The Starving Artist’s Guide to Success

The Artist’s Way: A Guide to Making a Living by Making Art

So you want to be an independent artist. You want to make a living doing what you love, without having to answer to anyone. You want to be your own boss, create your own work, and set your own hours.

It’s not easy, but it’s possible. I’ve been doing it for years, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

First, you need to be good at what you do. This is obvious, but it’s worth repeating. If you’re not good at your art, then no one is going to want to buy it. So practice, practice, practice.

Second, you need to be productive. This means creating new work on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be a lot of work, but it should be consistent. The more work you create, the more opportunities you have to sell it.

Third, you need to market yourself. This means getting your work out there and in front of people. You can do this by creating a website, blogging, posting on social media, and networking with other artists.

Fourth, you need to be persistent. It takes time to build a following and start selling your work. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep creating, marketing, and networking, and eventually you’ll start to see success.

Now, let’s talk about some practical advice on how to market and sell your art.

Marketing

Creating a website or blog

Your website or blog is your online home base. It’s where people can go to learn more about you, your art, and how to buy your work. Make sure your website is well-designed and easy to navigate. Include high-quality images of your work, as well as information about your process, your inspiration, and your story.

Posting on social media

Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and promote your work. Post regularly on the platforms where your target audience is most active. Share photos and videos of your work, as well as links to your website and blog. You can also use social media to run contests and giveaways, and to offer discounts and promotions.

Networking with other artists

Networking with other artists is a great way to get your work seen by more people. Attend art shows and events, and connect with other artists online and in person. Collaborate on projects, and promote each other’s work.

Reaching out to media outlets

If you have a newsworthy story to share, or if you’ve created a particularly noteworthy piece of art, reach out to media outlets. Let them know about your work and see if they’re interested in writing about you. This is a great way to get your work in front of a wider audience.

Selling

Selling your work online

There are many different platforms where you can sell your art online. Some popular options include Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Fine Art America. When choosing a platform, consider the following factors:

• Fees: Some platforms charge listing fees, transaction fees, or both. Be sure to compare fees before you choose a platform.
• Audience: Consider the type of art you create and the audience you’re trying to reach. Some platforms are better suited for certain types of art than others.
• Features: Some platforms offer more features than others, such as the ability to create a custom storefront or to track sales and inventory.

Selling your work at art shows and craft fairs

Art shows and craft fairs are a great way to meet potential customers and sell your work in person. When setting up your booth, be sure to:

• Display your work prominently. Use easels and other display materials to make your work stand out.
• Have plenty of business cards and brochures on hand. This will make it easy for potential customers to contact you and learn more about your work.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your work. Be able to talk about your process, your inspiration, and the materials you use.
• Be friendly and approachable. People are more likely to buy from you if they feel like they know you and like you.

Selling your work to galleries and boutiques

If you can get your work into a gallery or boutique, it will be seen by more people and you’ll have a better chance of selling it. To find galleries and boutiques that are interested in your work, do some research online and visit local galleries in person.

When approaching a gallery or boutique, be sure to have a professional portfolio of your work. Be prepared to talk about your work and your goals. Also, be prepared to negotiate commission rates with the gallery or boutique.

Taking commissions

Taking commissions is a great way to make money and build a loyal customer base. When taking commissions, be sure to:

• Get everything in writing. This includes the scope of work, the timeline, the budget, and the payment terms.
• Be clear about your process and your expectations. Let the client know how you work and what to expect in terms of communication and updates.
• Deliver the work on time and on budget. If there are any delays or changes to the budget, be sure to communicate with the client immediately.

Things to consider on your journey

Don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone fails at some point. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own unique journey. Focus on your own goals and don’t worry about what other people are doing.

Have fun! If you’re not enjoying yourself, then what’s the point? Art should be fun. So relax, create, and enjoy the journey.

Making it as an independent artist is not easy, but it’s possible. If you’re good at what you do, productive, persistent, and willing to market and sell your work, then you have a good chance of success.

Here are some additional tips to help you on your journey:

• Find your niche. What kind of art do you enjoy creating the most? What are you passionate about? Once you know what your niche is, you can start to target your marketing efforts to people who are interested in that type of art.
• Be professional. This means things like responding to emails promptly, delivering your work on time, and being easy to work with. It also means presenting yourself professionally, both online and in person.
• Offer excellent customer service. This means being responsive to inquiries, resolving any problems quickly and efficiently, and going the extra mile to make your customers happy.
• Use relevant keywords throughout your website and social media content. This will help people find your work when they search for those keywords online.
• Run targeted ads on social media and search engines. This is a great way to reach people who are already interested in the type of art you create.
• Offer discounts and promotions to your followers and subscribers. This is a great way to incentivize people to buy your work.
• Participate in art challenges and contests. This is a fun way to get your work seen by more people and to win prizes.
• Partner with other businesses in your community. For example, you could partner with a local coffee shop to display your work or with a boutique to sell your handmade jewelry.
• Offer a variety of products. In addition to selling original artwork, you can also sell prints, reproductions, and other products, such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. This will give your customers more options to choose from and will make it more likely that they’ll find something they like.
• Price your work fairly. Do some research to see what other artists in your niche are charging for similar work. You don’t want to undervalue yourself, but you also don’t want to price your work so high that no one can afford it.

Making it as an independent artist takes time, effort, and dedication. But if you’re passionate about your art and you’re willing to put in the work, it’s definitely possible to achieve your goals.