it
The Artist may choose to pay extra to have your art included in one or more featured categories
The Artist handles all shipping and packaging
Dated website
UGallery
Image Credit: UGallery
UGallery is on the formal side, and yes, maybe even a bit strict. You can’t just set up an account; you need to submit 10 digital images of your work, provide dimensions, and confirm that the pieces were made within the last two years and are available for sale. This can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if you aren’t constantly churning out new work. They charge a $5 application fee, which ensures that only serious artists apply.
Then you wait to be accepted. I’m not sure what the acceptance rate is, or how long it takes. I do know they claim to have about 350 artists total. Which is very selective if you take into account they have artists globally and have been around since 2006. That being said, if you ARE able to gain that coveted acceptance, it looks like they take good care of their artists and market them really well. Something to note, if you do decide to go with UGallery and you are accepted, you will need to be exclusive with them.
Then comes the waiting game for acceptance. The specifics of UGallery’s acceptance rate and the time it takes to hear back isunclear. However, they represent approximately 350 artists globally, which is very selective considering they’ve been in operation since 2006. If you do manage to secure a spot, it appears they take excellent care of their artists and provide excellent marketing support. It’s important to note that if you choose UGallery and are accepted, you will be required to maintain exclusivity with them. This means all your sales must go through their platform, which is something to consider.
Key Takeaways
Strict screening
Artists get 50% Commission
They cover the costs of packaging and shipping
Represent around 350 artists total (Very selective)
Artwork on UGallery must be exclusive to UGallery
All sold artwork must be wired for hanging
Stretched canvases with staples in the sides not accepted+
Artsy
Image Credit: Artsy
Then there’s Artsy, another beautifully designed site that offers a little less intense screening than UGallery but still requires you to submit your work for review. They’re not very transparent about their fees, claiming they’re lower than traditional auction houses and galleries but not specifying amounts unless you apply.
Artsy is hands-off in terms of managing your artist profile — they handle pretty much everything, from your biography to your exhibition history. However, what sets Artsy apart is their involvement in the NFT space. This could be a deal-maker or breaker depending on how you view NFTs in the current ‘lawless digital landscape.’ But for what it’s worth, Artsy seems to be taking a cautious and more regulated approach to it.
Key Takeaways
Very Hands-Off for Artists
Offers NFTs
Moderate screening
Well-Designed Website
Artmajeur
Image Credit: Artmajeur
Finally, my favorite: Artmajeur. It’s like Etsy met social media on steroids, designed for fine artists. The platform is user-friendly and lacks the gatekeeping seen on other art platforms. The detailed artist profiles not only connect you to buyers but also help in building trust.
They offer a Platinum account for $8.90/month, which provides loads of additional features like Art Leasing and Trackable Online Certificates of Authenticity. It’s a lot to take in, and some might find it overwhelming, but for someone like me who enjoys more control and interaction, it’s perfect. I plan to dive deeper into this with a Platinum plan and will definitely share my experiences in a future article.
Key Takeaways
Post all art for free
Artists get 65% Commission with a Free Account
Well-Designed Website
Sell Prints
Tons of Sales Tools
Free and Paid Account
Choosing the right platform to sell your art can feel like a big decision, but it’s also an exciting step towards broadening your audience and opportunities. Each of these platforms offers unique benefits, so consider what matters most to you — whether it’s high commission rates, marketing support, or the community and tools they provide. Remember, the journey of an artist is not just about creating art, but also about sharing that art with the world. Whether you dive into using these platforms or choose to market your art independently, remember that each piece carries your unique signature, no AI can tangibly replicate that.