Selling Your Drawings: A Comprehensive Guide

June 30, 2023 Gavin Coates

Selling drawings can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful consideration and planning.

To sell your drawings, create high-quality artwork, scan or photograph them professionally, price them competitively, and showcase them online through platforms like Etsy or your own website. Market your art through social media, build a strong brand, and provide excellent customer service.

selling digital drawings

In this article, we will explore the key steps to successfully sell your drawings. Whether you are a beginner or an established artist, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the niche market of selling drawings and maximize your chances of success.

Drawings: An Easy Way to Get Started:

Advantages of Drawing as an Affordable and Portable Art Form:

Drawing offers several advantages that make it an accessible and affordable art form:
1. Affordability: Drawing materials, such as pencils, erasers, and sketchbooks, are generally more affordable compared to other art mediums like painting or sculpture. This makes drawing a cost-effective option for artists, especially beginners or those on a tight budget.
2. Portability: Drawing can be done almost anywhere and at any time, as it requires minimal equipment and can be easily transported. Artists can carry a sketchbook and a few drawing tools, allowing them to create art on the go, whether it's during travel, commuting, or even in the comfort of their own home.
Personal Experiences of Drawing as a Side Hustle and While Traveling:
1. Side Hustle: Drawing can serve as a fulfilling side hustle or additional source of income. Many artists offer commission services, creating custom drawings for clients. This allows artists to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and earn money while pursuing their passion.
2. Travel Companion: Drawing while traveling offers a unique way to document experiences and capture the essence of different places. Whether it's sketching landscapes, architecture, or people, drawing enables artists to create visual mementos that evoke memories and preserve the spirit of their journeys.
Low Material Costs Associated with Drawing:
1. Minimalistic Tools: Drawing typically requires only a few basic tools, such as pencils, erasers, and paper. These materials are readily available and affordable, making it easy for artists to start their creative journey without a significant financial investment.
2. Versatile Mediums: Drawing allows artists to experiment with a wide range of mediums, from graphite and charcoal to colored pencils and ink. Each medium offers unique artistic possibilities, and artists can choose materials based on their preferences and budget.

Print Your Drawings:

Importance of Making and Selling Art Prints for Long-Term Profitability: Making and selling art prints is essential for long-term profitability as it allows artists to reach a broader audience and generate additional income. Art prints provide an affordable option for art enthusiasts to own and appreciate an artist's work, increasing the demand for their pieces. By establishing a print line, artists can create a sustainable revenue stream that extends beyond the sale of original artwork, leading to increased profitability over time.

Various Printing Options:
- Offset Litho Prints: Offset lithography is a traditional printing method suitable for high-volume production. It offers cost-effectiveness for larger print runs, making it ideal for established artists or those looking to produce prints in bulk. However, it involves high setup costs and may not be suitable for smaller quantities.
- Commercial Giclee Prints: Giclee printing utilizes high-quality inkjet printers and archival inks to produce fine art prints with exceptional color accuracy and longevity. It is commonly used for creating limited edition prints and maintaining the integrity and fidelity of the original artwork.
- Home Printing: Artists can choose to print their drawings at home using personal printers. While this option provides convenience and immediate access to prints, the quality and consistency may vary. Home printing is more suitable for personal use or small-scale productions where professional-grade results are not the primary concern.
- Print-on-Demand: Print-on-demand services allow artists to upload their artwork to online platforms and have prints produced only when an order is received. This eliminates upfront costs and the need for inventory management. However, artists have less control over the printing process, and profit margins may be lower due to platform fees.
Pros and Cons of Each Printing Method:
- Offset Litho Prints: Pros - Cost-effective for large print runs, consistent quality. Cons - High setup costs, limited flexibility for small quantities.
- Commercial Giclee Prints: Pros - High color accuracy, archival quality, suitable for limited editions. Cons - Initial investment in equipment or reliance on external printing services.
- Home Printing: Pros - Convenience, immediate access to prints. Cons - Varied print quality, limitations on print sizes, potential higher production costs.
- Print-on-Demand: Pros - No upfront costs, flexibility in print quantities, wide range of product options. Cons - Lower profit margins, limited control over printing process and fulfillment.
Scan Your Drawings Professionally:

Significance of High-Quality Scans for Reproducing Artwork: High-quality scans are crucial for reproducing artwork accurately. They capture the intricate details, colors, and textures of the original piece, ensuring faithful reproductions that retain the essence of the artist's work. Professional scans provide the necessary resolution and color accuracy required for various applications such as prints, online galleries, and promotional materials.

