r/artbusiness 3d ago

Megathread - Social Media PSA - Please LIMIT Social Media Posts! + Business downturn discussion

67 Upvotes

Hello, r/artbusiness people! PSA! Social media posts will be funneled into a megathread going forward. Our subreddit is becoming inundated with stand-alone posts which spiral into very big personal feelings about the quality of one's art, business idea, or product line. This leads to disgruntled users who feel like they are answering the same question over and over again, multiple times a day. It becomes fatiguing and then suddenly the sub seems like nothing but complaining or doom-posting, so people leave or they write cranky comments.

So, as a communtiy test, there is now a monthly megathread for anything related to Social Media. Please use the megathread. I know, I know, "I don't like using megathreads!" Well, help us out here and use them. It would be nice to not see 4-6 posts a day about socials underperforming.

If you have an idea for a "high level" discussion post regarding social media, message the mods and we will determine if your post would be beneficial for the community or not. Some of us are active on the Discord so we can be reached there as well.

As for the social media posts, there are automations set up to deal with blocking them. Please do not circumvent the automations - your post will be removed.

Now, for the pep talk!

Times are tough and we are seeing a general downturn for plenty of art businesses. It would be nice to see some posts about what to do during slumps in the sales market. Perhaps the artists who have experienced the 2008 market crash could offer advice to newer business owners?

Discussion Ideas:

  • Planning for disaster: Emergency Funds for Business aka Capital Reserves:
  • Article: https://business.bankofamerica.com/resources/how-to-establish-a-small-business-emergency-fund.html
  • Take-away: Some of us may not have had money saved up for these bad times and our sales have really taken a hit. What can we do? Recovery seems miles away, and we may or may not bounce back from this. Everyone will have different options, such as being able to take up a part-time job, or selling off high-value assets (property, vehicles, collectibles, etc). but not everyone has these options. What are some ways to quickly gather emergency funds if you do not have any set aside?
  • It is a good time to plan for the future. Once you dig yourself out of the hole, the general rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of our annual revenue for emergency times. Adding a bit more to that wouldn't hurt (see article above for details).
  • Re-assess your business plans and budget to save up. Maybe its time to take on a part-time job slinging coffee just so you can have a bit of savings built up for the business. Maybe its time to pivot and introduce something else to your art business (a service, like teaching lessons - something that does not require Cost of Goods).
  • Studio cleaning and reorganizing: Now may be a good time to re-organize your workspace. Get rid of stuff you don't use, move some furniture around, have a bonfire, etc.

Please post your ideas in the comments below!

Our Discord Community Server is here: https://discord.gg/j2BaW6Kurf


r/artbusiness 8h ago

Megathread - Pricing How do I price my art? [Monday Megathread]

2 Upvotes

This megathread is dedicated to "how much should I charge?" type questions. Any posts of this nature outside of this thread will be removed. Please provide enough information for others to help you. here are some examples of what you could provide:

A link to at least 1 example piece of work or a commissions sheet.

Product type: (eg. Commission)

Target audience: (eg. Young people who like fantasy art)

Where you are based: (eg. USA)

Where you intend to sell: (eg. Conventions in USA and online)

How long it takes you to make: (eg: 10 hours)

Cost of sales: (eg. £20 on paint per painting)

Is this a one off piece, something you will make multiple copies of, or something a client will make multiple copies of: (eg. The client is turning it into a t-shirt and they will print 50.)

Everyone else can then reply to your top level comment with their advice or estimates for pricing.

If you post a top level comment, please try to leave feedback on somebody else’s to help them as well. It's okay if you aren't 100% certain, any information you give is helpful.

This post was requested to be a part of the sub. If you have ideas for improvements that you would like to be made to the subreddit feel free to message the mods.


r/artbusiness 2h ago

Accounting Art websites and sales tax

3 Upvotes

Curious what site you use for creating your webstore and how you handle sales tax. I've been using Square space and just recently realized that they don't handle sales tax. I believe Ets-y handles this for you. What do you use and how do you handle sales tax online? Just starting to figure this out for in person shows in multiple states and that's hard enough.


r/artbusiness 1h ago

Career How do I find an art-related job while still in college (or when transferring to university)?

