HOW TO SELL YOUR ART ONLINE (without a bunch of followers) ★彡

hello! in this video I address a bunch of questions I got on instagram about how to sell your art online/ how I run my etsy shop. thank you so much for all the wonderful questions people submitted to me!! also thank you for 400 subscribers!!! i'm so thrilled and happy that so many new people are following my ~artistic journey~.
✿ TIME CODES ✿
00:36 - 02:30 about me
02:31- 02:44 Part 1: all things selling and making money
02:45 - 08:05 what websites do you recommend/don’t recommend using
08:06 - 11:00 how do you sell your artwork with a small follower base
11:01 - 11:39 how did you get started/ see traffic on etsy?
11:40 - 11:58 where should a young artist start?
11:59 - 12:00 Part 2: pricing and shipping
12:01 - 14:14 how do you calculate the price of a product
14:15 - 15:46 what were some mistakes you made along the way? what didn’t work?
15:47 - 16:22 how do you deal with shipping prices
16:23 - 16:25 Part 3 - supplies and organization
16:26 - 16:50 where do you get your supplies?
16:51 - 17:19 how do you organize your items/store clay pins?
17:20 - 17:25 running the store
17:26 - 18:19 how do you plan shop launches
18:20 - 19:05 what are the most difficult aspects of running a shop
19:05 - 19:06 Part 5 - business, legal, tax stuff
19:13 - 19:19 do i need business license?
20:00 - 20:01 Part 6 - challenges, reflections, general advice
20:22 - 21:29 more mistakes (being too hard on myself)
21:30 - 22:23 do you feel pressure to post your art consistently
22:24 - 25:02 general advice for running and starting art business
✿ LINKS ✿
Website & Portfolio: www.meganwangart.com/
Patreon: / studiomeggy
Instagram: / studiomeggy
✿ MUSIC USED ✿
Music by Reggie San Miguel - Ruby Grapefruit - thmatc.co/?l=64591744
Music by Reggie San Miguel - Autumn Stroll - thmatc.co/?l=5FB4F730
✿ TAGS ✿
#howtosellartonline #illustrator #artvlog #shopupdate
current sub count: 400

[@bythecalmseas]

"be less ashamed of the work we do" Goddamn you said it! Someone also said to me "If you make art, then you are an artist." I need these printed.

[@mayacheav9027]

I had a break day today, no classes and a day off from my internship so I wanted to be as productive as I could. I worked on clay earrings all day and some other stuff for my business and was getting really frustrated at the pieces I was working on not turning out the way I wanted them to. Then I watched your video and it really cheered me up and it was good for me to hear that I should take a break! I loved this video so much thank you for making it!!

[@MeganWangart]

I’m so happy that my video could help you and that you’re feeling better! Stepping back is almost always the best course of action when we’re feeling frustrated, I know when I’m grinding out a bunch of earrings I get so burnt out but then want to keep on pushing through even though I know I’m super tired. It takes a lot of strength for artists to step back and I’m so proud of you for taking breaks and taking care of yourself!

[@justthoughts8872]

Ok it's a great

[@Uniacoty]

Ugh, yes, something not coming out the way I envisioned it in my mind is a problem all too common.

[@JordanS-ww4eu]

@@MeganWangartI like your hair

[@JordanS-ww4eu]

@@MeganWangartyou’re my best friend I really like you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@critter_core]

Just thought somebody'd appreciate having the timestamps laid out the whole video lol: 0:36 - about me 2:31 Part 1 - Selling Art 2:45 - What Websites To Use 8:06 - Selling With A Small Follower Base 11:01 - How I Started 11:40 - Where A Young Artist Can Start 11:59 Part 2 - Pricing and Shipping 12:01 - How To Calculate the Product Price 14:15 - Shipping and Pricing Mistakes 15:47 - How I Ship Products 16:23 Part 3 - Supplies and Organization 16:26 - Where I Get Supplies 16:51 - How I Organize My Items/Studio 17:20 Part 4 - Running the Store 17:26 - Planning Shop Launches 18:20 - Most Difficult Challenges 19:06 Part 5 - Business/Legal/Tax Stuff 19:13 - Business Licenses/Permits 20:00 Part 6 - General Advice 21:30 - Pressure To Constantly Post Art 22:24 - General Advice For Selling Art

[@liliannart]

super appreciated, thank you!

