I've been selling my art for almost a year but haven't sold any large prints online—only small items like postcards and mugs at in-person markets. Should I keep going or is this just a pipe dream?

A year is probably not enough time. This takes consistency, testing, and patience. Most artists need significantly more time to find success online. The good news is you are selling—postcards and mugs at markets prove people love your work and are willing to buy. Now shift your focus: spend eighty percent of your effort selling the big-ticket items (larger prints) and let the small merchandise do its own thing with the remaining twenty percent. You’re currently focused heavily on easy-to-sell small items; flip that focus to the bigger, more profitable work. Also consider what unique advantages you have—if you live somewhere tourists visit regularly, leverage that. Become the go-to photographer for that location. Expand your product line to serve those visitors across multiple seasons. Capture emails at markets and turn foot traffic into online leads. Marinate on these strategic shifts—they’re worth your time.

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Asked by a photographer selling at markets · Answered by Juan · Office Hours · 2026-07-28