Here are 4 Online platforms to showcase your work to a wider collector pool!
Are you an artist that has a unique and valuable voice that deserves to be heard and seen by the world? Do you have a dream and a goal of making a living from your practice, whilst reaching a wider collector base. Then its time for you to position yourself in the online art market!
The art market for an emerging artist can be intimidating to say the least. It can be difficult to navigate the industry first-hand and get in contact with key players, gallerists and dealers. Online, these barriers are much easier to handle. With the increase in online marketplaces, There are more than a dozen websites that claim to offer artists the opportunity to sell their works directly to buyers.
According to the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report 2020, the online art market reached $4.82 billion in 2019, up 4% from the previous year. The report also predicts that the online art market will grow further in the post-pandemic era, as more buyers and sellers embrace digital platforms and technologies.
With all this in mind, it begs the question… as an artist, how do you know which site is worth your time? We have narrowed the list down to 4 online spaces that promise to deliver and assist you in navigating the many e-commerce outlets.
1. Art Finder
Artfinder is an art marketplace creating a world where art benefits the artist. The business is built to connect art lovers with independent artists around the world. When client buy art from Artfinder they support independent artists in over 100 countries, helping them to make a living from art. Watch the video below for more information!
2. Afrikrea
Afrikrea is an online marketplace dedicated to African fashion, art, and crafts. It offers a platform for African artists to sell their work to a global audience. To get started, create an account, upload photos of your artwork, and set your prices. Afrikrea charges a commission on each sale, which varies depending on the price of the item.
3. Artsy
Artsy is a platform that connects collectors with artists from around the world. It features a wide range of African art, from traditional to contemporary. To sell your work on Artsy, you need to be represented by a gallery or art dealer. If you're a solo artist, you can reach out to galleries that specialise in African art and inquire about representation.
4. Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is a global marketplace that offers a platform for artists to sell their work to a worldwide audience. It features a wide range of art, including African art. To successfully market your artwork on Saatchi Art, the first step is to establish an account and upload photos of your work. Whenever a sale is made, Saatchi Art charges a commission fee that is based on the sale price of the item.
As an artist navigating the online art market, it's important to be mindful of potential risks and challenges such as copyright infringement, plagiarism, fraud, theft, and damage. To safeguard your art and yourself from these threats, it's crucial to seek out reputable and trustworthy platforms that offer encryption, verification, escrow, insurance, and other safety measures.
Additionally, it's important to keep thorough documentation of your artworks and transactions, including certificates of authenticity, receipts, and invoices, for future reference. Above all, it's essential to respect the rights and privacy of fellow artists and collectors and refrain from engaging in any unethical or illegal practices.