Online courses from working artists explaining how they made their talent into a successful business are widely available all over the internet. Many artists, such as graphic designers, interior decorators, visual artists, and many more, were able to earn the bread and butter for themselves, eventually leading the perfect lives.

Do all artists, however, find these online courses applicable? Even those who are who are only trying to find a side gig? For each artist, mastering art is a unique experience. Still, much of one's time must be dedicated to the art world to become well-settled.

Is My Art Good Enough to Sell? How Can I Tell?  

Determining whether your art is ready to take the market by storm can be challenging.

Here are some steps to help you evaluate your work and decide if it's market-ready. 

Step 1: Identify Whether Your Artwork Is a Painting or a Print  

Many artists overlook this crucial step. Look for an edition number at the bottom to determine if your piece is a painting or a print. If there's no number, lightly touch the canvas or paper to feel for brushstroke textures. Watercolor pieces don't have texture, but acrylic and oil paintings usually do. 

Use a magnifying glass to inspect the artwork. This will help you determine if the piece is printed. Prints often have a dot matrix pattern, unlike original paintings. 

Q: Are prints valuable?  

Prints can be valuable, especially artist-edition prints like lithographs. Lithographs are prints made by drawing on a flat stone or metal plate and pressing the design onto paper. They often have an edition number (e.g., "55/100") and the artist's signature.  

Other valuable print types include serigraphs, woodblock prints, and etchings. Research similar prints online to gauge their value. 

Step 2: Consider the Provenance  

If you received the artwork from a family member or friend, ask about its history. Knowing where it came from can provide clues about its value. While finding a priceless piece at a thrift shop is rare, authentic paintings warrant more investigation. 

Step 3: Find and Research the Signature  

Locate the artist's signature, typically at the bottom of the piece. Some artists sign on the back or within the artwork. If you can't read the signature, try guessing and searching online. Google Lens can also help by matching images of the signature. 

Step 4: Look at Other Listings by the Same Artist  

Search for other works by the same artist online. Reliable sources include gallery websites, auction records, and fine art marketplaces like 1stDibs. Websites like eBay and Etsy can be less reliable, but they are still helpful in many ways. 

Step 5: Find Comparable Artworks  

When comparing, ensure the pieces are the same medium and size. Artists often price their work based on price per square inch. Consider the subject matter as well; different genres by the same artist can vary in value. 

In Summary