Does anyone sell their own art?

[LabCoatPocket]

I am looking for advice on the best way to start selling art.

My friend paints pictures. Very contemporary, very modern, definitely not to everyones taste, but he is very, very talented. It's provoking stuff.

He also suffers from a significant mental health issues, and amongst other things, he struggles to cope with any kind of pressure. He would love to start selling his art (and I honestly think it would sell), but he is convinced he isn't good enough, and I think he would give up at the first rejection.

I am his main support, and love him dearly. I would love to support him to try this. Is there anyone who sells their art on here? How did you start? How do you decide the value of a something? What would your tips be to cope with rejection/something not selling? How do you start small?

I won't pressure him, at all, but if he does want to try, I want to be able to support him.in the right way.

I sell mine on Etsy. He could take a look at similar things on there to get an idea of pricing. It's not particularly easy to get cut through but I have had some success with careful keywording and being quite bespoke.

Don't get him to do any commissions - too stressful.
Once covid restrictions ease you could ask local cafe or restaurants to display a few framed pieces, with prices on. That way they can still generate interest without there being pressure for them to sell.
As for prices the minimum should take into account the materials and time taken to paint them (include time spent in his studio as 'work time'). Anything above that is a bonus!

I second starting on Etsy, with just a few pieces under £100, with a good price range. Their listing fees are very reasonable. There's also Folksy. The downside is that afaik, you now need a credit card to open an account.

Have a look for similar pieces to his and see what they sell for - not what people price them at, but pieces that are sold. You can promote him with an Instagram account.
Also look into having some professional photos taken and turn them into HQ glycee prints.

Don't give up if he doesn't become an overnight sensation.

My city has a few cafes run by charities that display artists work - and favour artists who would not usually show in a conventional gallery eg those with mental health problems or suffering with addiction. Maybe there is somewhere like this near you?

These are great suggestions, it feels overwhelming to me and it isn't me doing it, so these are great. Thank you.

I agree to the no commissions, he would not cope at all.

You could post a couple of images on NextDoor with a link to the Etsy store. He could offer free local delivery for NextDoor customers. I have seen local artists do it, and it's well received. Agree that Etsy rates are very reasonable and it's an easy platform to manage.
If he does large pieces, he should also create a b2b email to architects and commercial interior designers. I have worked on boutique hotel projects, and it was sometimes a numbers game on which artwork was purchased - being in the right place at the right time.

@DianaT1969
I will have a look at Nextdoor. Loving the idea of the architects and interior designers.

The pictures are often big, and each one is an individual statement piece.