When it comes to online marketplaces, then we have to talk about Etsy.
Etsy is the biggest sales platform for all things art. Really, there is a market for everything. You can sell all types of physical artwork – originals, prints, wall art, handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing, accessories, you name it. But you can also make money with digital art of all kind. Digital downloads, printables, e-books, graphics, fonts, presets, templates, … The sky is the limit!
All the same, selling on Etsy is very affordable, and therefore a good option for beginners to get started. Creating an account on Etsy is completely free, and sales and transaction fees are much lower than on comparable sites.
Conveniently, Etsy provides one of the easiest ways to make money as a digital artist. All you need to do is upload the digital product to the platform, and once a customer buys it, Etsy will deliver it for you! You don’t need to get involved in the process at all. If you want to go all in on Etsy, I recommend checking out the best selling digital art on Etsy.
Other online marketplaces that also specialize in digital downloads are Creative Market, Creative Fabrica and DesignCuts. All of those three platforms have wide product ranges, including illustrations, graphics, photos, fonts, templates, mockups, and on Creative Fabrica you can even upload art classes!
Your tips on creating a strong art portfolio were incredibly valuable. I particularly liked your advice on curating work to showcase both range and consistency. This is exactly what I needed to hear as I prepare my own portfolio.
Hi Daniel, I wish you all the best for building a strong art portfolio. Commissions are indeed a good way to expand your portfolio fast and get paid for what you do! ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