Marketing your art is a key part of being an artist. Your goal may be to create art, but unless you let people know about your work, no one will see it. Ensuring that your creations reach the right audience and potential buyers is essential if you wish to succeed as an artist.
Promoting your art should not be a frustrating task — the most important thing is to have a clear goal in mind. If you are an upcoming artist, you may want to focus on building your reputation locally. Once that has been achieved, it’s time to move to the next stage. From social media practices to building a website, this article explores some key tips on how to promote your art.
1. Use your portfolio
To develop a strong portfolio, you first need to create good work — this is the foundation of your career. From there, it becomes easier to build a personal brand. A well-curated portfolio simplifies things when entering competitions or community projects. An eye-catching collection of your work will naturally attract the right audience.
2. Network
Building relationships within the art community and creating meaningful connections is one of the best ways to promote your art. Every new contact can open doors to opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise. The best places to network are at workshops, art fairs, and creative events in your local area.
3. Look for representation
Working alone can be overwhelming, so it’s always good to seek help when needed. Gaining representation from an art gallery is one of the best ways to boost your career. Galleries handle exhibitions, art fairs, and client relations — both local and international — allowing you to focus more on your creative process while they handle the business side.
4. Make the best use of technology
The advancement of technology has made promoting art easier than ever. At an event, visitors may see a few of your works — but online, they can view your entire collection. Having a website, blog, or social media presence on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can open new opportunities. Embrace technology and use it to your full advantage!
5. Participate in art competitions
Emerging artists can benefit greatly from participating in art competitions. These platforms provide exposure and recognition in the art world. Many competitions are known for discovering and promoting talented new artists — and can even serve as a springboard for your career.
6. Sell art online
Once you’ve built your portfolio and established your website or social media platform, the next step is to sell your art online. Visitors who admire your work will naturally want to purchase it — so make it easy for them. Selling online is an excellent way to increase revenue. Once your audience is interested, setting up an online store ensures you never miss out on potential sales.
Aartzy (2021)