Professional Scanning Services for Optimal Results: For optimal results, artists should consider professional scanning services provided by reputable companies or local art reproduction studios. These services have specialized equipment, such as high-resolution scanners and color calibration tools, along with experienced technicians who understand the intricacies of capturing artwork. They can deliver scans with superior quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Resources and Courses for Learning Art Photography and Scanning Techniques: Artists seeking to improve their scanning skills and learn more about art photography can explore resources such as online courses, tutorials, and forums. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube offer a variety of courses dedicated to art photography and scanning techniques. Additionally, books and online forums focused on art reproduction and scanning provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to help artists enhance their scanning abilities.

How to Price Your Art:

Factors That Influence the Pricing of Original Drawings:
1. Medium: The choice of medium can impact the pricing of original drawings. Drawings created with rare or expensive materials may command higher prices.
2. Target Demographic: The target demographic of the artwork plays a role in pricing. Artworks targeting high-end collectors or art enthusiasts may be priced higher compared to those targeting a broader audience.
3. Customer Base: The size and purchasing power of the artist's customer base can affect pricing. Artists with an established reputation and a dedicated following may have higher-priced artworks.
Lower Value of Drawings Compared to Paintings:

Drawings are often perceived to have lower value compared to paintings due to several reasons:
1. Perceived Skill Level: Drawings are often associated with preliminary sketches or studies, while paintings are seen as more finished and labor-intensive. This perception may contribute to the lower value attributed to drawings.
2. Market Demand: Paintings generally have higher demand in the art market, as they are traditionally considered the preferred medium for collectors and galleries. The higher demand for paintings can drive up their prices.
3. Historical Context: Throughout art history, paintings have held a higher status and value compared to drawings. This historical precedence can influence the perceived value of drawings in the present market.
It's important to note that the value of an artwork is subjective and can vary based on the artist's reputation, uniqueness of the artwork, and market trends. Both drawings and paintings can hold significant value and appeal to different collectors and art enthusiasts.
Starting with Lower Prices and Gradually Increasing Them:
- Begin with lower prices to attract initial customers and build a client base.
- Gain exposure and establish a reputation by offering affordable artwork.
- Gradually increase prices as your skills, experience, and demand grow.
- Maintain a balance between affordability and the value you provide.
- Communicate the reasons for price increases, such as improved craftsmanship or recognition.
Psychological Aspect of Charging What the Market Will Bear:
- Understand the concept of supply and demand in determining pricing.
- Consider the perceived value of your artwork based on market trends.
- Determine the optimal price point that customers are willing to pay.
- Avoid undervaluing your work, as it may signal lower quality or importance.
- Remember that pricing affects perceived quality, exclusivity, and desirability.
Pricing Strategies for Art Prints (Open and Limited Editions):
- Open Editions: Offer unlimited prints at affordable prices for wider accessibility.
- Price open editions lower than limited editions to reflect their unlimited nature.
- Emphasize the affordability and availability of open edition prints.
- Limited Editions: Restrict the number of prints to create scarcity and exclusivity.
- Set higher prices for limited editions due to their limited availability.
- Clearly indicate the edition size and number each print for authenticity.
- Consider offering different print sizes or formats at varied price points.
- Regularly evaluate and adjust prices based on demand, market conditions, and your reputation.

Creating High-Quality Drawings:

Emphasizing Impressive Drawings:
- Creating drawings that stand out and captivate viewers is essential for artists.
- Artists should strive for excellence and push their creative boundaries.
- Impressive drawings can attract attention and gain recognition in the art world.
Techniques for Attention-Grabbing Drawings:
- Artists can make a bold statement and create visual impact by working on larger drawing sizes.
- Bold compositions help create dynamic and visually engaging artwork.
- Incorporating intricate details in drawings invites closer examination and adds depth.
- Personal anecdotes and examples can demonstrate how these techniques elevate artwork.
Selling Your Drawings Online:

