So, you've poured your heart and soul into creating beautiful artworks, and now you're ready to share it with the world – and maybe even turn your passion into a thriving business.Â
But for many aspiring artists, jumping into a business can feel overwhelming. There is so much you need to learn and do - from pricing your artworks to building a website and social media - that you don’t know where to start.
Maybe you even tried presenting your art to various audiences, but you are only getting compliments, but no sales…
The good news is, with the right approach, selling your art online can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. This guide will walk you through the 7 essential steps, helping you transition from creating art to creating a sustainable art career.Â
Let’s begin!
1. Learn About The Art Market & Your Audience
Understanding how the art market works and what triggers people to buy - is a key to success.
Research popular online art platforms, observe the bestsellers, and identify potential customer demographics.
Knowing this will help you target your marketing efforts and attract the right collectors for your work.
2. Build a Portfolio with Consistent Quality
Creating a strong portfolio is essential for showcasing your talent and establishing yourself as an artist.
Focus on building a sizeable body of work that reflects your artistic style and vision. Consistency in quality is key!
Whether you create paintings, digital illustrations, or handcrafted pieces, ensure your portfolio represents your best work and offers variety within your chosen style.
3. Craft a Business Plan & Price Strategically
Developing a business plan helps you set goals, track progress, and manage your finances effectively.
Consider your material costs, studio space needs (if applicable), and desired profit margin when pricing your artwork.
Research similar pieces on popular online platforms to get a sense of market value. Remember, competitive pricing doesn't mean undervaluing your artistry!
4. Understand Business & Marketing Basics
Building a successful art business demands a basic understanding of marketing principles.
Familiarize yourself with social media strategies tailored to artists. Learn about captivating product photography and writing compelling descriptions for your online art listings.
Consider attending online workshops or webinars on artist marketing to further improve your skills. You are about to become an art entrepreneur, so understanding business principles is key!
5. Build Your Own Online Art Gallery
Whether you decide to sell through any platforms or not, you will definitely need your own website to showcase your art and building one is not as difficult as it may seem.
Third party platforms like Shopify offer user-friendly tools for creating stunning online galleries with built-in e-commerce functionalities.
Popular online art marketplaces like Etsy or Saatchi Art might be a good starting point for beginners as well, allowing you to leverage an existing customer base.
6. Streamline Operations - Packaging, Shipping & Payments
Once you receive your first order, having a streamlined operational process ensures a positive experience for both you and the buyer.
Invest in secure packaging materials to protect your artwork during transit.
Research shipping options and offer competitive rates.
Choose a reliable and secure payment processing system to make transactions smooth for your customers.
7. Market Your Art & Grow Your Audience
Now that your online gallery is up and running, it's time to spread the word!
Utilize social media platforms to showcase your art and engage with potential buyers.
Consider running targeted online advertisements to reach a wider audience.
Regularly post updates and engage with your online community.Â
Consistency is key!
Building a successful online art business takes time, dedication, and continuous learning.
If you'd like to fast-track your journey and benefit from my experience, check out my eBook!
My passion for art started young, but I initially pursued a successful career in marketing and PR. After relocating, I launched ArtGoda.com, my online gallery, and discovered a critical gap – artists needed guidance on building their careers and selling their work.
This realization, coupled with my 15+ years of marketing expertise and my own experience selling over 150 pieces, inspired my mission to empower artists through education and resources.
After Reading My Ebook "Can Art Sell?" you will:
- Gain insider knowledge on how the art market operates.
- Learn proven business and marketing strategies to effectively reach your ideal collectors.
- Craft a rock-solid strategic plan to kickstart your artistic career.
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