Art is a treasured form of expression, with people conveying many thoughts and feelings through the medium. Sharing that with others by building an art business can initially feel daunting. However, it’s also a fulfilling experience to give a piece of yourself to people and generate revenue from your passions.
Finalizing your art is a key initial step in setting the tone for the rest of your business. Aside from making it for yourself, you’re now creating with your audience and future customers in mind. This can also influence your business’s image in the long run.
Many beautiful art forms exist, from sculptures to ceramics. Paintings are also a popular medium, both among artists and art enthusiasts. About 66% of U.S. adults love abstract and surreal styles, but many also appreciate pop and digital art.
Pinpoint what art form you feel the most comfortable with. You may have to focus on honing your technique first if you wish to pursue a new medium. There’s also the case for creating your own personal style to stand out from the market.
When you're just starting out, pick out a few select pieces to offer. A catalog could help you present a cohesive set of options to potential buyers. Exclusivity is also a great foundation for your business moving forward while preserving your work’s overall value.
Remember — what you put out will be a trademark of who you are as an artist. Japanese artist Hirsute Yabes uses reclaimed wood to build figurative sculptures that are both rusting and charming. Costa Rican-born artist and designer Juli Bolaños-Durman has a studio focused on modifying and repurposing abandoned glass artifacts to give them new life.
Creating art is an investment. Make sure to price your offerings to cover your expenses. You should also consider profit, compensating for your time, labor and talent.
Logistics is also vital to consider in the process. Customers likely won’t view your art as marketable if it comes in tatters due to shipping problems. Work with a reputable carrier and focus on adding protective packaging to your works.
Once you have your art sorted out, create an online presence solely for your business. This will build distinction for the professional side of your online persona.
Social media networks such as Facebook, X and Instagram are great for posting your works of art. You can share pictures of your work in progress, some behind-the-scenes shots of your conceptualizing and other personal experiences when building your art business.
Creatives may also be interested in joining more professional-focused social media sites like LinkedIn. That way, you can connect with fellow artists and art business owners. Exchange your knowledge with one another and build a network you can lean on.
A seller profile on online marketplaces is a great way to build more presence. Depending on the algorithm, your listings could get recommended to interested customers. If you want to stay within social media, Facebook and Instagram each have shop features. Stand-alone sites like Etsy and Amazon are also popular for art businesses.
Consider creating a website to use as a hub to showcase your artwork. You can also use it to sell your offerings. There are more than 26 million e-commerce websites, so you’ll want to create a unique, user-friendly interface to stand out. Take advantage of platforms such as Shopify and Wix to customize your site’s look.
The key to turning your art into a successful business is to be vigilant. It takes time for your work to gain the recognition it deserves. Walt Disney's cartoon business went bankrupt and was rejected over 300 times before he got funding for his animations.
Tying your passions with business is a delicate line, as it makes you all the more determined to succeed. Remember to keep your love for your creations alive and to be involved with the business side of things. The accomplishments will follow suit.
Your first art launch is a significant milestone for your art business. Pick out what you want to include in your initial collection and bring it to life by putting the listings online. You can add discounts for early buyers as a treat for followers intent on supporting you. If some pieces stay on the shelf, you can keep them and re-release them in future collections.
Remember to keep track of your metrics as your art business takes off. Order fulfillment is a great way to focus on customer retention and acquisition in the long run. You can also examine your social media following and engagement details. If you need qualitative data, seek customer feedback and reviews.
Many people preach about the importance of building a business around what you love. Sharing your art with other people and getting a new source of income is a whole new world. Take the journey slowly and discover new things about yourself and your creations along the way. Good luck!
Cover Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
* This post is written in collaboration with our guest contributor, who has financially supported its publication.
Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.
