Photo: Stock Photos from A. and I. Kruk/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

With every passing year, more and more art is being sold online as opposed to in standard settings. Even galleries themselves, traditionally a haven of in-person sales, are seeing more and more online business. In fact, some young galleries report that more than half their sales come online, meaning they've never met most of their collectors.

From high-priced fine art to niche crafts, more and more art lovers are getting used to purchasing art online. The creative arts have seen a slower push than some industries with online sales, but that's changed over the past eight years. And many artists are skipping galleries altogether, deciding to take their work directly online and cutting out the middleman.

With a huge variety of options available for every genre of art, the choices can be overwhelming. There are independent artists who have had huge success marketing their work on social media, taking advantage of platforms like Facebook or Instagram to entice buyers. But what if you aren't really to go fully independent? Or what if you still like the idea of getting some support when you need it? There are plenty of online platforms that can help you expose your work to potential buyers while providing varying levels of technical and marketing support.

We've decided to help narrow down the field, explaining the ins and outs of the best channels for selling art online. That way, you can sit back and focus on creating a great website and marketing your art for the world to see.

Don't understand how to sell art online? Or where you should start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Scroll down for our suggestions of popular platforms to list your artwork.

Yes, you can make money selling art online! Here are some of the best places to virtually sell your art.

Fine Art America

Fine Art America is the world's largest online art marketplace and print-on-demand technology company. They've been helping artists sell wall art, tapestries, home decor, apparel, and other products since 2006 and are home to hundreds of thousands of artists, photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and global brands.

With just a few clicks, artists can upload their images to FineArtAmerica.com, set their prices for hundreds of different print-on-demand products, and then instantly sell those products to a global audience of online, mobile, and real-world buyers. Fine Art America fulfills each order on behalf of the artists. Each product is manufactured at one of FAA's 16 global production facilities and delivered “ready-to-hang” with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In addition to providing an online marketplace, Fine Art America supplies artists and photographers with sales and marketing tools to help simplify and accelerate their careers. These tools allow artists to set up branded web stores, sell prints through Shopify, create e-newsletters, sell through augmented reality, and more.

ArtPal

Representing over 222,000 artists, ArtPal is a unique online gallery that is 100% free. Artists can choose to either sell their own items or use ArtPal’s print-on-demand features, giving them flexibility in how they allow people to buy art. It also means that artists can sell original artwork and prints side-by-side.

With no membership fees or commissions, and unlimited space to sell art, ArtPal takes the hassle out of selling while allowing you more time to be creative. ArtPal also has vast resources for artists to help them market their artwork, price items correctly, and how to set attainable goals for their careers. This makes it a valuable resource for any artist looking to sharpen their business skills.

It just takes a few minutes to set up a free online gallery, making ArtPal a great gateway into online art sales.

UGallery

UGallery believes that browsing their online selection of art should be akin to spending a leisurely afternoon visiting your local galleries IRL. Founded in 2006, they take their curation seriously and want to avoid the internet's seemingly endless outlets for artwork. Instead, they pick each artist and every piece they exhibit, making all artwork exclusive to UGallery. They encourage emerging and mid-career artists to apply to show their pieces. If selected, anything sold will be split 50/50, and the artist ships the work in a custom box (provided by UGallery) from their studio.

Etsy

Since its inception in 2005, Etsy has been the go-to online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage items. Its motto “Shop for anything from creative people anywhere,” sums it up. A budding fashion designer looking to easily sell clothing online? An artisan making handcrafted furniture or sculptural jewelry? This is the place for you. Etsy charges a nominal listing and transaction fee but makes it a breeze to open your own online store.

They also provide a huge number of resources to their sellers, from handbooks on SEO, branding, and marketing to practical information on taking the stress out of bookkeeping. There's definitely a reason that the site has over 4 million active sellers worldwide.

If you're looking for advice on how to succeed on Etsy, check out our interview with successful shop owners.

eBay

Many artists find success with eBay with no restrictions on the medium. A quick look at eBay's art category shows the wealth of what's available. In the business since 1995, eBay is a trusted name in online sales and provides a huge amount of support to its sellers. Their How to Sell guides offer a step-by-step look at what artists can do to make sure they are displaying their artwork in the best light, giving it a better chance to sell.

Minted

Photographers, illustrators, and graphic designers will want to check out Minted, which is a top resource for wedding invitations, custom Christmas cards, and much more. Artists are selected via Design Competitions, which are voted on by the public. In addition to receiving their own Minted storefront, winners can win a cash prize and earn a commission on their designs.

Society6

Looking to sell art reproductions or get your creativity printed on a wide variety of products? Society6 makes it extremely easy for you to upload artwork and photography and make them available as everything from art prints to tote bags to iPhone cases. As the artist, you retain all rights to your artwork and Society6 takes care of all order fulfillment, meaning you don’t have to worry about any packaging or shipping. They even allow you to set your own royalty agreement on art prints and stretched canvases, with set fees in place for the other items they have for sale. If you want something quick and easy or ever dreamed of seeing your illustrations on apparel and home goods, Society6 is the way to go.

Zazzle

Zazzle is the best of both worlds, giving you the option to become a maker (to sell products) or a designer (to sell art). Artists, graphic designers, and photographers simply upload their artwork, making it available to print on demand, either as a piece of wall art or on a variety of products. Setting up a shop is free and you are able to set your own royalty percentage in order to earn what you please. Zazzle takes care of the rest.

Redbubble

Founded in Australia in 2006, Redbubble is another print-on-demand service that allows artists to upload artwork to be printed on a huge variety of products, as well as reproduction prints. Redbubble allows artists to set their own profit margins, meaning you can organize your earnings as you like. From stationery and stickers to women's apparel, and with in-depth traffic analytics for your shop, Redbubble is a fantastic option for artists seeking a print-on-demand partner.

Artfinder

Based in London and Miami, Artfinder has a mix of UK, American, and global artists. In order to join, there is a selection process. Artists are asked to submit their best work and a short statement to be reviewed. Once accepted, it's as easy as setting up your free storefront. Artfinder takes a 33% to 40% commission on sales. Artfinder only allows original artwork—no posters or reproduction prints—and focuses on painting, photography, digital art, collage, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking.

Artplode

Don't want to give up a commission on your art? Artplode may be for you. Launched in 2014, the site works with artists, galleries, dealers, and collectors and specializes in original art and limited edition prints and photographs. Instead of taking a commission when an artwork is sold, Artplode simply asks a flat listing fee for each piece. For an additional fee, they can even set you up with art consultants who can help you market your art to the right collectors and assist in pricing. Artists are also able to decide if they'd like to absorb the cost of shipping or pass the cost directly on to the buyer.

Saatchi Art

When looking for a place to sell your art online, having one of the most respected names in the business on your side isn't a bad idea. Saatchi Art was founded by Charles Saatchi's company, and though sold in 2014, still carries the prestigious name. Artists are able to set up a free shop for their original artwork, with pieces ranging from under $500 to over $10,000. The site takes a 35% commission from sales but arranges the shipping and even sends a courier to pick up the artwork—you just need to package it. In exchange, artists are offered exposure to Saatchi's huge audience, which includes over 1.1 million social media followers and a printed catalog that goes out to over 1 million households.

Turning Art

Getting your art hung in a commercial setting can not only give you great visibility—but is quite lucrative. Turning Art specializes in curating art for businesses, hotels, designers, and major institutions. By applying to be part of their network of artists, creatives will see their original artwork proposed to commercial clients and can even be pitched for commission work. Artist are paid 60% of revenue when an original piece of purchased or 25% of the retail purchase price when art is rented. Commission fees are negotiated between the artist and Turning Art prior to the start of the project.

