4 answers
Emily
Student
Hancock, Michigan
2
Questions
Updated
345 views
How do you reach people as an artist?
I am a high school senior, going on to major in Studio Art in university. I know that it is hard to make it as an artist, so I would like tips on how to be the most successful! How do you get noticed? How do you start a business for your art?
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4 answers
Joseph Spirtos
Enter art contests
13
Answers
Poland, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey there! You could try setting up your own website where people can view your art for free. You can also try promoting your art with old fashioned business cards! You should also try promoting on social media. I suggest a public page where everyone can view your work!
Isabella De La Garza
graphic designer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Isabella’s Answer
Hey there! The first thing I'd suggest is (if you haven't already) to start with personal branding. Define your art style! Ex: If you were to line up a bunch of art, the viewer should recognize which one is yours. After that, you should think about making a website/insta dedicated to your art because that's how people will find you! For me, making stickers helped me get recognized even more because everyone loves a free sticker and I just put my handle or site on the back/front. You can make some really good ones from this website thestickerapp.com or you can make them at home! Also USE LINKEDIN!! Gain connections!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Pragya Tripathi
1
Answer
Updated
Pragya’s Answer
Hi Emily!
First of all, I really admire your courage. It’s not easy to follow your passion, especially when society doesn’t always support it.
Now to answer your question — art is all about expression. It’s a way to tell your story to the world. Every person is unique, and that means your story is special too. So instead of only thinking about how to be the most successful, try to focus on how you can share your story in the best and most honest way.
You can start by using social media — platforms like Instagram and YouTube are great. Share your artwork, make videos of your process, and if you enjoy writing, talk about what your art means to you. This will help people connect with you and your work on a deeper level.
I truly believe you’ll do amazing things! Wishing you lots of love and success ahead!
First of all, I really admire your courage. It’s not easy to follow your passion, especially when society doesn’t always support it.
Now to answer your question — art is all about expression. It’s a way to tell your story to the world. Every person is unique, and that means your story is special too. So instead of only thinking about how to be the most successful, try to focus on how you can share your story in the best and most honest way.
You can start by using social media — platforms like Instagram and YouTube are great. Share your artwork, make videos of your process, and if you enjoy writing, talk about what your art means to you. This will help people connect with you and your work on a deeper level.
I truly believe you’ll do amazing things! Wishing you lots of love and success ahead!
Lydia Nong
Artist
1
Answer
Des Moines, Iowa
Updated
Lydia’s Answer
Hi Emily. Great question! I graduated with a BFA in studio arts a couple of years ago, and I will say, building your audience is a constant effort that every artist has (even well established artists). Your university will be great help with this, but I will also give you my personal advice from experience.
There are many ways to build your audience:
1. Social Media Presence
The world is much more connected online than it ever has been before. How often do you go to Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy, etc. to find cool art? Every other person is the same way! I would recommend creating a public business account on your preferred social media platform (mine is Instagram, but TikTok is also a great choice). You can also start a blog. People love seeing the behind-the-scenes of artists. Post photos and videos about your progress, what inspires you, what tools you use, unique techniques, finished pieces, what you're selling, events you will be selling your work at, etc. Dedicate this account only to thing related to your artwork as businesses may use this as a reference for your work as well. Also, be active! Like, comment, and share other artists posts. Not only will you create connections, the algorithm will see you being active and boost your views. There are lots of different platforms you can be a part of, but remember this: you don't need to do it all. You need to do it well.
2. Website
Where can people find your work and know more about you? Ultimately, your social media, business cards, resumes will point towards your website. I personally use my website as a portfolio of all of my work and as a CV for businesses to view. It is also helpful to have a shop on your website where people can buy your work. Your website should be clean and organized for people to navigate easily, and you don't have to use super fancy website builders easy (Wix, Canva, WordPress). If you need help figuring out how to structure your website, look at other artists websites! This is super helpful in many other aspects of being an artist. It's not frowned upon and often encouraged. Pick a few popular artists that you like and that makes similar works, and see how they run their business.
