Selling on Artsie

Maximizing your sales: Essentials for Artists

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Selling made Simple

Selling on Artsie: Guidelines for Creators Welcome to Artsie! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our creative community. To ensure a great experience for everyone, here are some guidelines to keep in mind when selling your artwork on our platform:

  1. Quality of Artwork- Showcase Your Best Work: We encourage you to share only your highest-quality pieces. Each item should reflect your skill, creativity, and attention to detail. Originality Matters: All artwork must be original and created by you. If you’re selling prints, ensure they’re high-quality reproductions of your original work.

  2. Importance of Photos- High-Quality Images: Use clear, well-lit photos that accurately represent your artwork. Include multiple angles and close-ups to highlight details. Accurate Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions for each piece, including dimensions, materials, and any special care instructions.

  3. Packaging and Shipping- Ship with Care: Package your artwork securely to prevent damage during transit. Use protective materials like bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and corner protectors for framed pieces. Timely Delivery: Ship items promptly after purchase. If there’s a delay, communicate with the buyer to keep them informed.

  4. Communication and Customer Service- Be Responsive: Reply to buyer inquiries and messages in a timely manner. Good communication builds trust and ensures a positive experience. Handle Issues Professionally: If a problem arises (e.g., damaged item, shipping delay), work directly with the buyer to resolve it.

  5. Artsie’s Role- Facilitator Between Creator and Buyer: Artsie facilitates the connection between creators and collectors, but the transaction is directly between you and the collector/buyer. No Liability for Issues: Artsie is not responsible for damage, loss, or other unforeseen issues during shipping or after delivery. We recommend using tracked shipping and insurance for valuable items.

  6. Community Guidelines- Respect and Integrity: Treat buyers and fellow creators with respect. Any form of harassment, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour will not be tolerated. Stay Active: Regularly update your shop with new artwork and engage with the Artsie community.

  7. Pricing and Commissions- Set Fair Prices: Price your artwork competitively, considering materials, time, and market value. Commission Structure: Artsie takes a small commission on each sale to support the platform, marketing and related operations. Ensure your pricing accounts for this nominal fee.

  8. Promoting Your Work Share Your Story: Use your profile/bio to share with prospective buyers about your creative journey and inspirations; share your personality. Leverage Social Media: Promote your Artsie link(s) on social media to reach a wider audience.

We’re Here to Help! If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out to us at connect@artsie.ca. We’re here to help you succeed and share your art with the world.

The Ultimate Platform for Selling your Art

Why sell your art on Artsie?

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Reaching the Collectors who value your Art

At Artsie, we’ve created a space where artists can thrive, collectors can discover exceptional work, and the art community can flourish—all while making the process seamless, secure, and rewarding for you. Here’s why selling with us is the best choice for your art:

Keep more of your earnings- Traditional galleries often charge 40-60% in commissions, leaving artists with less than half of their hard-earned sales. With Artsie, our commission structure is designed to support you. We offer a significantly lower commission rate, ensuring you keep more of your earnings while still benefiting from our premium platform and services.

Massive Exposure Without the Effort- We know how challenging it can be to build an audience and market your work. That’s why we’ve taken the heavy lifting off your shoulders. With our powerful social media presence and targeted marketing campaigns, your art will reach thousands of discerning collectors who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. No need to spend hours (or dollars) on ads or managing a website—we handle the exposure for you.

A Platform Built for Artists, by Artists- Unlike generic marketplaces, we focus exclusively on art and artisans. Our platform is curated for the discerning consumer, ensuring your work is showcased alongside other exceptional artists. We regularly highlight featured artists, giving you the spotlight you deserve and helping you stand out in a crowded market.

Secure and Easy Transactions- Selling your art should be stress-free. Our platform offers secure payment processing, so you can focus on creating while we handle the logistics. Payments are fast, reliable, and transparent, so you always know when and how much you’ll earn.

A Curated Community built on Quality- We take pride in maintaining the highest standards for our platform. Every artist is vetted to ensure their work aligns with our commitment to quality and excellence. This means your art will be showcased in a trusted environment, attracting serious collectors who value and invest in exceptional work.