Want to take the full plunge into e-commerce? We've got just the solution.

Shopify

Now that you've got a great, stylish website, maybe you just want to skip third-party vendors altogether and create your own online shop. Shopify is a great choice in creating your own eCommerce site, for its ease of use and flexibility. Designed correctly, customers won't even be able to tell they are using Shopify, assuring a pleasing shopping experience. Ready to get started? Take a look at our handy, step-by-step guide on how to create a store on Shopify to sell your creative goods.

If you are represented by a gallery, check and see if they are taking advantage of online sales.

Artnet

Artnet has leveraged partnerships with major auction houses and galleries, combined with news and event listings, to become a point of reference for contemporary art collectors. Working as an online display case for galleries, artists represented by partner galleries can request that galleries place their work on Artnet. Their work will be viewable via the gallery's listing or an artist listing that shows news, events, auction results, and artwork available.

Artsy

“Artsy’s mission is to make all the world’s art accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.” Like Artnet, Artsy isn't open to individual artists but is worth looking into seeing if your gallery is open to listing your artwork on the site. The venture-funded online gallery caters to the contemporary art world, with live auction bidding, information about art fairs and exhibitions, as well as gallery listings.

Partner galleries are able to list artwork by their represented artists, showcasing their work to a wide audience of potential collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth selling art online?

Yes. Online platforms have commissions that are typically cheaper than brick-and-mortar galleries.

How can a beginner sell art online?

If you are new to selling your art online, select a platform that will provide you with plenty of visibility and support. Etsy and FineArtAmerica are two good options. You'll also want to brush up on your marketing skills so you can promote your work online.

What do I need to do to get started?

Take a look at some of the many platforms available to sell art and see which one works for you. After signing up, prepare an inventory of your artwork. This includes taking quality images of your art (or hiring someone to do it for you), setting up your pricing, gathering materials for shipping if needed, and putting together marketing materials so that your fans will know that you've set up shop.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

How to Get Started Teaching Online Creative Classes

7 Tips to Help Make Your Next Creative Project Go Viral

6 Professional Networking Tips to Further Your Creative Career

New App Makes It Easy to Set Up an Online Shop and Sell Your Creative Products

READ: 16 Platforms for Artists to Sell Their Creative Work Online in 2023

Photo: Stock Photos from Diego Cervo/Shutterstock

Work in a creative field and looking to make a career change? Or just curious to see what job opportunities await you as you embark on a career in the arts? Over the past several years employment practices have evolved, with more and more organizations turning to specialist sites when they seek new creative talent.

Whether you are a freelance graphic designer or an expert art handler, there is something for everyone. We've scoured the web and pulled together our top creative job boards for those who are seeking new career opportunities. And while we've focused on the United States, several sites also list international opportunities or focus exclusively on the UK. The nice part is that many also allow you to upload a portfolio, helping attract potential employers.

Take a look at what's out there and polish up your resume, as you'll see there's no shortage of work in the creative sectors.

These are the 16 top creative job boards to help you find your big break in the art and design world.

AIGA

America's oldest, and largest, professional association for designers has a rich job board with work for heavy hitters like Facebook and MTV, as well as niche organizations. It's possible to search separate sections for internships and pro bono work, in addition to professional positions.

Alliance of Artist Communities

A great resource for those looking for arts positions at museums, residencies, universities, and art centers across the United States.

Americans for the Arts

This non-profit was founded in the 1960s to advance and support the arts in America. Their job bank has a wealth of positions for creatives. Most of the jobs here are at larger institutions looking for support in development, fundraising, teaching, or curation. The Smithsonian Institute, North Carolina Symphony, and the American Academy in Rome are just some of the organizations that post open positions.

Art, Frankly

Over 1,750 art institutions post jobs on Art, Frankly. Designed to make the hiring process more transparent and inclusive, current listings include the Director of Communications at the New Museum, as well as the Director of the Affordable Art Fair. There are also listings for illustrators and graphic designers. You'll need to sign up to see all of the listings, but looking for jobs is free of charge.

Art Jobs

This site's straightforward name describes exactly what it gives you—art jobs. Creative positions around the globe are posted here with opportunities for curators and gallerists to individual artists. For instance, one current listing includes a search for someone specialized in hand-lettering, while another seeks out an artist with experience in comic coloring. In addition to jobs, you can also look for residencies, open calls, and art prizes.

Art Search

With its straightforward interface, and prestigious listings from organizations like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Oakland Symphony, this job board is perfect for those looking for the best jobs in the arts. The board not only has listings with museums and galleries, but also theaters and libraries.

Art Station

If you are looking for a creative career in gaming, you'll want to check out Art Station. Several international gaming studios seek out talent here, looking for high-quality creative professionals. From game artists to VFX artists, there are lots of positions to fill.

Authentic Jobs

Companies like Apple, Facebook, ESPN, and HBO have been using Authentic Jobs since 2005 to fill creative positions. It's especially rich in design and marketing positions.

Behance

Behance isn't only a place to show off your creative portfolio. This go-to design site also has global listings in creative fields across the board, from furniture design and film to branding and art direction.

Coroflot

The portfolio site also has an active job board that allows you to search by company and keyword, as well as location, with listings both in the United States and abroad. HP, AT&T, Fox Sports, and Skullcandy are just some of the companies that search for talent here. If you are interested in teaching, several universities also put out calls for professors in creative fields here, including the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and Cornell University.

Creative Pool

Primarily aimed at designers, this job board is a fantastic resource for those seeking opportunities in the UK or remote work. IBM, Canon, Google, and Electronic Arts are just some of the companies that place job listings on the site.

Photo: Stock Photos from Nitsawan Katerattanakul/Shutterstock

Dezeen Jobs

In synch with its editorial content, Dezeen's job board has international listings focusing on architecture and design. Design opportunities include multiple sections, like interior design, graphic design, and lighting design. As Dezeen is based in the UK, most of the opportunities follow suit, though international listings are sprinkled throughout.

Dribbble

A top platform for showing off your creative portfolio, Dribble's job listings have included work from companies like Vimeo, Tumblr, Amazon, and Microsoft. If you are designer searching for global career opportunities, Dribble is a must visit job board.

Indeed

A mammoth listing site with jobs across the board, Indeed's creative jobs section contains opportunities from top level brands and creative corporations, like NBC Universal, Facebook, Adidas, Bloomingdales, and Bloomberg. And if you are just getting started in your career, you can also find work with individuals or small brands to help you build up your portfolio. You can even sign up for email alerts to make sure new listings don't pass you by.

Krop

Originally a private mailing list, Krop has grown into a service that helps you build a portfolio website. But it still has an excellent job board, particularly if you are looking for a graphic design position. The site allows you to post your portfolio online, putting your work in front of agencies and organizations like ESPN, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Electronic Arts.

ScreenSkills

This UK organization that works with screen-based creatives has a job board filled with production jobs across the UK. These creative listings for film and television include big hitters like the BBC and ITV, as well as work with production companies and studios. In addition to your normal search options, the job board lets you search for listings based on your level of experience.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Freelance Business

5 Ideas for Creative Side Hustles You Can Start Today

Creative People Share What They Wish They’d Known at Every Age

READ: 16 Top Job Boards to Discover New Creative Career Opportunities

Photo: Khara Woods
This post may contain sponsored links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you’re creating amazing art but struggling to gain exposure, art contests are a great opportunity for publicity. And if you’re living the infamous “starving artist” lifestyle, this is also a way to pull yourself out of a rough spot by potentially winning cash prizes, allowing you to gain an extra financial boost towards your dream creative projects.

