Sell Your Art: Getting Started as a Professional Artist

Here are some essential tips for artists who want to make a living from their art. Few are discovered by chance — you need to make your work publicly visible. This is where ArtSchool.nu can help!

Sell Your Art

Before following this guide, prepare some presentation materials to support your sales efforts.

As an artist, you should have:

• A website with a gallery
• A CV
• Business cards
• An elevator pitch
• A VAT or business registration number

Remember, being a professional artist involves much more than creating art — administration, marketing, and networking all take time.

Website with Gallery

When you reach out to exhibit or sell, people will want to “see more.” A website is therefore essential. It doesn’t need to be elaborate at first, but it should show your artworks and include your CV.

Starting a website today requires minimal effort, but you should always purchase your own domain. Some website providers own your domain and can charge high fees if you later switch platforms.

• A domain costs about $7 per year.
• Web hosting costs around $42 per year.

I strongly recommend using WordPress, a free and professional system. Most web hosts offer easy installation. It takes time to learn, but it’s worth it for a long-term, flexible solution. You can find many free WordPress tutorials on YouTube — including how to turn your site into an online gallery.

Avoid using website builders tied to a company (even paid ones). They often become costly and restrictive when you outgrow them.

CV

Your artist CV doesn’t need fancy design — just list exhibitions, education, and any associations you’re a member of.

When starting out, you can elaborate on what you gained from each experience and include informal or private exhibitions. The goal is to show activity and dedication.

Business Cards

Business cards may seem old-fashioned but remain useful. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can help your career — always have a card with your website and contact details ready.

Elevator Pitch

What do you say when someone asks what you do?

Many artists struggle to describe their work briefly. An elevator pitch helps you explain your art in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Business Registration

Registering as a business is easier than many think. Artists are typically exempt from VAT, and having a company allows you to deduct material expenses — effectively giving you financial support from the state.

If you’re confident managing finances, you can avoid hiring an accountant by registering as a sole proprietor. You can get help from your local business consultant.

You don’t need to register until you earn a certain income, but doing so early adds professionalism and shows commitment.

Engage with Your Local Community

One of the easiest ways to gain exposure is to join local art events. Many towns host “Open Doors” events where artists are promoted for free by the municipality.

Municipal and private venues — such as libraries, cinemas, or city halls — often offer free exhibition spaces.

Sell to Tourists

If you live in a tourist area, selling art to visitors can be profitable. Tourists are often eager to buy local artwork. Ask your municipality or nearby attractions about opportunities to participate in local guides or art visits.

Join Artist Associations

Explore artists associations in your area or field. Membership often offers collaboration, shared exhibitions, funding opportunities, and valuable networking.

Apply for Grants

Many grants support artists’ projects or work periods. You can find opportunities via a simple Google search for artist grants.

However, most grants require a strong CV that demonstrates professionalism — something to build toward over time.

Where to Exhibit Your Art

Exhibiting is essential for becoming a professional artist — art must be seen to fulfill its purpose.

1. Contact Art Associations

Traditional art associations remain a reliable route. Many host exhibitions and buy works for their members. Exhibiting with them can strengthen your CV and open further opportunities.

2. Contact Galleries

Galleries can help you advance professionally, but be selective.

• Physical galleries: Joining a major gallery can be a big career boost, but small galleries with strict contracts can limit your freedom. Many take 50% commission.
• Online galleries: Free exposure is valuable if it links to your own website. Quality visibility strengthens your brand.

3. Poster Sellers

There are several small online businesses that print posters. It could be advantageous to arrange an agreement with them to sell prints of selected art. Make sure they link to your website, so you gain advertising value along with potential sales revenue.

Some online retailers print posters — consider licensing selected works for sale and ensure they link to your website.

4. Your Own Gallery

Opening a physical gallery is rarely profitable unless you’re already well-known. If combined with your studio, it can make sense, but it requires commitment and fixed opening hours.

5. Your Own Online Gallery

The main challenge is figuring out how to ship the art and which payment system to use.

Because payment systems can be quite costly, it’s not the best idea to set up your own online gallery until you have substantial website traffic. Or you could establish an alternative system where people pay via bank transfer to your account. I recoment Mypay.nu as a cheap and effective POS system.

Once you’re comfortable with WordPress, you can easily turn your site into a webshop using WooCommerce. It’s free and supports bank transfers or card payments, but requires basic technical knowledge.

Good luck with your art career!