3. Events
You gotta put yourself out there! There are so many opportunities for artists to showcase your work. You can put yourself on an email list for opportunities. Artwork Archive has an amazing selection of trusted opportunities. Typically, the state that you reside in will have a board dedicated to posting about local opportunities. It is very valuable to establish a local presence by getting to know your local artists and businesses. Small businesses like to support small businesses, and artists are small business! Are there farmer's markets, art fairs, pop-up markets in your area that you can be a part of? Check out your local galleries as well. Be involved in your community as well. Volunteer at these events and get to know the people running them. You'll be surprised how easy it is to network with creatives. Plus, they will know other people on their level with more opportunities you can be a part of.
4. Juried Exhibitions
When looking at opportunities, apply for juried shows. These are competitive exhibitions where a judge or panel of judges (most likely the judges are well-known artists) selects art to be displayed in a show. You don't have to stick to your location. I have been accepted into national and international shows. Juried shows look pretty dang nice on a resume. Disclaimer: it is not guaranteed that you will be accepted into every juried show that you apply for. Sometimes, judges are looking for a very specific line of work. While they do try to be as unbiased as they can, they still have preferences. Never be discouraged if you aren't accepted. If it is a show that repeats monthly/yearly, apply again! I am regularly denied from juried exhibits, but that doesn't mean I don't get accepted the next time I apply for them. This can take a little bit of money to apply, but it is worth it in the long run. Art eccentrics often look for juried shows as the work tends to be better selected. Also, these shows will most likely have cash prizes for Best-of-Show and Runner Ups.
Note: There are a lot of scams and frauds posing as good opportunities, and it can be hard to decipher who is trustworthy. Look at reviews on reddit for shows and see what people are saying about it. If a show is ONLY online, I would stay away from it. If you have to pay a lot to be a part of it, don't even think about it. Real opportunities rarely ask for your financial information upfront. Look through the details of the show. Check the fee-to-award ratio. The entry fee should be much lower than the award fee. Trusted opportunities will be transparent and have all of the possible payments listed out in their event description. These pay-to-play organizations are considered vanity galleries/publications. These don't look good on a resume. Even if they have a legitimate exhibit, the work they show are not good quality and typically don't have a judge/juror selecting the pieces.
4. Open Studios
If you happen to get your own studio space, host open studios! Open studios provide a great marketing and networking opportunity through deeper engagement with the public. Again, people like to see what happens behind the scenes--what your workspace looks like. This is a great time to talk to your visitors about your personal journey and about the works that you are currently making and plan to make. It is quite common for artist studios to be in their house. You can still host open studios in your home, but it will be up to you do decide how much of your personal life the public can see. Otherwise, you can visit other artists' open studios! This is a great opportunity to create connections with artists in your area.
Final Remarks:
In terms of starting your business, check the requirement for the state you reside in. For me, I needed to register for a trade name (this is usually filed with the secretary of state), sales and use tax, my EIN number, and established myself as a sole proprietorship (do some research on this one. Depending on what type of work you will make, you may want to be an LLC instead of a sole proprietor). Most/all of this stuff isn't needed while you are in college, so you don't need to stress about it right now.
Find your community and be active and consistent in it! Figure out who your audience is. Start with your contact list. Your closest people can be your greatest supporters. Keep in contact with your customers. Writing thankyou letters and emailing newsletters can turn new customers into loyal ones. Communication is key! Lastly, you only fail once you have given up. You can be turned away, disheartened, stuck, but success finds itself in those who are willing to push past and keep trying.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
There are many ways to build your audience:
1. Social Media Presence
The world is much more connected online than it ever has been before. How often do you go to Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy, etc. to find cool art? Every other person is the same way! I would recommend creating a public business account on your preferred social media platform (mine is Instagram, but TikTok is also a great choice). You can also start a blog. People love seeing the behind-the-scenes of artists. Post photos and videos about your progress, what inspires you, what tools you use, unique techniques, finished pieces, what you're selling, events you will be selling your work at, etc. Dedicate this account only to thing related to your artwork as businesses may use this as a reference for your work as well. Also, be active! Like, comment, and share other artists posts. Not only will you create connections, the algorithm will see you being active and boost your views. There are lots of different platforms you can be a part of, but remember this: you don't need to do it all. You need to do it well.
