Art That Sells: 7 Types of Best-Selling Art
Most artists use their artwork as a form of creative expression — to tell their story and share a message to the world. However, there are artists who are keen on making some profit in the industry. Making some financial gains from the multi-billion-dollar art industry seems fair. But before you make any gains, you need to start an art business, and know the types of art that sells!
To a large extent, there is a market for any kind of art. You just need to know who your target audience is, position your business in the right location, and attract the right traffic. For instance, an artist resident in a tourist region may consider painting some local scenes and selling them off to the tourist. That can fetch some profit.
However, generating the most profit from an art business involves figuring out the most profitable type of art. In this guide, you will discover the top 7 types of best-selling art.
Laser Cut Art
In laser cut art, beams of light are used to transform sheets of material into eye-catching, intricate designs. It's an intersection of creativity and technology. The versatility of this art type is unlimited.
Laser cutting can work on a wide range of materials like wood, leather, acrylic, paper, fabric, and other kinds of materials. The versatility of laser-cut art makes it a good choice for artists who are looking to explore multiple tastes and art styles. It can be used for the creation of a wide range of artistic designs ranging from detailed botanical illustrations, to minimalist geometric patterns, and anything in between.
There is unmatched precision when it comes to the production of laser-cut art. Unlike traditional methods of artmaking, laser cutting machines offer unmatched precision. The high level of precision helps artists create intricate designs with minute details. A good example of where laser machines’ precision comes into play is in the layered arrangements you see in wooden art.
Laser cut art goes beyond visually appealing artworks, there are also functional arts in this category — and these can be in the form of home decor items, jewelry, and fashion accessories. Imagine having a lampshade adorned with sleek geometric patterns — that will make a perfect blend of utility and beauty.
Laser-cut art is a good fit for DIYers who want to break into the art business. By opting for affordable desktop laser cutters, hobbyists get to express their creativity and bring their art ideas to life.
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Laser Engraved Art
The popularity of laser engraved art has grown over the years. Personalization, affordability, and durability are the major reasons why laser engraved art is one of the best selling art across the globe.
First, personalization and customization are quite possible with laser-engraved art. Imagine engraving your unique signature on cutting boards, dates on wedding gifts, or unique signs on jewelry. Well, all these are possible with laser engraving.
Affordability and versatility are other reasons why this art type is a best seller. Laser engraving can work on various materials, and the machine is affordable. Laser-engraved art is attractive and appeals to customers who are looking for affordable, unique art pieces.
Laser-engraved painted canvas art
They're usually high-quality and durable artwork. Laser-engraved art is resistant to fading. The visual appeal and tactile features of these artworks are also great. Laser engraving adds some textural elements to an artwork and that helps in adding dimension and depth to the artwork.
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Printmaking
Printmaking occupies a strong position in the art industry, and here are the reasons they're considered one of the best-selling art in the world.
Accessibility: Unlike sculptures or paintings, prints are more accessible to a broader audience. It's an art form that most people can afford.
Reproducibility: Printmaking forms like screen printing can be used in producing different styles and tastes of art. It can also be used in recreating prints that are in open editions or limited editions.
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Investment and Collectibility: Limited-edition prints tend to have significant value, and they can easily become the collector's item. This is true for items produced by renowned artists. These types of art typically attract both art lovers and investors.
Uniqueness and Artistic Merit: Prints usually hold some artistic merit, and that can be traced to the craftsmanship and skill needed in the creation of these items. Prints that are in limited edition come with a sense of exclusivity for the buyer — and that makes it more desirable!
Decoration and Versatility: Prints can be used in functional objects like wrapping paper or cards. It can also be showcased as traditional artwork, and inserted into mixed media art. The versatility that comes with prints makes them good for personal use.
Informative and Educational Value: Printmaking comes with some storytelling and social commentary. They typically reflect cultural norms, historical events, or personal narratives — buying these prints can add to the buyer's educational experience, and also be a conversation starter.
Fiber Art
Fiber art has gained some popularity over the years, and there is a dedicated market for this type of art.
Fiber art typically has cultural significance and a rich History. These art types come with some impressive history. It can be traced to multiple cultures across the globe. Its rich and deep heritage gives it meaning and depth — and that resonates with people who appreciate such unique artistic expressions.