Tailored for Discerning Collectors- Our platform isn’t just for anyone—it’s for those who truly appreciate art. We attract discerning collectors who are passionate about discovering unique, high-quality pieces. By becoming part of the Artsie Collective, you’re not just selling art; you’re connecting with an audience that values your talent and vision.

Support Every Step of the Way- We’re more than just a marketplace—we’re a community. From the moment you join, you’ll have access to resources, tips, and personalized support to help you succeed. Whether you’re new to selling your work or a seasoned artist, we’re here to help you grow.

Your Art, Your Story- We believe every piece of art has a story, and we’re passionate about sharing yours. Our platform allows you to showcase not just your work, but the inspiration and process behind it. This connection with collectors builds trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships.

Join a Community That Celebrates You! At Artsie, we’re not just selling art—we’re building a movement that empowers artists and enriches collectors. By choosing to sell with us, you’re joining a curated, supportive, and thriving community that puts you first.

Ready to take your art to the next level? Join us today and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Artsie Creator Checklist

How to sell your art on Artsie

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Creator Checklist: How to List your Art like a Pro

  1. Price Your Work Factor in Costs: Materials (e.g., canvas, paint, framing) Time (e.g., hours spent creating the piece) Shipping and packaging (e.g., boxes, bubble wrap, insurance) Research Comparable Art: Look at similar pieces on Artsie or other platforms to determine pricing. Include Taxes: Add applicable taxes (GST/HST/PST/QST) to your listing price.

  2. Take Great Photos Use Natural Light: Photograph your art in daylight to avoid shadows and glare. Capture Details: Include close-up shots to show texture, brushstrokes, or unique features. Use a Neutral Background: Place your art against a plain wall or backdrop to keep the focus on the piece. Edit for Clarity: Adjust brightness, contrast, and colour balance to ensure the photo matches the original piece. BONUS TIP - when taking photos consider using one of the many free apps to show buyers what your piece looks like on a wall or in various settings. Consider using apps or tools like "Artrooms," "Canva," or "Smartist."

  3. Write a Compelling Description; Tell the Story: Share the inspiration behind the piece, your creative process, or the materials used. Highlight Key Details: Include dimensions, medium (e.g., oil on canvas), and any special features. Use Keywords: Add terms collectors might search for (e.g., “abstract landscape,” “handmade pottery”).

  4. Once approved, set Up Your Profile; Add a Professional Bio: Share where you are from, what you like to create (sculpture, oil paintings etc), what inspires you and another fun random fact. (see tips below on setting up your bio) Upload a Profile Photo: Use a clear, friendly image of yourself or your studio.

  5. Creator Payouts & Stripe Account Setup Guide- VERY IMPORTANT To receive payments securely, all creators must set up a Stripe account before listing any work. Here’s how: STEP 1: Set Up Your Stripe Account Go to your Artsie dashboard → "Payout Settings" → "Connect with Stripe." Enter your legal business/personal details (name, address, tax ID if applicable). This ensures compliance with financial regulations. Enter your bank account information (account number, routing number). Double-check for accuracy—this is where Stripe sends your payouts!

STEP 2: Understand Payouts Artsie is the Merchant of Record, handling transactions securely via Stripe. You’ll receive your earnings (sale price minus applicable commission/fees) directly to your bank account, a few days after the collector has received and confirmed receipt of purchase online. Stripe’s fees (e.g., processing) are deducted automatically.

Why Stripe? Regulated & Trusted: Stripe is a globally licensed payment platform, adhering to strict financial security laws (like PCI compliance). Peace of Mind: Your banking data is encrypted, and payouts are reliable ensuring that the entire transaction is both secure and efficient.

Must Do's Before Listing your item: ✅ Complete Stripe setup (incomplete accounts delay payouts). ✅ Verify all details (errors prevent transfers).

