How to Sell Prints Online: Complete Guide for Artists (2026)

Learn how to sell art prints online profitably. From choosing a print lab to marketing strategies, this guide covers everything artists need to know.

Selling art prints online can be highly profitable—if you understand the business model, choose the right tools, and market effectively. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Step 1: Choose Your Print Fulfillment Method

First, decide how you'll produce and ship prints:

• Print-on-demand (POD): Automated fulfillment, no inventory risk (best for online-only artists)
• Print lab + self-ship: Order from labs like Brakebee or McKenna Pro, ship yourself (best for events + wholesale)
• Hybrid: POD for online, lab for events and bulk orders (most flexible)

Learn more: Print Lab vs Print-on-Demand →

Step 2: Set Up Your Online Storefront

You need a place for customers to browse and buy. Options include:

• Custom artist website: Build with Brakebee Custom Sites ($500/year) for full control and branding
• DIY builder: Shopify, Squarespace, Wix (monthly fees + apps)
• Marketplace: Etsy, Society6, Fine Art America (high commissions, less control)
• Hybrid: Custom site + marketplace presence (best for reach + branding)

Compare platform pricing →

Step 3: Price Your Prints for Profit

Simple pricing approach: Take your print lab cost, add your desired profit margin, and that's your retail price. Most artists mark up prints 50-100%.

Example: If an 8×10 metal print costs you $26 from your print lab, you might price it at $45-50 retail (73-92% markup).

• Start with your actual cost from the print lab
• Add your profit margin (typically $15-25 per print)
• Check that your price is competitive with similar artists
• Adjust based on your positioning (premium vs. accessible)

Compare actual print lab prices →

Step 4: Market Your Prints

The best fulfillment and pricing mean nothing without customers. Focus on:

• Social media: Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok (showcase your art + process)
• SEO: Blog posts, keywords, Google visibility (Brakebee Custom Sites include SEO optimization)
• Email marketing: Build a list, send launches and promotions (Brakebee helps with email capture)
• Marketplace exposure: List on the Brakebee marketplace for organic artist discovery
• Events & shows: Use Brakebee's juried show discovery to find opportunities and sell in person

Step 5: Test, Learn, Scale

Start small, test what sells, double down on winners. Track:

• Which sizes sell best
• Which substrates (metal, canvas, paper) customers prefer
• Your true cost-per-sale (including marketing)
• Customer feedback on quality and packaging

Get Started with Brakebee

Ready to sell prints online? Start selling on the Brakebee marketplace, or get prints fulfilled through Prints by Brakebee (Brakebee's professional print fulfillment service).