There are loads of different competitions out there, from world-renowned painting contests to inspiring digital art challenges, that will place you in the art world. With so much to choose from, we’ve created a guide to help you decide which visual arts competitions are best suited to you and your artistic talents. Depending on your eligibility, you can try for these annual awards year after year.

Ready to show off your art to the world? Check out our guide to some of the best art contests to enter this year.

Painting Competitions

“Catalyst” by Jennifer McChristian. Winner, 11th annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Prize: $50,000 in All Cash Prizes. $15,000 Grand Prize for annual competition ($24,200 in annual cash awards), $600 first place prize for monthly competitions ($25,800 in monthly cash awards).
Entry Fee: $38 for the first image, $16 for subsequent images. (entries placed in first two weeks of the month receive a 25% discount)
Requirements: Open to international artists 18 years of age and older.
Closing Date: Each monthly competition ends at midnight Pacific Time on the published final day of that competition. Winners are announced on the last day of the month following the competition.

PleinAir magazine hosts monthly painting competitions that award artists across a variety of painting mediums. The winners of the monthly competitions will be entered into the annual competition with a chance to win $15,000. The winner of the annual competition will also see their work placed on the cover of PleinAir magazine. There are 19 categories to select from, some reserved specifically for plein air painting, while others also accept studio paintings. The winners will be showcased in PleinAir Magazine, and all winners and finalists will have their work promoted online on sites like FineArtConnoisseur.com, OutdoorPainter.com, PleinAirSalon.com, and in a variety of e-newsletters.

Enter now

Watermedia Showcase

Prize: $2,500 first prize, $1,250 second prize.
Entry Fee: $35 ($30 before February 6, 2023).
Requirements: Open to international artists 18 years of age and older.
Closing Date: April 11, 2023

The Watermedia Showcase awards original art created primarily with water-based media (watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, or egg tempera) on a surface created for water media. Judged by the editors of Watercolor Artist, all winners, and honorable mentions will have their work featured in the magazine.

Enter now

Jackson's Painting Prize

Prize: £6,000 first prize
Entry Fee: £5 per entry.
Requirements: Open to international artists of all ages.
Closing Date: March 1, 2023

Jackson's Painting Prize was created to reward excellence in two-dimensional works of fine art. Both painting and drawing media are accepted and in addition to the main prize, there are also awards for emerging artists, best watercolor, and people's choice. Entries open December 1, 2022 and close March 1, 2023.

Enter now

Digital Art Contests

Photo: Howard Lawrence B

The Lumen Prize for Digital Art

Prize: $4,000 first prize, with a $13,500 total prize fund.
Entry Fee: $40 for two works ($32 for two works if submitted prior to March 24).
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: June 3, 2023

This digital art competition is organized by Lumen Art Projects Ltd, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to providing new opportunities for digital artists around the world. The contest guidelines are relatively loose—the only requirement is that the submitted artworks must somehow engage with technology. Categories include Still, Moving Image, XR, 3D/Interactive and Artificial Intelligence. In 2023, there is even an award for NFT art. Several awards categories are also rewarded with artist residencies and exhibitions in addition to the cash prize.

Find out more.

animago Award

Prize: €3,000 cash prize for Best Young Production, all nominees provided lodging and tickets to animago.
Entry Fee: Free
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: TBD

For over 20 years the prestigious animago Award competition has spotlighted talent in the fields of 3d animation and stills, visual effects, visualization, and design. Organized by the German magazine Digital Production, all winners are announced during a gala at the annual animago conference in Munich, Germany. Though, due to the pandemic, animago has not taken place since 2019, artists are still encouraged to submit their work for the next time that the conference occurs.

Enter now

Illustration Contests

Photo: rawpixel

World Illustration Awards

Prize: A cash prize of £2,000 and more publicity opportunities.
Entry Fee: £29 (approximately $33)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: February 14, 2023

Anyone who’s into illustration is bound to have heard of the prestigious World Illustration Awards. Illustrators are invited to submit work created or published since January 2018 to 8 different categories. Winners will not only win a cash prize, but they’ll also be awarded invaluable global exposure, such as a marketing package in the Directory of Illustration, a feature in a major exhibition in central London, and an invitation to the Awards Evening in October.

Enter now

Society of Illustrators Annual Competition

Prize: Medals, work published in a full-color catalog and displayed in an exhibition.
Entry Fee: $20 for members ($35 for non-members)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide.
Closing Date: TBD

The Society of Illustrators Annual Competition is known as the premier showcase for illustrators and animators. Open to artists worldwide, work can be entered in one of the six categories: Editorial, Book, Advertising, Institutional, Uncommissioned, and Surface/ Product Design. The selected entries will be exhibited at the Society of Illustrators’ gallery in New York City and be printed in full color in their annual catalog. In addition to the entry fee, there is a hanging/publication fee of $90 for non-members and $80 for members.

Enter now

Drawing Contests

Photo: Stock Photos from Iuliia Tarabanova/Shutterstock

Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing

Prize: $2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize
Entry Fee: $45 ($35 before March 22, 2021)
Requirements: Open to artists in the United States and Canada.
Closing Date: April 29, 2023

The Strokes of Genius Competition celebrates original work made in drawing mediums; including pencil, charcoal, Conté crayon, pen and ink, scratchboard, silverpoint, colored pencil, pastels, and even some wet paint mediums if used in a linear or sketchy manner. Winning entries plus an additional 85+ finalists will be published in a special edition publication, The Best of Drawing, from the editors of Artists Magazine.

Enter now

General Art Contests

Photo: Pixabay via Pexels

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize

Prize: Over $50,000 in cash and prizes to be won (overall winner receives $10,000 to develop their practice). Plus global exposure through Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s 1 million+ social media community, along with website and print editorial. Winners will also participate in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s prestigious group exhibition at Haven Gallery in New York later this year.
Entry Fee: $40 per entry (artists can enter up to 10 times)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide working in the representational visual arts.
Closing Date: midnight PT on July 17, 2023

The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, now in its 6th year, is an annual non-acquisitive international art prize that celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts. It includes all static mediums including Traditional Art media, Digital Art media, and Photographic media; and all styles from realism and hyperrealism to pop surrealism and lowbrow. The Prize seeks to inspire creatives from around the world to pursue a life and career in the arts, and to help careers grow through funding and increased exposure of their work to galleries, collectors, and media, globally.

Enter now

Artists Magazine Annual Art Competition

Prize: Over $29,000 in cash prizes and publication in Artists Magazine.
Entry Fee: $40 ($35 if submitted before April 3)
Requirements: Open to artists over 18 worldwide working in a traditional medium.
Closing Date: May 30, 2023

Artists Magazine’s Annual Art Competition celebrates traditional 2D artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, digital art, and much more. Winners will be chosen from a variety of categories including Portrait/Figure, Still Life, Landscape, Abstract, and Animal/Wildlife.

Along with generous cash prizes, this contest provides a huge opportunity to gain exposure—all winners’ work will be featured in the January/February 2023 issue of Artists Magazine.

Enter now

The Sunny Art Prize

Prize: A total cash fund of £6,000 plus a month-long art residency in China, and a solo exhibition in London.
Entry Fee: £25 for one artwork, up to £45 for four artworks.
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide age 18 and over.
Closing Date: June 30, 2023

One of the most inclusive and diverse art competitions in the UK, the Sunny Art Prize offers unique exposure for both emerging and established artists. Winners will be granted an opportunity to have their work shown in an exhibition in London, and develop their work during a month-long residency in China. A £6,000 (approximately $7,600) total cash prize will be split between the first three winning artists.

The art contest accepts entries in a diverse range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramic art, printmaking, installation art, mixed media, video art, and photography.