Utilizing Online Marketplaces:
- Online marketplaces like Etsy and Naturalist Gallery provide a platform for artists to sell their drawings.
- Leveraging established platforms offers wider reach and exposure to potential buyers.
- It's important to consider the competition and platform fees associated with online marketplaces.
Pros and Cons of Third-Party Platforms:
- Third-party platforms offer advantages such as a built-in customer base and streamlined transactions.
- However, artists may have limited control over branding and customer data.
Importance of Marketing and Driving Traffic:
- Effective marketing strategies are crucial for attracting buyers to an artist's online store.
- Tactics like social media promotion, email newsletters, and collaborations can help drive traffic.
- Building a strong online presence and engaging with the target audience are essential.
Setting Up a Personal Website:
- Having a personal website provides greater control over branding and customer experience.
- Managing website logistics and driving traffic may pose challenges.
- Resources and courses on website creation and online marketing can be beneficial.
Exploring Print-on-Demand Marketplaces:

Understanding Print-on-Demand:
- Print-on-demand involves producing products only when an order is received.
- Benefits include eliminating inventory costs and enabling customization options.
Reputable Print-on-Demand Fulfillment Companies:
- Established print-on-demand companies like Printful, Printify, or Society6 can be considered.
- Factors to consider when choosing a fulfillment partner include quality, pricing, and shipping options.
Advantages of Having Your Own Website:
- Having a personal website allows more control over the printing process and customer relationships.
- Retaining customer information and building a loyal customer base are among the benefits.
Setting Up a Print-on-Demand Business:
- Step-by-step guides and resources can assist in setting up a print-on-demand business.
- Important aspects to cover include selecting products, designing artwork templates, integrating with print-on-demand services, and promoting the store.

Engaging with Social Media and Marketing:

Importance of Social Media: Social media plays a crucial role in promoting your drawings and expanding your reach. It allows you to connect directly with your audience, showcase your artwork, and attract potential customers.
Suitable Social Media Platforms:
1. Instagram: Instagram is a visual-centric platform popular among artists.
2. Pinterest: Pinterest is another visual-centric platform that is popular among artists.
3. Facebook: Facebook provides a broader reach and allows for community engagement.
4. Twitter: Twitter can be used for sharing updates and connecting with fellow artists.
Tips for Engaging Content: Create visually appealing posts that showcase your drawings and creative process. Use hashtags relevant to your niche to reach a wider audience. Share behind-the-scenes insights, tutorials, and works in progress. Encourage interaction by asking questions and responding to comments.

Building a Strong Brand:

Significance of Branding: Building a consistent and recognizable brand helps establish your identity as an artist. It sets you apart from others and makes your artwork easily identifiable. A strong brand attracts loyal followers and potential buyers.
Elements of a Strong Brand: Develop a unique artistic style that reflects your personality and resonates with your target audience. Design a compelling logo that represents your art and can be used across different platforms. Create a cohesive online presence through consistent visual elements, such as colors, fonts, and imagery.
Insights from Successful Artists: Look to successful artists who have built strong brands for inspiration. Study their artistic style, logo design, and overall online presence. Artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Yayoi Kusama have effectively built strong and recognizable brands.

selling your drawings online

Building Relationships and Customer Service:

Importance of Building Relationships: Building relationships with customers is crucial for long-term success. It fosters loyalty, encourages repeat purchases, and generates positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Strategies for Customer Service: Personalize your interactions with customers by sending handwritten thank-you notes or offering exclusive discounts. Respond promptly to inquiries and provide helpful and friendly customer support. Encourage customers to leave reviews and testimonials to build trust and attract new buyers.
Value of Customer Reviews: Positive reviews and testimonials serve as social proof of your artwork's quality and customer satisfaction. Display reviews prominently on your website and social media platforms. Encourage customers to share their experiences and feedback to help build trust with potential buyers.

By implementing these strategies, artists can effectively engage with social media, build a strong brand, and cultivate meaningful relationships with customers, leading to increased visibility, sales, and a thriving artistic career.

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Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation that gets your drawings in front of art collectors internationally. Apply to Naturalist Gallery.

Selling drawings can be a challenging but rewarding venture. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive art market. Remember to stay dedicated, continuously improve your skills, and adapt to changing trends to thrive as a professional artist.

selling expensive drawings