Find artists online

Navigating the Digital Landscape to Find Artists Online

No longer confined to physical galleries or word-of-mouth, the internet offers an unparalleled bounty of creative talent.

Understanding where to look and how to effectively use these platforms is key to finding exactly what you need, whether it’s a specific art style, a custom commission, or just inspiration.

Dedicated Art Platforms: Your First Stop for Creative Discovery

These platforms are specifically designed to showcase artistic portfolios, making them ideal for anyone looking to find artists online, find art online, or even find art jobs online.

They are structured to highlight visual work and often include robust search and filtering capabilities.

• ArtStation artstation.com: This platform is a powerhouse for professionals in the entertainment industry, including concept artists, illustrators, 3D modelers, and animators. If you’re looking for artists who work in gaming, film, or animation, ArtStation is a must-visit. You can find stunning digital paintings, character designs, environmental art, and much more. It’s an excellent resource to find manga artist online specialists or anyone working on highly detailed, industry-standard visuals. Data from 2023 shows ArtStation hosts over 2.5 million active users, with millions of uploaded projects, making it a central hub for professional portfolios.
• DeviantArt deviantart.com: One of the oldest and largest online art communities, DeviantArt boasts a vast and diverse collection of art, ranging from traditional paintings and drawings to digital art, photography, and fan art. It’s a great place to find a broad spectrum of artists, including those who specialize in niche styles. While it has a large amateur base, many professional artists also maintain a presence here. Search filters allow you to drill down by medium, style, and popularity.
• Behance behance.net: Owned by Adobe, Behance is a leading platform for showcasing creative work across various disciplines, not just fine art. You’ll find graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, UI/UX designers, and more. It’s highly professional and often used by agencies and clients to scout talent. If you need a professional artist for commercial projects or want to find painters online with a strong design sensibility, Behance is an invaluable resource. In 2022, Behance reported over 30 million projects uploaded by more than 10 million members.

Social Media as a Discovery Engine: Visual Search and Connection

Social media platforms, particularly those with a strong visual focus, have become indispensable tools for finding artists and discovering new art.

Their algorithmic feeds and hashtag systems make serendipitous discovery incredibly common.

• Instagram: Perhaps the most popular platform for visual artists, Instagram allows creators to share their work directly with a global audience. By using relevant hashtags like #artistsoninstagram, #digitalart, #traditionalart, #fineart, #illustration, #characterdesign, or #originalart, you can explore countless artists. Many artists use Instagram as their primary portfolio, linking to their websites or commission information in their bios. Studies indicate that over 80% of Instagram users follow at least one business account, and a significant portion of these are artists or creative ventures.
• TikTok: Emerging as a powerful platform for short-form video content, TikTok has become a surprising hub for artists demonstrating their processes, showcasing speed paints, or revealing finished pieces. Search hashtags like #arttok, #artistsoftiktok, or #drawingtutorial to find artists creating engaging content and building communities around their work. This is a dynamic way to find artists online and get a glimpse into their creative journey.

Marketplaces for Acquiring Art: Find Original Art Online

If your goal is to purchase art, whether an original piece, a print, or a custom commission, several online marketplaces specialize in connecting buyers directly with artists.

These platforms offer a secure environment for transactions and often provide buyer protection.

Online Art Marketplaces: Buying Directly from Creators

These platforms facilitate the direct sale of art from artists to collectors, offering a wide range of styles and price points.

• Saatchi Art saatchiart.com: Known for its curated selection of original art from around the world, Saatchi Art is an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest in unique pieces. They offer a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, photography, and drawings. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity, and they provide art advisory services. According to their own reports, Saatchi Art ships over 250,000 artworks globally each year.
• Etsy etsy.com: While Etsy is a broader marketplace for handmade and vintage items, it has a massive art section. You can find everything from original paintings and custom portraits to digital prints and unique crafts. It’s a fantastic place to support independent artists and find unique, often personalized, pieces. Etsy reported over 7.5 million active sellers as of late 2022, many of whom are artists. This platform is particularly useful for finding singles online who are artists, as well as art studios online selling direct.
• Artsy artsy.net: Artsy partners with leading galleries, museums, and art fairs to offer a vast collection of contemporary and modern art. It’s a more high-end platform compared to Etsy, catering to serious collectors and those looking for established artists. You can browse works by various artists, movements, and price ranges, often with direct inquiry options for purchases. Artsy boasts over 1 million artworks from over 100,000 artists.

