Expert Tips: Merchandising & Selling Art Prints

Published on 18 July 2023 10 min read

Selecting the right art prints
Pricing your art prints correctly
Displaying your art prints attractively
Promoting art prints effectively
Building a network for selling art prints
Leveraging social media for art print sales
Collaborating with other artists and galleries
Shipping and handling of art prints
Customer service and follow-up

Art is not just about creating—it's about sharing your creations with the world. But when it comes to merchandising and selling art prints, many artists feel lost. Not to worry! This guide will show you how to navigate this exciting journey. Let's start with one of the most important steps: choosing the right art prints to sell.

Selecting the right art prints

Choosing the right art prints can make a huge difference in your success. Here's how you can make that choice:

Understand your audience: Before anything else, you need to know who will be buying your prints. Is your audience young and trendy or more traditional? This will guide you in picking out pieces that will resonate with them.
Quality over quantity: It might be tempting to sell as many prints as possible, but remember—quality trumps quantity every time. Choose your most impactful pieces for merchandising and selling art prints. These are the ones that truly showcase your style and talent.
Versatility is key: When selecting art prints, consider how they might look in different settings. Art that fits well in a variety of interiors will have a broader appeal. Think about how your art would look in a cozy home office, a sleek downtown apartment, or a rustic country home.
Size does matter: Not everyone has a huge wall to fill, and not everyone is looking for a tiny piece either. Offering a range of sizes can help cater to different customer needs.
Consider the market trends: While you shouldn't change your style to fit the market, being aware of what's popular can help you select pieces that have a higher chance of selling. For instance, minimalist art is currently quite popular, so if you have pieces that fit this aesthetic, they might be good candidates for prints.

Remember, it's your art and you should be proud to sell it. So, select pieces that you love, and chances are, your audience will love them too. Now that you know how to select the right art prints, you're one step closer to successfully merchandising and selling art prints.

Pricing your art prints correctly

Once you've selected the right art prints to sell, the next step is pricing them correctly. This can be tricky, but don't worry — here are some tips to help you get it right:

Understand the cost: The first step in pricing your art prints is to understand all the costs involved in making them. This includes material costs, printing costs, and any other expenses you incurred. These are your baseline — you need to cover these costs to make a profit.
Research the market: Look at what similar art prints are selling for. This will give you a ballpark figure to start with. Remember, don't undersell your work. Your art is unique and so is its value.
Consider your reputation: Are you a well-known artist or are you just starting out? Your reputation can influence the price of your art prints. As you gain recognition, you can gradually increase your prices.
Factor in your time: Don't forget to account for the time you spent creating the artwork. Your time is valuable, and this should be reflected in the price.
Think about editions: If you're selling limited-edition prints, these can be priced higher than open-edition prints. The rarity of the print adds to its value.

Pricing is a vital part of merchandising and selling art prints. It's a delicate balance — price too low, and you could undersell your work; price too high, and you may deter potential buyers. But with these tips in hand, you're well on your way to finding that sweet spot.

Displaying your art prints attractively

You've decided on your prices, and now it's time to put your art prints on display. How you present your art prints can make a world of difference in attracting potential buyers. Here are a few tips to make sure your art prints are displayed in the best possible way:

Showcase the details: Use high-quality images to show off the intricate details of your art prints. Remember, an image is worth a thousand words. The more attractive your art looks online, the more likely it is to sell.
Use multiple angles: Show your art prints from different perspectives. This can give potential buyers a better sense of the print's size and texture.
Display them in a relevant context: Show how the art print would look in a home or office setting. This can help potential buyers visualize how the print might fit into their space.
Use good lighting: Good lighting can make your art prints pop. Try to use natural light where possible. If not, invest in good quality artificial lights.
Keep the focus on the art: Avoid clutter in the background that can distract from the art. The focus should always be on the art print itself.

Remember, in the world of merchandising and selling art prints, presentation is key. A well-displayed art print can capture the attention of potential buyers and lead to a successful sale. So take the time to display your art prints attractively — it will be worth it!

Promoting art prints effectively

Your art prints are ready and beautifully displayed. Now, how do you get them in front of the eyes of potential buyers? Effective promotion is all about connecting with your audience in the right place at the right time. Let's dive into some strategies that can help you promote your art prints effectively:

Know your audience: Who are you selling to? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your promotional efforts. Are they young and trendy, or more established and traditional? This can guide where and how you promote your art prints.
Utilize online platforms: Websites, blogs, and online marketplaces are great places to showcase and sell your art prints. Make sure to optimize your listings with relevant keywords to attract more traffic.
Engage with social media: Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are powerful tools for promoting your art prints. Regularly post engaging content and interact with your followers to build a community around your art.
Participate in art fairs and exhibitions: These events can provide exposure and networking opportunities. They allow you to meet potential buyers face-to-face and explain the story behind your work.
Offer promotions: Limited-time promotions or discounts can encourage potential buyers to make a purchase. Just make sure your pricing strategy can accommodate these promotions without hurting your bottom line.

Remember — promoting art prints effectively is about more than just making a sale. It's about building a community of art lovers who appreciate your work and look forward to seeing your new creations. So, whether you're promoting online or offline, make sure to connect with your audience on a personal level. Happy promoting!