Enter now

Made in California Competition

Prize: $750 first prize, $500 second prize.
Entry Fee: $20 per entry
Requirements: Open to artists based in California.
Closing Date: February 16, 2023

Hosted by the Brea Gallery, the Made in California Competition provides a promotional opportunity for all artists based in the state of California. All mediums will be considered. And, in addition to the juried competition, there is also a solo show opportunity for artists who submit a body of work containing 5-10 pieces (the entry for the solo show is $80, and the prize is $350).

Enter now

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

Looking for Artistic Inspiration? This Book is Full of Illustration Ideas from 50 of the Best Illustrators

6 Professional Networking Tips to Further Your Creative Career

5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Creative Portfolio

How to Handle Criticism as an Artist and Grow From It

READ: 12 of the Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Art history can be intimidating. Seemingly composed of countless movements, mediums, artists, and styles, diving into the study may seem daunting. However, with the right book collection, you'll realize that an understanding of art history is not only possible but surprisingly attainable. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson famously claimed, “every artist was first an amateur.”

So, whether you're considering a career in arts management, an artist looking to learn more about the story of your practice, or simply curious about art's evolution, these must-have books for budding art historians belong on your shelf! Among this collection of the best art history books for beginners, you will find anthologies of famous paintings, sculptures, and other artwork, as well as texts covering architecture, art movements, and beyond.

Here's a selection of the best art history books for beginners.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

Wadsworth Publishing | $188

Gardner's Art Through the Ages has been the go-to source for aspiring art historians since 1926. Written by American art historian and educator Helen Gardner, the textbook offers a comprehensive and chronological look at art's history, beginning with “The Birth of Art” and ending with contemporary work. It covers the work of iconic figures like Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, and more.

There are currently 15 editions of this book as well as several modified adaptations, including “Concise” and “Enhanced” versions. For a general introduction to art history, however, we recommend “A Global History.”

The Art Book

Phaidon | $59.95

Featuring text compiled by curators, critics, artists, and academics accompanied by full-page pictures, Phaidon's iconic Art Book is “a valuable work of reference as well as a feast for the eyes.” This glossy anthology follows an alphabetical format, offering readers an A-Z guide of art history's most prolific artists spanning periods, schools, and styles.

Colorful and compact (it measures less than 7 inches by 5 inches), you can't go wrong with this classic book.

The Collins Big Book of Art: From Cave Art to Pop Art

David G. Wilkins | $39.95

The Collins Big Book of Art is a fantastic introduction to the world of art for those with limited-to-no knowledge of the subject. It spans the history of art from cave paintings to the Renaissance to Impressionism to Pop Art. Comprising more than 1,200 works of art from around the world, each piece is labeled with the date, country, title, artist, materials, size, and current location. All of the beautiful illustrations are carefully selected to give you a thorough overview.

50 Artists You Should Know

Prestel | $19.95

The 50 Artists You Should Know book provides insight into 50 famous artists throughout history and from various artistic movements, including female artists who are often overlooked. Arranged chronologically, readers can learn about the evolution of visual art, starting with the Gothic period. There's also a glossary of important art terms, so you can impress your friends at your next dinner party!

The Story of Art

Phaidon | $46.45

The Story of Art by Professor E.H. Gombrich has been one of the bestselling books in the field for over 40 years. Written for “newcomers to art,” this accessible, easy-to-read text features everything you need to grasp a general understanding of art history's timeline.

Since its publication in 1950, The Story of Art has been enhanced with captions, charts, and an index—though Gombrich's words have been widely untouched.

Ways of Seeing

Penguin Books | $15.81

In 1972, art critic and artist John Berger wrote Ways of Seeing, a book adapted from his BBC television series of the same name. The avant-garde book comprises seven essays (three of which are made up only of images) that explore the mysterious “relation between what we see and what we know.”

Distributed by Penguin Books, Ways of Seeing has been deemed a “Modern Classic” by the publishing house.

The Lives of the Artists

Oxford World's Classics | $12.04

Italian painter, architect, historian, and writer Giorgio Vasari is predominantly known for two reasons: he coined the term Renaissance, and wrote The Lives of the Artists. Believed by many to be “the first important book on art history,” this text presents an intimate and contemporaneous look at the lifetimes and works of Italian Renaissance artists, from Giotto and Brunelleschi to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

This edition is annotated, making it perfect for those interested in learning more about this iconic art movement.

Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art 

Thames & Hudson | $34.95

Amy Dempsey‘s Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art is intended to familiarize readers with “one of the most dynamic and exciting periods in art history.” Beginning with Impressionism and concluding with contemporary art, this compilation of essays highlights the most important work over the last 150 years.

Plus, each main essay is supplemented with suggestions for further reading, putting you on the path to art history success. 

The Duchamp Dictionary 

Thames & Hudson | $22.72

Marcel Duchamp is celebrated as one of the major figures of modern art. Given his profound influence, understanding his practice is key to grasping the art of the 20th century. With The Duchamp Dictionary by Thomas Girst, breaking down the artist's avant-garde ideas is easy, as it features 59 photos and “short, alphabetical dictionary entries that introduce his legacy in a clear and engaging way.”

Packed with information yet playfully formatted, this reference book is great for seasoned art historians and novices alike.

Show Time: The 50 Most Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art 

Distributed Art Publishers, Inc. | $23.20

Published in 2014, Show Time: The 50 Most Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art is one of art history's more modern must-reads. Curator and Director and Head of Exhibitions and Public Programs at The Jewish Museum Jens Hoffmann has selected a list of shows that have “triggered profound changes in curatorial practice, and reanimated the potential of contemporary art” since 1990.  

Divided into 9 sections and featuring installation photos and floor plans, Show Time presents these ground-breaking exhibitions in an engaging and easy-to-follow way.

Now, check out our list of books for artists!

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

15 Must-Have Art Books for the Creative Mind

10 Inspiring Children’s Books for Budding Little Artists

250+ Free Art Books You Can Get on Getty Museum’s Virtual Library

Metropolitan Museum of Art Now Offers Over 1,600 Free Art Books Online

Guggenheim Museum Releases Over 200 Modern Art Books Online for Free

READ: 10 Essential Art History Books for Beginners

Whether you are a professional photographer looking to gain more exposure or an amateur who wants to know how your work stacks up against your peers, photography competitions are a fantastic way to stretch yourself and grow your craft. From free photo contests to paid photography awards, it's possible to invest as little—or as much—as you'd like. And sometimes, the rewards can be life-changing.

From cash prizes to traveling exhibitions at renowned institutions, the best photography contests give their participants the opportunity to show their best work to a wider audience. Most contests have separate professional and amateur divisions, as well as youth competitions for young photographers—and you don't always have to pay. Contests like the EyeEm Awards and the Smithsonian Photo Contest are free of charge, while others charge nominal fees to enter multiple photographs. Additionally, the deadlines for these challenges vary from the start of the year to late into the summer or even the fall.

With such a wide variety of photography competitions, you can decide whether you want to try your hand at one of the larger contests with a range of categories for all types of photography, such as the International Photo Awards, or go more niche. Underwater photography, architectural photography, astrophotography, wedding photography, and pet photography are just some competitions that let you hone in on specific aspects of the craft. Whether you win 1st place or become a finalist, these events will surely boost your creative practice.

To help you find what photo contest meets your needs, we've pulled together a list of the best photography competitions—in alphabetical order—that you'll want to consider entering. Over the years we've featured all of these contests, many times publishing early entries and finalists, in addition to winners—proving that you can gain valuable press coverage whether you win or not.

Our list of the best photography contests covers a wide range of photography from wildlife to fine art.