[@Slipping_thru_the_Seams]

thank you!!

[@critter_core]

@@Slipping_thru_the_Seams Ye ofc :D

[@czacaesar]

thank you so much! that save time

[@critter_core]

@@czacaesar Oh yeah, of course :0

[@hannepicklesimer8133]

This video made me feel so less alone in being new to the small biz art world! I started earlier this year and had amazing success on TikTok to the point where I couldn't handle all of my orders since everything I make is made to order. I started treating myself like a robot and got severely burnt out and injured my back. I'm taking a break now and revaluating what I should do when I want to start again. It was a good reminder that not all of us have everything figured out and that we should never treat ourselves like we're Amazon. Thank you so much for being authentic! ❤️

[@HelenaEngstrom]

I fell in this trap too of treating myself as a machine and worked too hard working on my art. Take care of yourself! ❤

[@frogdrug8282]

I also experienced the same as you except I overwhelmed myself so bad my anxiety took over and I couldnt finish anymore orders because I felt like a failure. Its been a while since I havent gone back to my small business art account. I plan on going back soon because I miss it so much and it was so successful. I hope we both get back there again & with lessons learned we learn to pace ourselves and not be so harsh on ourselves!

[@fyrebird5898]

That section were you spoke about not monetizing everything you create hits home. I started teaching art classes for something I started as a hobby and it just took off. Was very grateful for the extra cash, but after 2 years was totally burnt out. It's REALLY important that some things are just for you and to treat those things as sacred.

[@imAnnaMolly]

rigorously ✍️ taking ✍️ notes (but seriously this is super useful for someone who eventually wants to open a store :D)

[@MeganWangart]

bahahaah thank u for ur comment!!! i'm so glad you liked it and excited for the day i can support ur store :)

[@argries]

I know this is a slightly older video but this was still helpful. Looking at some of the drops artists have, I just assumed I needed to push myself to have a large inventory. It's nice to hear an artist that can make small drops, it opens a lot more for me.

[@PinkWytchBytch]

For me I’m trying to do it without social media (it’s a personal thing, I’m very against social media, KZbin is all I have)

[@Getlost517]

This whole video just made me take a deep breathe. As someone who is VERY new to selling art this was a relief thank you 🥰

[@Fart_Simpson]

Trying to get into this biz at 24yo, wish me luck yall

[@VagrantTurtles]

Luck.

[@kikimbaart]

This video is so emphatic. I am doing my freelancing journey for quite some time now. Only in the year 2022 things got successfully achieved but I have this hunch that I'll go full out this year of 2023. I will be pricing my works a lot more. People understand that my work takes time. I'm glad they know how to emphatize with my time as well with making traditional art and digital art. I am a lot more logical and practical but happier with how things have been. So don't give up youngsters! We'll keep it up okay?

[@xprinceorcax]

Thank you for giving such good advice! This was very insightful and very helpful. Your vibe is always so calm. :) I'm glad things have been going well for you especially as an artist who may have just been starting in the last couple of years. It's quite inspiring! :D

[@TheCegorian]

Love the content and the advice! This was a wonderful video and full of useful info to the point that the time flew by! Thank so much for all you do for us art enthusiasts

[@kitp3313]

thank you for making this video! ive been making jewelry for about a year now and am currently trying to make a decent bit of stock and sell them! this video answered so many questions for me and just generally motivated me that i shouldn’t be stressing and overthinking every aspect!!

[@twentyfivecents]

I’ve been feeling like this for so long lol thank you!! 💕

[@annette1884]

These kind of videos always motivate me so much! Thank youu!🥰

[@artofphoebe]

I love you sm, You're such a vibe and make me feel so comfy and welcomed!!

[@ramenmayooooo2826]

I really love your opinion. You make me realized how important to do thing what you truly love, not to copy and be the same way as the others. Thank you so much.

[@beautifulspacesllc]

You're so sweet and genuine!! I loved watching this 🥰🥰

[@sarahrose9944]

Never apologize for long videos! This was super helpful to me. I would love a deeper dive into shipping and scheduling & having successful “drops”.

[@briianna.michelle]

This was incredible! Especially appreciated what you said about just making one thing, sell it, and grow from there 🤩 Exactly what I needed to hear. I’m going to go do just that, right now!!! Thank you so much for all of the advice!

[@bambic3641]

This video was the most helpful out of all the ones I've watched I like how it feels like I'm getting advice from a friend !

