These platforms are unlocking fresh revenue streams for artists.
Making a living from art has never been easy—but for artists and curators in major cities, sky-high real estate costs for galleries and studio spaces have made building a sustainable career even harder.
The rising popularity of art fairs hasn’t helped either: while they’re great for creating “destination” experiences that draw crowds, they often fall short when it comes to actual art sales.
But for artists who embrace digital tools and take control of their careers, the opportunities have never been better. Social media, online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps now let them reach global audiences, build personal brands, and sell their work on more favorable terms than ever. In this piece, we’re highlighting five key apps and platforms that are disrupting the space for creative professionals.
Selling Art Online
For most artists, the digital journey starts on social media—think Instagram, where they showcase their work and grow a following. Today, though, there are also dedicated digital platforms to monetize that creativity. A new wave of digital-first companies is forging unique connections between artists and collectors, opening up markets that didn’t exist before the digital era.
Alongside that, there’s been an explosion of new ways to connect with art lovers: from using Snapchat to share behind-the-scenes peeks at their creative process to partnering with podcasters to spread the word (if you’re curious, here’s a playlist of top art podcasts).
Back in 2017, the global online art market was valued at roughly $4.22 billion—up 12% from the year before. Today, these digital tools and platforms are already revolutionizing the fine art world for both artists and enthusiasts. Below are five apps and platforms leading that charge, unlocking new ways to make fine art a profitable venture.
01. Artsy
Artsy’s mission is to transform the art world through technology—and it’s delivered on that goal since day one. Its online platform connects art enthusiasts to galleries and artists across a global community, with a library that spans an impressive range of works, from Old Masters to today’s contemporary artists.
Behind the scenes, Artsy has built strong partnerships with galleries and art fairs. It blends their deep knowledge of art markets with its own tech expertise to give gallerists and curators the tools and data they need to promote the artists they work with.
02. Patreon
Patreon is reimagining how artists and creators fund their work: by letting them appeal directly to patrons and supporters for financial backing. A digital take on a time-honored model (think traditional art patrons), this San Francisco-based platform gives emerging artists control over their careers—no need to answer to the art world’s traditional gatekeepers.
Patreon lets artists secure financial support straight from the people who adore their work most. It facilitates both the discovery of up-and-coming artists and ongoing support for established ones, drawing on insights from e-commerce and crowdfunding to help artists make direct asks for backing their creative projects.
03. Artfare
Launched in February 2019, Artfare reimagines the art fair model for local communities. It uses a mobile app, in-house curators, and local pop-up events to foster connections between artists and collectors—starting with New York’s vibrant art scene.
Artfare boosts local art communities by bringing artists and collectors together via direct messaging, studio visits, and artwork sales. With Artfare’s listings, artists can promote pieces for sale on social platforms like Instagram (where many already have large followings). They can also monetize those works through online sales via the app—giving them more control and effectively shifting the economics of art buying in their favor.
04. Paddle8
Paddle8 is a curated auction platform that lets a global community of buyers discover and bid on art in real time. By digitizing the auction process—something once limited to exclusive in-person events—it helps promote artists’ work and drive sales.
The platform offers a global, digital twist on a market dynamic that used to be reserved for people with exclusive access or privilege. Now, anyone with an interest in art can join auctions and bid on pieces that might have been out of reach before.
05. Uprise Art
This one isn’t an app, but a platform—and it’s a game-changer for emerging artists. The team at Uprise Art is on a mission to help a new generation of digitally savvy collectors discover and buy art from up-and-coming creators.
Think of Uprise Art as a digital-first gallery: it operates online, plus through pop-ups, brand collaborations, and booths at art fairs, to showcase works from a roster of talented artists. It’s constantly innovating, too—whether partnering with fast-growing tech startups to furnish their offices with art or working directly with interior designers to place pieces in homes. For emerging artists, this means more opportunities to get their work seen and sold.