Building a network for selling art prints

When it comes to merchandising and selling art prints, having a robust network can make a world of difference. A strong network can lead to more sales, collaborations, and opportunities. Here are some steps you can take to build your own:

Start local: Connect with local artists, galleries and art enthusiasts in your area. Attend art events and fairs, and don't be shy about introducing yourself and your work. You never know who might be interested in your art prints.
Join online communities: Online platforms offer a wealth of opportunities for networking. Join art-related forums, groups and social media communities. Engage in discussions, share your work and provide valuable feedback on others' work. This can help establish your presence and build relationships.
Create partnerships: Collaborate with other artists or businesses. This could be in the form of joint projects, exhibitions or even exchange of services. These partnerships can expand your reach and introduce your art prints to a new audience.
Keep in touch: Don't let connections go cold. Stay in touch with your contacts, even if you don’t have immediate business with them. A quick email or message to check in can go a long way in maintaining relationships.
Provide value: Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, provide feedback, share opportunities. The more value you offer, the more likely others are to help you in return.

Building a network might seem daunting, but remember, every connection you make is a potential opportunity for selling your art prints. So, keep meeting new people, keep engaging, and most importantly, keep creating!

Social media platforms can be incredibly powerful tools when it comes to merchandising and selling art prints. Here's how you can make the most out of these platforms:

Show your process: People love seeing the creative process. Post pictures or videos of your work in progress, your studio, or the materials you use. This not only engages your audience but also helps them appreciate the effort that goes into creating each print.
Use hashtags wisely: Hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience. Research relevant hashtags that are popular among art enthusiasts and use them strategically. But remember, don't overdo it! Too many hashtags can make your post look spammy.
Engage with your followers: Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your followers. A strong relationship with your social media followers can lead to better sales of your art prints.
Post regularly, but authentically: Consistency is key on social media. Regular posts keep you at the top of your followers' feeds. But don't sacrifice authenticity for frequency. Genuine, high-quality content always wins over quantity.
Use stories and live features: Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, and similar features allow you to interact with your followers in real-time. Use these features to host Q&As, show behind-the-scenes footage, or even conduct live art sessions.

Remember, social media is not just a sales platform—it's a way to connect with people who love your work. Focus on building these connections, and the sales will follow.

Collaborating with other artists and galleries

When it comes to the world of art, collaboration can often lead to great success. Working with other artists and galleries can offer fresh perspectives, open up new opportunities, and help you reach a wider audience. Here are some tips for effective collaboration:

Find compatible artists: Look for artists whose work complements yours. They don’t need to work in the same style, but their work should align with your aesthetic and values. This creates a cohesive experience for your audience.
Collaborate on a project: Consider working together on a project. This could be creating a series of collaborative art prints, hosting a joint exhibit, or even starting a collective. Shared projects can generate excitement and attract more attention than solo efforts.
Reach out to galleries: Galleries can help you reach a broader audience. Research local and online galleries that showcase work similar to yours and reach out to them. Remember, it’s important to approach galleries professionally and respectfully. Always read their submission guidelines and follow them.
Share resources and networks: Collaboration isn’t just about creating together. It’s also about sharing resources and networks. This can include sharing contacts, marketing channels, or even studio space. Shared resources can make merchandising and selling art prints more efficient and cost-effective.

Collaboration can feel a bit daunting, especially if you're used to working alone. But remember, a rising tide lifts all boats. By working together, artists can create a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.

Shipping and handling of art prints

Once you've mastered the art of merchandising and selling art prints, it's time to focus on getting your artwork safely to your customers. Shipping and handling may not be the most glamorous part of the process, but it's absolutely critical to customer satisfaction. Here are some pointers to help you navigate this part of your business:

Pack with care: Art prints are delicate, and it's essential to pack them carefully to avoid any damage during shipping. Use sturdy tubes or flat mailers, and consider adding extra padding with bubble wrap or foam. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Consider the cost: Shipping can be expensive, especially for larger prints. Make sure to factor in these costs when pricing your art prints. You can either include shipping in the price of the print or charge it separately.
Use reliable carriers: Do your research and choose a shipping carrier that is known for reliability and safe delivery. The last thing you want is your art print getting lost in transit.
Provide tracking: Providing your customers with tracking information for their package not only gives them peace of mind, but it also shows professionalism and consideration on your part.

Remember, the journey of your art print doesn't end when it leaves your hands — it ends when it arrives safely at your customer's door. So, make sure to give shipping and handling the attention it deserves!

Customer service and follow-up

One of the most important aspects of merchandising and selling art prints is providing exceptional customer service and following up with your customers. This is the key to building a loyal customer base and driving repeat business. Here's how you can shine in this area:

Be responsive: Whether it's a question about your artwork, a problem with an order, or simply a compliment from an admirer, it's important to respond promptly. It shows you value your customers and their feedback.
Resolve issues proactively: If a customer has a problem, don't wait for them to reach out to you. Be proactive in resolving the issue and offering a satisfactory solution. This can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
Ask for reviews: Reviews are crucial for building trust with potential customers. Don't be shy about asking your customers to leave a review after they've received their art print. It helps others know what to expect and gives you valuable feedback to improve your business.
Stay in touch: Don't let the relationship end after the sale. Send occasional emails to your customers with updates about new collections, sales, or events. It keeps you at the forefront of their minds and encourages repeat business.

Remember, good customer service and follow-up are not just about resolving issues — they're about creating an overall positive experience that makes your customers want to come back for more. So go ahead and make customer service a priority in your art print business!

If you enjoyed our blog post on expert tips for merchandising and selling art prints, you'll love the 'Digitising Handmade Illustrations' workshop by Jola Pictures. This workshop will teach you the skills you need to transform your traditional artwork into digital masterpieces, opening up a world of possibilities for merchandising and selling your art prints online. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your art business to new heights!