There is a higher demand for art than most people believe and if you make the right moves and follow some of these steps, you’ll start making some sales. It’s hard enough to place a value on your work that will be agreeable with others. Learning how to sell art can be a difficult and a challenging journey for any artist. I have been selling artwork since 1997 and have found multiple ways to reach different buyers.

Build a Portfolio

The first key to selling your artwork is to build up a portfolio to share with potential clients. You can be an amazing artist but if you don’t have a nice way to show off what you've done, no one will be impressed. If you have large pieces to share, you aren't going to want to haul them around in your car everyday, so take some good pictures and create a photo album. Add some labels on each page to describe your work. I started out with a 4”x 6” photo album; it should be enough to get you going. Pay attention to buyers’ reactions as they flip through your album and take note on which pictures get the most attention, you can enhance your portfolio after you make a few art deals.

Start Online Presence

The internet is a great way to spotlight your work and who you are. There are many ways to start free websites or photo blogs to upload pictures of your art. Share links to your albums on social networking sites such as Facebook and you will start to see the awareness build up the more you post new work. You can also start a newsletter subscription to keep your fan base updated with announcements and specials. There are free sites that offer this service and you can add it to your website as well. If you don’t have a computer to start with, you can access a lot of information by phones these days or visit your local library for free computer access.

Create Flyers or Business Cards

Before there was internet, all professionals had to have business cards. These days you tap your phones together to share information but not everyone has the hottest items when they are starting out. Even if you do, your buyer may not be into those trends and may ask you for a traditional business card. It’s a good idea to print up some cards or flyers with contact information on them.

Network in Local Shopping Areas

Now that you have some flyers, pass them along to local business owners in your area that might be interested in your art. It’s a good idea to walk door to door to let them know you have something to offer. Business owners are always decorating or in need of artistic services. Bring your portfolio, flip a few pictures open and hand the business owners a flyer. If you have a clean and friendly appearance, you are very likely to make a deal right away.

Display Artwork

Some shops might let you display your art in their stores. Local Cafes and Restaurants are a great candidate for this because they have large spaces to decorate and large crowds to feed. Keep a place card with your artwork that includes the title, your name and a price. If you don’t put a price on it, people will just thinks it’s a decoration. Try to find out where the local art fairs and farmers markets are showing. You will see how other artists are displaying and presenting their work. Sign up for the next one, it may cost you a small fee but it gives you an opportunity to show off a new collection and make some sales.

Keep Creating

The last important key on how to sell your art is to keep creating fresh work. People love to see new products and it’s a great way to build your portfolio. Take in what people are reacting to the most and use it for inspiration on your next design. You will always find ways to grow and improve.

I've had parents approach me with concerns for their kid’s future because they want to be artists. There is a hungry buyers market out there to feed your artistic talents and help you grow a legacy in the art world. Share your art with as many people as you can and they will buy art. You’ll find a lot of criticism along the way but always focus on what you love about your art and keep moving forward with it.