Matt Emmett, overall winner, Arcaid Photography Awards 2016. (Photo: Matt Emmett/Arcaid Images)

The Architectural Photography Awards

Architectural photographers compete in six categories—Exterior, Interior, Sense of Place, Portfolio, Mobile Architecture Photography, and Buildings in Use—for a chance at cash prizes and having their work exhibited at the World Architecture Festival.

When to enter: Annually from March to July
Entry fee: One-time registration of £55 allows entrants to submit up to 3 images to each category
Prize: $3,000 and exhibition at the World Architecture Festival.

Audubon Photography Awards

Combine your love of birds and photography by competing in the Audubon Photography Awards. Participants must be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada and at least 13 years of age. Winning photos will be published in the Audubon and Nature’s Best Photography magazines, as well as go on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

When to enter: Annually from January 11, 2023, to March 1, 2023
Entry fee: $15 per image; Youth competition is FREE
Prize: Cash prizes up to $5,000.

B&W Child Photo Competition

Celebrate the beauty of childhood across the world by submitting your most stunning black and white images of children. Photographers compete in four categories—Portrait, Fine Art, Lifestyle, and Documentary & Street. The contest accepts international entries and there is no limit on the number of submissions per photographer. It has two submission periods per year; the 1st half at the beginning and the 2nd half at the latter part of the year.

When to enter:1st half at the beginning of the year until July; 2nd half from August to the end of the year
Entry fee: €10 for a single image, €20 for 3 images, €30 for 5 images
Prize: €1,000 each for two Grand Prize winners, €100 for category winners.

Best of the Best Photo Contests for Weddings

Wedding photographers are encouraged to show off their best wedding images in annual contests run by Junebug Weddings. The theme for the contest changes with each competition.

When to enter: Varies depending on the contest
Entry fee: $28 for up to 15 images for non-members. Members can submit up to 3 photos for free or up to 15 images for $18
Prize: 50 winning entries are featured on the website, with a link to their blog.

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

Run by the California Academy of Sciences, this international photo contest celebrates “the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery.” Photographers can submit work across seven different categories such as the art of nature, aquatic life, terrestrial wildlife, and winged life.

When to enter: Annually from December 2022, to March 1, 2023
Entry fee: $25 for up to 10 single image submissions in any category, $15 for 1 photo series (3-5 images)
Prize: $5,000 to the overall winner, $1,000 for category winners. Participation in an annual exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.

Bird Photographer of the Year

This global competition asks wildlife photographers to submit their best bird photography across 9 categories, including best youth photographer. There are also two special prizes up for grabs—best portfolio and crowd choice. Participants can submit single photos or an entire portfolio.

When to enter: Annually from mid-August to the end of November
Entry fee: From £6, participants can enter up to 8 images per category
Prize: £5,000 for the grand prize winner, camera equipment for the portfolio prize winner (a £3,500 retail value), and a pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8×30 binoculars for category winners. All winners receive a portfolio review from the Director of Photography at Alamy.

Sasha Dudkina, EyeEm Photographer of the Year 2017. (Photo: Sasha Dudkina)

British Wildlife Photography Awards

Created to focus on the glory of British wildlife, photographers of all nationalities are encouraged to enter the contest, but their images must be taken in the United Kingdom. The 15 separate categories also include a prize for wildlife in HD video, and two separate prizes are awarded to young photographers. The top entries are included in a traveling exhibition across Britain, as well as a coffee table book.

When to enter: Annually from November to April of the next year
Entry fee: From £10; Youth competition (up to 6 images) is FREE
Prize: £5,000 for grand prize winner, while some adult category winners receive a cash prize of £500 and new camera equipment. The Wildlife in HD Video category will receive a new camcorder. The winning pictures and best entries will be included in a touring exhibition across the UK as well as a coffee table book.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

If you like to see the humor in the natural world, this photography contest is for you. Founded by the wildlife charity, Born Free Foundation, the awards are a light-hearted way to bring attention to conservation issues. In addition to four categories for adults and a youth competition, videographers are encouraged to enter their funniest video clips. But note, photographs of domestic, captive or enclosed wildlife of any description are not allowed.

When to enter: Entries accepted through August 23, 2023
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Overall winner receives a trophy and one-week safari in Kenya.

Dog Photographer of the Year

The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest organization focusing on the welfare of dogs, runs this annual, international contest. Photographers can enter in 10 categories, including Dog Portrait, Dogs at Play, Assistance Dogs, and Rescue Dogs. There are also two youth categories for young photographers.

When to enter: Annually from February to April
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Overall winner receives a SmugMug business account and mentorship day with an acclaimed dog photographer. All winners will have their work displayed at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in London, as well as a prize package.

Drone Awards

Part of the Art Photo Travel Association, this worldwide competition is open to aerial photography and videos whose platforms also include “fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, blimps and dirigibles, rockets, kites, and parachutes.”

When to enter: Entries are accepted from April to June.
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: The Drone Photographer of the Year will be awarded a prize package that includes €500,00 worth of photography equipment and more.

EyeEm Awards

This leading photo community, which also licenses images, runs what they call the largest photo competition for rising photographers. They annually award prizes in 10 categories, including The Street Photographer, The Great Outdoors, The Portraitist, The Photojournalist, and The Architect. Additionally, the Photographer of the Year is selected based on their body of work and potential for growth.

When to enter: Entries accepted until the end of July
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Photographer of the Year wins €1,000, a feature in EyeEm Magazine and Format Magazine, and more.

Fine Art Photography Awards

Seeking “photos born out of passion,” the international contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. With 20 different categories to select from, there is no shortage of artistic themes that will allow photographers to display their creativity.

When to enter: Annually; deadline is February 23, 2023
Entry fee: From $15 per photo
Prize: $3,000 for Professional Photographer of the Year, $2000 for Amateur Photographer of the Year.

bachirm, 1st prize winner Urban, 2017 International Drone Photography Contest. (Photo: bachirm)

Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year

The world’s biggest astrophotography competition draws photographers from across the globe, who compete across nine different categories. Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to apply for the contest, which is judged by representatives of NASA and the editor of BBC Sky at Night Magazine. Children are encouraged to apply in the special youth competition for photographers under 15 years old.

When to enter: Annually until early March
Entry fee: FREE up to 10 images
Prize: £10,000 for overall winner and £1,500 for overall category winners. Cash prizes are also given to category runners-up.

International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Celebrate the art and craft of landscape photography with this contest, which is open to photographers around the world. The top landscape photographs are collected into an annual book and photographers are awarded for best single images, as well as portfolios of four photographs.

When to enter: Entries close at the end of November
Entry fee: $25 per photo, every fifth photograph is free
Prize: Grand prize of $5,000 as well as inclusion in awards book. Second prize of $1,000 and third prize of $500, as well as photo book inclusion.

International Photo Awards

These prestigious awards cover a comprehensive range of photography and allow entries into separate Professional, Amateur, and Student competitions. From editorial and advertising to fine art and sports, this is one of the most wide-ranging contests, with over $22,000 in cash prizes annually.

When to enter: Entries close mid-July
Entry fee: $15-$35 per single image, $30-$60 per series depending on professional, amateur, or student status
Prize: International Photographer of the Year receives $12,000, Discovery of the Year Award $5,000, category winners (professional) win $1,000, and category winners (non-professional) win $500. All category finalist receive two tickets to the Lucie Awards Gala in New York City.

International Photographer of the Year

IPOTY is an international competition open to professional and non-professional photographers, who are asked to submit to a wide range of categories and subcategories. Photographers are encouraged to apply to multiple categories and receive exposure through extensive media coverage.

