Best website builder for artists: Top platforms to showcase art

The internet is a vast gallery, and for artists of all disciplines, having a strong online presence is crucial. As an artist, you need a platform that not only showcases your work beautifully but also allows you to sell it to art enthusiasts, collectors, and potential clients. But with so many website builders vying for your attention, choosing the right one can be confusing.

This guide highlights the best website builders for artists, prioritizing ease of use, stunning design templates, and robust e-commerce tools. To boost your online presence, we'll also introduce you to Gelato's print on demand platform that empowers artists to build a captivating online presence by offering high-quality reproductions of their artwork on demand.

• Artists need a website to showcase their work and reach a wider audience, enhancing their professional profile.

• The best website builders for artists include Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, Weebly, and WordPress. Each offers unique features for displaying and selling art.

• Key factors when choosing the ideal website builder include ease of use, design flexibility, ecommerce functionality, and mobile responsiveness.

• Integrate Gelato into your website for smooth print on demand solutions and create high-quality custom art products to sell art online.

A website is more than just a digital display of your art; it's your creative hub. Here's why you and other artists need a dedicated online space:

• Showcasing your portfolio to professionally present your artwork with high-quality images, descriptions, and categorization.

• Connecting with your audience to share your artistic journey and upcoming exhibitions, and engage with potential patrons and collaborators.

• Selling your work directly leveraging e-commerce features to sell prints, originals, or merchandise, generating additional income.

• Building brand recognition with a polished website to strengthen your professional image and establish you as a serious artist.

Here's a closer look at the top platforms for artists to create a stunning online portfolio and open virtual galleries.

Squarespace: Best for artists seeking beautifully designed templates

Squarespace is popular among artists for its aesthetically pleasing templates and robust built-in ecommerce features. Known for its user-friendly interface, Squarespace allows creatives to craft visually stunning online portfolios easily.

Pros:

• Sleek design templates are perfect for artists who want to showcase their work professionally.

• Built-in ecommerce features enable artists to sell their creations online easily.

• Responsive customer support to assist with technical issues and inquiries.

• The intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies website building, even for beginners.

Cons:

• Limited flexibility in customizing templates compared to other platforms.

• A higher price point may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.

• It lacks some advanced marketing tools available to other website builders.

• Fewer third-party app integrations, which may limit functionality for some users.

Wix: Best for artists who want extensive creative freedom with design and customization

Wix is a highly versatile website builder favored by artists thanks to its user-friendly design and flexibility. Wix's drag-and-drop interface allows artists to bring their creative visions to life effortlessly. The platform offers a wide range of templates designed to showcase artwork.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface enabling extensive design freedom.

• The rich app market for adding diverse functionalities to your site.

• Large selection of templates that can be fully customized to fit your unique style.

• Built-in SEO tools to help improve site visibility.

Cons:

• The abundance of features might be overwhelming for beginners.

• While the customization is broad, some advanced features may require a paid plan.

• Site migration away from Wix can be complex.

• Occasional site speed issues can affect user experience.

Shopify: Best for artists focused on building a powerful online store

Shopify is a powerhouse ecommerce platform, making it a fantastic choice for artists who are serious about creating an online store. Known for its robust capabilities, Shopify provides all the tools necessary to sell art and custom products to a global audience.

Pros:

• Robust ecommerce functionality that makes selling art and custom products easy and efficient.

• Extensive app integrations that allow artists to enhance the functionality of their online stores with ease.

• Strong support for various payment gateways, providing customers with flexible payment options.

• A highly scalable platform that grows alongside your business, from a small store to a larger online presence.

Cons:

• Monthly fees can be higher than some alternatives, especially for new sellers.

• Transaction fees apply unless Shopify Payments is used, which could affect the profit margins for artists.

• Customization options, while extensive, might require additional apps or coding knowledge, making it challenging for beginners.

• Themes and designs, although professional, may have limited free options compared to other platforms.

Weebly: Best for artists looking for an easy and budget-friendly web-building experience

Weebly is a straightforward, cost-effective choice for artists venturing into web creation. Perfect for those who prefer simplicity without compromising functionality, Weebly offers customizable web design templates, allowing artists to showcase their work effectively.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners.

• Budget-friendly, perfect for artists just starting out.

• Offers customizable designs, allowing artistic expression to shine through.

• Integrated ecommerce features to sell artwork directly from the site.

Cons:

• Limited design flexibility compared to more complex platforms.

• Fewer advanced customization options are available for experienced users.

• Some users may find their support resources are not as extensive as competitors.

• Scalability may be an issue for larger collections or expanding businesses.

WordPress (with WooCommerce): Best for artists seeking extensive customization and scalability for their online galleries

WordPress with WooCommerce stands out as a powerful duo for artists who crave extensive customization and scalability for their online galleries. Combined with WooCommerce, the leading ecommerce custom domain plugin for WordPress, you can easily integrate a robust online store within your artistic portfolio. If you're comfortable with some technical work, this platform can be an outstanding option to showcase and sell your creations. 

Pros:

• Provides extensive control over website design and features, allowing artists to create a truly unique online presence.

• Perfect for artists planning to expand their online presence with additional features and products.

