CAI Launches High-Converting Artist Website Template for Squarespace
Contemporary Art Issue (CAI) has released a specialized e-commerce website template for artists, designed to facilitate direct online sales while maintaining professional credibility. The template, built on the Squarespace platform, strategically separates portfolio presentation from store functionality, allowing artists to toggle between modes. Key design principles emphasize simplicity, scarcity, and strong visual documentation to build trust and convert visitors. A clean aesthetic with white backgrounds and Arial typeface aligns with contemporary art world expectations. The template includes features like a collector waiting list, archive pages for sold works, and integrated marketing tools. According to CAI's independent survey, Squarespace was selected as the optimal platform due to its user-friendliness, competitive pricing starting at €12 monthly, and robust e-commerce capabilities. The design incorporates multiple visual mock-ups, including high-end gallery wall templates, to present artworks in desirable contexts. A 10% discount is offered with the promo code CONTEMPORARY10. The approach addresses artists navigating both self-representation and potential gallery relationships, enabling focused sales periods during new collection releases. The template was last updated on March 25, 2026.
Key facts
- CAI designed an artist e-commerce website template for Squarespace
- The template aims to help self-represented artists generate income through direct online sales
- Squarespace was chosen as the best website builder after an independent survey comparing Squarespace, Shopify, Wix, WordPress, and Artlogic
- Squarespace's Basic plan starts at €12 per month
- A 10% discount is available with promo code CONTEMPORARY10
- Key design principles include simplicity, scarcity, strong visuals, and social proof
- The template separates portfolio and store functions for flexible career strategies
- The design uses a white background with Arial typeface for a professional, contemporary art world-aligned aesthetic
Entities
Institutions
- Contemporary Art Issue
- Squarespace
- Shopify
- Wix
- WordPress
- Artlogic
- Artsy
- Meta