Commissioning Custom Work: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Many artists offer custom commissions, allowing you to get a personalized piece of art. Learn oil painting near me

This is where you can truly find artists online to bring your specific ideas to fruition.

• Fiverr & Upwork: These freelance platforms aren’t exclusively for art but host a significant number of artists offering services like illustration, graphic design, and custom portraits. You can post a job description or browse artist portfolios directly. While great for quick turnaround and budget-friendly options, thoroughly vet artists and check their reviews.
• Artist Websites & Patreon: Many professional artists maintain their own websites where they list their commission status, pricing, and terms. Patreon is also popular for artists who offer commission tiers or exclusive content to subscribers. If you find an artist whose style you love on social media, always check their bio for links to their personal site or Patreon.
• Art-Specific Commission Boards: Some art communities and forums have dedicated sections for commission requests. For instance, if you want to find manga artist online for a custom character design, searching specific manga art forums might yield better results than general freelance sites.

Finding Artists for Specific Niches: Beyond General Art

Discovering Podcastians and Audio Artists

Finding podcastians online requires different platforms than visual artists, but the principles of community and portfolio showcasing remain similar.

• Bandcamp bandcamp.com: This platform is a haven for independent podcastians, allowing them to sell their podcast directly to fans. You can explore by genre, discover new artists, and support them directly. It’s an excellent way to find podcastians online who are not constrained by major labels.
• SoundCloud soundcloud.com: A massive audio distribution platform, SoundCloud hosts everything from professional tracks to demos and podcasts. Many emerging artists, DJs, and sound designers use it to share their work. You can follow artists, create playlists, and discover new sounds.
• Audiomack & Mixcloud: These platforms also cater to podcast discovery, particularly for hip-hop, electronic podcast, and DJ mixes. They are great for finding new podcastians and artists who might not yet have widespread commercial distribution.
• Professional Audio Platforms: For finding audio engineers, voice actors, or sound designers for projects, sites like ACX Audible’s narrator platform or Voice123 are specialized resources.

Finding Manga Artists Online: A Specialized Search

Manga and anime art have a distinct style and a dedicated fanbase.

Finding artists specializing in this field often requires looking in specific communities.

• DeviantArt & ArtStation revisited: Many artists on these platforms specialize in manga/anime styles. Use specific search terms like “manga illustration,” “anime style,” or “manga character design” to narrow down your results.
• Pixiv pixiv.net: This Japanese online community for artists is incredibly popular among manga and anime enthusiasts. It’s a treasure trove of original art, fan art, and illustrations in this style. While primarily in Japanese, its visual nature makes it navigable for non-Japanese speakers.
• Webtoons & Tapas: These platforms host webcomics and digital novels, many of which are drawn in manga or anime styles. Exploring popular series can lead you to the artists behind them. Many artists on these platforms accept commissions.
• Manga/Anime Forums & Discord Servers: Dedicated online forums and Discord servers for manga and anime art often have “artist showcase” sections or channels where artists promote their work and take commissions.

Discovering Art Studios Online and Art Jobs Online

Beyond individual artists, you might be looking for established studios or employment opportunities within the art world.

• LinkedIn: For professional networking and job searching, LinkedIn is invaluable. You can search for “art studios,” “illustration studios,” “game art studios,” or “animation studios” and see their company pages, employees, and job postings. It’s a prime place to find art jobs online in a corporate setting.
• Creative Job Boards: Websites like The Rookies therookies.co, GamesIndustry.biz jobs, and AIGA Design Jobs specialize in creative industry roles. These are excellent for finding opportunities for artists, designers, and developers.
• Studio Websites: Many prominent art and design studios have their own “careers” or “jobs” sections on their official websites. If you have a dream studio in mind, check their site directly.
• Behance & ArtStation revisited for jobs: Both platforms have job boards where studios and companies post openings for artists. ArtStation, in particular, is a top destination for finding art jobs online in the entertainment industry.

