How to Sell Virtual Art

If you have a talent for creating virtual art, you may be able to start a business selling your creations. Because you do not have to purchase traditional art supplies for each work, you can create your virtual art inexpensively once you have the necessary software and hardware. You can earn a part-time income from your sales, or turn your business skills and passion for art into a full-time business.

Instructions

1. Create an online gallery website for your virtual art. You can hire a programmer to create your site for you or build your website yourself with a gallery template. Showcase your virtual artworks, complete with pricing and a description of the purchasers' rights to use your works.

2. Integrate a payment system, such as Paypal, 1ShoppingCart or Authorize, so customers can purchase and download virtual artworks directly from your gallery website.

3. Sign up for an account with an art community website, such as Etsy, EBSQ or Deviant Art. Upload your virtual artwork to these sites so visitors can discover and purchase your works. This can give you the opportunity to gain exposure and increase sales.

4. List some of your virtual artwork for sale on an online auction site. You can set a minimum bid amount to avoid selling your work for less than you want. Most online auction sites also allow you to set a reserve price for each auction -- if the winning bid is less than your reserve price, you are not obligated to sell the artwork

5. Sign up for an account with a social networking site such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus. Provide posts about your virtual works with links to your online gallery or auctions so visitors can purchase your works.

Tips & Warnings

• Add watermarks on versions of your virtual artworks that you display on auction sites, art community sites and your gallery website. This can help prevent visitors from copying your virtual artworks without paying you or obtaining your permission.

References

• "The Artist's Guide"; Jackie Battenfield; 2009
• "How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist"; Caroll Michels; 2009