• Access to thousands of plugins that can enhance functionality from SEO to social sharing.

• Large user community and numerous resources available for troubleshooting and learning.

Cons:

• Requires a learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with website development.

• Regular updates and maintenance are necessary to ensure security and optimal performance.

• While the base software is a free version, premium themes and plugins often have a price tag.

• Requires choosing a suitable hosting provider, which can involve additional costs.

Most website builders come with customizable features, but choosing the right one for your needs requires considering several key factors. Here's what to prioritize as you explore your options.

Ease of use and design flexibility

A user-friendly interface can be helpful, allowing you to focus on your creativity without getting bogged down in technical details.

Look for platforms that offer intuitive controls, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable design elements that align with your artistic vision. This flexibility saves time and enhances your ability to present your work as you envision, making your portfolio both functional and visually compelling. 

Design templates and customization

When selecting a website builder, artists should seek platforms that offer a diverse array of customizable templates, enabling them to craft a unique and visually appealing online showcase for their art.

Look for solutions that allow easy modification of site layouts and unlimited storage of templates, fonts, and color schemes. This flexibility ensures that your website exhibits your artistic vision and stands out.

Ecommerce functionality

If selling your artwork online is a priority, consider platforms with built-in ecommerce features. Look for functionalities like secure payment processing, product variations (size, color), and inventory management.

These features will transform your website into a thriving art gallery where fans can conveniently purchase your creations.

Look for artist-friendly templates

Many website builders offer templates specifically designed for artists. These themes typically cater to visual mediums like photography, painting, and sculpture.

Look for platforms providing customizable options so your site reflects your artistic ethos. Many website builders now cater specifically to creatives, offering visually striking and customizable layouts designed to highlight art compellingly. A well-chosen template can make your work shine.

Mobile responsiveness

With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, ensuring your artist website is mobile-responsive is vital. A responsive design means your website's layout adapts to different screen sizes, providing an optimal viewing experience whether on a phone, tablet, or desktop.

It reflects professionalism and ensures your artwork is showcased beautifully on any device. Choose a platform that offers layouts compatible across all devices and offers a mobile preview feature.

Match the platform to your needs

Choosing the right platform boils down to understanding your specific artistic goals. Whether you aim to create a visually stunning online gallery, focus on selling products, or require unique customization features, there's a site builder to match your needs.

Evaluate platforms based on aesthetics, functionalities, and budget. Consider what is most crucial—ease of use, advanced features, or robust customer support.

SEO tools and marketing integration

Opt for platforms offering built-in SEO features, which can improve your visibility on search engines. Tools for meta tags, sitemaps, and image alt text can bolster rankings.

Seek marketing integrations like email campaigns and social media sharing to engage your audience effectively. Leveraging these resources ensures that your art receives the attention it deserves while streamlining your promotional efforts.

Test support and resources

Look for platforms offering comprehensive help centers with FAQs, forums, and detailed guides. It's a bonus if they provide 24/7 customer support via phone or chat, ensuring immediate assistance when needed.

Tutorials and webinars can also be incredibly helpful for artists unfamiliar with website creation. Reliable and easily accessible support can save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus more on your creative work.

You're now equipped with knowledge about the top website builders that can serve as robust platforms for you to establish a captivating online presence. Choosing the right builder may help you showcase your art effectively, but it's just a fraction of the journey; selling your work can actually take you places. This is where Gelato plays a crucial role.

Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of print on demand features to turn your creative pieces into high-quality custom products without the hassle of managing inventory.

Here's how you can begin this exciting journey in three steps: 

1. The first step with Gelato is signing up and integrating it with your existing website platform. Gelato’s API ensures smooth and effortless integration.

2. Once integrated, it’s time to bring your creations to life on various products. Gelato allows you to upload your artwork and preview how it's displayed on various products.

3. Then comes the magic of Gelato’s print on demand — products are only printed when your customer orders. This just-in-time printing model eliminates the need for you to keep any inventory, greatly reducing upfront costs and risk.

Sign up for Gelato now!

What website builder is best for artists?

The best website builder for artists depends on individual needs. Squarespace excels in templates, Wix offers design freedom, and Shopify is unbeatable for ecommerce. Weebly is a budget-friendly choice, and WordPress with WooCommerce is superior for customization. Each has unique features suited to different artistic objectives.

Is Wix or Squarespace better for artists?

Wix offers superior creative freedom with over 900 templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, while Squarespace provides stunning design templates and integrated ecommerce. For artists valuing budget-friendly versatility, Wix is a great choice. However, those seeking a polished aesthetic and streamlined design may prefer Squarespace's offerings.

How do I create my own website as an artist?

Start by selecting a user-friendly web designer. Customize your design to reflect your artistic style. Include an engaging portfolio, an about page, and your contact information. Integrate ecommerce to sell your artwork and optimize for SEO. Finally, connect your website to social media accounts for a wider audience reach.

What should I include in my artist website's portfolio section?

Include a diverse array of work showcasing different styles and mediums. Organize pieces with contextual details like title, medium, and creation date. Add artist statements or descriptions for deeper engagement. High-impact, professional-quality images are crucial. Ensure easy navigation and consider prominently featuring your most compelling pieces.