As every artist knows, it’s not enough to simply be skilled in your craft. You also need to be able to market yourself, sell your work, and run your business. This article outlines some of the best things you can do to get your creations in front of the right people and become a successful artist.
Become a Social Media Expert
Get your work on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and any other relevant site, and update your posts frequently. Specialized sites, such as DeviantArt, are good options to advertise your art and find useful connections and feedback.
When you use social media, represent your talent well with a great design. Even if you don’t have time to make one yourself, plenty of online resources are available to help you create a banner that represents the creativity of your brand wonderfully with customizable fonts, colors, and images or videos.
Show Your Process
When you share online, share as much as you can. You’ll gain more interest and followers if the public can see the person behind the art. Although beautiful, some of your work might take months to complete, and a short-lived attention span can mean your followers move on to other things. Their interest can be sparked by the vision of seeing you at the drawing board or in a gallery where you're seeking inspiration.
Get Around and Talk to People
Go to markets and festivals that celebrate the art you make. When you’re there, talk to anyone who seems interested in your work. This connection can create a devoted follower who's sure to promote you to friends and buy your future work.
Write a Business Plan
As soon as you start to sell your designs, don't think small. This is the time to make this your full-time source of income. With some work and effort, you can live the dream of every creative: making a living from your art. So, consider launching a business. The next step is to write a good business plan, which will provide a road map to your future success. It should describe your business and its structure, include what you’ll sell and how you’ll sell it, and offer financial projections. If you need help getting your business — and your business plan — off the ground, check out this great how to guide on starting a business.
Invest in Your Space
Once you've made art your business, set yourself up for success by getting all the supplies and the space you need. As soon as you can, transform a place in your house into a specialized studio or multipurpose room to work from. Even on a budget, having a dedicated workspace helps you immensely on your journey. Track any upgrades you make to this room, big or small, as you can then report these updates to an appraiser to help raise the value of your house if you decide to sell.
Live as an Artist
Always keep your dream alive of earning a living as an artist. With passion and drive, this is a reality for anyone. To read more inspiring art stories and discover more about contemporary art, check out Lo'Ammi, a magazine by creatives, for creatives.