What Art Actually Sells? How to Start an Art Business That Works

Estimated read time: 8 minutes

What Kind of Art Actually Sells?

Art that actually sells combines your unique style with themes buyers genuinely want — and the good news is, you don't have to guess what those are.

Last week, we talked about starting fresh with your art business. (Missed it? Check out Part 1 here.)

Today, let's answer your BIG question:

“Stacie, what art sells best?”

Grab a snack. This one’s fun!

Myth Alert: You Need Trendy Art

Guess what? You do NOT need to chase every trend to sell your art.

That’s exhausting (and boring!).

Instead, create art that feels like you and connects with people who get it.

Two Clear Paths: Licensing vs. Products

There are two main ways to sell your art — licensing and selling your own products — and choosing the right one changes everything about how you build your business. When I started, nobody explained this clearly. Here's the simple version:

Licensing Your Art (Companies Sell Your Art on Products)

• Your art needs a clear style or special skill.

• Match what companies want (think greeting cards, fabric, home decor).

• Top licensing art includes:

  • Holiday themes (Christmas, Halloween)

  • Flowers (lots of them!)

  • Evergreen favorites: suns, moons, rainbows, cute animals, plants, shapes, inspiring words, patterns.

Tip: Check art agents online to see what's popular!

Creating Your Own Product Line (Like Gingiber!)

• Your art must speak to ONE special customer (your Ideal Customer Avatar, or ICA).

• Products should solve problems or be easy gifts.

• Art should easily fit many products (mugs, notebooks, towels).

3 Simple Secrets for Art That Sells

The most successful art businesses share three things in common — and none of them require you to be the most technically skilled artist in the room.

1. Tell Your Art’s Story

People buy stories. Why did you make it? Share that!

2. Choose One Clear Audience

Art "for everyone" rarely works. Pick a specific group that loves your art.

3. Solve Everyday Problems

• Pretty tea towels are useful and lovely.

• Cards help people express feelings.

• Patterns make spaces happy.

Best-Selling Art Categories

• Useful Products: Towels, mugs, notebooks, calendars

• Giftable Items: Cards, stickers, pins, prints

• Personal Expression: Journals, planners, inspirational art

• Home Decor: Wall art, pillow covers, fabric

Make Art You Love (That Others Want!)

Create art special to YOU and your customer:

• Discover your "signature style". I teach about this in my One a Year Course Make Your Art.

• Understand exactly why someone would buy your art.

• Regularly share your art’s unique story.

Easy Steps to Start Selling Your Art

You don't need a perfect business plan to start selling your art — you just need a simple action plan you'll actually follow.

1. Pick your favorite category.

2. Create a small collection.

3. Test quickly (Etsy, pop-ups, local shops).

4. Listen, learn, and improve!

What I'd Do Differently Today vs. 2009

If starting today, I'd focus clearly on:

• Separating Out My Portfolio: Building out Licensing Categories vs. Only Art for My Products.

• Knowing My Customer: Clear, specific audience. OR, know the audience of the clients I want to collaborate with.

• Show Up First on Social Media: Look, I know that you may not want to hear this, but.... the way we gain attention is by showing up online. With our art, our hearts, and our faces. Even before we know where we want to end up with our art businesses. Don't wait to establish an online identity. 

The biggest shift I'd make? Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Stacie Bloomfield started Gingiber in 2009 with a scattered, beautiful-but-unfocused approach — and while it worked eventually, clarity would have gotten me there much faster. Today I'd niche down sooner, build my email list from day one, and test art categories before committing to a full product line. If you want that shortcut to clarity, the Find Your Audience Workshop is exactly where I'd start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Art

What kind of art sells best for beginners?

For beginners, the best-selling art falls into evergreen categories: florals, holiday themes, cute animals, and nature-inspired designs. These work for both licensing and selling your own products because demand is consistent. Start with what you love most — your genuine enthusiasm shows in the work and attracts the right buyers.

How do I know if my art style is marketable?

Your art style is marketable when it has a consistent, recognizable look and connects with a specific audience. You don't need to appeal to everyone — you need to appeal deeply to the right people. Test by sharing on social media or at a local pop-up and pay attention to which pieces get the most engagement or sales. That feedback is your market research.

Should I start with art licensing or selling my own products?

It depends on your goals and resources. Art licensing is lower-risk and lower-overhead — companies handle manufacturing and distribution, and you earn royalties. Selling your own products gives you more control and potentially higher margins, but requires more upfront investment. Many artists start with licensing to build their portfolio and reputation, then add their own product line once they know what sells.

About Stacie Bloomfield

Stacie Bloomfield is the founder of Gingiber, a surface pattern design studio known for playful, nature-inspired art. After building Gingiber from a kitchen-table side hustle into a full-time creative business, she now helps other artists do the same.

She is the author of The Artist's Side Hustle (Hay House), a practical guide to turning your art into income. Her programs — including Side Hustle Society, Leverage Your Art, and the Art Licensing Pitch Playbook — have helped thousands of artists build sustainable creative businesses.