For most of my art life, I’ve focused on drawing. It’s the foundation of everything I do, and it’s a big part of what I share on my site about drawing as an artistic practice. Not painting. Just drawing.
And I’ve sold hundreds of pieces that way. If you’ve ever wondered how to sell your drawings, I want to give you full permission right now: you don’t have to make paintings to sell your art.
Drawings are finished works. They can be powerful, valuable, and collectible—just as much as any oil painting on canvas. I price my drawings highly because I consider them complete, intentional, and full of the same creative effort as any other medium.
If you’re sitting on a stack of sketchbooks or loose pieces—whether they’re detailed studies, expressive sketches, or field notes from your nature journaling—there’s absolutely a path for you to start selling them.
Key Points
- Drawings are art. You don’t need to graduate to painting or mixed media to take your work seriously.
- Start with what you already have. Simple works on paper can be scanned, printed, and sold as originals or limited editions.
- The business strategy is the same. Website, newsletter, launches—just like selling any type of art online.
How to Sell Your Drawings: Mindset Shift
One of the biggest mindset shifts is treating your drawings as finished pieces, not just studies or warmups. If you made it with care and it communicates something real—it's complete.
I’ve sold ballpoint pen drawings, charcoal sketches, and ink studies directly from my site. I’ve framed loose graphite pieces and shipped them across the country. None of them were “just a sketch.”
Collectors love drawings because they often feel more personal and direct. They show the artist’s hand in a way that’s raw and human. You don’t need layers of paint to prove your worth.
Build a Space for Your Drawings
I recommend the same setup for drawings as I would for any artist: a simple website with a clean layout, some background on your work, and an email list. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out how to start an art business from home.
Use WooCommerce to sell directly through your site. That way, people can buy your work without needing to DM you or scroll through a marketplace.
You can also include:
- A few examples of your artist bio and statement to help people understand your point of view
- High-quality photos or scans of your work
- A newsletter signup form to build your list of future collectors
Originals, Limited Editions, and Sketchbook Pages
I’ve sold everything from full-page drawings on heavyweight paper to torn-out sketchbook spreads. The key is in how you present it.
- If it’s an original, photograph or scan it well and describe it clearly.
- If you want to create limited edition prints, you can scan your drawings and print them on archival paper. Add a certificate of authenticity and sign each print.
- If it’s a page from a sketchbook, leave the ragged edge and embrace the handmade look. I’ve shipped plenty just like that.
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Just make it easy for someone to fall in love with your drawing and buy it.
Sharing the Story Behind Your Drawings
Drawing has a quiet kind of power. Whether it's part of a personal sketchbook, a focused study from a hike, or a more stylized animal drawing, each piece has its own weight and presence. You can see more of how I approach it in my drawing process, nature journaling practice, and collection of animal drawings. It often invites slower looking. The line work, the texture of the paper, the visible movement of your hand—it all carries a certain intimacy. That’s part of what makes drawings so collectable.
I like to include short notes with each piece—what I was thinking about, where I made it, what tools I used, or even what music was playing. These details don’t just add context—they create a human connection.
You don’t need to write an essay. Just give people a way in. A sentence or two can add depth and clarity. If you're not sure what to say, this guide on how to talk about art can help.
A small paragraph can turn a nice drawing into something unforgettable—because people aren’t just buying the image, they’re collecting a piece of your story.
Beyond Originals: Licensing and Freelance Illustration
Drawings aren’t just for selling as originals or prints. They can also open up opportunities for licensing and freelance illustration. If your style has a clear voice or strong visual themes, you might consider exploring art licensing. This means allowing companies to use your drawings on products like stationery, fabric, puzzles, or wall art in exchange for royalties.
Licensing is a great option for artists who want their work to reach a wider audience without giving up their originals. You’ll need a portfolio that’s organized and professional, and a basic understanding of how licensing agreements work. You can dive deeper into that world through resources like art licensing royalty rates and licensing trade shows.
Another path is building an illustration business. If you enjoy drawing for stories, editorials, books, or brands, this can be a sustainable freelance career. Your drawings become the core of a service-based business, where clients pay you to draw in your style for their needs. It’s still your art, but applied in different ways.
Both licensing and freelance illustration are viable extensions of your drawing practice. They let you earn in new ways without stepping away from your core skills—and they prove again that drawing is more than enough.
If you need help getting started, or want ideas for passive income or selling prints at home, I’ve written more on the business side of things on my blog.
Whether you work in pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, or digital linework, your drawings are worth sharing and selling. The same strategies apply: build a website, grow an email list, release work in small batches, and invite collectors to be part of your journey.
If you need help getting started, or want ideas for passive income or selling prints at home, I’ve written more on the business side of things.
You don’t have to wait until you start painting to take yourself seriously. Drawing is enough.
How do I start selling drawings?
Start with what you have. Photograph or scan your best pieces, create a simple website, and set up a way for people to buy—either through a shop page or by emailing you. Build an email list and invite people into your world. You don’t need a massive portfolio to begin.
Can I sell my drawings for money?
Absolutely. Drawings are valuable art forms in their own right. If you treat your work with respect and present it professionally, collectors will too. I’ve sold many drawings at premium prices—because I believe in their worth and explain that to buyers.
How do most artists sell their art?
Most independent artists use a combination of methods: their own websites, email newsletters, social media for visibility, and occasional gallery or group shows. Selling directly through your own platform gives you more control and higher profits.
Where to sell art for beginners?
Start with your own site. Even a single-page site with your best work and a contact form is better than relying entirely on platforms like Etsy. Later, you can branch out to shows, online marketplaces, or licensing if it feels right.
How do you get paid for drawing?
You get paid when you make it easy for someone to buy. That means setting up a basic checkout system (like WooCommerce or PayPal), clearly pricing your work, and offering ways for collectors to purchase originals, prints, or commissions. You can also be hired as an illustrator to make editorial illustrations or create private commissions such as portraits.
How do you price your art?
Base it on time, materials, uniqueness, and the story behind the piece. Look at what similar work sells for, but don’t undersell yourself. Include the emotional value too. The more clearly you share the meaning and process behind your drawing, the more collectors understand why it’s worth it.