Creating unique and meaningful art is just one part of your job as an artist; the other part is to have an audience for it. As an artist, you want your work to be noticed by those who appreciate it, but having an engaged audience takes a lot of work and patience.
When you get the right exposure, you not only feel valued but earn a good income. Being a successful artist is 30% about creativity, while the other 70% is about business. You must have seen many artists with successful art shows, earning 10x the amount you earn, and you might feel that they're better than you. In reality, you're just as talented as them—however, they may be better at marketing their work and turning it into a business.
This guide explains what you need to do to have a successful art career, regardless of what you create.
Create an Online Presence
This shouldn't come as a surprise because the only way to gain exposure these days is through an online presence. Many buyers and professionals like it if you have a business website where they can explore your art and even buy it. Having a website will help you network, submit your work for projects or competitions, or promote your art.
However, it's not just about publishing your work online. You need to have a strategy about what to post or what not to. If your website is filled with your work, some potential buyers may not find your best pieces among them. Make sure you only post the pieces that attract more buyers and turn your website into a masterpiece. It needs to tell your story and share your values, allowing your audience to connect with you.
Make the Most of Social Media
Having an account isn't enough; you need to get creative with your content. These days, many artists are showcasing their work on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok and receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Create promotion campaigns, select the audience you want to target and choose relevant platforms to make the most of social media. If you create a business/public account, you can also use analytics tools to understand and increase your audience.
Create a Mailing List
Mailing lists are an important marketing tool for showcasing your talent. Gather the email addresses of those who have previously bought from you or are interested in your work. Having this list makes it easier to create a buzz about your work. You can target specific groups according to the art they like and attract new buyers.
To collect mailing addresses, you can encourage website visitors to sign up for your mailing list. Incentives are important, so make sure you offer them a discount on any other perks of signing up with you or asking their friends to do the same.
Join Artist Communities
Joining different online and offline artist communities will allow you to meet new people in this industry. You'll get opportunities to learn about market trends, exhibitions, ways to increase your exposure, and much more. Being a part of such communities also keeps you motivated because you read about other young artists' struggles and how they overcome them.
Create a Blog Post
Blogs allow you to share your story, give meaning to your art, and engage with your potential customers. Having a blog post on your website doesn't need to be complicated; here are some things that you can write about:
- Offer tips to fellow artists
- Write the stories that motivated you to create a certain piece
- Any challenges you faced during your journey as an artist
- A behind-the-scenes look at how you work
People love reading things they can relate to, so give them that. This way, they will know more about your work and eventually buy the things they like.
Collaborate with Others
Many other artists are also looking for ways to promote their content. You can collaborate with and cross-promote each other's work. This won't cost you anything, and you'll gain new followers. Moreover, you can pay social media influencers to talk about your work. This will help you create a buzz for your art.
Approach Art Galleries
You can approach art galleries to display your work. This requires a lot of networking and being active in the artist community. Create a portfolio and submit it to different galleries that you feel will accept your work. This way, many collectors and buyers will view your work, increasing your chances of sales.
Put Your Art in TV or Film Projects
TV and film production companies often require artists for their projects. You'll not only get paid for your art but also gain exposure. For example, your painting hanging in the background of a scene, or your song playing during a scene, etc., would let people know about your work. In addition, the project may add your name to the end credits, increasing your visibility and drawing the attention of other studios.
Participate in or Organize Art Shows
You can either participate in different art shows or organize your own. When organizing an art show, you need to find a good space to showcase your work and a well-thought-out guest list. You'll find many venues in your region; choose the one that suits your budget and other requirements. Ask your friends and family to come, and send invites to other art professionals and buyers. When you organize your art show, it leaves a positive impression on others in the industry.
Sell Your Work on Various eCommerce Websites
Besides brick-and-mortar art galleries, many eCommerce stores sell different artists' work. Dollie Wrinkle is one store that offers quick and easy product selling options to various sellers. They offer a lot of marketing, distribution and sales solutions that make it easier for you to gain more customers and deliver products.
They also sell tarot reading books, children-friendly video games, and women's clothes. For details, visit their website.
About the Author
The author works as a creative writer for an eCommerce store. Her hobbies include crocheting, baking and reading sci-fi novels.
