5 tips to establish yourself as an artist
Any artist who is interested in marketing and selling their work in galleries, art festivals, or online should know a few things before getting started. This article will discuss five main components that beginning artists should think about before embarking on their journey as successful artists. The first is to believe in yourself. The second is to create works of art that are sold and the third to become a business. Lastly, find a place to sell your work that helps you build your name and credibility. Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Believe in yourself. One of the most common negative traits that many artists have is not believing that they are good enough artists. This is a bunch of bologna. If you have sold any artwork, it is good enough. You may have to work on some things, but you have to start believing in yourself. I know an artist named Eric McCray who said he put up a “Believe in yourself” sign until he became the artist he wanted to be. So please believe in yourself and tell all the negative thoughts in your head to shut up!
2. Create works of art. Create 20 to 30 works of art that are consistent with each other. Don’t paint landscapes, pet portraits, or abstracts. Pick your niche and stick with it! When collectors and galleries see your work, they look for consistency. Show that you are a professional. He also creates art that he sells. Don’t create art that is dull, boring, or dark. People like to feel lively, so create your art accordingly.
3. Become a business. Become a business. Get business cards, business licenses, separate checking accounts, etc. The worst thing you can do is be at an art show and you don’t have a business card. You are completely missing out on sales. Next, get a website to help you promote yourself as an artist. Websites are pretty inexpensive these days and can be easily set up in no time. Also, read information on how to start a business and have an entrepreneurial mindset. Selling art is not just about applying to art shows, selling on Etsy, and being represented in art galleries, but about endlessly promoting yourself using various marketing strategies that will help boost your business. I encourage you to read more books on marketing and selling as much as you read books on creating art. This will help you develop the right mindset to run a successful business.
4. Find places to sell your work. Apply to art exhibitions, art festivals, gift shops, galleries and the like. Do not go to libraries, coffee shops, or restaurants. People don’t go to these places to buy art. Like real estate where location is king, the same goes for finding places to sell your work. You have to place your art in front of people who would be willing to buy your art without any problem. Be sure to consider locations that are conducive to your market. You also want to put your art in front of people who belong to your niche. If you paint birds, you may want to sell them at bird shows or various gift shops. Since I paint pictures of musicians playing different instruments, I apply to music festivals. Do you see what I’m trying to get to?
5. Create a name for yourself. When you start selling your work at festivals, galleries, or online, put your brand in motion. Market yourself in such a way that when people think of art, or your niche, they think of you. The more you expose your art to people, the more likely galleries and other art venues will seek it out. You can also build your name by giving yourself a nickname like “the bird painter” if you paint birds. This could serve as your brand when building your customer base. I use a catchphrase that says “Jazz Up Your Life” as I paint musicians who play jazz. Whenever I do an outdoor show, I have a sign with that slogan on top of my tent. People respond very well.
Using all of these tips can create a huge impact for anyone trying to sell their artwork in their local area. There is a wealth of information that you will mention many of these tips over and over again simply because they work. The more you focus on creating art without planning how to market and sell your artwork, the more you lose. So please follow these tips and move on to become not only a good artist, but a successful sales artist.