Art Storefronts: The New Frontier for Artists to Sell Their Work
In a world where the traditional art market can be difficult to break into, a new platform is offering artists a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their work directly to consumers. Art Storefronts, founded in 2013 by Nick Friend, has quickly gained popularity among artists looking to expand their reach and increase their sales.
The concept is simple: artists upload high-resolution images of their work, and a fulfillment center prints and ships editions directly to consumers in various sizes and materials, from canvas and acrylic panels to yoga mats and tank tops. A.I.-powered statistical analysis helps track potential buyers, while a marketing calendar maps out a social media strategy to reach a wider audience.
With over 14,000 members, Art Storefronts has proven to be a successful platform for artists looking to monetize their work. The company offers different membership tiers, with the basic Bronze membership starting at $1,699 upfront plus $50 a month for a web store. According to the company, artists have the potential to earn over $80,000 a year through the platform.
However, not everyone is convinced of the platform’s success. Some artists, like landscape and travel photographer Karen Hutton, believe that the company’s business education may not align with their vision for their art career. Despite this, Art Storefronts continues to attract new members, with 20 percent of them having never sold art before.
As the art market continues to evolve, platforms like Art Storefronts offer artists a new way to showcase and sell their work to a wider audience. Whether it’s through selling prints or merchandise, artists have the opportunity to turn their passion into a profitable business with the help of this innovative platform.
