How do you become an artist – and start selling your art online?
Becoming an artist no longer requires a gallery, a studio in Paris, or an expensive art school. Today, anyone with creativity, drive, and a paintbrush (or iPad) can start building an artistic career—and even make a living from it.
But how do you go from dream to reality? Here I guide you through the steps you can take to become an artist and start selling your art online, whether you're a beginner or already creating in your spare time.
1. Develop your style – but start by creating
The biggest mistake many people make is waiting for "the perfect idea" before they get started. The truth is, you find your style by creating a lot and often.
Start with the materials you have – paint, pencil, iPad or your phone camera. Experiment with different techniques and motifs. The more you create, the clearer your voice as an artist will become.
Tip: If you enjoy digital creation, consider investing in an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app – a powerful tool for digital illustration and design. Here you will find Procreate compatible products like Apple Pencil and iPad .
2. Share your work – even if it doesn’t feel finished
An important part of being an artist today is showing your process, not just the finished work. Post pictures and videos of how you create on social media like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. Share your thoughts, your mistakes, and your progress.
You're not just building a gallery – you're building an audience and a brand.
3. Start selling your art – without waiting for galleries
In the past, you depended on being "discovered" by a gallery. Today, it's easier than ever to sell your art yourself – directly to your followers or through your own online store .
You can sell:
- Original paintings
- Posters and prints (physical or digital)
- Digital art (e.g. as downloadable files)
- Merchandise with your art (t-shirts, mugs, stickers, etc.)
4. Start your own art shop with Shopify
If you want to take your art seriously – while maintaining control over prices, customer relationships, and branding – the best thing you can do is create your own online store.
With Shopify you can:
- Add products in minutes
- Pay by card or Klarna
- Connect to Instagram and TikTok
- Automate shipping and order processing
- Add print-on-demand services if you don't want to print yourself
You own everything – your domain, your customer list, and your design.
Shopify is today the most popular platform among artists, illustrators, photographers, and creators who want to sell directly to their fans.
👉 Start your art shop with Shopify here !
5. Price yourself right and take yourself seriously
A common trap is to set prices that are too low at the beginning. But your time, materials, and creativity are valuable. Start by calculating your costs, and set a price that reflects both quality and the market.
Tip: It's a good idea to have different price ranges – original works for collectors and smaller prints for the general public. This will give more people the opportunity to support you.
6. Continue to develop – but sell while you learn
Becoming an artist is not a destination – it’s a process. You don’t have to have “found your style” or have a finished portfolio to start selling. Make your journey visible and accessible to others.
Combine creation with sales – it builds both confidence and income.
Summary
- Create a lot – style comes with time
- Share your process on social media
- Sell directly to your audience – even small works
- Start your own art shop with Shopify
- Dare to charge – art is work
- Think long-term – and have fun along the way