When to enter: Annually from mid-February to mid-December
Entry fee: From $20 per single image
Prize: Professional Grand Prize of $2,500, Amateur Grand Prize of $1,500

Melissa Amber & Ashley Nicole, Black & White Conceptual Series of the Year 2017, MonoVisions Photography Awards. (Photo: Melissa Amber & Ashley Nicole)

iPhone Photography Awards

The IPPA are awarded exclusively for images shot with an iPhone or iPad, with any postproduction limited to iOS apps. Photographers compete across 18 categories, including series of up to 3 images.

When to enter: Entries accepted until the end of March
Entry fee: From $3.50 per image
Prize: Grand Prize winner receives a prize that is TBA. The first place winner of each category receives a Gold Bar.

Mobile Photography Awards

Mobile and tablet photographers are encouraged to submit their best work across 18 categories to express the artistry and creativity of mobile photography. Top images are included in a traveling exhibition and are available for sale.

When to enter: Annually from October to mid-December
Entry fee: From $15 per image
Prize: Grand Prize of $3,000

Monochrome Photo Awards

This international black-and-white photography contest awards separate prizes to professional and amateur photographers for entries in 13 categories. From architecture and wildlife to fine art and photo manipulation, the awards challenge participants to show their creativity.

When to enter: Entries are accepted through early July
Entry fee: $20 per entry (amateur) / $25 per entry (professional)
Prize: Overall professional winner $3,000 and overall amateur winner $1,000. Winners are also featured in the Monochrome Photography Awards Annual Book.

MonoVisions

This black-and-white photography magazine holds an annual competition to celebrate the best of monochrome photography. Participants compete in two different sections, single photographs and series of up to 8 photographs.

When to enter: Entries are accepted through mid-May (early deadline is the end of January)
Entry fee: From $20 per single image / $25 per series
Prize: $5,000 in cash prizes

Danny Yen Sin Wong, 1st prize Open Color, Siena International Photography Awards 2016. (Photo: Danny Yen Sin Wong)

National Geographic Travel Photo Contest

Share your best snaps of life around the world in the National Geographic Travel Photo Contest. Three categories—Nature, People, and Cities—allow photographers to show how their travel imagery is revealing, transporting, and exciting.

When to enter: Annually from mid-March to the end of April
Entry fee: Starts at $10 per entry
Prize: Grand prize of $7,500. First place winners receive $2,500, second place $1,500, third place $750.

National Wildlife Photo Contest

For over 40 years, the National Wildlife Federation has run this prestigious competition celebrating the glory of nature. The eight categories include Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians, Mammals, and People in Nature.

When to enter: Annually from January to March
Entry fee: $20 for 10 photos
Prize: Grand prize of $5,000. First place category winners receive $500, second place category winners receive $250.

Nikon Small World Contest

This contest, which has been going for over 40 years, recognizes photography taken through the light microscope. It’s a leading showcase for photomicrographers from a variety of science disciplines. While participants aren’t required to use Nikon equipment, as images must be taken using a light microscope.

When to enter: Entries accepted until late-April
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: First prize $3,000. 2nd to 20th place winners receive cash prizes ranging from $200 to $2,000.

Red Bull Illume

Red Bull runs this international photography contest dedicated to action and adventure sports, which is also sponsored by Sony. The competition has been running every three years since 2007, with the next contest taking place in 2019. All finalist images participate in an international traveling exhibition.

When to enter: Entries accepted until late July
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: €100,000 in consumer goods and photography equipment to the overall winner and category winners.

Siena International Photo Awards

This international photo contest receives over 50,000 images from amateur and professional photographers. Whether Sports in Action or Story-telling, the categories allow photographers to show the best in their portfolio. Winners are announced at an annual ceremony in Siena, Italy.

When to enter: Annually from October to January
Entry fee: Professionals can enter one image for free and have to pay beyond that point.
Prize: €1,500 for Photo of the Year, €500 for Storyboard Winner. Photo of the Year, Storyboard Winner, and Category Winners receive stays in Siena, Italy during award ceremony weekend.

Sergey Gorshkov, Finalist, Animal Portraits, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017. (Photo: Sergey Gorshkov / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

Smithsonian Photo Contest

Smithsonian.com has run their international photo contest for 15 years, asking photographers to submit their best photographs across six categories, including one for Mobile photography. Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, quality, originality, responsiveness to the prompt, and overall impact.

When to enter: Annually from early April to the end of November
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: $2,500 Grand Prize, $500 for Category Winners and Readers’ Choice award.

Sony World Photography Awards

For over a decade, Sony and the World Photography Organisation have run this competition, which unfolds in four sections—professional, open, youth, and student. Professional photographers are judged on a body of work, while the open competition awards single images. One of the world’s leading photo contests, the total prize fund is $30,000. All shortlisted photos participated in an exhibition at Somerset House in London and will be published in Sony World Photography Awards book.

When to enter: Entry deadline is between December and January depending on the competition section
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: $25,000 Photographer of the Year, category winners receive a trip to London for the awards ceremony.

Travel Photographer of the Year

Also known as TPOTY, this photographer-founded contest celebrates travel photography. The international competition culminates in an exhibition in London, selected from the 9 competition categories. These include Earth & Climate, Food, and Tales of Adventure.

When to enter: Entries accepted from April to October
Entry fee: Starts at £8 for single images; Youth competition is FREE
Prize: £5,000 and prize package for Overall Winner. Category and portfolios winners receive prize packages.

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Across 10 categories, underwater photography is heralded as an art form in this long-running competition. This is an international contest, though several categories are only open to images taken in the waters of the UK. The 2017 contest saw a new category—Underwater Photography Book.

When to enter: Annually from November to early January
Entry fee: Starts at £12 for three images
Prize: The Underwater Photographer of the Year gets first to pick something from the prize-pool featuring a variety of incredible awards.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Natural History Museum in London runs this prestigious competition focusing on wildlife photography. Photographers are invited to submit their best work in 16 categories, such as Animals in their Environment, Urban Wildlife, and Behavior. There is also a separate youth competition.

When to enter: Annually from late October to mid-December
Entry fee: £30
Prize: £10,000 for Wildlife Photographer of the Year, £2,500 for Portfolio winner and Photojournalism Awards. Cash prizes for category winners.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

Creative People Share What They Wish They’d Known at Every Age

12 Photography Projects to Stretch Your Skills, One Month at a Time

15 Photographers Share Their Go-to Lenses for Taking the Perfect Shot

READ: 30 Best Photography Competitions To Elevate Your Craft

Stock Photos from Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Every year, people declare their new year's resolutions and are determined to make the coming 365 days their best yet. Many think about hitting the gym or getting their finances in order. But as a creative person, you might have different goals. If you’re struggling with what to focus on in 2023, we’ve got new year's resolution ideas that artists, photographers, designers, and crafters can easily adopt.

One of the most important resolutions you make this year is to list and keep track of your goals. Doing this, especially at the beginning of January, will give you a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish. But it’s not enough to just write down a few ideas and leave them be. Make a commitment to revisiting these goals from time to time—whether that’s weekly or monthly—to see how you’re progressing towards them and what needs to change.

Get more new year's resolution ideas for creatives by scrolling down.

Looking for new year's resolution ideas? Scroll down for our list of new year suggestions that are specifically for creative folks!

1. Make a list and keep track of your goals. Studies show that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. But while big dreams are nice, tackling them can also feel overwhelming. Journals like Ink + Volt and the SELF Journal marry daily productivity with long-term plans to help you move towards your goals each day in a manageable way.

2. Make more time for your art. Whether it’s five minutes, an hour, or even more—extra time can lead to more creative projects. Try limiting your time on social media with an app, or better yet, taking a social media break to inspire you to buckle down on a project you’ve been wanting to try.

