By : Alex Alagon
If you decide to sell your artwork on your own, it can be a smart choice. You’ll keep all the profits,and you’ll gain valuable experience in marketing and sales. Let’s start with the basics of marketing your artwork. Marketing is the process of making your art known to potential buyers. Your target audience is the group of people who might be interested in your work. At this stage, you’re not selling your art yet; you’re simply telling the world about your valuable products or services. So,where can you make your art known?
There are physical and online places where you can promote your art. Physical venues include art exhibits or art markets, where people can see and touch your work. If you join these physical
events, organizers might take a small commission on sales, but it’s usually less than what galleries charge. You can even organize your own art exhibit at your home or find spaces in offices, coffee shops, or restaurants to display and sell your art. These places often appreciate having art on their walls, and it’s like having your own mini-gallery in multiple locations.
On the digital side, there are various websites to market your work. You can use free social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram,Tiktok, Linkedin, Twitter (now X), and YouTube. If you have some extra funds, you can create your own website with your unique design. But having a website alone doesn’t mean you’re marketing; people need to know it exists. You have to actively promote your website, which takes effort.
Share your latest artwork, exhibitions, thoughts about your art, and other valuable content. The goal is not just to entertain but to provide value to your audience. Don’t worry if you have only a few likes when you start; your goal is to find potential buyers. Keep in mind that it might take years before you see significant results, but remember, even giants like Facebook and Amazon took time to become successful.
Converting marketing efforts into actual sales is another challenge. You might be wondering why your marketing efforts have not translated into sales. Sales happen when people see a need or desire for your product or service. People are cautious online because of scams and fraud, so your website needs to appear trustworthy and reliable. Building that trust takes time.
Selling can be tough, but it gets easier when you have a good reputation. The first client is crucial, and how you handle their experience matters. If they have a positive experience, they may recommend you to others. Success in your art business is determined by these interactions.
In summary, success doesn’t come overnight. It takes hard work, learning from failures, and perseverance. Don’t be discouraged by negative critics. If you keep going, stay passionate, stay motivated, and continue to improve your craft, you can reach your goals. Remember, it’s your determination and effort that will make it happen, not the opinions of others.