2. Website
Where can people find your work and know more about you? Ultimately, your social media, business cards, resumes will point towards your website. I personally use my website as a portfolio of all of my work and as a CV for businesses to view. It is also helpful to have a shop on your website where people can buy your work. Your website should be clean and organized for people to navigate easily, and you don't have to use super fancy website builders easy (Wix, Canva, WordPress). If you need help figuring out how to structure your website, look at other artists websites! This is super helpful in many other aspects of being an artist. It's not frowned upon and often encouraged. Pick a few popular artists that you like and that makes similar works, and see how they run their business.
3. Events
You gotta put yourself out there! There are so many opportunities for artists to showcase your work. You can put yourself on an email list for opportunities. Artwork Archive has an amazing selection of trusted opportunities. Typically, the state that you reside in will have a board dedicated to posting about local opportunities. It is very valuable to establish a local presence by getting to know your local artists and businesses. Small businesses like to support small businesses, and artists are small business! Are there farmer's markets, art fairs, pop-up markets in your area that you can be a part of? Check out your local galleries as well. Be involved in your community as well. Volunteer at these events and get to know the people running them. You'll be surprised how easy it is to network with creatives. Plus, they will know other people on their level with more opportunities you can be a part of.
4. Juried Exhibitions
When looking at opportunities, apply for juried shows. These are competitive exhibitions where a judge or panel of judges (most likely the judges are well-known artists) selects art to be displayed in a show. You don't have to stick to your location. I have been accepted into national and international shows. Juried shows look pretty dang nice on a resume. Disclaimer: it is not guaranteed that you will be accepted into every juried show that you apply for. Sometimes, judges are looking for a very specific line of work. While they do try to be as unbiased as they can, they still have preferences. Never be discouraged if you aren't accepted. If it is a show that repeats monthly/yearly, apply again! I am regularly denied from juried exhibits, but that doesn't mean I don't get accepted the next time I apply for them. This can take a little bit of money to apply, but it is worth it in the long run. Art eccentrics often look for juried shows as the work tends to be better selected. Also, these shows will most likely have cash prizes for Best-of-Show and Runner Ups.
Note: There are a lot of scams and frauds posing as good opportunities, and it can be hard to decipher who is trustworthy. Look at reviews on reddit for shows and see what people are saying about it. If a show is ONLY online, I would stay away from it. If you have to pay a lot to be a part of it, don't even think about it. Real opportunities rarely ask for your financial information upfront. Look through the details of the show. Check the fee-to-award ratio. The entry fee should be much lower than the award fee. Trusted opportunities will be transparent and have all of the possible payments listed out in their event description. These pay-to-play organizations are considered vanity galleries/publications. These don't look good on a resume. Even if they have a legitimate exhibit, the work they show are not good quality and typically don't have a judge/juror selecting the pieces.
4. Open Studios
If you happen to get your own studio space, host open studios! Open studios provide a great marketing and networking opportunity through deeper engagement with the public. Again, people like to see what happens behind the scenes--what your workspace looks like. This is a great time to talk to your visitors about your personal journey and about the works that you are currently making and plan to make. It is quite common for artist studios to be in their house. You can still host open studios in your home, but it will be up to you do decide how much of your personal life the public can see. Otherwise, you can visit other artists' open studios! This is a great opportunity to create connections with artists in your area.
Final Remarks:
In terms of starting your business, check the requirement for the state you reside in. For me, I needed to register for a trade name (this is usually filed with the secretary of state), sales and use tax, my EIN number, and established myself as a sole proprietorship (do some research on this one. Depending on what type of work you will make, you may want to be an LLC instead of a sole proprietor). Most/all of this stuff isn't needed while you are in college, so you don't need to stress about it right now.
Find your community and be active and consistent in it! Figure out who your audience is. Start with your contact list. Your closest people can be your greatest supporters. Keep in contact with your customers. Writing thankyou letters and emailing newsletters can turn new customers into loyal ones. Communication is key! Lastly, you only fail once you have given up. You can be turned away, disheartened, stuck, but success finds itself in those who are willing to push past and keep trying.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.