Arts & Creative Web Design
Arts & Creative Web Design Tasmania | Websites for Artists & Galleries
Hobart-based web design and e-commerce specialists for Tasmania artists, galleries, makers, and creative businesses
We build websites and online stores that work for artists, art galleries, makers, designers, photographers, and creative professionals across Tasmania and Australia.
The difference? We actually run an art gallery. TAG Art Gallery in Hobart operates at 92% gross margins with integrated e-commerce. We understand how to sell art online without devaluing it, how to avoid gallery platform fees, and what converts art buyers.
Why Artists & Creative Businesses Choose Us
We understand the art world.
We're not just building websites - we're operating TAG Art Gallery successfully with our own e-commerce platform. We know artist representation, commission structures, pricing psychology for art, how to photograph artwork properly, and how to communicate value without cheapening creative work.
What we know that generic web designers don't:
- How to sell high-value items ($500-$5,000+) online
- Photography and presentation that does artwork justice
- Artist bios and stories that build emotional connection
- Commission structures for represented artists
- How to avoid platform fees eating your margins (Bluethumb, Artfinder, etc.)
- Reserve pricing and offer negotiation systems
- Certificate of authenticity generation
- Artwork dimensions, materials, and provenance display
- Shipping expensive, fragile items safely
Creative Businesses We Work With
Visual Artists
Painters, sculptors, printmakers, mixed media artists. Portfolio websites, online stores, commission enquiry systems, exhibition announcements.
Art Galleries
Commercial galleries, artist collectives, exhibition spaces. Artist representation, commission tracking, exhibition management, collector databases.
Photographers
Fine art photographers, commercial photographers, wedding/portrait photographers. Portfolio sites, print sales, digital downloads, client galleries.
Makers & Craft Artists
Jewellery makers, ceramicists, textile artists, woodworkers. Product catalogues, custom order systems, workshop bookings, material transparency.
Designers
Graphic designers, illustrators, surface pattern designers. Portfolio showcase, client case studies, licensing information, print-on-demand integration.
Creative Studios
Design agencies, creative collectives, artist studios. Team portfolios, project showcases, client testimonials, contact systems.
Common Challenges We Solve
"Platform fees are killing my margins"
Bluethumb takes 35%, Etsy takes 15%+ fees. Your own Shopify store costs $50/month with 2-3% payment processing. We'll build you a professional store that you control, keeping 90%+ of every sale.
"How do I sell expensive art online?"
High-quality photography, detailed provenance, artist storytelling, secure payment options, insurance information, and professional presentation. We've sold artworks up to $5,000+ online through TAG Gallery.
"I need a portfolio AND a shop"
We build sites that work as both portfolio and store. Show your best work prominently, with "enquire" or "purchase" options where appropriate. Not everything needs a price tag.
"Shipping fragile, valuable artwork safely"
Custom shipping quotes, insurance options, professional packaging information, local pickup for Hobart buyers, and courier integration for high-value items.
"I represent multiple artists"
Gallery sites with individual artist pages, commission tracking, inventory management per artist, and automated sales reporting. You control the presentation, artists get visibility.
"How do I handle commissions and custom work?"
Custom enquiry forms, deposit payment systems, progress update galleries, specification collection, and commission agreement workflows.
Our Arts & Creative Web Services
Online Launch | $1,500
Perfect for artists needing a professional portfolio site
- Beautiful portfolio website showcasing your work
- Up to 5 pages (home, about, portfolio, exhibitions, contact)
- Image gallery with zoom functionality
- Contact/enquiry form
- Mobile-responsive design
- Basic SEO for artist name searches
- Artist statement and CV display
- Exhibition and event announcements
- Social media integration
- Hosting included for first year
Online Growth | $3,000
For artists and makers ready to sell online
- Everything in Online Launch, plus:
- Full e-commerce functionality (Shopify)
- Up to 20 artworks/products listed
- Payment gateway integration
- Shipping configuration (including custom quotes for large works)
- Print-on-demand integration (if relevant)
- Sold/available inventory management
- Basic email marketing setup
- Google Business profile for local artist searches
- 2 weeks delivery, 2 weeks support
Online Enterprise | $5,000
For galleries and established creative businesses
- Everything in Online Growth, plus:
- Multi-artist representation capability
- Up to 50 artworks with detailed descriptions
- Artist bio pages and statements
- Commission tracking and reporting
- Exhibition/event management system
- Collector database and email marketing
- Advanced image galleries and zoom
- Reserve pricing and offer system
- Certificate of authenticity generation
- Analytics and sales reporting
- 1 month post-launch optimisation
Chief Digital Officer | Custom Pricing
For galleries and creative businesses doing $250K-$5M revenue
- Monthly retainer partnership
- Ongoing website and marketing optimisation
- Exhibition promotion and email campaigns
- Artist recruitment and onboarding
- Collector relationship management
- Performance monitoring and strategy
- No lock-in contracts
View full service details and pricing →
Arts & Creative Add-Ons
Artwork Photography Support | $500
Professional photography guidance for documenting artwork (Hobart/Tasmania only), lighting setup, colour accuracy, editing and optimisation for up to 20 artworks.
