How to Choose the Best Way to Sell Your Art

In today's thriving digital art landscape, artists face seemingly endless opportunities to market and sell their creative work. From print-on-demand platforms to licensing agreements and digital product sales, the possibilities can feel exciting yet overwhelming. However, as Liz Kohler Brown - a seasoned surface designer and hand-lettering artist - illustrates in her thoughtful insights, success in this competitive space begins with focus and strategic decision-making.

This article distills actionable advice from Liz's journey to help artists identify their ideal pathway to monetize their work. Whether you're a digital artist, a traditional painter, or a photographer, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of art sales and forge a sustainable, rewarding creative career.

The Trap of "Doing It All"

As Liz points out, one of the greatest challenges for artists starting out is the temptation to pursue every available avenue at once. From managing multiple social media platforms to setting up shops on various websites, spreading efforts too thin often leads to frustration and slow progress.

While social media may amplify the successes of other creatives, it’s important to remember that these individuals likely focused on one specific avenue at the beginning of their journey. Instead of trying to master everything at once, Liz advocates for choosing a single entry point - a strategy that allows artists to concentrate their energy and achieve meaningful growth.

Why Focus Matters

Efficiency: Concentrating on one platform or avenue lets you refine your process and build momentum more quickly.
Sustainability: Avoid burnout by minimizing unnecessary complexity in your workflow.
Clarity: Identifying your primary income stream makes it easier to set actionable goals and track progress.

Building Your Path: A Strategic Framework

Liz provides a simple yet effective formula to help artists determine the best route for their creative business. This framework consists of three critical steps: identifying what you love to create, researching market trends, and aligning these insights with your personal goals.

Step 1: Identify What You Love to Create

Start by listing all the types of artwork or products you enjoy making. For example, you might specialize in hand lettering, surface designs, calendars, greeting cards, or custom illustrations. Circle the options that resonate with you the most. Since passion fuels consistency, prioritize the items that excite you and keep you motivated over the long term.

Step 2: Research Market Trends

Understanding the current market is key to validating your ideas. This involves analyzing what similar artists are selling successfully and identifying trends within your niche. For instance:

Which types of products (e.g., pet accessories, home decor, digital downloads) are popular?
What styles and themes are trending?
Where are successful artists selling their work, and what strategies have contributed to their success?

Contrary to misconceptions, researching competitors isn’t "cheating." Instead, it’s a way to learn from their achievements and identify viable opportunities for your own business.

Step 3: Align with Your Goals and Resources

Every artist operates within certain constraints - whether it’s limited time, tools, or finances. Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to this venture and what results you expect. For instance:

Are you aiming for a specific monthly income?
Do you want to work with a particular company or licensing partner?

By aligning your creative output with your lifestyle, you’ll be better positioned to grow your business sustainably.

Evaluating Popular Sales Channels

Liz outlines several primary categories of art sales. While each could eventually become part of your income portfolio, beginners should focus on one avenue at a time. Below is a breakdown of these options:

1. Local Sales

Includes galleries, coffee shops, local stores, and museums.
Best for artists seeking direct, face-to-face interactions with collectors and buyers.

2. Print-on-Demand

Platforms like Spoonflower, Redbubble, and Society6 allow artists to sell designs printed on products such as fabric, mugs, or apparel.
Offers both active (managing your own shop) and passive (uploading designs to third-party platforms) opportunities.

3. Art Licensing

Artists license their work to businesses for use on products or marketing materials.
Ideal for those seeking consistent revenue streams through royalties.

4. Digital Products

Includes selling fonts, design assets, or downloadable content for hobbyists and designers.
A great option for tech-savvy artists comfortable working with digital tools.

5. Custom Artwork

Create bespoke pieces for individual clients or businesses.
Best suited for artists willing to adapt their style to meet specific client needs.

6. Content Creation and Teaching

Examples include blogging, creating social media content, and offering online courses.
Appeals to artists who enjoy sharing their expertise with others.

The Importance of Validation

One of the most common mistakes new artists make is failing to validate their ideas before investing significant time and energy. Validation involves confirming that there is demand for your product or style. This could mean:

Analyzing best-sellers in your niche.
Testing a small batch of products before scaling up.
Engaging with your target audience to gather feedback.

Rather than feeling discouraged by competitors’ success, view it as proof that your niche has potential. As Liz emphasizes, "If someone else is succeeding, it means there’s room for you to succeed too."

Key Takeaways for Artists

Start Small, Think Big: Focus on one avenue first to gain traction before diversifying your income streams.
Passion Drives Progress: Choose projects you love; this will keep you motivated and consistent.
Do Your Research: Study market trends and successful sellers to validate your ideas.
Tailor Your Strategy: Align your creative goals with the time, resources, and results you desire.
Embrace Focus: Resist the urge to "do it all" at once; spreading yourself too thin can hinder growth.
Prioritize Validation: Test your ideas early to avoid unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

The journey to monetizing your art doesn’t have to feel daunting. By narrowing your focus, validating your ideas, and aligning your efforts with your resources and goals, you can carve out a sustainable path in the art world. As Liz Kohler Brown’s career demonstrates, success comes not from trying to do everything at once but from building one strong foundation at a time.

Take a moment to reflect: what’s the one avenue you’re most excited to pursue? Start there, and let your passion guide you toward the future you envision. Remember, small, intentional steps today can lead to big wins tomorrow.

Source: "📌 Find the Best Way to Sell Your Art Without Burnout: Choosing a Path to Selling #ipadart" - Liz Kohler Brown, YouTube, Sep 10, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfYgESivnXw

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.