You’re an artist who’s looking to land more commissioned work. You might feel overworked and underpaid, or you may want to increase your portfolio.
The most common challenge artists face when looking to land more commissioned work is not having a solid online presence. Potential clients will often look for an artist’s website or social media pages before deciding if they want to commission them. If your online presence is weak or nonexistent, you’ll likely miss out on opportunities.
Another common challenge is developing a pricing strategy that meets the needs of both you and your clients. You don’t want to charge too much and scare away potential clients, but you also don’t want to charge too little and not make a profit. It’s essential to find a balance that works for both parties.
Do you want more commissioned work? These ten tips will help you get closer to landing more commissioned work to reach your goals.
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1. Establish a Professional Online Presence
If you’re an aspiring artist, one of the best things you can do is establish a professional online presence.
In today’s digital world, potential clients and commissioners are increasingly looking online for artists to hire.
By setting up a website or blog and promoting your work through social media, you can reach a broad audience and showcase your talent to those who might be interested in hiring you.
Moreover, an online presence can help to build your credibility as an artist and make you more attractive to potential clients. So if you’re serious about landing more commissioned work, creating an online presence is a great place to start.
Best Way To Start Building an Online Presence
One of the best ways to start building an online presence is to create a website or blog with BlueHost or Squarespace, where you can showcase your work.
- Include high-quality images and descriptions of your paintings, sculptures, or other artwork.
- Make your art website easy to navigate,
- Include a contact form or email address so potential clients can get in touch with you.
- Include an artist statement
- Focus on SEO and site speed
2. Create a Strong Portfolio that Showcases Your Best Work
For any artist looking to make a living off their work, it is essential to have a strong portfolio.
A portfolio is a collection of an artist’s best work to showcase their skills and style to potential clients.
It is vital only to include your absolute best work when creating a portfolio. This means selecting only a handful of pieces that you are confident in and that you feel show off your strengths as an artist.
It is also important to ensure that the portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.
Clients should be able to quickly see what you are capable of and get a sense of your style. You will be much more likely to land commissioned work with a strong portfolio.
Related post – How To Make An Online Art Portfolio
3. Develop a Pricing Strategy
When it comes to establishing a successful art business, having a pricing plan that meets your and your consumers’ requirements are critical.
There are a few things to keep in mind when setting your prices. First, you need to consider the cost of materials and the time it will take to complete the piece.
Second, you need to think about your own time and how much you are willing to work for.
Third, you need to find a balance between what the market will bear and what you need to make a profit.
Fourth, you may consider offering discounts for repeat orders.
By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can develop a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients.
Related post – Art Pricing Guide – How to Price Art to Sell
4. Stay Up To Date on Industry Trends
It is critical to stay current with industry trends as an artist. Doing so will give you a competitive advantage over your competition and assist you in securing more commissioned artwork.
There are a few ways to do this:
Read trade publications. This will give you an idea of what clients are looking for and what they are willing to pay for.
Attend trade shows and art fairs. This will allow you to meet potential clients and show them your work.
Network with other artists. This will give you a better understanding of the industry and how to get your work in front of clients.
5. Build Relationships With Other Art Professionals
If you’re interested in making a presence online and building name recognition, one of the best things you can do is build relationships with other art professionals.
This can help you get your foot in the door with potential clients and give you a better chance of being considered for commissions.
There are a few different ways to go about building these relationships:
- Attending art events and workshops and striking up conversations with other artists and art professionals who attend.
- You can also reach out to people in your network who might be able to introduce you to potential clients or collaborators.
- Keep your professional profile up-to-date and active on social media and other online platforms, as this will help you attract the attention of other art professionals.
Related post – 9 Networking For Artists Strategies
6. Get Involved in the Art Community
If you’re an artist wanting to increase your commissioned work, one of the most effective things you can do is get involved in the art community.
There are several ways to do this, such as attending art openings and exhibitions, joining an artists’ cooperative or association, or even just networking with other artists online.
Getting involved in the art community can help you meet potential clients and learn about new opportunities for commissioned work.
In addition, it can also help you stay up-to-date on trends and developments in the art world, which can be helpful when creating new artwork for clients. So if you’re serious about getting more commissioned work, make sure to get involved in the art community.
7. Promote your Work Through Social Media Platforms
As an artist, one of the best ways to promote your work is through social media platforms.
By sharing your artwork on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can reach a wider audience and build up a following of potential customers.
Additionally, hashtags can be a great way to get your artwork seen by people searching for specific keywords. For example, if you use the hashtag #artistforhire, your artwork will come up in search results for people who are looking to commission an artist.
Using social media effectively can help you land more commissioned work and get your name out there as an artist.
8. Attend Art Festivals and Exhibitions
If you’re an aspiring artist, chances are you’re always on the lookout for new opportunities to showcase your work. One great way to get your art out there is to attend art festivals and exhibitions. This allows you to show off your talents to a broader audience and provides you with the perfect opportunity to network with other artists and potential clients.
When attending these events, be sure to have plenty of business cards and portfolio pieces on hand, and don’t be afraid to chat up potential customers about your work.
With a bit of effort, you’ll be surprised at how many commissioned projects you can land.
9. Network with Potential Clients Face-to-Face
One of the best ways to land more work is to network with potential clients face-to-face. This could mean attending art fairs, gallery openings, or other events where you can interact with people who may be interested in purchasing your work.
It’s also a good idea to have business cards or some other way of giving potential clients your contact information.
When you meet someone who expresses interest in your work, be sure to follow up with them afterward. You could send them an email or give them a call, just to stay in touch and remind them of your work.
By networking face-to-face and staying in touch with potential clients, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing more commissioned
10. Stay Motivated and Passionate About Your Work
Artists must often juggle several responsibilities, from creating new work to marketing their brand and landing commissioned projects. It can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your passion for art.
However, it is essential to remember that your motivation and passion are essential for success as an artist. Not only do they fuel your creativity, but they also give you the drive to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.
If you find yourself struggling to stay motivated, take some time to reconnect with why you started creating art in the first place. Explore new mediums, experiment with new techniques, and allow yourself to play and explore. When you approach your work from a place of curiosity and excitement, you’ll find that the creative process becomes much more enjoyable.
Conclusion
It is essential to stay motivated and passionate about your work to be successful as an artist. Following the tips we’ve provided will help you achieve this. By creating a solid online portfolio, getting involved in the art community, promoting your work through social media platforms, and attending art festivals and exhibitions, you can put yourself in a better position to land more commissioned work. Stay motivated and passionate about your art, and always remember to enjoy the creative process.
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