How To Sell Wall Art Online With Gelato : Why The Pigment Studio

Most of my creative process happens on an iPad using Procreate, which gives me all the flexibility I need to experiment, sketch, and refine ideas. Digital art offers incredible freedom, but making your files print-ready requires following a few key steps. I always start with a large canvas, typically at least 4000 by 5000 pixels, and I work at 300 DPI. This ensures that whether I’m creating a poster, a canvas, or a design for apparel, the final print will be crisp and professional.

When I opened my first shop, I focused on classic wall art like posters, framed prints, and canvas. These products are easy to present, simple to ship, and a perfect starting point for people discovering your work for the first time. But pretty quickly, I started getting requests for t-shirts, tote bags, and sweatshirts featuring my designs. That’s when I realized that offering different formats lets your art reach a much wider audience. Some people want to decorate their home, others want to wear your work or use it every day.

Gelato makes it really simple to branch out from classic wall art. I’ve been able to expand my offer to include not just posters and canvases, but also t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more, all without any upfront investment or inventory stress. This flexibility is exactly what convinced me to try new ideas. I can test limited runs, see what resonates with my community, and keep things easy on the production side. Gelato’s global fulfillment and reliable quality let me focus on designing, not on logistics. Whether you want to keep things focused on wall art or explore apparel and lifestyle products, Gelato gives you the freedom to grow your collection at your own pace and style.

Expanding my collection to apparel and accessories has been one of the best decisions for my business. For every new product, I order a test from Gelato to see how the colors print on different materials, make sure placement and scale are right, and confirm the overall quality. Sometimes I need to adjust the file. On my first t-shirt, the print ended up too low, but catching that early meant I could fix it before launching it to customers.

I choose which designs to release by listening to my audience. I regularly run Instagram polls or ask my community what they’d like to see next. When a new format gets a lot of interest, I produce a small run, share some stories or reels showing the sample in real life, and measure the response. Most of the time, these “test” products become some of my bestsellers.

Setting up an online shop used to seem intimidating, but now there are plenty of great options even for non-techies. I started with Etsy for its built-in audience, but as my brand grew, I moved to Wix for more control over the look and feel of my shop. Shopify is another great platform, especially if you plan to scale up or need advanced e-commerce features.

Connecting your shop with Gelato is simple. Once you link your store, you can sync products, upload images and descriptions, and set your pricing. When a customer places an order, Gelato manages everything else, from printing to packaging to delivery, no matter where in the world your buyer lives

If you want to better understand how different e-commerce platforms compare, this detailed comparison by Aureate Labs breaks down everything from costs to customization and audience reach. For even more hands-on advice about building a creative online shop, you’ll find plenty of practical tips on the Wix eCommerce blog and Etsy’s Seller Handbook, where real artists share their best advice for getting started and growing your brand.

Presentation makes all the difference. I always recommend ordering samples and taking real photos for your store, because customers are much more likely to trust and buy from shops that show genuine, unfiltered pictures of the products in real life.

If you’re just getting started or want to showcase different sizes and colorways, Gelato’s built-in mockup generator is also a great tool for creating clean, professional visuals directly in your product listings. It’s worth taking the time to hang your art on your own wall or snap a quick photo wearing your new t-shirt. Make your descriptions as clear as possible, including the size, material, care instructions, and even the story or meaning behind the design. All these details help customers feel confident and connected to their purchase.

Before using Gelato, I handled all the packaging and shipping myself. That meant long hours at the post office, worrying about lost packages, and managing inventory. Switching to Gelato changed the game. Every order is printed on demand and shipped from the production center closest to the customer. That means faster delivery, lower shipping emissions, and no risk of unsold stock piling up at home.

Consistency and quality are crucial for building a shop people trust. Every time I’ve ordered from Gelato, whether it’s art prints, apparel, or accessories, the products have arrived well-packaged and exactly as I imagined. On the rare occasion something goes wrong, such as a delayed package or a small print defect, Gelato’s customer support is quick to offer a replacement or refund. Knowing I have their support lets me focus on being creative instead of troubleshooting logistics.

