Let’s get started.
Selling your art in New Zealand can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding one. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started:
Online Marketplaces:
Websites such as Trade Me and Chooice allow you to list and sell your art online to a wide audience. These marketplaces are a great way to reach a larger audience and showcase your work to potential buyers. Trademe lets you list items for free. Chooice has several different plans to choose from.
Social Media:
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great ways to connect with potential buyers and promote your art. Consider creating an artist page on Facebook, separate from your personal profile, and have your own shop. Build your own following by regularly posting updates and new work. Use hashtags and post regularly to build a following and increase visibility for your work. If you’d like an idea of what your shop could be like, take a look at my Facebook shop (click on the picture):
Galleries:
There are many galleries in New Zealand that showcase and sell the work of local artists. Some known galleries are:
- Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
- The Dowse Art Museum
- The Suter Art Gallery
- The Gus Fisher Gallery
- The Pah Homestead
- The Christchurch Art Gallery
It is important to note that each gallery has its own specific policies and submission guidelines, it is best to reach out to them directly to find out more about their process for accepting and displaying local artists’ work.
It’s also worth noting that the submission process for these galleries may vary, some may have open calls for submissions, and others may have a jury process or invite-only submissions. It is important to visit their website or contact them to know more about their submission process.
Art Show And Fairs
Participating in art shows and fairs is a great way to showcase your work and connect with potential buyers. The New Zealand Art Show is a great example, it takes place at the TSB Arena in Wellington every year and always has a massive turnout. It is a giant show in a giant venue, showcasing a diverse range of artworks from emerging and established artists. Check out the NZ Art Show website to see their submission process.
Networking
Building connections with other artists, art collectors, and art lovers can help you promote your work and find potential buyers. Join local art groups and attend art-related events to make connections and expand your reach.
Consignment
If you don’t want to sell your art outright, consider consigning it to a gallery or store. The consignee will take a percentage of the sale, but you will retain ownership of the work until it is sold. Also, there is a good NZ website called Artstation.nz where you can sell your art and they take a commission from your sales.
Create Your Own Website
Having your own website can give you more control over how your art is presented to the public and appear more professional. There are different website building options available, each with its own price range. Free website builders such as Wix, Weebly and WordPress.com allow you to build a website for free, but you may have limited customization options and may not have the ability to sell your art.
For an affordable option, website builders like Squarespace, Shopify and BigCommerce offer more customization options and the ability to sell your art. They typically cost between $10 and $30 per month.
A more expensive option would be to hire a web designer or developer to create a unique website for you. This option will give you the most control and customization options, but it will also come at a higher cost. It could cost from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
When choosing a website builder, consider what features you need and what you can afford before making a decision. This is what my website looks like (click on the picture):
You can do it!
With these tips and resources, you should be able to start selling your art in New Zealand and reach a wider audience. Remember to be patient and persistent, and above all, to never give up on your passion.
You got this!
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“May the beauty of the Lord our God rest upon us, and establish the work of our hands— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
– Psalm 90:17
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