Leveraging Community and Networking for Artist Discovery

Sometimes, the best way to find artists online isn’t through direct search but through engagement with art communities.

These spaces offer opportunities for recommendations, collaborations, and organic discovery.

Online Art Communities and Forums

These digital gathering places are hubs for artists and art enthusiasts to share work, discuss techniques, and connect.

• Reddit r/art, r/ArtistLounge, r/commission: Reddit hosts numerous subreddits dedicated to art. r/art is for sharing general art, r/ArtistLounge is a community for artists to discuss their craft, and r/commission is specifically for posting and taking art commissions. These are excellent for finding artists online through community engagement and direct interaction.
• Discord Servers: Many artists and art communities host Discord servers where members can share work, get critiques, and network. A quick search on Disboard disboard.org for “art” or specific art styles can lead you to relevant servers.
• Conceptart.org: This long-standing forum is a fantastic resource for concept artists, illustrators, and animators. It’s known for its active community, tutorials, and artist portfolios. If you’re looking for professional-level character or environment artists, this is a strong contender.
• Facebook Groups: There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to specific art styles, mediums, or local artist communities. Joining these can expose you to new artists and provide opportunities to ask for recommendations.

Virtual Art Fairs and Exhibitions

The pandemic accelerated the trend of online art exhibitions and virtual art fairs.

These events provide a structured way to discover new artists and their work, often with a curated selection. High quality video editing

• Ocula, Artnet, Artsy revisited: These platforms often host or list virtual exhibitions from galleries and art fairs around the world. Keep an eye on their schedules for online events that allow you to browse works as if you were in a physical gallery.
• Individual Gallery Websites: Many art galleries now offer virtual viewing rooms or online exhibitions. If you have a favorite gallery, check their website for their digital presence. This can be a great way to find painters online who are represented by reputable institutions.
• Artist Collective Websites: Some groups of artists form online collectives and host joint virtual exhibitions. These can be found through social media or by searching for terms like “online art collective” or “virtual art show.”

Tools and Software for Artists: Enhancing Creativity

While you’re looking to find artists online, you might also be an artist yourself, or aspire to be one.

Understanding the tools they use can give you insight into their process and quality.

For aspiring artists or those looking to expand their digital toolkit, professional software is a must.

Essential Digital Art Software

The right software can significantly impact an artist’s output and efficiency.

• Corel Painter: Often considered the most realistic digital painting software, Corel Painter excels at mimicking traditional media like oils, watercolors, and pastels. Its extensive brush library and customization options make it a favorite for illustrators and fine artists transitioning to digital. If you’re serious about digital painting and want to explore its full potential, this software is highly recommended. You can experience its capabilities with a free trial and save with a 👉 Corel Painter 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included.
• Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for image manipulation and digital painting. While it’s a powerful tool, its learning curve can be steep. It’s versatile for concept art, illustration, and photo editing.
• Procreate: Exclusively for iPad, Procreate has gained immense popularity for its intuitive interface, powerful brush engine, and portability. It’s a top choice for mobile digital artists and illustrators.
• Clip Studio Paint: Extremely popular among manga artists and comic creators, Clip Studio Paint offers robust tools for line art, coloring, and even 3D model integration for pose references. It’s a go-to for many who want to find manga artist online or become one themselves.
• Blender: A free and open-source 3D creation suite. While primarily for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, Blender also includes powerful tools for 2D animation and even digital sculpting, making it incredibly versatile.

Hardware Considerations for Digital Artists

The software is only as good as the hardware it runs on.

• Graphics Tablets: Wacom is the industry leader, but brands like Huion and X-Pen offer excellent alternatives. A graphics tablet is essential for natural drawing and painting strokes in digital art.
• High-Resolution Monitors: Color accuracy and resolution are crucial for digital artists to ensure their work appears as intended.
• Powerful Computers: Digital art software, especially for complex projects, requires a computer with a good processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.

