Sales and Commissions: What to Expect as an Artist in 2024

If you’re an artist looking to get your work into the hands of interested buyers, read this overview to learn about how to do so--and what you can expect to earn.

So you’re a working artist who’s just finished creating an original, one-of-a-kind piece that you’re eager to put out into the world. How do you go about turning that art piece into your next paycheck? Most artists are quite creative when it comes to color and form, but fairly uncertain about the world of sales and business. Thankfully, there are several options available for artists looking to be matched with buyers. The most common methods today are art galleries, online art vendors, and direct social media sales.

Art Galleries

Brick-and-mortar art galleries are the most traditional and established method for artists to make a sale. Some of the most prominent galleries have been around for hundreds of years, and are still flourishing today. Galleries partner with artists by displaying their work in a physical venue and selling it to interested buyers. They perform services like marketing art pieces, hosting auctions and other events, communicating with clients, and closing sales.

Art galleries contribute a significant amount of the labor that goes into selling an artist’s work, which can be a relief for artists who want to focus on their creative projects without worrying about how to market them. However, this labor is reflected in the commission percentage: galleries typically keep about 50-60% of the final price of any piece they sell. For well-known artists who produce a large volume of high-earning pieces, the assistance of a gallery might be well worth the price. However, there are other avenues available for artists who want to retain a higher percentage of the value of their work.

Online Art Sellers

Like most industries in the digital age, the field of art sales has seen a major shift toward online vendors. Websites such as Saatchi Art and Singulart have risen to prominence and are making up a larger percentage of total art sales as the years go on. The online art market has democratized the experience of buying art for both artists and buyers. Artists from any area who don’t necessarily have connections with galleries can list their art for sale online, and that art can be purchased by any buyer with an internet connection who is willing to pay the price. 

When it comes to pricing, artists are usually able to retain a larger portion of their earnings from online sales than they would from working with a gallery. Online vendors are only required to uphold their digital infrastructure and increase their marketing presence, so they can afford to pass a higher percentage of profits along to their artists. Commission rates can vary but are generally lower than gallery rates; for example, Singulart takes a 45% commission on every piece they sell, Saatchi Art retains 40%, and PEKE has an artist-friendly commission of only 30%. Selling your work through an online vendor allows you to earn more as an artist while still outsourcing the work of marketing and selling your art.

Social Media

Platforms like Instagram and X are viable sources of income for artists who also have a knack for business. Anyone can start an account on these websites for free and create their own online shop to sell their pieces directly without involving a middle man. The clear benefit of selling your art this way is that you get to keep 100% of the profit. However, the downside is that you are solely responsible for putting in the work to reach and sell to your desired audience. You must be prepared to photograph your work, create enticing posts about it, communicate with potential clients, and be fully responsible for the shipping and packaging of your artwork all on your own. 

Many artists have achieved immense success through social media sales; however, others might find that they are able to create more art and therefore profit more overall with the assistance of a gallery or online vendor. The right sales strategy will be different for everyone depending on their individual skills and preferences.