Making money as an artist can be a tricky proposition. It’s not always easy to find ways to sell artwork; when you do, the profit margins can be razor-thin.
But don’t despair. There are plenty of strategies that you can use to make more money as an artist. This article will discuss some of the best ways to sell your art and increase your profits.
We’ll also take a look at some of the different places where artists can sell their work, and we’ll explore some marketing strategies that can help you build name recognition for your art.
So read on – there are plenty of helpful tips ahead.
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How To Make Money As An Artist
Before developing a marketing strategy, having an overall business goal is the most important thing to consider.
Know Your Art Business Goals
Suppose you’re starting and planning on keeping your art business personal and small-scale. In that case, it’s okay if your business objectives seem like more of a general idea than anything specific at first. You can then focus on generating interest in your work and finding new clients that way – no need to get ahead of yourself. But for those looking to make money as an artist, you must have some long-term plan in mind from the start (think years instead of months). Successful artists have a clear vision of what they want and how to achieve their goals.
For instance, do you want to sell your art through galleries eventually? Or license your work for products or advertisements? What about teaching workshops or classes on artmaking? Do you want to sell your art wholesale?
Once you know what you want, developing specific marketing goals is time. Again, these don’t need to be etched in stone, but they will give you a better idea of the actions you need to take to achieve your long-term goals.
Some marketing goals that may be relevant for artists include:
– Increasing website traffic by a certain percentage within six months- Securing five new wholesale clients within three months- Generating 100 leads through social media within two weeks- Attracting 500 new followers on Instagram within a month. As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to setting marketing goals. But having specific targets in mind will help keep you focused and motivated as you move forward with your art business.
The bottom line is that if you want to make money selling art, you need to think like a professional artist.
Related Workbook: How to Write Goals You Can Achieve Workbook
Develop A Marketing Strategy
Now that you know what you want to achieve and some specific goals, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy. This will involve figuring out how you will reach your target audience and persuade them to buy your art.
There are many ways young artists can market their work, but we’ll focus on three of the most common methods: online marketing, print advertising, and word-of-mouth marketing.
Online Art Marketing
One benefit of online marketing is that it’s a relatively low-cost way to reach many people. You can use multiple platforms such as social media, an online store, or email newsletters to get your original work in front of potential buyers.
It’s important to remember that online marketing constantly evolves, so you’ll need to be prepared to adapt as new technologies and platforms emerge. For example, if you’re not already using Instagram, it may be worth starting to reach a younger audience. Or you might want to consider creating a YouTube channel if you are interested in selling online courses.
When using online marketing, one thing to remember is that you’ll need to produce high-quality content that will convince people to take the time to check out your creative work. This means creating exciting and engaging posts, YouTube videos, or images that stand out in a crowded online space.
Print Advertising
While print advertising may be less common than it used to be, there are still some cases where it can effectively reach potential buyers. This could include advertising in art magazines, newspapers, or online publications that cater to your target audience.
When designing print ads, it’s essential to ensure that the layout and graphics are eye-catching and professional-looking. You’ll also need to include a brief description of your work, pricing information, and contact details.
It’s worth noting that print advertising can be pretty expensive, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re targeting the right audience to justify the cost.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
One of the most effective ways to market your art is word-of-mouth marketing. This involves getting people to talk about your fine art to their friends, family, and colleagues.
You can do a few things to encourage word-of-mouth marketing, such as exhibiting your work in local galleries or art shows, providing high-quality customer service, and ensuring your prices are fair.
It’s also a good idea to create marketing materials such as postcards, business cards, brochures, or flyers that people can pass on to their friends.
Create An Online Portfolio Of Your Best Artwork
Creating an online portfolio is one of the most important things to market your work if you’re an artist. This will allow potential buyers to see a selection of your best artwork and learn more about your style and process.
When creating your portfolio, it’s essential to ensure that it’s easy to navigate and that the images are high quality. You should also include a brief bio or artist statement and pricing information.
It’s a good idea to keep your portfolio up-to-date, so make sure to add new pieces as you create them. And be sure to share it with your family, friends, and followers on social media and blog posts.
Develop A Pricing Strategy
When pricing your artwork, you must consider a few factors, such as the cost of materials, the amount of time you spent on the piece, and how much you think the buyer is willing to pay. It would be best to ensure that your prices align with those of other artists in your field.
It can be helpful to come up with a range of prices for each piece so you have some options for buyers on a tight budget. You may also want to consider offering discounts for larger orders.
It’s important to be flexible regarding pricing to adjust your rates depending on the market conditions. If there’s a glut of art in your genre, you may want to lower your prices to stand out from the competition.
The best way to get started is to research the online marketplace for artwork similar to yours. The information you gather will be a good starting point for your pricing strategy.
Related Ebook: Art Pricing Guide – How to Price Art to Sell
Participate In Art Fairs And Festivals
Another great way to market your artwork is by participating in art fairs and festivals. These events are an excellent opportunity to get exposure to your work, meet new people, and sell some pieces.
When choosing which festivals or fairs to participate in, you must consider your target audience and the type of art you create. It would be best to ensure that the event is well-organized and has a good reputation.
It’s usually a good idea to have a few original paintings along with reproductions on hand for sale, as buyers are more likely to buy artwork if they can take it home with them immediately.
Partner With A Local Gallery
If you’re looking for a more long-term way to market your art, one option is to partner with a local gallery. This could involve displaying your work on the gallery’s premises or working together on joint exhibitions.
Gallery owners are typically well-connected in the art world, so they can provide you with valuable feedback and advice. They can also help to promote your work to a broader audience.
Grow Your Audience With Social Media
Use social media to reach a broader audience and build relationships with potential buyers. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great ways to share your work with many people.
Post regularly and use hashtags to help people find your work. You can also run contests or giveaways to attract attention to your page.
Be sure to connect with other artists on social media, as they can provide valuable feedback and help to promote your work. If you plan to market your art on social media, you must create a business Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Selling Reproductions And Licensing Art
Consider selling prints or licensed reproductions of your work. This can be a great way to generate income from pieces that have already been sold, allowing you to reach new audiences who might not otherwise see your art.
Many different reproductions are available today, including posters and greeting cards. You may also want to think about licensing your artwork for use in advertising or other commercial applications.
Sell Commissions
Many visual artists make a living by selling commissions. This involves creating artwork for clients who provide a brief or concept and then paying the artist for their work.
Commissioned artwork can be a great way to get exposure to new audiences, and it can be a lot of fun to work on projects that are different from your usual style.
When pricing commissions, it’s essential to consider the cost of materials, the amount of time it will take to complete the project, and how much the client is willing to pay. It’s also important to be fair to both the artist and the client.
It’s a good idea to have an art portfolio of previous work available for potential clients to view. This can help them get an idea of the type of work you do and the level of quality they can expect.
Start A Blog Or Website
A great way to build a following for your art is by starting a blog or website. This gives you a place to share your work, show your artistic skills, and share your thoughts on the art world.
It’s also great to network with fellow artists and art lovers. You can share your work on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, but having a blog or website is more professional and gives visitors an easy way to contact you if they have any comments or questions about your art.
Many services can help with this process if you’re unsure how to create a blog. Squarespace is a popular option and has templates designed specifically for artists.
Final Thoughts About How Artists Can Make Money
Regardless of your marketing methods, it’s essential to remain consistent and dedicated to achieving the best results. By setting realistic goals and developing a well-thought-out marketing strategy, it is possible to develop different ways to make money as an artist, like selling online classes, prints, and original artwork, and monetizing an art blog. Diversifying how you sell your art can increase your income and reach a wider audience. These are just a few strategies artists can use to make money from their work.
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