[@wannawandaart]

hi, megan! i hope you'd make more videos like this one. 🥺 rly appreciate your elaborate answers 💗

[@divyanema1275]

this video was a lifesaver!! (i'm opening my own art shop on Etsy and its been a struggle learning to sell my art ) thanks for making it :)

[@amoretv9027]

Loved this video !!!!! Thank you for sharing your experience 🥰💕

[@jovanagonzalez4732]

Oh yay!! I’ve been working on my own but it’s been taking a while preparing everything this was very helpful thanks and love the video 🥰

[@MeganWangart]

thank you so much! Best of luck with your store opening!

[@dakotaaustin8214]

This was EVERYTHING I NEEDED!!! Thank you love!!!!❤

[@Nat-tr5tx]

This video might be 2 years old, but thank you so much for making this! I've always wanted to try selling art prints on the side for the longest time and this really gave me the motivation and knowledge to try to!

[@superfriendlyalpaca]

Omg you read my mind with the thought of monetizing crochet which is a hobby I haven't even really started! 😂😂 (dw I promise I will keep this one as a hobby just for me and perhaps pals 😤 Thank you so much for making this vid!! As an artist also doing handmade things (embroidery hehe) who's thinking of starting a lil store, your insight is so helpful and also a good reminder to properly price my work!!

[@withlove_nikki]

thank you so much for this video! I really want to open a shop this year but I’m still gathering info on etsy and other platforms, and growing an audience as well. this was all so helpful! :)

[@MeganWangart]

you're so welcome! it's super smart of you to gather info and do your research before taking off! I'm glad it was helpful and good luck!!!!

[@lillyandmartyshorts5087]

For me whose trying to set up a clay pin business this is really helpful! Lately I’ve been really struggling and this is very helpful ❤️

[@TheChillCraftsman]

Loved your video! I’ve been back and forth about creating a “brand” (I don’t love using that word but unsure of how else to phrase it) with my art hobbies, and this video had a lot of good info for me. I also love how authentic this video felt. Thanks for making it! 😊

[@kuma.corner1834]

Thank you so much for this video! I want to start selling my art and I love how in depth you went with it !

[@MeganWangart]

Glad it was helpful!! best of luck!

[@chingalingdraws2150]

this was so informative! i loved how you were so transparent and sharing your advice. :)

[@MeganWangart]

of course!!! hope it was useful to you!!!

[@tea-studio]

honestly I love that in the UK you barely have to worry about sales tax if you're a very small business (you only need to pay it if your turnover is huge), even tho you still have to do your own income taxes n stuff

[@robertschwarztrauber9340]

Thank you for taking time to make this enjoyable and informative video. It was very helpful and your personality very sincere and trustworthy.

[@victoriayuart]

Thanks for sharing these tips and advice! It was really helpful and not stressful and keeping in mind what's important to you and what you value and prioritize. It's challenging for small illustrators and artists to have something that works out for them. And I totally agree balance is key! Really love your cute earrings and I was also thinking of making polymer clay items! I've alwasy been a great fan for handmade goods!

[@myhappylittlethings2382]

Hellooo megan. Thank you for sharing ur process and all. Appreciate you. ✨️💛

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thanks for sharing Megan ❤this is literally the best 👌 video I've seen ❤

[@yoselin2639]

Thank you so much for making this video :) congratulations on 402 subscribers I have been here Since you had 225 subscribers ❤️🍓

[@MeganWangart]

you're the best!!! thank u so much for supporting me from the beginning!!

[@araccoon267]

Man isn’t there a way I can start the website for free😭😭

[@ErosNocturne]

Usually, no. But at least it's a tax write off

[@user-kz7po3ph6q]

you made everything seem so much less scary. thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

[@irislast8827]

Great video with really good and honest tips! I'm starting my online businesses, to sell my art online and it's a bit frustrating. I have tried it before a few years ago and it didn't go well so I stopped. But now I feel motivated again and really want it to work this time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience I will totally use it!

[@TheMissannamakeup]

This video is so much helpful and supportive thank you 💗😭😭😭

[@papermelonworking]

Hi!! I found your insta and i love your art, your website!!! Ah everything its super inspiring!!!!!

