Starting an art business can feel exciting—and slightly overwhelming.
As an artist, you already have the most important starting point: your creativity and your work. But turning that creative practice into a business requires a little more planning.
Where should you sell? How should you price your artwork? Do you need a website? How should you accept payments? What should you include in your packaging? And how do you make sure people can actually discover your work?
You don’t need to have everything perfect before you begin. But having a basic structure in place can make the journey much easier.
Use this art business startup checklist to turn your creative practice into a more organised and professional business.
1. Define What Your Art Business Is About
Before thinking about logos, websites or social media, start with your art.
Ask yourself:
What do I create?
What makes my work different?
Who is likely to connect with it?
What do I want my art business to become?
You don’t need to have your entire five-year plan figured out.
Start with a simple direction.
For example, you might focus on original oil paintings, commissioned artwork, contemporary prints or a particular collection inspired by nature.
Having clarity at the beginning helps you make better decisions later.
2. Decide What You Will Sell
An art business doesn’t have to sell only original paintings.
Depending on your creative practice, you could offer:
- Original artwork
- Limited-edition prints
- Art commissions
- Art workshops
- Art classes
- Custom artwork
- Licensing
- Art-related products
- Creative collaborations
However, don’t launch everything at once.
Choose one or two primary offerings to begin with.
You can always expand as your business grows.
3. Create a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is one of your most important business assets.
It should showcase your best work—not every artwork you’ve ever created.
For each artwork, keep basic information such as:
- Title
- Medium
- Dimensions
- Year
- Price
- Availability
- Short description
Use high-quality photographs and make sure the colours and details are represented accurately.
A professional portfolio can help you communicate your work to potential collectors, galleries, designers and collaborators.
4. Establish Your Pricing
Pricing can be one of the hardest decisions for a new artist.
Avoid simply choosing a number based on what you think people will pay.
Consider:
Materials + Time + Size + Complexity + Experience + Market Positioning
Also remember to account for expenses such as framing, packaging, shipping, platform fees and commissions where applicable.
Most importantly, create a consistent pricing structure.
If two artworks are similar in size, medium and complexity, their prices shouldn’t be dramatically different without a clear reason.
Your pricing can evolve as your experience and demand grow.
5. Choose Where You Will Sell
There are many ways to sell artwork today.
You could use:
Your Own Website
Gives you greater control over your brand, presentation and customer experience.
Social Media
Useful for discovery, storytelling and direct enquiries.
Galleries
Can provide exhibition opportunities and access to established collector networks.
Art Fairs & Pop-Ups
Allow you to meet potential buyers face-to-face.
Online Marketplaces
Can provide access to audiences outside your immediate network.
You don’t need to use every platform.
Choose the channels that make sense for your audience and your resources.
6. Build Your Artist Brand
Your brand isn’t just your logo.
It is the overall impression people get when they encounter your work.
Think about:
- Artist name
- Visual identity
- Photography style
- Website design
- Packaging
- Tone of communication
- Artist biography
- Story behind your work
Consistency makes your business easier to recognise.
Your branding should support your artwork rather than overpower it.
For an artist, the artwork should always remain the hero.
7. Create a Professional Website
A website can become your art business’s digital home.
At a minimum, consider including:
Home
About the Artist
Artwork / Collections
Available Works
Commissions
Contact
Shipping & Policies
Your website should make it easy for someone to understand who you are, explore your artwork and contact you.
Keep the design clean and let your artwork take centre stage.
8. Set Up Your Payment & Order Process
Before your first sale, decide how customers will pay and how you will handle orders.
Think about:
- Accepted payment methods
- Invoices
- Deposits for commissions
- Payment deadlines
- Refund policies
- Order confirmation
- Shipping timelines
For commissions, consider taking a deposit before beginning work.
Having these processes clearly defined protects both you and your customer.
9. Plan Your Packaging & Shipping
Artwork requires careful handling.
Depending on the size and medium, you may need:
- Protective wrapping
- Bubble wrap or appropriate cushioning
- Corner protection
- Sturdy boxes
- Moisture protection
- Tracking
- Insurance where appropriate
Before selling online, test your packaging.
Ask yourself:
Could this artwork survive a long journey without being damaged?
A beautiful unboxing experience is also part of your brand.
A handwritten note or simple care instructions can make receiving an artwork feel more personal.
10. Create Basic Business Policies
Even a small art business should have clear policies.
Consider creating pages or documents covering:
- Shipping
- Returns
- Cancellations
- Commissions
- Damaged artwork
- Payment terms
- Copyright
- Artwork reproduction
- Privacy
Policies don’t have to be complicated.
They simply need to clearly communicate expectations.
For legal or tax requirements specific to your location, consult an appropriate professional rather than relying on generic online templates.
11. Start Building Your Audience
Don’t wait until your shop is perfect before telling people about your art.
Start building your audience early.
Share:
- Finished artwork
- Work in progress
- Studio moments
- Inspiration
- Sketches
- Artwork stories
- New collections
- Your creative process
People don’t only want to see the finished product.
They want to understand the person and story behind it.
12. Keep Track of Your Finances
This is one of the least exciting parts of running an art business—but one of the most important.
Keep records of:
- Artwork sales
- Material costs
- Packaging
- Shipping
- Exhibition fees
- Marketing expenses
- Website costs
- Commissions
- Other business expenses
Separate business and personal finances where practical.
You don’t need complicated accounting software when you’re starting out.
Even a well-organised spreadsheet can help you understand whether your business is actually making money.
13. Protect Your Artwork
Your artwork is your intellectual property.
Keep high-quality records of your work, including photographs, dates, dimensions and creation details.
Be careful when allowing others to reproduce or use your artwork.
If a brand wants to use your painting on packaging, advertising or products, make sure you understand exactly what rights you are giving them.
For significant licensing or commercial agreements, professional legal advice can be worthwhile.
14. Create a Simple Marketing Plan
You don’t need a huge marketing budget to begin.
Start by deciding:
Where will I show my work?
How often can I realistically create content?
Who am I trying to reach?
What makes my work worth following?
Your marketing could include social media, email newsletters, collaborations, exhibitions, referrals and content on your website.
The key is consistency.
A small audience that genuinely connects with your work is more valuable than a large audience that never engages.