Want to hear all about how I’m selling my art in 2025? In this new podcast-style video on my Youtube channel, I share four of the best ways to sell your art considering all that has changed about selling art online in the last year.
This post is part of Art Biz Unfiltered, a new YouTube video series where I share real, no-fluff insights on how to sell art, grow your brand, and build a thriving creative business. If you want honest answers about licensing, marketing, and making money as an artist, this series is for you.
Watch the Video
If you’re a see it on “paper” person, keep reading below. Otherwise, check out this podcast on my Youtube channel here:
handmade, unique artwork is more valuable than ever
The online art world is changing fast, and with AI-generated art flooding marketplaces, handmade, unique artwork is more valuable than ever. But where should you sell your work in 2025? With so many platforms and methods out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focusing on just one or two strong strategies can help you build real momentum.
In this guide, I’ll share four of the best ways to sell your art this year, so you can decide what fits your style and goals best. Whether you’re looking for in-person connections, passive income, or a mix of both, there’s an option for you.
With AI art saturating online markets, more people are turning to locally made, original artwork. Whether through coffee shops, galleries, boutiques, museum stores, or artist co-ops, there are plenty of ways to sell in your own community.
- Start small—make a list of local venues that might feature your work.
- Reach out with samples, emails, or a short visit to introduce yourself.
- If your art has a local theme, it’s even easier to get into museum shops or tourist-friendly locations.
One advantage of selling locally is that once your work is in a few locations, you can use that as leverage to pitch to other nearby stores. Simply showing that your art is already in demand can open up more doors.
2. Custom Work & Personalized Art
As digital art becomes more automated, buyers are craving custom, personal illustrations that AI can’t replicate. Custom work allows you to connect directly with customers while offering a premium service. Popular custom art ideas:
- Pet portraits – Capture people’s beloved pets in a unique style.
- Home illustrations – Perfect for housewarming gifts or real estate clients.
- Engagement or wedding artwork – A one-of-a-kind gift for couples.
- Personalized initials or name art – Hand-lettered or illustrated for nurseries, gifts, and home decor.
Setting clear boundaries is key—define how many revisions are included, set realistic turnaround times, and communicate expectations upfront. This ensures that custom work remains enjoyable and profitable rather than overwhelming.
3. Selling on Etsy for Visibility & Licensing
Many artists hesitate to use Etsy because of fees, but it’s one of the best search engines for getting discovered. While Etsy itself may not be your biggest moneymaker, it can help you attract:
- Licensors looking for fresh artwork
- Shops interested in stocking your designs
- Customers who may want custom work
Etsy also allows you to build an email list for future product launches or shop expansions. Instead of viewing it as just a selling platform, think of it as a marketing tool that increases your visibility and brings in new opportunities.
4. Active Print-on-Demand & Dropshipping
Instead of relying on crowded print-on-demand marketplaces like Society6 or Redbubble, consider selling print-on-demand through your own shop or Etsy using dropshipping companies like Printify, Printful, or Gelato.
- Avoid direct competition—your store won’t be lost in an oversaturated marketplace.
- No upfront inventory costs—your artwork is only printed when a customer orders.
- More control over branding and marketing than on crowded POD sites.
If you already sell on Etsy, using print-on-demand to fulfill orders can help you scale without the hassle of packaging and shipping products yourself.
make it professional!
The key to selling art isn’t doing everything—it’s finding what works for you and focusing on it. Whether it’s local sales, custom work, Etsy, or print-on-demand, success comes from strategy and consistency. If you’re still exploring ways to share your art, I highly recommend checking out my free guide: “100+ Ways to Share Your Art & Creative Skills.” It’s packed with ideas for artists looking to grow their audience, increase sales, and build a sustainable creative business.
Want more guidance on selling your art? Join the Studio for in-depth classes on growing your creative business and making a living as an artist.
Dropshipping 101
- Learn how to start dropshipping through real products like stickers, greeting cards, and calendars
- Learn to develop products that actually sell!