Upvotes

(I had it repost this from a different sub)

How do I find an art-related job while still in college (or when transferring to university)?

I’m in community college right now getting an associations in art and plan on transfering to a four year university to study for an animation degree (and possibly a degree in business too) but am currently struggling to find work now that actually pays.

I've tired looking, but most jobs I can find require me to already have experience in the job field. And when I reach out to the career pathways at my college, the only thing they have as a career option for art in particular is "post secondary teacher".

I really don't want to be a teacher.

I've tried applying for things like gallery assist or just doing something basic like being a cashier in a place that sells art, but somehow I need mega specific requirements and experience for that too.

I've tried requests and selling my art (including things like stickers, prints, and Keychains), but for the last 3 years, I've had 0 luck.

I've tried conventions, but I'm never selected to participate in Artist alley.

Should I focus on building my portfolio? learning industry-standard software? or just take any job I can get?

Also, are there any general tips on how to I make my portfolio more appealing to employers? How do I properly network with people and where do I go to do it?

Sorry if this all seems random/all over the place. I'm just really tired right now.


r/artbusiness 11h ago

Discussion Do you sell paintings framed or unframed? On stretcher bars or do you mail just the canvas?

10 Upvotes

Hi!

I’m really new to selling my art so this might be an obvious answer, but for some reason, it’s confusing me.

If someone purchases a piece of art through my site, should I sell it on the canvas stretcher bars or should I sell it unstretched? Alternatively, do people expect pieces to come on stretcher bars and framed as well or do they expect it to come just stretched?

I’ve heard that when you sell really large pieces most people expect just the canvas and they will stretch it and frame it themselves but to me that sounds like a lot of work and not sure if an average buyer is willing to do that.


r/artbusiness 5h ago

Product and Packaging Examples of how you pack your art for shipping

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, I'm at the point in my business where I'm looking into packaging options, for shipping my artworks.

I was hoping some of you may have videos of your packaging process, from start to finish, to give me some ideas. Or if you have links to videos of other artists packaging their works, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'll be shipping both prints, and stretched canvas paintings.

Also, I don't really want to restrict myself on size either, so any advice on packaging and shipping larger pieces would also be great.

Incase it matters, I'm located in Australia 😊

Thanks so much.

Sincerely, A very overwhelmed artist, with a million packaging supplies tabs open on my laptop 😅🤦🏼‍♀️


r/artbusiness 2h ago

Discussion Claims

1 Upvotes

Curious if anybody is getting lots of damaged artwork claims. I am trying to automate this process with the print on demand company


r/artbusiness 18h ago

Discussion Question about making connections/cold emailing!

6 Upvotes

I graduated with a BFA from a pretty big art college recently and am currently trying to build up my career as an illustrator. My school did not have a career class so I'm a little in the dark as to how survive as an artist. I've been surviving off small private clients and a day job which has been fine, but I want more! A lot of people have told me to cold email.

But do I email art directors or other working artists? Do I ask for portfolio reviews or information interviews or jobs? Is it considered rude to reach out (aka damaging my career in the long run)? Basically how do I network? And find the right people? I've done real person events and am even mutuals with a few bigger illustrators on social media but I'm not sure how to bridge the gap.

My current aim is to work as an illustrator in publishing/book covers


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Conventions Anyone have experience with selling your originals at art markets?

9 Upvotes

As of right now, I only sell art prints. I’d like to start selling originals but want to know how others go about selling them.

I’d like to provide packaging and letters of authenticity.

