How to Sell NFT Art: A Beginner's Guide

How do I sell NFT art? In short, you turn a piece of digital art into a token on a blockchain (this is called minting), list it on an NFT marketplace, and set a price or run an auction. This guide to NFTs for beginners walks through how to make and sell NFT art step by step, from the artwork itself to wallets, fees, pricing and staying safe. It's practical rather than promotional: plenty of good art never sells, and nobody can promise you a sale or an income.

What does "selling art as an NFT" actually mean?

Selling art as an NFT means selling a token that records ownership of a specific digital work on a blockchain. The buyer gets the token, which they can keep, display or resell.

Owning the token doesn't automatically mean owning the copyright. What the buyer can do with the art depends on the licence you choose, which we cover below.

How do I make NFT art?

You can make NFT art with any digital tool you already use. Drawing apps, pixel art editors, photography, 3D software and code-based "generative" art all work. Most marketplaces accept common formats like PNG, JPG, GIF or MP4, usually up to a set file size.

Only mint work you created or have clear rights to, decide whether you're making a single "1 of 1" piece or a collection, and keep your high-resolution originals safe.

Do I need a crypto wallet to sell NFTs?

Yes, you need a crypto wallet to sell NFTs. The wallet holds your NFTs, receives payments and signs transactions. Popular browser and mobile wallets are free to set up.

The most important rule: your recovery phrase (12 or 24 words) is the master key. Write it down offline and never share it with anyone, including "support staff". Our Wallet Safety Basics guide explains this in more detail.

Which platform and blockchain should I choose?

Choose the platform and blockchain where your likely buyers already are, and where the fees suit the price of your work. There's no single best option.

• Blockchains differ in cost. Ethereum is long-established but transactions can be expensive. Networks such as Polygon and BNB Chain usually cost far less per transaction, which suits lower-priced art.
• Marketplaces differ in style. Some are open to anyone, some are curated, and some are built around a particular idea.
• Royalty and fee rules differ. Check what the platform takes, and whether creators earn anything when their work is resold.

As one example, Liquid NFTs is a platform where part of each mint price is held as liquidity inside the NFT, and creators receive a share of fees on mints and resales. Its official About page lists the exact split, so read it at the source before deciding. ANON NFTs uses Liquid, but it's only one option among many.

What fees will I pay to sell NFT art?

You'll usually pay some mix of network fees ("gas") and platform fees. Gas is paid to the blockchain to process a transaction; platform fees go to the marketplace when something sells or mints.

Some platforms let you "lazy mint", meaning the buyer pays the minting cost at the moment of purchase. Others charge you upfront. Before listing, add up every fee so you know what you'll actually receive if a piece sells.

How should I price my NFT art?

Price your NFT art by looking at what similar work by artists at a similar stage actually sells for, not what it's listed for. Listing prices are wishes; completed sales are evidence.

• Start modestly. A first sale to a real collector builds a track record.
• Consider editions. Several copies at a lower price can be easier to sell than one expensive piece.

Whatever you choose, be honest in how you describe it. Never suggest that buyers will make money from your art.

What licence should I give buyers?

Decide your licence before you mint, and state it clearly in the description. Common choices are:

• Personal use only. Buyers can display the art but not use it commercially.
• Commercial rights for holders. Buyers can use the art in their own projects.
• CC0 (no rights reserved). Anyone, holder or not, can use and remix the art freely.

CC0 can help art spread, because people are free to build on it. Our CC0 Explained guide covers the pros and cons.

How do I stay safe from NFT scams as a creator?

Stay safe by never signing transactions you don't understand and never clicking links sent in unexpected messages. Creators are a favourite target because scammers know you're waiting to hear from buyers.

• Fake "buyers" may ask you to verify your wallet on a site they link to. Don't.
• Ignore offers to "promote" or "list" your work for an upfront fee from strangers.
• Read every wallet pop-up before you approve it.

Our Spot a Rug Pull guide covers more warning signs.

Quick questions

Can I sell NFT art for free?
You can often list without upfront costs using lazy minting, but a fee is usually taken when something sells or mints.

Do I need to know how to code?
No. Most marketplaces let you mint through a simple upload form.

Will my NFT art definitely sell?
No. Many pieces never sell, so only spend what you're comfortable losing on fees.

What happens when my NFT is resold?
That depends on the platform. Some pay creators a share of resale fees; check the platform's own fee page.

Is NFT income taxed?
In many countries, yes. Check your local rules or ask a qualified adviser.

Check it yourself

If you choose a platform that holds liquidity inside NFTs, you can see exactly what each one holds. Our guide to checking backing on-chain shows you how, straight from the blockchain.