  1. Package Your Art Safely; Protect your creation: Use bubble wrap, foam corners, and sturdy boxes to prevent damage during shipping. Always best to use more packaging materials than not enough. TIP: Include a Thank-You Note: Add a personal touch with a handwritten note, artist bio and/or an information card about the piece of art (example, what inspired you to create it, other fun facts) Insure High-Value Items: Consider adding insurance for expensive or fragile pieces.

  2. Promote Your Listings; Share on Social Media: Post your Artsie listings on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). Engage with the Community: Comment on other artists’ work and participate in Artsie’s forums or events.

  3. Ask for reviews: request that collectors help celebrate your creations by sharing their experiences by adding a review. This helps build trust and a relationship with future collectors.

Bonus Tips for Success- Be Consistent: Update your profile as needed. Replenish listings with new pieces as they are completed or as others are sold. Respond Quickly: Answer buyer questions within 24 hours. Celebrate Sales: Share your success stories to build credibility and attract more buyers.

Shipping & Liability Notice For peace of mind, we strongly recommend: Purchasing shipping insurance (available through most carriers). Using tracked/insured services for high-value pieces. While we’ll gladly assist with communication, Artsie cannot be held liable for shipping incidents. Thank you for supporting artists with care and understanding!

Need help? Contact us connect@artsie.ca.

Happy selling!

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Writing your Artist Bio in 5 simple steps

To start- Introduce yourself. Example: "Hi, I'm Lucy, a Toronto-based ceramicist who creates organic, functional pottery to bring handmade warmth to modern homes."

Include your Experience

Make note of any training, exhibitions, or notable collections, self-taught etc. Example: "I am a self-taught artist who has been creating pieces for the last 15 years in my home studio."

Share Inspiration

Explain what motivates you. Is it nature, your family, or perhaps your dreams? Share insight on what inspires you. Example, " I like to incorporate natural elements in my artwork. Many of my pieces have been collected by people all over the world in over 50 countries."

Show Personality

Describe your process, inspiration, or quirks. Example: "Every piece is inspired by nature, insects and botanicals. I like bold, bright colours"

End with a Fun Fact(s)!

Example: "I like to eat guacamole by the spoonful and my favourite colour is purple."

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How to Write About Your Artwork: A Creator’s Guide

Capturing the essence of your piece in words helps collectors connect with your work. Here’s what to include and how to structure it:

  1. The Basics- Title: “Mountain Echoes” (or “Untitled #3” if intentional). Medium/Materials: “Acrylic on canvas”, “Hand-thrown stoneware with iron oxide glaze”, “Archival pigment print on watercolour paper”. Dimensions: “24 x 36 inches (61 x 91 cm)” or “Sculpture: 12 x 8 x 5 inches”. Year Created (optional): “2024” (helps collectors track your evolution)

  2. The Story- Inspiration: “This piece explores the tension between urban sprawl and untouched wilderness, inspired by hikes in the Canadian Rockies.” Process: “Layered ink washes mimic the erosion of coastal cliffs over time.” Meaning: “The fractured gold leaf represents resilience in decay.” Tip: Avoid over-explaining—let viewers project their own interpretations too.

  3. Technical Considerations- (if necessary) Special Care Instructions: “Display away from direct sunlight”, “Hand-wash only”. Edition Info (if applicable): “Limited edition of 50, signed and numbered.” Sustainability: “Made with reclaimed oak and non-toxic dyes.”

  4. Fun/Personal Touch- Studio Story: “Painted during a thunderstorm—the dripping rain seeped into my studio and subtly altered the pigment!” Hidden Detail: “Look closely for a tiny hummingbird near the left edge.”

Sample description: “‘Mountain Echoes’ (2024) | Acrylic and collage on canvas | 30 x 40 inches This textured landscape merges memories of Newfoundland cliffs with imagined futures. Torn book pages (vintage atlases) layer under paint to suggest eroding histories. Fun fact: The central blue ridge was mixed from crushed lapis lazuli—a gift from a geologist friend.”

Finally, remember to keep the description brief, specific and fun!