They also give immense sensory experience and tactility. Fiber art offers a sleek tactile experience — and such experiences are not found in sculptures or traditional paintings. The materials, textures, knotted threads, dimension of woven fabrics, and felted design engage several senses — and that invites the buyer to feel, touch, and connect on a deep level with the artwork. Such a unique sensory experience helps the buyer appreciate the artwork more.
image source: freepik
Finally, fiber art is expressive and therapeutic. The creation of fiber art involves some meditative and therapeutic exercises. Knitting, weaving, and crocheting involve some repetitive motions, and it gives a sense of focus and calm. Making fiber art involves some creative expressions — and that enables the artist to explore ideas, stories, and emotions as they make the fiber art. The therapeutic feel of the fiber art adds some value to it. It attracts buyers who are looking for deep mindful practices and outlets.
Ceramics
Ceramics is undeniably captivating, and it attracts both casual observers and art enthusiasts. Ceramic art elevates everyday objects into artistic expressions, and that adds visual appeal and personality to the living spaces. Ceramic art like mugs and painted plates add some color to the spaces they're found in.
image source: freepik
Ceramic art is a diverse world, and there's something for anyone regardless of what your budget is. Whether you're looking for rustic stoneware mugs or vibrant glazes, there's something that suits your budget, and buyers don't have to break the bank before acquiring any of these artworks.
Textured surfaces and smooth curves offer some sensory experiences that can only be felt with ceramic art. These artworks are durable, and they could be cherished items that have stood the test of time. These kinds of artworks also come as signed pieces or in limited-edition — and it attracts top tier investors.
Interestingly, ceramics are artworks that can be created by both beginner and highly skilled crafters. Beginners could use some simple techniques to create these artworks, and since there's a large community of buyers for this kind of art piece, selling it off won't be an issue.
Street Art
Street art is an art form that can command high prices at auctions. These artworks are displayed in public places and are accessible to everyone. Street art is usually used to tackle social issues, critique cultural practices, reflect on relevant concerns, and offer political commentary. Since street art sparks societal discourse, it tends to attract diverse viewers who will look beyond the aesthetics.
There are multiple materials and techniques used for the production of street art. These could range from simple classic spray painting to multimedia installations. There are instances where street art attains rockstar status, and commands a cult following. All these add to the perceived value of the art — and artworks that are highly perceived by the public tend to command higher prices in the market.
Finally, street art fosters a sense of oneness and community. And it could be seen as an open-source artwork where multiple artists collaborate to create a masterpiece. Such collaborations create a sense of belonging and a vibrant ecosystem both for the viewers and the artists.
Mixed Media
Mixed media involves a unique combination of objects, textiles, and paint to create some sleek artwork. It's not a regular artwork that's always made of a primary material with some add-ons. And the thorough blend of these various materials creates some tactile and visual appeal. Imagine getting a mixed media that's made of delicate fabrics intertwined with smooth glass and rough stones — that will create some dynamic experiences for the buyer.
Having mixed media in a living space could serve as a conversation starter, and also add to the aesthetic appeal of the room. There are instances where mixed media gains significant value over time — and owning such a piece could be a worthy investment. There are no fixed materials or formulas when it comes to mixed media. The artist gets to choose what makes up the art work and gets to use multiple materials to bring ideas to life.
Furthermore, many mixed media are created with recycled materials. And that helps in promoting sustainability in the environment. This will, in turn, encourage responsible practices during the creation of artwork. Such practices resonate with collectors and buyers as they would want to contribute towards it.
Conclusion
There has been a rapid evolution of the art industry. Nowadays, artworks are not always confined to a brick-and-mortar gallery where buyers get to physically walk into a store before making a purchase. These gatekeepers (or galleries) are gone today. And the internet has made it possible to sell artworks right from the comfort of your home.
Today, galleries have a strong presence on the web — and artworks are displayed on a regular art gallery website or on a mobile app. All these show that a significant amount of artwork is being sold online — and that's not stopping anytime!
Speaking of online sales, new artists in the industry could consider selling their works on online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. This way, they'll reach a wide range of audience without passing through intermediaries (or middle men).
To get the most out of your art-making business, you should consider selling laser cut art, or laser engraved art. These types of artworks are in high demand, and their production cost is somewhat low.
Now you know the 7 types of best-selling art, which best-selling art will you incorporate into your art business?
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