Ethical Considerations When Finding Artists Online

When engaging with artists online, it’s crucial to maintain ethical practices, ensuring fair compensation, clear communication, and respect for intellectual property.

Fair Compensation and Contracts

Always ensure artists are paid fairly for their work, especially for custom commissions.

• Transparent Pricing: Artists often list their pricing tiers or provide estimates. Be clear about your budget upfront. For custom work, expect a down payment, typically 30-50% of the total.
• Written Agreements: For significant commissions, a simple written contract or agreement is highly recommended. This should outline the scope of work, deliverables, deadlines, payment schedule, and intellectual property rights. This protects both you and the artist.
• Avoid Spec Work: “Spec work” or “work on spec” refers to requesting artists to produce work without guaranteed payment, with the promise of future work or payment only if their design is chosen. This practice is widely condemned in the creative industry as it devalues artists’ time and skill. Always ensure artists are compensated for their efforts.

Respecting Intellectual Property and Copyright

Artists own the copyright to their creations unless explicitly stated otherwise in a contract.

• Usage Rights: When you commission a piece of art, you typically only purchase the physical artwork or the right to display it for personal use. If you intend to use the artwork commercially e.g., for a logo, product, or publication, you need to discuss and purchase the appropriate usage rights or full copyright transfer. This is a common point of misunderstanding.
• Attribution: If you share an artist’s work online with permission, always credit them clearly. This is a simple but powerful way to show respect and help them gain exposure.
• Do Not Reproduce Without Permission: Never reproduce, sell, or modify an artist’s work without their explicit permission. This includes creating prints, merchandise, or using parts of their work in new creations without proper licensing.

Security and Safety When Interacting Online

The internet, while a gateway to incredible talent, also requires caution.

Protecting yourself from scams and ensuring secure transactions is paramount. Images using ai

Verifying Artist Authenticity and Reputation

Before engaging with an artist, especially for commissions or purchases, do your due diligence.

• Check Multiple Platforms: A professional artist will usually have a presence on several platforms e.g., Instagram, ArtStation, a personal website. Look for consistency in their portfolio and contact information.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: If available, check for client testimonials or reviews on their websites or social media.
• Look for Professionalism: Clear communication, organized portfolios, and professional conduct are good indicators of a legitimate and reliable artist.
• Reverse Image Search: If you suspect an artist might be using stolen work, a reverse image search e.g., on Google Images or TinEye can help determine if the artwork appears elsewhere under a different name.

Secure Transactions and Communication

Protect your financial information and personal data.

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Stick to established payment platforms like PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfers for trusted individuals. Avoid methods like wire transfers to unknown recipients, cryptocurrency unless you are very familiar with the artist and their process, or gift cards, as these offer little to no buyer protection.
• Avoid Sharing Sensitive Personal Information: Beyond what’s necessary for payment and shipping, be wary of sharing excessive personal details.
• Communicate Through Established Channels: While an initial contact might happen on social media, move to email or a project management tool for detailed discussions and documentation. This creates a clear record of communication.
• Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Scammers often lure victims with unbelievably low prices or promises of high-value work for minimal cost. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find artists online for commissions?

To find artists online for commissions, start with platforms like ArtStation and Behance for professional portfolios, Etsy for independent artists specializing in custom work, or dedicated freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork.

Many artists also list commission availability on their Instagram profiles or personal websites.

What are the best websites to find original art online?

The best websites to find original art online include Saatchi Art, Artsy, and Etsy.

These platforms connect you directly with artists and galleries offering unique, original pieces across various mediums and styles.

Where can I find art prints online?

You can find art prints online on platforms like Etsy, Society6, Redbubble, and ArtStation.

Many independent artists also sell prints directly from their personal websites or through print-on-demand services.

How do I find painters online?

