So You Want to Be an Online Art Tycoon (Without Actually Leaving Your PJs)? How to Sell Those Expensive Paintings Like a Boss
Ah, the internet. A magical land of cat videos, questionable life advice from strangers, and, of course, a booming market for...expensive paintings? That's right! While you might not be able to casually hawk your masterpieces from a street corner these days (trust me, tried it, health inspector wasn't a fan), the world wide web offers a treasure trove of potential buyers with more money than sense (or at least a burning desire to impress their equally fancy friends).
But hold on there, Salvador Dali in the making. Selling a five-figure painting online takes a tad more finesse than throwing a blurry picture on Craigslist and hoping for the best. Worry not, aspiring online Van Gogh, for I, your friendly neighborhood internet art guru, am here to guide you through the glorious labyrinth of pixels and profits!
Step 1: Ditch the Bad Photos (Unless They're Hilariously Bad)
Let's face it, even a masterpiece can look like a kindergartener's finger painting under bad lighting and a potato for a camera. Good quality photos are essential. Invest in some decent lighting (natural light is your best friend!), a high-resolution camera, and maybe a friend who isn't afraid to tell you if your chosen backdrop clashes horribly with the painting's color scheme (pro tip: ditch the grandma floral tablecloth).
Now, there is a niche market for "so bad it's good" art, but unless you're aiming to be the internet's next viral sensation (because, let's be honest, that could be lucrative too), stick to professional-looking photos.
Step 2: Become a Master of Words (Even if You Spill Paint More Than Coffee)
Here's the thing: people don't just buy expensive paintings, they buy the story behind them. Channel your inner Shakespeare and craft a compelling description that goes beyond "brown swirly bits and a blue blob." **Highlight the inspiration, the technique, the emotional depth of your work (even if the emotional depth is just "extreme hangry").
Use keywords that collectors might search for, but avoid sounding like a pretentious art snob. (Think "evocative brushstrokes" instead of "imbued with the essence of existential angst").
Step 3: Choose Your Platform Wisely (Because Not All Online Art Bars Are Created Equal)
There's a whole smorgasbord of online marketplaces out there, each with its own vibe and clientele. Etsy might be great for quirky prints, but not so much for selling your life-sized portrait of your cat as Napoleon. (Although, that could be a niche market too...internet, you crazy!).
Here are a few options to consider:
- High-End Auction Houses: (Think Sotheby's and Christie's). These guys have a reputation for prestige and attract serious collectors with serious wallets. The downside? Getting your work accepted can be tough, and commissions can be hefty.
- Online Art Galleries: These curated platforms showcase a variety of established and emerging artists. (Think Saatchi Art and Artspace). Do your research to find a gallery that aligns with your style and target audience.
- Your Own Website: (Because who needs middlemen when you can be your own art mogul?). This gives you complete control over branding and pricing, but requires some marketing muscle to drive traffic to your virtual gallery.
Step 4: Embrace the Power of Social Media (But Don't Be That Annoying Art Spammer)
Social media is your friend when it comes to building an audience and generating interest in your work. **Share high-quality photos and videos of your paintings, (but avoid those shaky, paint-splattered "in-the-moment" studio shots...unless they're hilarious, see step 1).
Engage with other artists and art enthusiasts, participate in relevant online communities, and **run targeted ads to reach potential buyers (but please, for the love of all that is holy, avoid blasting everyone with unsolicited art spam).
Step 5: Be Patient, Grasshopper (Because Building a Following Takes Time)
Selling expensive art online isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort to build a reputation, attract collectors, and find the right buyer for your work. **Don't get discouraged if your Rembrandtesque masterpiece doesn't sell out in the first five minutes (because let's be honest, even Rembrandt probably had some slow days).
Keep creating, keep marketing, and keep