3. Finish a small project. Everyone has to start somewhere, so even if your resolutions list is full of large-scale projects, try including a small one to start so that you’ll feel encouraged to bring it to completion.

4. Network with creatives IRL. Join a professional networking group or attend events where you’ll be with other like-minded creative souls. (Creative Mornings is a great place to start.) Think networking is scary? Try going with a friend or meeting people online first. Just make sure you branch out while you're there!

5. Explore a new facet of your field. Is there something in your field that you’ve always wanted to try? Learning a different approach or technique isn’t just fun, but it can be beneficial, too. Once you know it, you could integrate it into your current work and take your portfolio to places you never thought it would go.

Stock Photos from Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

6. Make a dedicated space for you to work in. If you’ve got room, do some rearranging and make a space dedicated to creating your artwork. Even so much as having a desk is a great way to get you in the mindset of creation.

7. Attend more galleries, craft markets—anything that’s within your field. Get out of your studio and see what other people are making and doing. If you’re a painter, challenge yourself to attend more gallery shows. For makers, it’s always helpful to attend craft markets to see how other people are marketing their wares. (Both are great opportunities to network!)

8. Show your work to someone. If you’re an artist that’s starting out or a student fresh out of school, make it your goal to start showing your work to the world. This can be in person, or on social media platforms like Instagram, Behance, and TikTok.

9. Look for inspiration offline. Scrolling through Instagram can be inspiring, but it can also give you some serious envy of other people’s projects and careers. Put down your phone and tablet, close your laptop and look for inspiration offline—whether that’s in a museum, exploring the urban jungle, or going on a hike. Notice what catches your eye and think about how it can inspire your work.

10. Get a new hobby. Our creative lives don't happen in a vacuum. While you're looking for inspiration away from your computer and phone, consider picking up a new interest that doesn't have anything to do with your artwork. If you're a designer, try cake decorating. You might be surprised by the ways in which another outlet will infuse your other work with new life.

11. Read more books. In addition to finding inspiration offline, another resolution idea is to read more books. They could complement your creative practice or be totally unrelated to it—who knows, you might glean some knowledge you can use in your work.

Photo: Stock Photos from Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

12. Join a Facebook group for people in your industry. This is another form of networking, albeit digital, that can help you form meaningful connections with other people in your industry. Facebook has thousands of groups for all types of creatives. My Modern Met even has one you can join: Art, Design, Photography, and Drawing Club.

13. Attend a conference. Conferences can be a financial commitment, but if you can swing them, they are valuable (and fun) opportunities to meet like-minded people, learn the latest techniques, and understand the issues that are affecting your industry.

14. Find ways to give back to your community through creativity. If you're feeling the desire to volunteer, consider ways in which you can use your creative skills to help where you live. That could be doing design work for a community organization or using your writing skills to aid another in spreading their message. Try seeking out these opportunities this year.

15. Take care of your body and mental health. You are not a machine, so make sure you take time to replenish yourself. Get enough rest (most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep) and find a workout routine that works for you. Meditation apps can help ease the mind of anxiety, and keeping a gratitude journal can show you all the good that's in your life.

16. Be afraid and do it anyway. There are a lot of ways you can talk yourself out of taking that next step in your creative practice. One of the biggest is that “it’s just not the right time.” We hate to break it to you, but there will never be a “right time,” so it’s best to just start. You’ll be glad you did.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

8 Online Art Schools to Bring Your Creativity to a Higher Level

What Is Curating? See Why More and More People Are Interested in Becoming Curators

30+ Best Photography Competitions to Elevate Your Craft

10 Creative Audiobooks to Artistically Inspire Your Mind Through Your Ears

READ: 16 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Creative People To Make in 2023

A Look at the Magical World of Iconic Photographer Rodney Smith

If you've been a fan of My Modern Met and want to go from a casual reader to an actual contributor, guess what, you're in luck. We're now hiring! It's an exciting time for us here as we continue to expand our business.

We're looking for applicants who are web-savvy, love all things creative, and want to share their passion with the world. You'll not only get to polish your writing skills, you'll have the opportunity to help build a dynamic digital media company that makes it a priority to stay on the pulse of what's new and exciting. Most of all, we're looking for passionate, motivated people who want to be a part of something bigger.

Necessary Qualifications:
Excellent writing skills
Understanding of social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc.
Previous blogging/writing experience
Passion for art, design, photography
Quick learner

Daily and Weekly Tasks:
Assist editors in writing articles
Contact artists, designers, and photographers for interviews
Help manage social media accounts and other tasks

Perks:
You'll have a very flexible schedule – you can work from anywhere
You'll build a vast portfolio of published articles covering a range of topics and learn about lots of interesting things

Our writers start working 2-3 hours per day for five days a week (hours increase from there) and will gain first-hand knowledge about working with a top art and culture website. Writers will be paid hourly (with room for growth).

Here's How You Can Apply:
Email your resume to eugene@mymodernmet.com.
In the email, please give us a brief background about yourself and answer these two questions:
1. Why do you want to be a writer at My Modern Met?
2. What other blogs/websites do you visit on a daily or weekly basis?

If possible, please send us links to your blog/website.

Please Note:
We are accepting international applicants.
We are not accepting applicants who already possess a full time job.

Applications will be received until Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 11:59pm PDT.

Thanks and good luck!

Eugene Kim
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief

READ: My Modern Met is Searching for Contributing Writers

Photo credit: Ruslan Grumble / Shutterstock. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Throughout the years, we here at My Modern Met have seen the amazing and innovative ways in which creative entrepreneurs have grown their career. One way is by running their own online shop. It's something that you can do, too.

If you're producing great work—be it painting, jewelry, or photography—you should make it available to people across the world. By doing so, you're creating opportunities for these folks to get to know and love your work firsthand, which can take your career in places that wouldn't have been possible before. In the past, we've marveled at makers who, from their own shop, have gone to collaborate with brands or had their artwork shown in galleries.

Once you've decided to make the investment and start your own online store, the next step is to select a platform. Like blogging, it can seem like you have endless options when it comes to eCommerce. So, what will you choose?

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms for selling your creative goods. In fact, you may not have noticed but you’ve probably bought something from a store that uses it. And if you can’t tell that the store uses Shopify, then it’s doing its job! Shopify is meant to give online stores a stylish framework for selling their wares. Unlike other sites, Shopify isn’t a marketplace. You can’t go to their website and browse thousands of products. Rather, you go to the store’s unique URL and browse only their products—not their competitor’s wares.

There are other advantages to picking Shopify as your store platform. One big plus is its flexibility. Nearly every aspect of your shop can be tweaked to your liking. From the design to 3rd party apps that help you run your business, Shopify lets you customize things based on your needs.

Setting up your Shopify shop is an easy process, and you can do it in less than 15 minutes. We'll show you how through these 5 steps.

1. Sign up for Shopify.
2. Get acquainted with the dashboard.
3. Pick a theme for your shop.
4. List your first product.
5. Add 3rd party products to make your eCommerce a breeze.

Step 1: Sign up for Shopify.

If you're still unsure about creating your online shop, that's okay! Shopify gives you a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

Start by filling out your email address, password, and store name. Then click “Create your store.”

It will take a moment, but then you'll see this happy screen…

That screen will automatically take you to a form. There, you'll fill out three questions that help Shopify get to know you. After you're done, click “Next.”

Now, add an address so you can get paid. Once you hit the green button “Enter my store,” it'll take you to the Shopify dashboard.

Step 2: Learn the dashboard.

Like many online web interfaces, Shopify has a dashboard. This central location will be where you can view your orders, list products, offer promotional discounts, and more. Everything you'll need to use is accessible on the left-hand side of the page under the green Shopify logo.

Step 3: Customize your shop with a theme.

