I want to make a case for artists who are considering selling their art or for art lovers who want to build a business around art. My heart is deeply invested in this topic, and while I’ll be the first to admit that running an art business is far from an easy road, it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding paths to pursue. That said, I don’t believe it’s the right fit for everyone, especially for artists. But let’s take a look and see if it’s a good one for you!
Many artists make the mistake of assuming that because they love creating art so much, selling it is a natural next step. They think, "If I sell my art, I’ll have more time to create." On the surface, this plan seems reasonable, but the reality of selling art brings a myriad of challenges. First, you need to learn how to sell art. Then, as you become more consistent in selling, you might find that creating art doesn’t feel as free and fulfilling as it did before. And if the business does take off, you might end up spending more time managing the business than making art, which can defeat the original purpose of your artistic journey.
I know there’s no shortage of advice on how to sell art today, especially with the abundance of resources available through social media. Yet, it’s ironic that despite the art sector being a billion-dollar industry, many professionals still struggle with financial stability. While substantial sums of money circulate among a select group of artists, galleries, and institutions, independent artists often grapple with financial uncertainty. This challenge arises from various factors: many are just starting out, art schools don’t always prepare students for the business side, marketing and social media can be overwhelming, and building relationships with collectors or establishing a solid business infrastructure can be daunting.
Let’s pause and reflect on a fundamental truth: art is fundamentally meant to represent people’s life experience or life perception. Many enter the art world with personal ambitions, whether as creators eager to spend their time making art or as entrepreneurs who see a market for art and wish to connect artists (suppliers) with buyers (demand). This isn’t to say that everyone in the art world is driven solely by self-interest. However, there is a palpable sense that the art sector is fractured, with each entity seeking its own advantage, when in reality, the most important aspect should be to enhance people’s lives through art. The true impact of art is its ability to increase emotional intelligence. If we embraced art’s power to nurture emotional intelligence and self-awareness, the perception and value of art would shift significantly on a global scale.
If you’re passionate about creating art and believe in its potential to impact lives, here’s a straightforward approach to selling your work effectively: make it others-oriented. If you are ready to make art for the sole purpose of making someone else’s life, then you’re on the right track! It’s a simple switch that doesn’t always flip for most art business owners, and if you make this change of perception and define your ‘why’ around the focus of being others-oriented, you will increase your sense of fulfillment (and therefore perseverance) in the longevity of your career.
But there are two very important, practical elements that need to be “others-oriented”: the emotional message of the artwork AND the business infrastructure for them to acquire the artwork.
For the emotional message, the heart of successful art sales is a deep understanding of how your art makes OTHERS feel and provides them with insight into their own emotions, even before they recognize them themselves. Artists are like tourist guides, bridging the journey between subconscious to consciousness. Art isn’t just about the creator’s vision; it’s about how that vision translates into an experience for the viewer. Develop a concept that reflects an awareness of your audience’s emotional and psychological needs. When you create with empathy and insight into how people perceive themselves and their world, your art becomes more than just a product. Art as an object is not inherently valuable to buy. However, when art symbolizes the value someone perceives of their life story or identity, it becomes a great investment!
Now, when making the business side of your art sales others-oriented, that means the system for them to acquire your artwork must be user-friendly. No one wants to invest in something that’s a hassle to obtain. Make it easy, transparent, and effortless. Ensure your art business has a seamless infrastructure, including e-commerce, accurate images, detailed descriptions of the artwork, multiple payment options, a clear shipping expectation, and an estimated delivery date. To top it off, provide a considerate Terms and Conditions policy, explaining how any issues in the process will be courteously handled.
Selling your art should be thoughtful, mindful, and others-oriented. Very demure :)
Ultimately, the goal of selling art is to forge meaningful connections with your audience. Understand that your art has the power to enrich others’ lives, and embrace this purpose in your approach to selling. By focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of your work, you can transform your passion into a successful and fulfilling business. But also, if you don’t want to sell Art, you’re no less of an Artist. Since the whole value of Art is based on who experiences it, as an Artist, it might be just to fulfill your experience of creating art. And that’s a fulfillment in it of itself!
The art sector desperately needs to showcase art as an experience that can truly awaken emotional intelligence in the world! The basics of selling art begin with having a good reason to sell it. ;)
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