So, you're a professional artist, and you're pondering whether to add a shop to your website, or maybe you already have one.

You've heard the whispers in the wind, the advice from well-meaning friends, and the relentless push from online gurus:

"You MUST have a shop on your website!"

But wait just a paint-splattered minute. Let's put down the proverbial brush and take a closer look, shall we?

First off, let's address the elephant in the studio.

Does having a shop magically transform you into an art-selling superstar?

Nope. Having a shop on your website won't automatically turn your doodles into dollars. Sure, it might make it easier for someone to buy your work, but if nobody knows your website exists in the vast wilderness of the internet, well, you might as well be shouting into the void.

Now, let's talk logistics.

Setting up an online shop isn't exactly a walk in the park. It's more like a tramp through a forest filled with confusing e-commerce lingo, endless customisation options, and the occasional wild plugin that promises to do everything but ends up doing nothing but giving you a headache. And let's not forget the fun of managing inventory, writing listings, dealing with shipping logistics, and handling packaging. Oh joy.

But wait, there's more!

Having a shop means you have to actually, you know, sell stuff. And that requires marketing. Lots and lots of marketing. You'll need to become a social media overachiever, a master of SEO, and a shameless self-promoter all rolled into one.

Because if you're not shouting from the digital rooftops about your amazing artwork, who will?

Let's also not overlook the fact that maintaining a shop takes time. Time that could be spent, you know, actually making art.

Do you really want to spend hours tweaking your website when you could be lost in the creative flow, channelling your inner Rita Angus?

But hey, maybe you're thinking, "But everyone else has a shop on their website!"

Ah yes, the classic peer pressure argument. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you have to follow suit. Remember, you're an artist, not a sheep. Forge your own path, blaze your own trail, and all that jazz.

So, do you *really* need a shop on your website?

Well, that's up to you, my fellow creator. If you're willing to put in the time, effort, and occasional bouts of frustration, then by all means, go for it.

But if the thought of managing an online store makes you want to curl up in the fetal position, then maybe it's time to embrace the freedom of not having a shop and focus on what truly matters: making your art.

Hopefully someone else with sell it… yeah right!

What should I do if I don’t want to have a shop on my site?

Look at other options for selling your work; galleries, exhibitions and commissions. Also you can ‘sell’ on your website without a shop. For higher priced art a discussion is often preferred anyway so your collectors might get in touch before they’re ready to purchase. Is it easy for them to contact you?

Maybe having a contact option is enough for you if you stock high priced items, if you sell only a couple of artworks a year or sell art over $200 then it might not be worth it to you to upgrade your site. If you stock lots of items under $200 and sell at least two items a month I’d say having a shop is the right option for you. Anything below that I’d say it’s not worth it.

If you’re ready to add a shop, then I can help.

I can even load new listings when you have new collections. 

Natalie Blackwood is an artist based in Napier, she also helps artists with their squarespace websites.