As an artist it is naturally a little out of your comfort zone to want to treat your craft as a business and leave it to the experts or galleries to present what is best for you. This however is no longer the only way for an artist to achieve sales and it is rather healthier for you to take control and be in charge of where your creations should be flourishing. Taking baby steps is where you would want to start and these are the simple ways where you can achieve momentum to building yourself a business.
What’s In The Name?
It will be the starting point to what you are creating on pencil and paper very much like when you start on an art project. Never mind the number of times you may have to erase errors but the important fact is to start and just like a beta test be prepared for trial and errors until you find what works for you. Think of a brand name or use your original name and make it stand out with a difference. The privilege you have as an artist is that ideas come to you faster than it does for most people so use that skill in your business
What Are You Selling?
This may seem obvious but you may be surprised to know that it takes more than a pretty picture to sell art. Your audience want value to what your art represents so make it a story they can relate to and have an emotional connection with. It all says in the name of your creations for example the name Blush would naturally relate to women and femininity or Gold Prosperity would relate to Feng Shui and good luck that appeals a lot to the eastern culture. On a tangible note be clear to what form of material you are selling meaning are you going to repeatedly paint the similar piece and sell your originals or are your prints at a greater chance of reaching wider.
How, Where and Who?
These are your priority so it is important like all other businesses you must have a plan in action. Once you have your name and type of art product you obviously want to start selling but how and where are you going to deliver this to and who are your fans. If you have never sold your art or feel this is an intimidating process, then start by giving it away for free and that is how you test your market and responses. Start making art for the people closest to you and it will give you the confidence you need to gradually exchange your product for money. In the mean time you can take it a step further and build your fan base on social media by taking pictures of your art and getting yourself exposure. You will be very pleased to see your target market growing when people like what they see.
Cost Saving on Manufacturing
It is costly to hire a professional photographer to take photos of your art and digitally display it on your website or use for merchandise printing on platforms like etsy.com and zazzle.com so the easiest thing to do for starters is paint your creations on a smaller canvas and take it to your local printers or if you have a good machine then scan it, upload it on Photoshop and print it out in A4. You may need your friends and family who are good with digital to help you on image resolution and colour enhancement etc.
Learn and Keep Growing
Keep evolving your art and business to make you money and utilise as much social media platforms, weekend classes and workshops that have these courses. In sharing these I have prepared a free gift you can achieve momentum to building yourself an artistic venture, simply visit ln.julierekha.com/6ways and find your inspiration within your life stories because as an artist and creative person this is your natural born talent. Know that we are co-creators simply conveying a story in our paintings therefore you can also expand by getting involved with your local council or school hall that provide artistic professional development. Do what it takes to be the best you can be as a person whose life purpose is that of an artist because “a true artist inspires” (Salvador Dali).
