Want to Sell More Art? Start With This (Banksy Proves It)
If you want to sell more art online, there is one simple step most artists are still getting wrong
A few, actually. And it is costing them sales.
The Banksy effect, and what artists miss
Over the weekend, a story popped up claiming that Banksy had finally been identified.
This happens often.
And once again, there is no confirmation from credible sources like Sotheby's, the BBC, or The New York Times.
But here is what matters:
Every time Banksy trends, the value of his work goes up.
Why?
Because more people see it.
More exposure means more demand.
The problem most artists have
I regularly check out artists' profiles after they email or comment.
And I keep seeing the same issue:
Their profiles are locked.
No artwork visible. No story. No access.
If people cannot see your work, they cannot:
- Follow you
- Engage with you
- Buy from you
It is that simple.
Step 1: unlock your profile
If your goal is to sell art online, your profile needs to be public.
This is non-negotiable.
You are not just posting for friends, you are building visibility.
Art needs to be seen to be sold.
Why Instagram is still one of the best platforms for artists
Instagram remains one of the most powerful tools for artists because:
- It is visual
- It is global
- It is free
- Buyers actively discover art there
Used correctly, it becomes your portfolio, your marketing channel and your sales funnel all in one.
Three simple ways to improve your artist profile
Once your profile is unlocked, here is how to make it actually work for you.
1. Fix your bio, you are wasting free space
You have 150 characters. Use them properly.
Your bio should clearly answer:
- Who you are
- What you create
- What makes your work different
- Why someone should care
Example:
ACF Canvases: SA / UK / USA
Ditch saggy, warping canvases
100% Polyester PET and artist-approved
Trusted by thousands
Handcrafted to last
This structure works because it is clear, specific, and builds trust quickly.
2. Use your captions properly
Most artists underuse captions.
You have up to 2,200 characters, and that is valuable space.
At minimum, include:
- Artwork name
- Size
- Medium
- Surface used
- Availability, for sale or not
Then go deeper:
- What inspired the piece
- Challenges you faced
- What you enjoyed
This is what turns a viewer into a buyer.
3. Show yourself. Yes, you
This is where most artists hesitate.
But it is critical.
People do not just buy art, they connect with the artist behind it.
Start simple:
- Short videos of you painting
- Clips of your process
- Thoughts while working
- Even the frustrating days
This builds trust, personality, and connection.
Here is a great profile example from Millie Tawil.
The reality: exposure drives sales
Banksy does not increase value by hiding.
His value increases because people are constantly seeing, sharing, and talking about his work.
You do not need global headlines.
But you do need visibility.
Final thought
If your profile is locked, your art is invisible.
If your art is invisible, it will not sell.
Start with this: unlock your profile.
Everything else builds from there.
Want to take it further?
If you have already unlocked your profile, come and comment on this post:
- Share a tip with other artists
- Engage with new creators
- Be part of the conversation
If you are just starting out, say hello in the same place:
- Open your profile
- Post your work
- Say hello
The art world is built on visibility and connection.
One more thing worth photographing well
If you are going to put your work in front of people, the surface it sits on shows up in every photo. Both of these are 100% Polyester PET in warp and weft, pre-coated, and they photograph cleanly.
Read next
- Moiré in oil painting photos, and how to fix it. Why your paintings photograph badly, and what to do about it.
- Daniel Wilson in The Artist. An artist who built an audience by showing his process.
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