Artist Resources
Seller Guide
Everything you need to know to list, sell, and ship your artwork on Signo. Follow these tips to maximise your sales and create a great experience for buyers.
Step 1
Take Great Photos
Your photos are the single most important factor in selling online. Buyers can't see your work in person, so your images need to do the heavy lifting. Here's how to get it right:
Natural lighting
Photograph near a large window during the day. Avoid direct sunlight — overcast days or indirect light give the most accurate colours. Never use flash.
Clean background
Use a plain white or neutral wall. Remove any clutter. The artwork should be the only focal point in the image.
Multiple angles
Include a straight-on shot, a detail/texture close-up, an angled shot showing depth or texture, and the back of the work showing the hanging mechanism.
Scale reference
Include at least one photo showing the work in context — on a wall above a sofa, on a desk, or next to a common object. This helps buyers visualise the size.
Accurate colours
Make sure your photos match the real colours. Avoid heavy filters or editing. If your phone has a "true tone" or "auto white balance" setting, use it.
High resolution
Upload the highest quality images your camera can produce. Signo supports zoom, so buyers will inspect details up close.
Step 2
Write a Compelling Listing
Title
Keep it descriptive but concise. Include the subject or theme. Avoid generic names like "Untitled #47" unless that's genuinely part of the work. Good examples: "Morning Light on the Yarra", "Coastal Abstract in Blue and Gold", "Portrait of Solitude".
Description
Tell the story behind the piece. What inspired it? What mood does it evoke? Mention the medium, technique, and any special materials. Buyers connect with the story as much as the visual. Include practical details: whether it's framed, stretched, or rolled, and if it's ready to hang.
Tags & Category
Choose the most accurate category (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital, mixed media, print). Add relevant tags for style (abstract, realism, contemporary, minimalist), subject (landscape, portrait, still life, urban), and colour palette. Good tags help buyers find your work through search and filters.
Step 3
Price Your Work
Pricing art is never easy, but here are some practical guidelines:
Research comparable work
Look at what similar artists (same medium, style, career stage) are charging on other platforms. This gives you a realistic baseline.
Factor in materials and time
Calculate your material costs, then add a fair hourly rate for your time. This is your minimum — your creative value comes on top.
Consider your career stage
Emerging artists typically price lower to build a collector base. As your reputation grows and demand increases, raise your prices gradually.
Include shipping in your price
Signo offers free shipping to buyers. Factor your average shipping cost into the artwork price so there are no surprises.
Be consistent
Price similar-sized works in the same medium at similar price points. Erratic pricing can confuse buyers and undermine trust.
Step 4
Shipping Best Practices
Professional packaging protects your work and creates a great unboxing experience. Damaged artwork means refunds and disappointed buyers — it's worth investing a few extra dollars in proper materials.
Corner protectors
Use cardboard corner protectors on all framed works. They cost a few cents and prevent the most common type of shipping damage.
Bubble wrap & padding
Wrap the artwork in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Fill any empty space in the box with packing paper or foam to prevent movement.
Rigid mailers for flat works
For unframed prints and works on paper, use rigid cardboard mailers. Mark them "DO NOT BEND". Consider rolling larger works in sturdy tubes.
Double-box for fragile items
For glass-framed or delicate works, use a box-in-a-box method. Place the wrapped artwork in a smaller box, then place that inside a larger box with padding between.
Tracked shipping only
Always use tracked postage (Australia Post or courier). Signo requires a tracking number — without it, you won't be able to mark the order as shipped.
"FRAGILE" labels
Apply fragile stickers or write "FRAGILE — ARTWORK" clearly on all sides of the package. It doesn't guarantee gentle handling, but it helps.
Ship within 7 days
Orders that aren't shipped within 7 calendar days are automatically cancelled and the buyer is refunded. Mark your order as shipped and add the tracking number as soon as you drop off the package.
Step 5
The Review Process
Every artwork submitted to Signo goes through a two-stage review process. This keeps the marketplace curated and trustworthy for buyers, which ultimately benefits you as a seller.
AI quality check
Our automated system checks image quality, appropriate content, and listing completeness. This happens within minutes of submission.
Human sign-off
A member of our team reviews every submission personally. We check that the listing is accurate, the photos are professional, and the work meets our quality standards. This typically takes 24-48 hours.
Approved or feedback
If approved, your artwork goes live immediately. If we need changes, you'll receive specific feedback on what to improve — usually photo quality or listing details. Rejections are rare and always explained.
Step 6
How Payouts Work
Escrow protection
When a buyer purchases your artwork, the payment is held securely by Stripe (our payment processor). This protects both you and the buyer — you know the payment is real, and they know their money is safe until the artwork arrives.
48-hour inspection window
After the buyer confirms delivery, they have 48 hours to inspect the artwork. If they don't raise a dispute within this window, the funds are automatically released to your bank account.
Stripe transfer
Payouts are sent via Stripe Connect directly to your linked bank account. You'll need to set up your payout details in your artist settings. Transfers typically arrive within 2-3 business days.
What you receive
Signo charges zero commission. The only deduction is Stripe's payment processing fee (~1.75% + 30c per transaction). For a $500 sale, you receive approximately $490.95.
Common Questions
Seller FAQ
How much does it cost to sell on Signo?
$30/month flat subscription. No listing fees, no commission, no hidden charges. The only deduction from sales is Stripe's payment processing fee (~1.75% + 30c).
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes, cancel anytime. Your listings will be paused (not deleted) when your subscription ends. Reactivate anytime to make them live again.
How long does the review process take?
Most submissions are reviewed within 24-48 hours. If we need changes, we'll send you specific feedback.
What happens if a buyer disputes an order?
If a buyer raises a dispute within the 48-hour inspection window, the funds remain in escrow while we help resolve the issue. We aim to be fair to both parties.
Can I sell prints as well as originals?
Yes. You can list originals, limited edition prints, open edition prints, and digital downloads. Just make sure the listing clearly states what the buyer is getting.
Do I need to offer free shipping?
Signo shows free shipping to buyers. We recommend factoring your average shipping cost into your artwork price.
What if a buyer doesn't confirm delivery?
If the buyer doesn't confirm delivery or raise a dispute within the inspection window, funds are automatically released to you. You're always protected.
Can I sell from outside Australia?
Signo is currently focused on Australian artists selling to Australian buyers. International expansion is planned for the future.
Ready to start selling?
Join Signo and keep 100% of every sale. No commission, ever.