Most people begin art as a quiet hobby – as a way to switch off from daily demands and focus on something soothing. But for some, that hobby grows into something bigger, perhaps a want to sell or maybe you simply can’t fit all your masterpieces under your bed any longer! Then the opportunity to exhibit, sell, or even take commissions can present itself and it’s up to you to grab it with both hands. The journey from beginner to professional isn’t about natural talent alone; it’s built through practice, community, business management as well as a willingness to put your work out into the world. It also starts with understanding the basics of turning your art into a product others will value.
The Basics of Starting to Sell Your Art
Before pricing your first canvas or print, it helps to do some groundwork:
- Research What’s Popular
Visit local markets, galleries and perform online searches to see what buyers are drawn to. Is it colourful Cape Town landscapes, Western Cape fynbos, modern abstracts or the African Big Five? - Learn from Other Artists
Speak to peers about what sells most often. Are they selling more easily to locals looking to style their homes, or tourists looking for souvenirs? - Understand Pricing
Consider your material costs, time invested and the going rates for art in your area. Pricing too low devalues your work and might rile up fellow artists while pricing too high can discourage first-time buyers. You might find that your passion for art as hobby foremost allows you reduce your profit margins. - Build Visibility Early
Even before you start selling, share your art, process and behind-the-scenes stories on a dedicated social media channel of your choice. Growing an audience makes your first sales much easier and teaches you what people like and an audience to sell to when the time is right. - High-Quality Visuals
Photographs or scans of your artwork need to reflect its true colour and detail. Great photography sells art. If you want to sharpen your skills, explore our Photography classes to learn how to capture your art in the best possible light.
Building the Business Side of Art
Many art societies offer far more than painting classes. They also run workshops on accounting, business management, website building and marketing — the practical tools artists need to thrive.
At Canvas and Craft Studio, we want to continue that tradition by offering entrepreneurial workshops alongside creative ones. We are here to offer the stepping stones to assist your journey of your art into a profession, whether you’re an artist looking to strengthen your business skills or an expert who’d like to teach fellow creatives, we would love to hear from you.
Learning from Experience: Jo-Anne’s Story
Cape Town-based artist Jo-Anne Pentz, co-founder of Canvas and Craft Studio and current chairlady of the Constantiaberg Art Society, began her art journey later in life:
“Through the local art societies I’ve been able to attend workshops on everything from pricing my work to small business accounting and social media marketing. Each session was practical and tailored to artists like me, which made the learning feel relevant and encouraging.”
For Jo-Anne, art societies made all the difference. They gave her the platform to exhibit regularly at venues such as the Richard Crowie Hall at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and group shows across Cape Town. Over time, her works have sold to private collectors, and she has taken on commissioned pieces, painting figures of loved ones for others.
Her journey shows that you don’t have to start young to take your art seriously. Joining communities, exhibiting at events like Art in the Park in Rondebosch and building relationships with other artists can open many doors.
Turning Hobby Art into a Profession Opportunity
If you’re wondering whether art could ever “pay for itself,” here are a few natural progressions:
- Local Exhibitions
Keep your eyes and ears open, many societies and galleries host open calls where new artists can submit their work. - Markets & Pop-Ups
Accessible entry points such as Art in the Park give easy exposure to the public. Many markets have rules on what to exhibit, with Art in the Park being most lenient. - Commissions
Offering to capture loved ones, pets or local scenery can be the very seed that your business grows from. Never underestimate the power of your friends, family and neighbours in your business journey or the amount people will spend on a portrait of their pet! - Online Presence
Tech-savvy artists can accelerate their reach by selling prints online through Etsy, Shopify, additionally their own site, building a social media following or even creating Cape Town–inspired prints can can sell globally through print-on-demand.
Jo-Anne has grown her practice in the “old-fashioned” way, leaning on community, exhibitions and word-of-mouth sales. But today’s artists have an even wider toolkit blending traditional paths with modern platforms to create a strong route forward.
Why the Journey Matters
Whether you aim to make money from your art or simply find joy in the process, the journey to selling and in turn running your own small business will challenge and transform you. With time, practice and the right support, you may find your paintings not only filling your home but your pockets too!
✨ Want to grow as an artist and entrepreneur? At Canvas and Craft Studio, we are building workshops not just for creativity but also for business. Drop us a message if you would like to attend or host a session.