One of the greatest things about Shopify is that it has a ton of themes to choose from—you can let your personality shine. That way, when people land on your website, they'll instantly get a feel for who you are and what you're selling.

To begin customizing your page, click the “Customize” button on the dashboard. The default theme is called Debut, and it is a standard, clean layout. You have links at the top with a large image that spans across the screen. Products are located below. It's also mobile responsive, meaning that it'll look great on a laptop, tablet, or phone.

To start customizing this theme, click the “Customize theme” button at the top, right-hand side of the page.

Customizing a storefront looks like this. Everything is very visual—no hard coding required. On the left-hand side of the screen, click on any one of the buttons to change things like the header, your featured products, and color schemes. You'll be able to see how it looks on the right.

But maybe you don't want the Debut theme. Don't worry—Shopify has you covered! Visit their “Theme Store” to search for free or paid designs to fit exactly what you're looking for. They've got a whole marketplace that's organized around what a store owner would need. Maybe you've got a large inventory or need a grid-style layout. Shopify themes has them both.

Step 4: List your first product.

You're never going to get any sales if you don't list your first product. Luckily, it's easy to do. Like the rest of Shopify, it's very visual and user friendly. To get there from your dashboard, just click on “Products” on the left-hand side of the screen.

The online form has a place to title your product, add a description, and upload a photo. Depending on how you organize your inventory, you can select a product type and add it to a collection. By doing this, you're making it easier for people to find on your website.

Step 5: Add 3rd party products to maximize your shop.

You can take your Shopify experience further by adding apps to your shop. Think about it like a plugin on WordPress—you can automate certain aspects of the store to help you save time and increase your sales.

To start using apps, click on the “Apps” button in your dashboard. It's near the bottom of the screen on the left. Once you're in, it'll look like this:

Shopify has its recommended apps, but that's not all they offer. Clicking on the blue “Visit Shopify App Store” will take you into a separate window where you can explore all the different plugins to add to your store.

For shipping, one app we recommend is ShipStation. It automates the process of order fulfillment and prints shipping labels—so they're ready to go in minutes. All you have to do is get your goods to your mail carrier. It currently has a 30-day free trial with a 5/5 satisfaction score from Shopify users.

Of course, the apps don't stop there. And although the amount of choices can seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. We recommend you start slow and build your shop bit by bit—you'll know what kind of app and themes to look for as your business continues to grow.

For additional help navigating the waters of creating your own online store, Shopify has a frequently updated blog filled with tips—and that's in addition to a resourceful list of guides. This includes 50 ways to make your first sale, how to market on Instagram, and a rundown of the growth benefits of email marketing. And the site has a growing list of success stories, too! Click here to see some firsthand accounts from those who have opened up their own Art & Photography stores through Shopify.

Now that you know how to create a store on Shopify, give it a try for free!

This article has been edited and updated.

READ: How to Create a Store on Shopify to Sell Your Creative Products

This post is sponsored by Canvy. Our partners are handpicked by My Modern Met’s team because they represent the best in design and innovation.

When an artist sells their artwork online, it's imperative that they make the process as seamless as possible for their customers. One difficulty people often face when purchasing art online is visualizing how it will actually look once it's hung on their wall. Luckily, thanks to Canvy, creatives will easily be able to show potential customers just how good their artwork looks when framed and hung.

How does it work? Creatives simply upload images of their artwork and then select one of over 400 room templates to display them in. By showing work in-situ, it's easy for artists to let their fans see just what their work will look like once it's in their home. Canvy doesn't just stop at providing room templates, however. To give creatives the best chance at selling their work, they provide features that allow users to change the type of walls and the colors of the accessories in the room. That means artists can switch things up and view different wall backdrops that best matches their desired aesthetic. Whether it's brick, concrete, or wood paneling, it's possible to find a good match for the style of the artwork.

Along these lines, being able to switch up the colors of the accessories, whether it be the color of the couch or throw pillows, gives the opportunity to simulate a room that enhances the artwork instead of them competing with it. And, of course, there are different frames and mattes to select from. This attention to detail is vital in helping creatives create beautiful images that show off their talent.

So where can you use Canvy's room simulations? The real question is, where can't they be used? From the portfolio page of a website to a shopping portal to social media—the uses are endless. And, for creatives using Etsy, Canvy has a built-in Etsy integration that allows users to publish their finished rooms straight to their store. Artists can also create a website directly in Canvy using a custom domain name to show off their artwork in a polished, professional manner.

If all that weren't enough, Canvy becomes an even more powerful tool due to the possibility for it to act as an art inventory. Once artists upload their work, they can insert details like medium, date of creation, and description. But, it's also possible to mark whether the work is for sale or not, include a link for purchase, and enter the price—you're also given the power to decide whether that shows to the public.

The room templates can also be used in helping set up exhibitions, as artists can see how a collection of their work looks on a wall and they can play with the layout. This can greatly cut down on time for installations and also makes communicating with curators—particularly at a distance—more effective.

If you're ready to test out Canvy, their free membership includes 13 free rooms (without watermark), Etsy integration, and the website maker. Their paid plans, which include all of their room templates (without watermark) start at just $9 per month if paid yearly.

Canvy is an online tool that helps creatives sell their art.

Artists can insert their work directly into one of over 400 customizable room templates.

It's even possible to change the colors of the room's accessories to enhance the art.

Once uploaded, artists can use Canvy as an inventory to track and sell their art.

Canvy's simulations can also assist when mocking up gallery layouts.

Canvy: Website | Instagram | Facebook

READ: These Customizable Art Room Mockups Let You Take Your Art Sales to a New Level

A Look at the Magical World of Iconic Photographer Rodney Smith

If you've been a fan of My Modern Met and want to go from a casual reader to an actual contributor, guess what, you're in luck. We're now hiring! It's an exciting time for us here as we continue to expand our business.

We're looking for applicants who are web-savvy, love all things creative, and want to share their passion with the world. You'll not only get to polish your video editing skills, you'll have the opportunity to help build a dynamic digital media company that makes it a priority to stay on the pulse of what's new and exciting. Most of all, we're looking for passionate, motivated people who want to be a part of something bigger.

Necessary Qualifications:
Video editing experience
Proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effect, Final Cut Pro X, etc.
Excellent writing and communication skills
Attention to detail
Understanding of social media: YouTube, Facebook,, Instagram, etc.
Passion for art & culture
Creative input
Quick learner

Preferred Qualifications:
Understanding of social media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
Knowledge of graphic design tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, etc.
Experience working with audio
Experience working with and creating visual graphics

Daily and Weekly Tasks:
Edit videos for My Modern Met
Assemble raw footage and audio to create engaging videos
Create stimulating graphics, title cards, and visual effects to enhance footage
Color correct, adjust light settings, etc. to enhance footage
Work closely with other team members
Attend weekly meetings and contribute to optimization and strategy

Perks:
You'll have a very flexible schedule – you can work from anywhere
You'll build a vast portfolio of published videos for a growing creative community
You'll gain first-hand knowledge about working with a top art & culture website

Podcast Editor will be paid hourly (with room for growth)
Around 10-15 hours a week

Here's How You Can Apply:
Email your resume to eugene@mymodernmet.com.
In the email, please give us a brief background about yourself and answer these two questions:
1. Why do you want to be a Video Editor at My Modern Met?
2. What other websites/channels do you visit on a daily or weekly basis?

If possible, please send us links to your portfolio/blog/website

Please Note:
We are accepting international applicants
We are not accepting applicants who already possess a full-time job

Applications will be received until Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11:59pm PST

Thanks and good luck!

Eugene Kim
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief

READ: My Modern Met Is Searching for a Video Editor