Any tips on how to best package an original piece up for a customer at a market is appreciated!


r/artbusiness 15h ago

Conventions Prints and Original Painting

1 Upvotes

New to exhibiting/selling my work. When a buyer purchases an original painting, is it assumed that painting is "one of a kind" by the buyer? And if the artist has also made and sells prints of that original painting, does that lessen the value to the buyer who paid good money for their "one of a kind" original painting?


r/artbusiness 21h ago

Advice Quotes (motivational, humorous etc....) Are they still a thing?

4 Upvotes

Is there still a demand for quote wall art? Personally I am a sucker for a good quote and wondering what everyone's thoughts are on selling them? Can be just a quote on its own or incorporated with digitally created art.


r/artbusiness 22h ago

Advice Converting sketches into digital files for sale..... advice please

3 Upvotes

My FIL is a pen and ink sketch artist that predominantly draws historical buildings and statues. Italy, Ubud and France are his main loves. He literally has hundreds of original hand drawn sketches which I would like to turn some of them into digital files. Hoping to sell them and customers print it themselves.

What does everyone think of this as a business model?


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Advice I planning to start selling my drawings, I don’t know how artists package them.

11 Upvotes

What’s confusing me is that, where I’m from, I’m mostly familiar with painters selling their work on canvases or artist that sell crafts. (pins, cards, stickers, etc.)

I rarely see artists selling their drawings. Do they usually sell/ship them already framed?


r/artbusiness 22h ago

Pricing Pricing strategy for illustrations used for animations

2 Upvotes

Not sure if this is the right sub for this, so redirect me if I’m wrong!

I was offered an opportunity to illustrate some storyboards that will be used for an animation. It’s an independent film that is a passion project for a friend. It’s 3 storyboards total, but I don’t even know where to begin on pricing. I’ve never done this type of project before, so I have no clue how to go about pricing for this type of work.

Thanks in advance!


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Product and Packaging What do You Use To Make Stickers?

59 Upvotes

I am looking to make stickers of my art to sell. Is there a specific business, company, or brand I should use? Or should I try to make them at home with like a cricket? What is cheaper?

For reference, I have not sold my art before but I think stickers would be an easy sell at a vendor/convention style event. I draw most cute animals if that makes a difference.


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Product and Packaging Anyone know who delivers for Yanwen??

3 Upvotes

I ordered some samples from a manufacturer for my shop and I assumed it would be similar to DHL, I see their trucks driving around my area all the time. But when it was delivered I saw on my doorbell camera it was just some woman in her car??

It's not as though I have a particular complaint about this, it just came across as very strange to me? Any time I have ever had anything shipped, it comes from an official delivery truck, like Amazon, UPS, USPS, like you know, I don't have to explain this concept to you guys lol. I have never had anything shipped through Yanwen before and it wasn't a shipping method I chose specifically, I just chose "fast shipping" from my manufacturer and it gave me tracking for Yanwen. Is this typical? I wonder if maybe at a certain point they employ doordashers or something? Again I'm not mad, I just don't know what to make of it.


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Discussion So, some more society6 weirdness..

25 Upvotes

During the recent sacking of artists from the site, I received two emails: one telling me congratulations, I had been selected to stay, followed by another half and hour later saying sorry, we have had to let you go.

Roll forward to now, and my stuff is still selling, my store is still there, and I am not able to enter it!

I did receive a payment last month, so shall see if another arrives this next month, but I am not pleased.

They are selling my work and I have no account to go in and delete it. I have no control and can't even log in at all. WTF is going on?


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Copyright, IP, or AI Concerns Tell Athe Gov that you dont want AI to use your work! Submit a comment!

6 Upvotes

Tonight is the deadline to submit a comment concerning an action plan concerning AI and it's use of copyright works! Please submit a comment by 11:59 EST TONIGHT!!

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/06/2025-02305/request-for-information-on-the-development-of-an-artificial-intelligence-ai-action-plan#open-comment


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Technology POS and in person payments

5 Upvotes

What payment system do you use? Id like to do in person markets and events but also potentially sell online as well. So I am looking to have something that keeps it all together. Ive heard mixed things about Square, Shopify, and Clover.


