How to Write Product Descriptions That Sell Art Like Crazy
by Matthew R. Paden
Saturday, February 8 2025
How to Write Product Descriptions:
You’ve created an amazing piece of art—bold colors, striking details, maybe even a little magic woven into every brushstroke. But here’s the thing: if your product description is bland, your art might get scrolled past faster than you can say, “Original acrylic on canvas.”
The truth is, people don’t just buy art; they buy the story, the feeling, the connection it sparks. A well-crafted description isn’t just fluff—it’s your secret weapon to turning casual browsers into excited buyers.
Think of it as the bridge between your artwork and the person who can’t wait to hang it on their wall.
You don’t need to be a copywriter to make it work. You just need to know how to blend emotion, details, and a little personality. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive into the art of writing product descriptions that sell like crazy.
Understand Your Audience
Before you write a single word, ask yourself: Who am I talking to? Understanding your audience is the first step to creating product descriptions that actually sell.
Think about it—would you describe the same painting the same way to an interior designer, an art collector, and someone looking for quirky décor for their first apartment? Probably not.
Start by identifying your ideal buyer.
Are they art enthusiasts who care about technique and materials?
Or are they casual shoppers looking for something that “just feels right” in their living room? Knowing this helps you adjust your language.
For example, an art collector might appreciate details like “archival-quality inks” or “inspired by mid-century abstract expressionism,” while a home décor shopper might respond better to “adds a cozy, modern vibe to any space.”
Think about what matters to them. Is it the story behind the art?
The mood it creates? The way it complements their style? When you tap into what your audience values, your descriptions feel less like a sales pitch and more like a personal connection.
Pro tip: Imagine describing your artwork to a friend who fits your ideal customer profile. Keep it natural, authentic, and focused on what would make them excited to buy.
Start with a Compelling Opening Line
Think of your opening line like the cover of a book—it’s the first thing people see, and it needs to grab their attention instantly. A dull opener like “This is a colorful painting of a sunset” won’t stop anyone mid-scroll.
But something like “Bask in the golden glow of a sunset that never fades”? Now you’ve got their attention.
The goal is to spark curiosity or emotion right away.
You want the reader to feel something—whether it’s wonder, nostalgia, or even a sense of adventure.
A great opener sets the tone and invites them to keep reading, almost like whispering, “Hey, there’s a story here just for you.”
Here are a few approaches to create compelling openers:
Evoke Emotion: “Feel the quiet magic of twilight captured on canvas.”
Paint a Picture: “Imagine the soft rustle of leaves as autumn’s colors dance across your walls.”
Ask a Question: “Looking for a piece that brings warmth and bold energy to your space?”
Create a Vibe: “For lovers of moody blues and stormy skies—this piece speaks your language.”
Experiment with different styles until you find what clicks.
You don’t have to be overly dramatic, just genuine. The best opening lines feel effortless because they come from the heart of your art.
Remember, your art already tells a story—your words just help people hear it.
Tell the Story Behind the Art
People don’t just buy art—they buy the story behind it.
The colors, the brushstrokes, the composition… they all mean something. Sharing that meaning helps potential buyers connect with your work on a deeper level. It turns a pretty picture into something personal.
Think about why you created the piece. What inspired you?
Was it a quiet morning walk, a favorite song, a fleeting emotion, or a bold idea you couldn’t shake? Even simple stories can create powerful connections. For example:
“This piece was inspired by the tangled wildflowers I passed every day on my way to the studio—chaotic, colorful, and unapologetically alive.”
“I painted this during a rainy weekend, trying to capture the cozy stillness that comes with warm tea and soft thunder in the distance.”
Notice how these aren’t long, complicated stories.
They’re little windows into your creative world, making the art feel alive.
But what if you don’t have a dramatic backstory? That’s okay! Focus on the emotions or ideas behind the piece:
“I wanted to explore what ‘calm’ feels like—soft blues, gentle curves, and quiet spaces.”
“This was an experiment in color chaos, where no rule was safe, and every brushstroke had to surprise me.”
The key is authenticity. Buyers love knowing the heart behind the art because it makes the piece feel unique and meaningful. When they hang it on their wall, they’re not just displaying art—they’re sharing your story.
Highlight Features AND Benefits
When writing product descriptions, it’s easy to focus on features—things like size, materials, and techniques. While these details are important, what really seals the deal are the benefits. Features tell what your art is; benefits show why it matters.
Let’s break it down:
Feature: “Printed on archival-quality, acid-free paper.”
Benefit: “Ensures your artwork stays vibrant and fade-resistant for years to come.”
See the difference? One is a fact, the other speaks to the buyer’s desire for longevity.
Here’s another example:
Feature: “Bold, high-contrast color palette with dynamic brushstrokes.”
Benefit: “Adds a striking focal point to any room, perfect for energizing your space.”
Think of benefits as the “so what?” to every feature.
If your painting is large-scale, explain how it makes a bold statement above a sofa. If it’s framed, highlight the convenience of it being ready to hang right out of the box.
Ask yourself:
How will this make someone’s space feel?
What experience does it create?
Why should they care about this feature?
Combining features with benefits helps buyers imagine your art in their lives, not just on a screen. That emotional connection can be the final push that turns interest into a sale.
Use Sensory Language
Art is a visual experience, but great product descriptions make it more than that—they let people feel the art through words. That’s where sensory language comes in.
When you engage the senses, you create vivid mental images that help buyers connect emotionally with your work, even if they’re just seeing it online.
Instead of simply saying, “This painting has warm colors,” try:
“Golden hues that glow like the last light of sunset, casting a cozy warmth over your space.”
