As an illustrator, selling your artwork is an exciting and rewarding way to share your creativity with the world and make a living from your passion. With the rise of digital platforms and online marketplaces, illustrators now have various options to reach a global audience. Whether you create digital illustrations, traditional drawings, or even custom artwork, there are numerous ways to market and sell your creations. Here’s a guide to where you can sell your work as an illustrator.
- Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are a great option for illustrators looking to sell prints, digital downloads, or merchandise featuring their artwork. These platforms handle much of the logistics, such as payment processing and shipping, allowing you to focus on creating.
Etsy: Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for independent artists and illustrators to sell their work. You can sell original pieces, prints, or digital downloads. Etsy also allows you to sell custom illustrations and artwork on products like t-shirts, mugs, and stationery.
Redbubble: Redbubble is a print-on-demand platform where you can upload your illustrations, and the platform will handle the printing and shipping of your designs on various products, including clothing, stickers, home decor, and more. It’s an excellent way to earn passive income from your designs.
Society6: Similar to Redbubble, Society6 allows illustrators to sell their designs on products such as art prints, phone cases, furniture, and more. The platform also takes care of production, shipping, and customer service, making it easy to manage.
ArtStation: ArtStation is a platform used by many professional digital illustrators and concept artists. It allows you to sell digital prints, assets, and tutorials. It’s particularly useful if you’re working in fields like video game design, animation, or concept art.
- Freelancing Platforms
If you prefer to work on commissions or custom illustrations, freelancing platforms can help you connect with clients who are looking for your specific skills.
Upwork: Upwork is a popular freelancing platform where you can offer your illustration services. Clients post projects or jobs, and you can apply to work on them. It’s ideal for illustrators who want to offer custom services, like book illustrations, character design, or branding artwork.
Fiverr: Fiverr allows you to create listings (known as “gigs”) for specific illustration services. You can offer anything from logo design and character illustrations to more niche services like children’s book art or digital portraits. Clients can browse your offerings and place orders directly.
99designs: Known for its design contests, 99designs lets illustrators participate in competitions where clients choose the best design from a pool of submissions. You can also offer one-on-one services for custom work, allowing you to build a portfolio and get paid for your work.
- Your Own Website
Creating your own website gives you complete control over how you present and sell your work. It also helps establish your personal brand as an illustrator. Using website-building platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, you can create a professional portfolio and set up an online store to sell your artwork directly to your audience.
Portfolio and Shop Integration: Your website can serve as both a portfolio and a store. You can integrate e-commerce tools like Shopify or WooCommerce to sell prints, digital downloads, or merchandise featuring your art.
Custom Commissions: Offering commissions directly through your website allows potential clients to request personalized artwork. Include a contact form or specific page where clients can inquire about custom work, such as portraits, illustrations for books, or commercial projects.
- Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for marketing and selling your illustrations. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter allow you to share your work, engage with potential buyers, and even sell directly through your profiles.
Instagram: Instagram is highly visual, making it perfect for illustrators. Use your feed and stories to showcase your artwork, process videos, and behind-the-scenes content. You can also use features like Instagram Shopping to sell products directly through your profile or use Linktree to direct followers to your online store.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a great platform for sharing your illustrations and driving traffic to your store or website. Many users search for artwork, prints, and illustrations for inspiration, making it a good place to showcase your portfolio and direct people to your online shop.
Twitter: Twitter can be an excellent platform for networking with other artists and art buyers. Many illustrators use Twitter to announce sales, share their artwork, and offer commissions. Engage with art communities by using relevant hashtags, joining conversations, and participating in art challenges to increase your visibility.
- Online Art Galleries and Print-on-Demand Platforms
Several online galleries cater specifically to illustrators and other visual artists, offering print-on-demand services and allowing you to sell your work as prints, posters, or canvases.
Displate: Displate specializes in selling metal posters featuring artwork from artists worldwide. You can upload your illustrations, and Displate will print and sell them on metal, providing a high-quality product for your buyers.
InPrnt: InPrnt is an artist-friendly platform that offers high-quality prints of your artwork. It’s known for its curated selection, and you need to apply for approval before selling on the platform. Once accepted, you can upload your illustrations, and InPrnt will take care of printing and shipping.
Fine Art America: This platform allows you to sell your artwork as prints, home decor, and more. It’s a great place for illustrators who want to focus on selling high-quality prints and getting their work into the hands of art collectors.
- Licensing Your Work
Another lucrative way to sell your illustrations is through licensing. Licensing allows you to retain ownership of your work while granting a company or individual the right to use it for a specific purpose, such as on products, advertisements, or packaging.
Creative Market: On Creative Market, you can sell digital assets, including illustrations, icons, patterns, and more. Other creatives, such as designers and marketers, can purchase licenses to use your work in their projects.
Shutterstock: If you create illustrations that can be used as stock images, you can license them on platforms like Shutterstock. Every time someone downloads your work, you earn royalties.
Patternbank: If your illustrations focus on patterns or designs that can be applied to textiles or products, Patternbank is an excellent platform to license your artwork to brands and companies.
- Art Fairs and Markets
For illustrators who enjoy in-person interactions, selling your artwork at art fairs, craft markets, or conventions can be a fulfilling experience. These events allow you to meet potential buyers, offer custom illustrations, and network with other artists. Popular events include:
Comic Conventions: If your illustrations focus on pop culture, comics, or fan art, conventions like Comic-Con provide a huge opportunity to sell prints and merchandise while interacting with your target audience.
Local Art Fairs: Many cities and towns host regular art fairs or markets where artists can rent a booth and sell their work. This can be a great way to build local support and connect directly with customers.