Large online art marketplaces prioritize volume. Their success depends on scale: more listings, more transactions, more exposure. Local platforms, by contrast, prioritize relationships.
The problem with global marketplaces
Global marketplaces often create distance between artists and buyers. Common issues include:
- High commission fees that reduce artist earnings
- Algorithms that favor already-popular sellers
- Minimal context about the artist or their work
- Limited opportunities for customization or communication
Buyers may never interact with the artist behind the artwork. Art becomes a commodity rather than a creative exchange.
Benefits of buying directly from artists
Buying directly from artists creates a fundamentally different experience.
More money goes to the creator
Direct sales reduce platform fees and intermediaries, allowing artists to retain more income from their work.
Communication is clearer
Buyers can ask questions, discuss expectations, and understand the story behind a piece.
Customization is possible
Direct access enables commissions, adjustments, and personalized requests that marketplaces often cannot support.
Trust is built
Transparency builds confidence for both buyer and artist. Expectations are clearer, and relationships are stronger.
Local ARTbeat was designed to close the gap between discovery and support—keeping artists visible and buyers informed.
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