To find painters online, explore ArtStation for digital painters, Saatchi Art and Artsy for fine art painters, and Etsy for independent traditional painters. Instagram is also a great visual search tool using hashtags like #oilpainting, #watercolorartist, or #acrylicart.

What platforms are good to find manga artists online?

To find manga artists online, excellent platforms include Pixiv especially for Japanese artists, DeviantArt, ArtStation, and Clip Studio Paint’s user community. Create pics with ai

Many manga artists also have active presences on Instagram and Twitter.

Can I find art jobs online through these platforms?

Yes, you can find art jobs online through several platforms.

LinkedIn is great for corporate roles, while ArtStation and Behance have dedicated job boards.

Websites like The Rookies and specific industry job boards e.g., for game art are also excellent resources.

How do I find podcastians online for collaborations or projects?

To find podcastians online, check platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud for independent artists, and explore podcastian-focused forums or collaboration communities.

Professional networking sites like LinkedIn can also connect you with podcastians for specific projects.

What’s the difference between finding artists for commissions versus buying existing art?

Finding artists for commissions means you’re requesting a custom piece tailored to your specifications, often involving consultation and progress updates.

Buying existing art means purchasing a finished piece directly from the artist’s current portfolio or inventory.

Is it safe to pay artists directly online?

Yes, it is generally safe to pay artists directly online if you use secure, established payment platforms like PayPal or Stripe, which offer buyer protection.

Avoid methods like wire transfers or gift cards to unknown recipients. Make your video

How do I ensure I get the usage rights for commissioned art?

To ensure you get the appropriate usage rights for commissioned art, clearly discuss and outline them in a written agreement or contract before the project begins.

Distinguish between personal use and commercial use, and specify if you need full copyright transfer.

What should I include in a commission request when contacting an artist?

When contacting an artist for a commission, include a clear description of your idea, desired style, specific elements you want included, your budget, and your deadline. Providing visual references is also very helpful.

Are there any free resources to find artists online?

Yes, many platforms offer free ways to find artists online.

Instagram, Pinterest, DeviantArt, and Reddit’s art communities are free to browse and discover artists.

Artist portfolios on ArtStation and Behance are also freely viewable.

How can I verify an artist’s authenticity before hiring them?

To verify an artist’s authenticity, look for a consistent online presence across multiple platforms e.g., a website, Instagram, ArtStation. Check for client testimonials, read reviews, and examine the quality and consistency of their portfolio.

What kind of art studio can I find online?

You can find various types of art studios online, from independent artist studios selling their work directly on Etsy to larger professional design, animation, or game art studios on platforms like LinkedIn or their own corporate websites.

Can I find artists online who specialize in specific mediums like watercolor or digital art?

Yes, most art platforms allow you to filter or search by medium.

For example, on DeviantArt or ArtStation, you can search for “watercolor artist,” “digital painter,” “oil painting,” or “concept art” to find specialists. Best arw viewer

What if I want to find singles online who are artists?

While most platforms are for art discovery, not dating, many artists share personal interests on their public profiles.

If you are interested in dating, platforms specifically designed for dating should be used.

However, you can find artists who are single on various platforms.

Understanding their artistic interests might lead to connection.

How important are reviews and testimonials when finding artists online?

Reviews and testimonials are very important as they provide insights into an artist’s reliability, communication skills, and the quality of their work from previous clients.

They build trust and help you make informed decisions.

What’s the best way to support artists I find online?

The best ways to support artists you find online include purchasing their art or prints, commissioning them for custom work, sharing their portfolio on social media, leaving positive reviews, or even supporting them through platforms like Patreon.

Are there virtual art galleries I can visit to find artists?

Yes, many traditional art galleries and museums now offer virtual tours and online viewing rooms on their websites.

Platforms like Artsy and Ocula also host or list virtual exhibitions from galleries worldwide, allowing you to explore art from your home.

How do I avoid scams when looking for artists online?

To avoid scams, always use secure payment methods, be wary of “too good to be true” offers, thoroughly vet the artist’s online presence and reputation, and communicate clearly through documented channels. Professional video studio

Avoid sharing excessive personal information or using unconventional payment methods.