Adding your own branding is a detail that makes a difference. With Gelato, you can include your logo or a thank-you message in each order. Customers remember these small touches, and I’ve received messages just to say how much they appreciated the personal note. These details help build loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Getting your pricing right is one of the biggest challenges for any creative business, but Gelato makes it much more transparent. Inside your Gelato dashboard, you can set the retail price for each product, adjust your profit margin, and instantly see your estimated profit per sale. The platform breaks down product costs, shipping fees, and your final profit so you always know exactly what you’re earning.

As shown in this screenshot, for each product variant you can see the recommended price range, your costs, and the profit margin in both euros and percentages. You can easily adjust the margin you want, update your prices in one click, and see the impact on your earnings right away. There’s also the option to include shipping costs in the profit calculation, so you can make sure your prices cover all expenses and stay profitable no matter where your customer is located.

This kind of overview is especially helpful when you want to experiment with discounts, test out new products, or compare your pricing to the market. Having all the numbers visible removes the guesswork and lets you focus on your art, not on endless spreadsheets.

If you want more step-by-step guidance, the Gelato Help Center has a detailed article on setting up your retail prices and understanding profit margins

Landing your first sale is always the hardest part. For me, it started with Instagram. I shared stories and reels about my creative process, behind-the-scenes looks at packaging orders, and unboxing videos when I got a new sample. Building trust and excitement with your audience is crucial, especially before you have reviews.

When I launch a new product, I announce it to my Instagram followers first, sometimes with a special launch price or a limited edition for early buyers. Creating exclusivity and involving my community always helps boost first sales. I also encourage every customer to share a photo of their order and tag me when it arrives. This kind of authentic feedback is the best social proof you can get, and it naturally brings in more sales over time.

Even with a small following, direct messages and customer feedback are invaluable. Many of my most popular products started from casual conversations with followers suggesting new formats or themes. Don’t hesitate to ask your audience what they want to see next. Most of my successful ideas have come from them.

Running small ads onInstagram orFacebook has helped too, especially when launching a new collection. Even a modest budget can bring new people to your shop, as long as your visuals and message are clear and appealing.

Looking back, some of my biggest mistakes involved pricing and preparation. At first, I set my prices too low, thinking that would encourage more sales. In reality, people value your work more when you value it yourself. Now, I make sure my prices reflect all costs, including production, shipping, platform fees, and, most importantly, the creative value and time involved.

Testing every product before launch is essential. I’ve caught issues with color, artwork placement, and even sizing this way. Fixing problems early prevents negative reviews. Being transparent about shipping times and answering customer questions quickly has also helped me build trust and generate repeat business.

Building a loyal client base takes time and real relationships. Many of my best clients started with a question or a small order, and then came back for gifts or bigger pieces because they enjoyed the experience.

What’s the best platform for artists?

If you want a built-in audience, start with Etsy. If you want full control and more custom branding, Wix or Shopify are great options.

How should I price my prints?

Always include production costs, platform fees, shipping, your time, and a reasonable profit margin. If you’re not sure at first, start with a moderate markup and adjust as you get feedback from your customers.

Which formats sell best?

Posters and art prints are usually easiest for first sales. Apparel and tote bags do well if you have a loyal following or strong visuals.

Can I customize packaging?

Gelato allows you to add your logo on the packaging for some products and in certain regions. Options like including a thank-you note or branded sticker depend on the specific item and production location. Always check the options available for each product before launching.

What if there’s a problem with a print?

Gelato’s support team has always been quick and reliable in my experience. They’re fast to solve any issue, from shipping delays to rare quality problems.

Do I need to buy inventory upfront?

No, with print on demand, you only pay when you make a sale. There’s no need to keep stock at home.

Where can I find more tips on selling art online?

Check out the Wix eCommerce blog, Etsy’s Seller Handbook, and the Creative Bloq guide to printing for more advice from working artists and practical guides for getting started.

Selling your art online is no longer just a dream. It’s now a real, achievable way to share your creativity with the world. Platforms like Gelato make the whole process easier and allow artists to focus on what matters most, creating great work and connecting with people who love it.

My advice is to start simple. Prepare your files with care, invest in good samples, build your shop with attention to detail, and always listen to your audience. Every sale is a milestone, and every piece of feedback is a chance to improve.

If you want to see more about how I run my shop or get inspired for your own journey, check out my Instagram at whythepigment.studio or discover all the options for wall art with Gelato.