Selling digital artwork has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a freelance illustrator, concept artist, graphic designer, or even a hobbyist with a passion for creating, there are countless platforms designed to help you reach a global audience and make money from your digital art.
But with so many options out there, which platforms are worth your time? In this guide, we’ll break down the best platforms to sell your digital artwork, who they’re best for, what they offer, and how to succeed on each one.
Why Sell Digital Artwork?
Before we dive into the platforms, here’s a quick look at why selling digital art is such a smart move:
- High profit margins (no physical printing or shipping)
- Global audience with 24/7 access to your work
- Scalable — sell the same piece of art over and over
- Passive income potential — especially with marketplaces and licensing models
- Creative control — you choose what, how, and where to sell
Now let’s explore the platforms.
1. Etsy
Best for: Independent artists selling downloadable art prints, planners, wall art, stickers, and more.
Etsy is known for handmade and vintage items, but it’s also one of the best platforms for selling digital downloads. If you create printables, illustrations, or aesthetic art for home decor, you’ll find a massive market here.
Key Features:
- Low startup costs (just listing and transaction fees)
- Built-in audience of buyers looking for creative art
- Can list instant digital downloads for passive sales
Tips to Succeed:
- Use SEO-friendly titles and tags
- Offer high-quality previews
- Create bundles to increase order value
- Keep your branding consistent
Fees:
- $0.20 per listing
- 6.5% transaction fee
- Payment processing fee (varies by location)
2. Creative Market
Best for: Graphic designers, illustrators, and creators of digital assets (fonts, brushes, templates, etc.)
Creative Market is a marketplace specifically for digital goods, making it a natural fit for professional artists.
Key Features:
- Tailored to creative professionals
- Large demand for commercial-use licenses
- You set your own prices and retain control of your products
Popular Items:
- Clip art
- Vector illustrations
- Procreate brushes
- Social media templates
Tips to Succeed:
- Bundle related items
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Promote your shop through social media or email
Fees:
- Artists earn 50% of each sale (direct)
- Creative Market handles licensing
3. Gumroad
Best for: Artists who want full control over pricing, customer relationships, and product types
Gumroad is ideal for selling everything from wallpapers and digital comics to zines, guides, and art packs.
Key Features:
- No upfront fees
- Sell unlimited products
- Email list building and marketing tools are built in
- Accepts tips and subscriptions
Tips to Succeed:
- Use Gumroad’s “Pay What You Want” option for fan-based pricing
- Create free or low-cost lead magnets to grow your audience
- Offer exclusive content for subscribers
Fees:
- 10% fee on sales (lower on higher tiers)
4. ArtStation
Best for: Professional artists and concept designers in the game, film, and entertainment industry
ArtStation is a go-to platform for serious digital artists looking to build a portfolio and sell work to industry professionals and fans alike.
Key Features:
- Marketplace for prints and digital downloads
- Portfolio hosting
- Tutorials and asset packs sell well
- Trusted by major studios and recruiters
Tips to Succeed:
- Build an impressive portfolio to showcase your style
- Offer behind-the-scenes content or process videos
- License your work for use in games or development
Fees:
- Free and paid memberships
- Artists keep 88–95% of each sale
5. Ko-fi
Best for: Creators with a loyal following who want to earn tips, sell products, and offer commissions
Ko-fi is similar to Patreon but more flexible. You can sell one-off digital downloads, accept donations, or run a membership program for exclusive content.
Key Features:
- No platform fees for free plan (100% of sales)
- Great for fan art and personal commissions
- Accepts one-time tips or recurring support
Tips to Succeed:
- Offer early access or exclusive wallpapers
- Use it as a donation link on social media
- Engage with supporters through updates
Fees:
- Free to use, 0% fee (only payment processor fees)
- Gold plan removes limitations and adds premium features
6. Teepublic & Redbubble
Best for: Artists who want to sell art on physical products with zero upfront costs
These print-on-demand platforms let you upload artwork and sell it on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more.
Key Features:
- Passive income stream
- No need to handle shipping or customer service
- Large existing marketplace
Tips to Succeed:
- Focus on niche designs (pop culture, hobbies, fandoms)
- Use tags and smart SEO titles
- Promote your shop through Instagram or TikTok
Fees:
- Free to use
- Artists earn a percentage of each sale (usually 10–20%)
7. Design Cuts
Best for: Experienced digital artists selling premium design assets
Design Cuts is a curated platform that features high-quality fonts, graphics, brushes, and bundles. It’s competitive to get in, but the payout can be excellent.
Key Features:
- Strong design-focused customer base
- Bundles and product launches get promoted
- High earnings potential
Tips to Succeed:
- Submit polished, complete product packs
- Provide commercial-use licensing
- Apply to sell through their vendor application process
Fees:
- Revenue share based on exclusivity and agreement (not publicly listed)
8. Sellfy
Best for: Artists who want to launch their own branded storefront for digital products
Sellfy lets you build a custom store to sell everything from e-books to digital art packs without relying on marketplaces.
Key Features:
- Sell digital, physical, and subscription products
- Custom domain and storefront design
- Marketing tools like discount codes and email
Tips to Succeed:
- Build an email list
- Run seasonal promotions
- Bundle items or create product tiers
Fees:
- Paid plans starting around $19/month
- No transaction fees
9. Patreon
Best for: Artists who want recurring income through memberships and exclusive content
Patreon works well for artists with an active community or fan base. You can offer monthly perks, digital downloads, early access, tutorials, and more.
Key Features:
- Subscription-based income
- Control over what you offer
- Ideal for comic artists, fan artists, and educators
Tips to Succeed:
- Offer multiple tiers with increasing benefits
- Be consistent with updates
- Use behind-the-scenes content to build a connection
Fees:
- 5–12% of monthly income + payment processing
10. Display (for Metal Posters)
Best for: Artists who want to sell artwork as high-quality metal posters
Displate allows artists to upload artwork and sell it as unique, high-end metal wall prints. It’s a more niche, physical option — but it can pay well for the right artist.
Key Features:
- Global marketplace for premium wall art
- Artists earn commissions
- Great for fantasy, gaming, or sci-fi themed art
Tips to Succeed:
- Focus on niche categories
- Use detailed tags and descriptions
- Promote via YouTube or social media
Fees:
- Free to join
- Artists typically earn around 25–50% of each sale
How to Choose the Right Platform
Not all platforms are created equal — the right one depends on your goals:
| Your Goal | Best Platform(s) |
|---|---|
| Sell digital downloads | Etsy, Gumroad, Creative Market |
| Build a portfolio + sell art | ArtStation, Behance (with linked store) |
| Earn monthly income from fans | Patreon, Ko-fi |
| Sell on print products | Redbubble, Teepublic, Displate |
| Launch your own store | Sellfy, Shopify (for advanced users) |
| Sell design resources | Creative Market, Design Cuts |
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of ways to sell your digital artwork online, whether you’re looking for side income or want to build a full-time creative business. The key is to choose the platform(s) that align with your style, audience, and income goals — and then stick with it long enough to see real results.
Tips for Long-Term Success:
- Build an audience on social media or via email
- Focus on quality and branding
- Use analytics to improve your listings
- Keep experimenting with pricing, bundles, and promotions
If you’re just starting, try listing your art on 1–2 platforms like Etsy or Gumroad, then expand based on what works. Remember — consistency and creativity will always pay off in the long run.
Have questions or want help creating your first digital art store? Let me know — I’d be happy to guide you further!