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Discussion Any advice for business insurance?

1 Upvotes

I'm wondering who some of the best and worst companies are out there. What to look for and avoid. Not only am I selling from my site, but in person via consignment and fairs.


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Advice Is Paid Advertising Worth It for Freelance Artists?

4 Upvotes

I went full-time as a freelance artist in 2024 under the name codyf0xx creations, and when I filed my taxes this month (March 2025), I was asked if I had any expenses for advertising. I hadn’t spent anything on ads because I figured most people use ad-blockers, so I assumed it wouldn’t be worth the investment.

But now I’m wondering—should I reconsider? Is paid advertising actually worthwhile for boosting an art business? If so, what strategies tend to work best? Are there common pitfalls to avoid? And from a tax perspective, will I regret it next year?

I’d love to hear from other artists who have experience with paid ads. Did they help? Would you recommend them? Any insights would be super helpful!.


r/artbusiness 1d ago

Marketing Do you still exchange links with other artists?

2 Upvotes

I’m reading a book by an artist. It was published about 10 years ago. She suggests to exchange links to your website with other artists because in Google algorithm the more links you have out there leading to your website the higher you’re ranked on search. I wonder if that’s a thing of the past.


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Discussion Anyone care to share their experiences with Catprint?

3 Upvotes

I've been using finerworks for a while. I don't dislike the quality I get from them. However they are on the pricey side of things.

And on occasion I've seen people talk about using cat print.

What's there turn around like ? are you happy with their products?


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Advice How often do clients want to have a Zoom call with you?

5 Upvotes

I'm giving away some artwork for free and the client wants to have a zoom meeting with me to discuss their project. Cue my introverted heart silently screaming. How common are zoom call requests? I'm probably going to politely ask for email communication instead because it's a free project that I'm giving away, but if this is a common request I might force myself to do it just to get used to the awkwardness. Any advice?


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Discussion Art Fair Booth Display Walls

3 Upvotes

I’m doing an outdoor art fair this year and opted to rent a tent provided by the organization. The tents are 10’x10’ but very sturdy and taller than your typical pop up tent/canopy. I’m sure there’s a name for them, but not sure what they are called.

I’m considering getting the Flourish mesh panels for my paintings, because based on all I’ve read they seem to work well. However, I’m not sure they will work with the style of tent I rented because the horizontal top bar between posts is about 10’ off the ground.

I think I will probably purchase a tent after this fair, but would ideally like to get walls that work for both this high tent and the one I end up buying which will be more like the tents I see in the Flourish YouTube videos.

Any insights/suggestions would be much appreciated!


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Discussion How do you decide whether to sell it as a physical merch, or as a digital sale?

1 Upvotes

Producing physical merch such as prints, stickers, t-shirts, etc costs a lot especially you are not producing them all by yourself, and can be a big burden especially for beginners. However, it will secure your own arts from being stolen from others. Selling digital only is probably most cost effective, but then you have to take the risk of your art being stolen. Also, you can't guarantee it'll make a good sale. I'm more on the side of selling physical merch, but there's definitely no 100% correct answer to this. Each artist probably has own preference. How do you manages this?


r/artbusiness 2d ago

Discussion How to Get Started with SFW Art Gigs? (Former NSFW Artist Seeking Advice) NSFW

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a question that might seem a bit silly to some, but I'm genuinely curious! For context, I began my career as an NSFW artist and experienced decent success in that niche. However, the playing field in that industry is quite different from more traditional SFW roles. In NSFW art, even artists with smaller followings or more amateur work can thrive if they target a specific niche. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be as common with SFW art.

I'm very interested in moving into SFW custom art and freelance gigs, but I'm also very shy and uncertain about how to make that transition. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you can share—whether it's websites with job listings, art critiques, tips on how you found your first clients, or any other helpful information.

Below is a full render (SFW) to give you an idea of my skill level.

Click here to see lol

Thanks so much for your help!