Print-on-Demand Integration | $750
Connect your store to Printful, Printify, or similar services. Sell prints, merchandise, and reproductions without holding inventory. Automated fulfilment.
Artist Blog/Story Content | $750
5 professionally written blog posts about your practice, techniques, inspiration, or exhibitions. SEO-optimised content that builds your profile and attracts collectors.
Virtual Exhibition Setup | $1,000
Online exhibition space with virtual gallery tour, artist talks, opening event livestream capability, and collector engagement tools.
Tasmania Creative Business Success Story
TAG Art Gallery - Currently Operating
We don't just build gallery websites - we run one. TAG Art Gallery in Hobart operates at 92% gross margin and 45% net margin with integrated online and physical sales.
Built from $0 to $500K revenue in 24 months through:
- Strategic artist curation and representation
- Integrated e-commerce platform (our own Shopify build)
- Email marketing to collector database
- Exhibition programming and events
- Professional online presence that attracts serious buyers
- No reliance on third-party gallery platforms
We understand gallery economics, artist relationships, collector psychology, and what it takes to sell art profitably online because we do it ourselves every day.
More detailed case studies available on request.
Why Tasmania Artists & Galleries Trust Us
We're Hobart-based and actively involved in the arts scene.
We're not outsiders looking in. We run TAG Art Gallery, attend openings, know the local creative community, and understand Tasmania's unique position in the Australian art market.
We're operators, not just designers.
We know artist commission structures, how to price for profit, what margins you need, how to photograph artwork, and what converts art buyers because we do it ourselves.
We understand high-value sales online.
Selling a $3,000 painting online requires different psychology than selling a $30 t-shirt. We know how to build trust, communicate value, and close high-ticket sales remotely.
We respect creative work.
We won't push you toward cheap templates or generic e-commerce approaches. Your work deserves presentation that matches its quality.
Frequently Asked Questions - Arts E-commerce
Should I use platforms like Bluethumb or build my own site?
Platforms give you instant audience but take 30-40% commission. Your own site keeps 90%+ of sales but requires building your own audience. For established artists with existing following, own site wins. For emerging artists, you can do both initially.
How do I photograph my artwork properly?
We provide detailed photography guidelines: lighting setup, camera settings, colour accuracy, editing. For Hobart/Tasmania artists, we offer hands-on photography support as add-on service.
Can people make offers on artwork?
Yes. We can set up "make an offer" functionality, reserve pricing, or negotiation request forms. You control whether to accept, counter, or decline.
What about certificates of authenticity?
We can integrate automated certificate generation with each sale, including artwork details, artist signature, edition information, and gallery verification.
How do I handle shipping expensive, fragile work?
Custom shipping quotes at checkout, professional packaging specifications, insurance options, courier integration for high-value items, and local pickup options for Hobart buyers.
Can I sell originals AND prints?
Absolutely. Original artwork listed individually, with print-on-demand options for reproductions. Clear differentiation between original, limited edition, and open edition prints.
What about commission work and custom requests?
Custom enquiry forms that collect specifications, reference images, size requirements. Deposit payment system, progress update galleries, and commission agreement workflows.
Do I need different pricing for gallery vs online?
Depends on your model. Some artists price consistently everywhere. Others offer online-only work or exclusive collections. We'll help you think through pricing strategy.
Get Started
Let's have a 30-minute discovery call.
We'll talk about your creative practice, your current sales channels (exhibitions, markets, Instagram), what's working, and how to build an online presence that actually sells your work. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about whether we're a good fit.
Or email: hello@gumbootdigital.com
Phone: 0431 670 123
Based in Hobart, Tasmania | Serving artists and galleries Australia-wide
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