[@MeganWangart]

thank you so much!!!! :')

[@JustIgnoreDem]

I've been looking for a place for my prints for ages now, thank you!!! 😊

[@skysscars]

thank you for making this video! i'm going to start a crochet shop and social media scares me, especially because other online shops seem to post a lot to advertise their products, but hearing you talk about it made me a little more willing to do stuff at my own pace. :>

[@forever_stay6793]

This video was so helpful! Great advice

[@keykey10101]

Thank you for all of the advice ! I can't wait to for your next upload :)

[@MeganWangart]

You're welcome!!! thank u for ur support :)

[@trantnguyen817]

This video really helps me! Thank you for your hard work 😊

[@MeganWangart]

of course!! thank you!

[@user-db7fc5ku8y]

Thank you SO much for this video. I am looking into selling some of my traditional artworks (copies as i wanna keep the original ones) and this really helped!!

[@holly-leedickson6414]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I work casually as a paint and sip instructor but it’s not enough and I need to supplement my income. I have to stop hoarding my art and having it collect dust and take up space in my office. I’m starting my journey on how to sell those and more affordable prints and products but it’s really overwhelming. It’s so hard to know where to start and daunting to put myself out there on social media. Stories like yours really help because it’s not too much too fast. Too many people are out there pushing the hustle and get rich methods and many of us just don’t have the energy or brain space to do that. It’s so much better to see how you can start off small and start where you’re at with the resources you have available. not expecting yourself to just jump in the deep end and bite off more than you can chew. Again really appreciate your candid sharing. Thanks 🙏 😊

[@Woolblossom]

This was such a well done, and informative video !!!!

[@MeganWangart]

Omg thank you so much!! You’re so kind 🥺❤️⭐️

[@nihaarikasingh271]

Thank you so much for making this video! It is informative and I'm definitely gonna use some of this information when I start selling things online!💖

[@MeganWangart]

i'm so glad it was helpful!! best of luck to you and your shopkeeping endeavors :)

[@gabiiiriiivera]

this is so helpful! would love an update on this video, as I'm sure you've learned loads & changed some things around

[@crytalfactory]

Loved this video even after all this time, as im just looking to get into this myaelf. Thanks for this!

[@surfrider71]

Great video Megan!!!

[@Lisefischer]

Thank you so much. I love your way of speaking and tell about yourself. This video is full of interesting informations.

[@liapuspita8742]

Thankyou for sharing your experience in this video, love it❤

[@julibugable]

I really enjoyed this video. It was very helpful. I may watch it again. Your creations are so cute. I love them. Don’t worry about the length. I thought it was just right for the content.

[@jocelynsands212]

absolutely love this, sooo informative and much needed for myself!!

[@MeganWangart]

Ahh this means so much I’m so happy you liked it and I hope it was useful in some way!!!

[@jocelynsands212]

@@MeganWangart most definitely!!! Thank u:)))

[@jasperfox3171]

Thank you so much for making this video!! I'm getting ready to start selling my artwork online and at local art galleries, and your advice has been so helpful and made the prospect of starting my own business way less scary!

[@victoriaangell-sanchez]

I'm a fine artist planning to start a business and this video was really infromational and encouraging Thank you!! Plus can relate to the financial side, laws and taxes sound so intimidating 😵Will defiently be coming back to this video

[@luckyjuniper9560]

This helped me so much, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou

[@frappecloud]

This is really useful! I'm opening my nationwide shop soon so I will certainly keep your advices in my mind! ❤🙌

[@MeganWangart]

thank you so much! i'm so glad you thought my video was useful :) good luck with your shop opening!!! i know it'll turn out great :)

[@frappecloud]

@@MeganWangart Thank you!🥺💕

[@Stuuudio2]

It was so great to see you share your creative process. I can relate to the successes and the challenges! Keep up the good work!

[@priscillavon]

thankyou for these tips and suggestions!

[@ChantelleArts]

This is an awesome helpful video 😊

[@evaempress]

Even two and a half years later, this was really helpful, I honestly didn't even think to look at my state business requirements so that was great!

[@Trishuu]

Okay thank you this is soo helpful 🥲💛💛

[@MeganWangart]

omg thank you so much!! so glad you found it helpful :)

[@LearningWithVal]

i love these videos so much

[@MeganWangart]

Thank you so much!!!

[@bythecalmseas]

Ooohhh! Been seeing you in IG Explore! Nice to see the face behind the art!

[@exploringonabudget101]

This is sooooo helpful. Thank you.

