As an artist, you’re bound to come across a lot of advice—some helpful, some not so much—about how the art world operates. Whether from social media, fellow artists, or even collectors, these opinions often become ingrained as “facts.” Over time, many of these ideas take on a life of their own, turning into myths that can hold you back from achieving your full potential in your art career.

Having worked with artists for over two decades as the owner of Xanadu Gallery and publisher of RedDot Blog, I’ve seen firsthand how some of these myths can derail success. Today, I want to debunk six of the most common myths about selling art and offer practical strategies to help you move forward.

Myth #1: Great Art Sells Itself

One of the most harmful myths is the belief that if your art is good enough, it will naturally attract buyers. Unfortunately, no matter how exceptional your work is, it won’t sell itself. This myth can lead to two big problems:

1. Perfectionism: You may spend endless hours tweaking your work, waiting for it to be “perfect” before sharing it.
2. Delayed exposure: As a result, you delay putting your work in front of potential buyers, missing valuable opportunities to build your career.

The reality is that no matter where you are in your artistic journey, it’s crucial to get your work out there. Share it, exhibit it, sell it. Feedback from collectors and viewers will not only help you grow as an artist but also help you build momentum in your business. Waiting until you feel your work is perfect means you might be waiting forever. Don’t let that stop you from moving forward.

Myth #2: You Can Build Enough Sales Solely Through Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool, but relying on it as your only sales channel is a risky strategy. While the internet gives you access to a global audience, it also makes the art world more competitive and saturated. With millions of artists sharing billions of pieces of art online, cutting through the noise to reach potential buyers is incredibly difficult.

Rather than depending solely on social media, I recommend taking a hybrid approach to marketing. Build a strong online presence, but also connect with galleries, attend art shows, and participate in festivals. These in-person interactions with collectors can be just as important—if not more so—than your online efforts. Combining online and offline strategies will give you a more well-rounded approach to selling your art.

Myth #3: No Art Sells Online

Some artists believe that art won’t sell online because buyers need to experience it in person before making a purchase. While this may have been true when online sales first emerged, the landscape has changed dramatically. Buyers are increasingly comfortable purchasing art online, even without seeing it in person first.

At Xanadu Gallery, 31% of our sales last year came from online buyers—people who had never set foot in our physical gallery. This number continues to grow as more buyers embrace online shopping, especially younger generations who are just starting to collect art. Having a professional and trustworthy online presence is now essential for capturing this market. The myth that art won’t sell online is simply no longer valid.

Myth #4: Lower Prices Lead to More Sales

It’s natural to think that lowering your prices will lead to more sales, but this is rarely the case in the art world. In fact, pricing your work too low can actually harm your chances of selling, especially when dealing with serious collectors.

I’ve worked with numerous artists who saw increased sales after raising their prices. One example is an artist whose work was selling faster than he could produce it. After increasing his prices, not only did sales continue, but they actually sped up. His prices have now doubled, and his work still sells as quickly as ever.

Don’t be afraid to price your work in line with the market. Research what similar artists are charging in galleries and at shows, and adjust your pricing accordingly. As demand for your work grows, continue to raise your prices over time. Underpricing your work can make collectors question its value.

Myth #5: Sales Are All About Talent

It’s easy to believe that the more talented you are, the more sales you’ll make. While talent is undoubtedly important, it’s not the only factor that determines success. The art world is full of talented artists, but not all of them sell their work. Why? Because talent alone won’t get your art in front of collectors.

You need persistence, marketing, and the ability to connect with your audience. We’ve all heard stories of brilliant artists who only became famous after their death—don’t let that be you. Get your work out there and find the people who resonate with it. Don’t wait until you feel you’ve fully developed your talent; building an audience and sales takes time, and the sooner you start, the better.

Myth #6: Only Well-Established Artists Can Make a Living

It’s easy to look at successful, well-established artists and feel like you’ll never achieve their level of success. But remember, those artists were once in your shoes. They built their careers over time through hard work, persistence, and by putting themselves out there.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re not good enough, or that success is reserved for others. Instead, compare yourself to the artist you were last year or last month. You’re constantly growing, improving, and refining your craft. With time, effort, and a commitment to building relationships with galleries and collectors, you can achieve the same level of success as those you admire.

Conclusion

These six myths can hold you back if you let them. By recognizing and debunking these misconceptions, you can take proactive steps to build your art career. Don’t let the myths dictate your path—focus on getting your work out into the world, building connections, and consistently improving your business.

With the right mindset and approach, you can build a thriving art career, regardless of where you are in your journey. Keep pushing forward, stay persistent, and don’t let these myths stand in your way.