The contemporary art scene provides artists with numerous opportunities to showcase and sell their work online. Various international platforms offer diverse collaboration formats and conditions. Each platform has unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. This article compares popular international online galleries to help artists select the best marketplace for their art.
Etsy
• Pros: Wide audience, user-friendly, diverse categories.
• Cons: Commission fees, high competition, not specialized in art.
• Commission: $0.20 per listing + 6.5% per sale.
• Audience: International, millions of users.
• Format: Various products, including art.
• Popularity: Very popular, large global audience.
Saatchi Art
• Pros: Art-focused, international audience, artist support.
• Cons: High commission, competitive standards.
• Commission: 35% per sale.
• Audience: International, art collectors, and experts.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Known among art professionals and collectors.
Artfinder
• Pros: Fair commission, easy to use, artist support.
• Cons: Competitive, somewhat limited audience.
• Commission: 33% per sale.
• Audience: International art lovers.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Popular among art enthusiasts.
Artsy
• Pros: Extensive network, prestigious reputation.
• Cons: Exclusive platform, higher commission.
• Commission: Depends on partnership.
• Audience: International collectors and professionals.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Popular among collectors and galleries.
Society6
• Pros: Easy to use, diverse products.
• Cons: Commission fees, limited pricing flexibility.
• Commission: 10% per sale.
• Audience: Broad international audience.
• Format: Prints and various design products.
• Popularity: Popular among designers and artists.
ArtOnline
• Pros: Free listing, art-focused.
• Cons: Lesser-known compared to major platforms.
• Commission: Free, negotiable fees.
• Audience: International art enthusiasts.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Growing in popularity.
Artland
• Pros: International reach, contemporary art specialization.
• Cons: High commission, competitive.
• Commission: 40% per sale.
• Audience: International collectors and gallery owners.
• Format: Specializes in contemporary art.
• Popularity: Popular among contemporary art collectors.
Carre d'Artistes
• Pros: European audience, artist support.
• Cons: High commission, high standards.
• Commission: 50% per sale.
• Audience: European collectors and art lovers.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Well-known in Europe.
Armajeur
• Pros: Large database, easy to use.
• Cons: Commission, competition.
• Commission: 30% per sale.
• Audience: International, broad audience.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Popular among artists and art lovers.
Singulart
• Pros: Artist support, global audience.
• Cons: High commission, competitive expectations.
• Commission: 30% per sale.
• Audience: International collectors and enthusiasts.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Popular among collectors and enthusiasts.
Articheck
• Pros: User-friendly, artist support.
• Cons: Limited audience, lesser-known.
• Commission: 15% per sale.
• Audience: International art enthusiasts.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Growing steadily.
DeepArt
• Pros: Modern platform, artist support.
• Cons: High commission, smaller audience.
• Commission: 35% per sale.
• Audience: International art lovers.
• Format: Specializes in art.
• Popularity: Growing steadily.
Obvious Art
• Pros: Digital art focus, artist support.
• Cons: High commission, limited audience.
• Commission: 30% per sale.
• Audience: International digital art enthusiasts.
• Format: Specializes in digital art.
• Popularity: Popular among digital art enthusiasts.
Tips for Choosing a Platform
• Research your target audience and select platforms they frequently use.
• Consider commission fees and potential hidden costs.
• Review platform terms and artist support.
• Try out multiple platforms to see where your art resonates most strongly.
Increasing Visibility and Driving Traffic
Merely listing your work on platforms isn’t always enough. Investing in PR and visibility strategies—such as exhibition participation, publications in art magazines, blogs, and building your personal brand—can significantly boost your profile. While social media helps, combining these efforts with targeted PR enhances your credibility, expanding your reach to dedicated art collectors and broader international audiences.
Ultimately, choose platforms aligned with your artistic style and professional objectives, and actively engage in visibility-building efforts to maximize your potential for success.