[@lilsun]

this video is an amazing resource!! thank you so much for sharing :))

[@MeganWangart]

thank you so much for your comment!!! i hope it was useful :)

[@lilsun]

@@MeganWangart it really was!! thanks so much

[@christinamdedecker6444]

Super helpful! Thanks! I’m trying to start an art store rn after some encouragement from family and this really helped me to get a good starting point. I’m thinking about selling custom portraits - either of a person or of a character (like a D&D character) - so if you’re interested or you have any advice, I’d love to hear from you! :) Have a lovely day

[@AwesomeAndrew]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Have a super awesome day

[@user-np5vy4ds5o]

Alot of great information. 😊 thanks

[@andreab425]

thank you for making this video

[@abcdefJin_biased_m0412]

Good luck, keep going ❤

[@analog_grandma]

So informative and honest thank you thank you thank you!!

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Hi Megan from the UK. Great video. Thank you for sharing your Artistic Journey. I hope you get your kiln❣️ And wishing you luck with your sales. Your right, Artists need to pay themselves a decent wage. The cost of living is so high. Our Gas and Electric bill was over £500 here in the UK last month. Scary prices.

[@annabelazanutto9222]

Lovely content. It helped me a lot. I am making some research cause I wanna start my own online business and also help an artist friend of mine! Cheers!!!

[@hyaline2128]

The cutest. Thanks ☺️

[@NemuiDoraneko]

Stumbled on this video on random and I absolutely loved it! I tend to prefer to buy things from small businesses, as the end product (whether that is a sticker, clothes or furniture) tends to be much nicer and more tailored towards what I like (and my size/needs/requirements). And I want to confirm a few things that you've said, but as a customer: 1) It takes time to make stuff. If your things are made on order, then just stating that it will take around X amount of time is a great! It also assures me as a customer that you are (hopefully!) not going to rush the making in 1 day and potentially cut corners. Most of us who order custom/handmade things expect it to take time when browsing and order accordingly. 2) Handmade and especially custom made things are more expensive for a reason. The business owner has had to spend time coming up with a design, choosing the materials and colours, thinking about the method to achieve it. They often choose more sustainable or higher quality materials than main street. Buying things in smaller batches than big wholesalers is more expensive. Depending on their toolset, some things may be done quicker, but be more expensive because the tool is expensive. They often do a quality check or verify every piece. They spend time on the nice packaging and many times handwritten messages and/or address. You are worth way more than minimum hourly wage for all that effort. 3) Shipping is never free. First there is the postage/stamp/tracking costs. Then the mail supplies like envelopes, packing paper, tape, string, pens, business card and address label printing. And then the person also has to do the actual packaging and travel to drop it off, which can take quite some time too. Really, really great video and points

[@mctwitchygaming3712]

Amazing advice thank you!!

[@solennesteelberg2317]

YOU LOOK SO GOOD!!! BLESS YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT!!!! 💪

[@MeganWangart]

I LOV U SOLENNE!!!!

[@jordeetstewart]

this was so goddam helpful!!!

[@MeganWangart]

ahhh im so glad you found it helpful!!!!! best of luck :)

[@sarahisinacastle]

i really need this omg

[@MeganWangart]

haha thank you!! hope it helped out in some way :)

[@1hinita]

One of the best comprehensive videos about selling your art online! question, did you start out without a business license? big cartel requires a payment option and each one required a business account to get started. did you make your business as an llc or dba?

[@JeanneBook]

Got recommended at a perfect time. Wanted to do commissions this month.

[@lisalynn9166]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@miachristensen4365]

thank you thank you thank you for this video

[@denisedecarlo9311]

great video...helpful...thank you xo

[@TaterKakez]

This video was both extremely helpful and confirming. Art will flow the way it will flow. Part of myself that I love is my impulsive creativity.. why would I try to be something other than myself, when being myself is part of what is making me successful for the first time ever?

[@_cmrartmoonpixxy_3924]

2:31 selling art 11:59 pricing and shipping 16:23 supplies and organization

[@Crystalbue3761]

Hi there from the Bahamas and thank you for your advice on the art business

[@Diisyplayzz]

thank you so much for these tips megan and I love your videos so much.

[@MsButtalove]

Thanks for this informative video 😊

[@kelbellas5960]

You are too cute!! Luv your vibe, keep up the good work.

[@manuelazac]

This is so helpful 🤗information