Notice how that paints a picture and evokes a feeling? Sensory language taps into more than just sight. Think about:
Touch: “Soft, sweeping brushstrokes that flow like silk across the canvas.”
Sound: “Bold splashes of red that feel like the rhythm of a beating drum.”
Smell: “Earthy tones that evoke the scent of rain-soaked forests after a summer storm.”
Emotion: “A burst of vibrant blues, echoing the carefree joy of a cloudless sky.”
You don’t need to overdo it. A few well-placed sensory details can transform a flat description into an immersive experience.
Pro tip: Imagine someone can’t see your art at all—how would you describe it so they feel like they have? That’s the power of sensory language.
Include Practical Details Clearly
While storytelling and sensory language draw buyers in, practical details help them make the final decision. Think of this as the “just the facts” section—clear, concise, and easy to scan.
Include important specs like:
Dimensions: “16 x 20 inches (unframed)”
Medium/Materials: “Acrylic on stretched canvas with a matte finish”
Framing Info: “Available framed or unframed; ready to hang with included hardware”
Shipping Details: “Ships within 5–7 business days in protective packaging”
Don’t bury these details in long paragraphs. Use bullet points or bold text to make them stand out. Buyers appreciate quick access to this info, especially if they’re comparing multiple pieces.
Also, think about common questions:
Is it an original or a print?
Is it signed?
Does it come with a certificate of authenticity?
Clarity builds trust. The easier you make it for someone to understand exactly what they’re getting, the more confident they’ll feel about hitting “Add to Cart.”
Pro tip: Imagine you’re the buyer—what would you want to know before purchasing? Answer that, and you’re golden.
Add a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
You’ve captivated your audience with an engaging story, vivid descriptions, and practical details—now it’s time to guide them toward the next step. That’s where a strong Call-to-Action (CTA) comes in.
A CTA isn’t just “Buy Now” slapped at the end. It’s an invitation that feels natural, confident, and aligned with the vibe of your art. Think about what you want the buyer to do and how you can encourage them.
For example:
Create Urgency: “Only a few prints left—grab yours before it’s gone!”
Highlight the Benefit: “Add a bold pop of color to your space today.”
Keep It Friendly: “Ready to make this piece part of your collection? Click ‘Add to Cart’ and it’s yours.”
Personal Touch: “Fall in love with this artwork? Let it brighten your walls.”
The key is to match your tone. If your art is playful, keep the CTA lighthearted. If it’s elegant, make the CTA feel sophisticated.
Don’t overthink it—just be clear, confident, and inviting. A simple nudge can turn admiration into action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most stunning artwork can struggle to sell if the product description misses the mark. Here are some common mistakes artists make—and how to avoid them.
Being Too Vague Descriptions like “Beautiful abstract painting in bold colors” don’t tell buyers much. What makes it beautiful? What emotions or ideas does it convey? Be specific to create a connection.
Focusing Only on Technical Details Yes, dimensions and materials are important, but don’t make them the star of the show. Balance facts with storytelling and sensory language to spark interest.
Forgetting the Buyer’s Perspective It’s easy to talk about your art from your point of view, but what about the buyer’s? How will this piece enhance their space or mood? Show them why it matters to them.
Skipping a Call-to-Action You’ve done the hard work of engaging the buyer—don’t leave them hanging. A clear, friendly CTA encourages them to take the next step.
Overloading with Jargon Art terms like “impasto” or “chiaroscuro” might impress other artists but can confuse potential buyers. Keep the language accessible unless you’re sure your audience will understand.
Ignoring Formatting Long, unbroken paragraphs are hard to read. Use bullet points, headings, and short sentences to keep things easy on the eyes.
Avoiding these mistakes can make your descriptions more engaging—and your art more irresistible.
Bonus: Examples
Weak Product Description:
"Abstract painting with bold colors. Perfect for any room. 16x20 inches on canvas. Looks great on walls."
What’s Wrong?
Vague: “Bold colors” doesn’t specify which colors or how they feel.
Generic: “Perfect for any room” sounds like filler—it doesn’t create a personal connection.
Lacks Emotion: No story, no sensory language, just flat facts.
Strong Product Description:
*"Breathe life into your space with ‘Crimson Echo,’ a striking 16x20-inch acrylic on canvas that radiates energy and warmth. Vibrant streaks of deep crimson and burnt orange dance across a textured background, evoking the fiery glow of a sunset melting into twilight.
Bold brushstrokes ripple with movement, capturing the raw emotion of passion and change.
Whether hung above a cozy reading nook or as a statement piece in your living room, ‘Crimson Echo’ invites conversation and adds a burst of color that feels both daring and comforting. Ready to hang with finished edges—just unbox, display, and let it spark joy in your space."*
What Makes It Strong?
Sensory Language: “Fiery glow,” “ripple with movement,” and “burst of color” paint a vivid picture.
Emotional Connection: Highlights how it’ll feel in a space, not just how it looks.
Practical Details: Size, medium, and ready-to-hang info are included naturally.
Conclusion
Writing product descriptions that sell art like crazy isn’t about fancy words—it’s about connection.
When you understand your audience, tell the story behind your work, and highlight both features and benefits, you’re not just describing art—you’re inviting people into an experience.
Add sensory language to make your descriptions vivid, include practical details to build trust, and top it off with a clear call-to-action that guides buyers effortlessly.
Remember, your art speaks visually, but your words give it context, emotion, and meaning. Avoid common mistakes like being too vague or overly technical, and focus on what makes your piece unique and irresistible.
At the end of the day, your product description is the bridge between your art and someone’s heart (or living room wall). Craft it with care, and you’ll turn browsers into buyers—and maybe even lifelong collectors.
Now go write descriptions that do your art justice!
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