Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to showcase your work or a seasoned art collector searching for unique prints, knowing where to buy—or sell—art online matters. In this article, we compare the most popular online platforms for buying and discovering art, with a focus on what makes them valuable to collectors, curators, and artists alike.
We dive into quality, curation, pricing, artist compensation, and affiliate potential for those building an art-forward business or blog.
Society6 — Best for Artist Exposure & Collector-Grade Prints
For Artists:
Society6 allows artists to upload their work and earn a percentage of every sale, including framed prints, wall art, tapestries, and more. Artists retain rights and can focus on design while Society6 handles production and fulfillment.
For Collectors:
Collectors will appreciate the museum-quality printing, consistent product presentation, and the ability to discover emerging talent from around the world.
Pros:
- Strong artist royalties model
- Excellent print and frame quality
- Highly curated and discoverable catalog
Cons:
- Less flexibility in artist pricing
- Some saturation in popular styles
Redbubble — Best for Street Art, Pop Culture & Underground Artists
For Artists:
Redbubble offers a wide platform for underground and independent creatives, including street and stencil artists. It’s one of the most open-access platforms for emerging talent to gain exposure and passive income.
For Collectors:
Collectors interested in bold, edgy designs—from graffiti-inspired pieces to subversive pop culture art—will find plenty to love. The variety is unmatched, but curators may need to sift to find gems.
Pros:
- Great platform for street/pop artists
- Artists retain creative freedom
- Affordable for beginner collectors
Cons:
- Quality and style consistency varies
- Not highly curated — more DIY discovery
Etsy — Best for Handmade, Vintage, and Custom Art Prints
For Artists:
Etsy is ideal for artists selling physical originals or digital downloads. You can control your pricing, build a brand, and maintain direct customer relationships.
For Collectors:
Perfect for those seeking limited-edition pieces, vintage artwork, and custom commissions. Etsy supports a more intimate buying experience where storytelling and craftsmanship matter.
Pros:
- Strong support for independent artists
- Niche offerings (e.g., vintage botanical art, hand-drawn portraits)
- Printable art = lower-cost access for collectors
Cons:
- High competition
- Variable buyer experience depending on seller
Desenio — Best for Minimalist & Contemporary Art Lovers
For Artists:
Desenio works more like a traditional art dealer or design publisher. Artists are curated and featured in styled collections. While it’s not open-submission like Etsy or Redbubble, artists who are invited can gain major global exposure.
For Collectors:
Collectors who appreciate minimalist, Nordic, or modern art will find Desenio’s curated poster sets ideal for home or office settings. It’s an excellent resource for design-savvy buyers looking for uniform, polished collections.
Pros:
- Thoughtfully curated collections
- Strong brand aesthetics
- High-quality printing and consistent delivery
- Great for minimalist collectors or staging professionals
Cons:
- Closed platform for artists (invitation-only)
- Less experimental or underground art
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Artist Access | Print Quality | Curation Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Society6 | Modern art collectors, artist passive income | Open | ✅✅✅ | High |
| Redbubble | Street & pop art fans, edgy creators | Open | ✅✅ | Low-Medium |
| Etsy | Custom art, vintage lovers, indie artists | Open | Varies | Medium |
| Desenio | Contemporary, Scandinavian-style collectors | Curated | ✅✅✅ | High |
Final Takeaway for Art Collectors & Creators
- Artists: Want exposure and passive income? Start with Redbubble or Society6. Prefer control and storytelling? Try Etsy.
- Collectors: Want a gallery-like experience? Desenio and Society6 are your best bets. For one-of-a-kind art, explore Etsy.