Celebrating 11 Years of Success: thisisgallery's Journey in the Art Market
Eleven years ago, the art e-commerce platform
thisisgallery was founded in Tokyo, Japan, and since then, it has achieved remarkable milestones, including surpassing 30,000 artworks sold and generating over
600 million yen in total artist earnings. As it continues to grow and adapt, thisisgallery has established itself as a leading player in the online art market.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
This journey began in 2015, when thisisgallery launched as a gallery that allowed art enthusiasts to purchase works directly from emerging artists, primarily graduates of the Tokyo University of the Arts. The platform quickly captured the attention of various media outlets, generating significant buzz.
As the years progressed, from 2015 to 2019, thisisgallery steadily increased sales, primarily focused on home decor art. The success was driven by positive word-of-mouth and strong SEO strategies. The real turning point came in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns heightened demand for home decoration, leading to a four-fold increase in sales compared to the previous year.
Despite facing a temporary decline in sales post-pandemic, the company adapted its strategies and launched innovative initiatives, including a free painting coordination and framing consultation service via LINE in 2023. This move significantly improved the conversion rate (CVR), leading to renewed growth.
The Future of thisisgallery
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, thisisgallery plans to strengthen its B2B operations, focusing on office artwork and large wall art projects. By diversifying its offerings to include live painting sessions and artist assistance for designers, thisisgallery anticipates breaking 1 billion yen in total distribution value by its 11th year.
Evolving Purchase Patterns
Initially, the average price per artwork was between 15,000 and 20,000 yen. However, during the COVID-19 art bubble, this figure rose significantly, and now the average price for personal purchases has reached between 30,000 and 50,000 yen. High-value corporate projects add to this growth, allowing thisisgallery to achieve record-breaking sales and distribution figures.
Supporting Artists: A Model for Success
An achievement thisisgallery is particularly proud of is the establishment of a sustainable economic ecosystem that has seen artists earn over
600 million yen through their platform. Despite rising transport and labor costs leading to a 34% system usage fee, the company has maintained a 30% commission rate, ensuring generous artist returns.
Thriving Amidst Competition
In an industry marked by competition, especially during the art bubble period of the pandemic when numerous new entrants emerged, thisisgallery has maintained its industry leadership. This sustained success can be attributed to three core strengths:
1.
SEO Strategy: With a robust SEO strategy, thisisgallery consistently ranks high in search terms like “buy paintings” and “art online,” driving a steady stream of both casual and serious art buyers to the platform.
2.
Corporate Partnerships: The platform frequently handles substantial corporate projects, enabling bulk purchases for office decoration. Trusted relationships with major banks and corporations result in ongoing high-volume transactions.
3.
Experienced Staff: With 80% of its employees hailing from art universities, thisisgallery offers knowledgeable support that goes beyond mere logistics. The staff’s strong understanding of both creators' challenges and the artwork's value contributes to a nurturing environment for artists.
Why Artists Choose thisisgallery
In today’s landscape, artists can sell their work through social media, yet many continue to partner with thisisgallery. Reasons include:
1.
Access to New Customers: Unlike social media platforms, thisisgallery connects artists with committed art buyers, bypassing reliance on algorithm-driven visibility.
2.
Corporate Collaborations: Registration allows artists to engage in opportunities with established businesses, creating value beyond the sale of art.
3.
Ongoing Support: Newer artists often struggle to attract an audience, but those who use thisisgallery alongside social media see substantial growth and continuity in their careers.
Conclusion
As thisisgallery marks its 11th anniversary, it stands at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. By continuing to adapt and innovate, the platform is poised to further enhance the visibility and success of artists in Japan and beyond.
For artists, registering with thisisgallery is free! If you are an artist, take the first step to broaden your audience and elevate your work by signing up today.
Register Here for seamless access to a community thriving in the art market.