4 answers
Max
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
285 views
How do you get people to see your art? I have some of it out but I don’t know how to get it publicity. Such as different ways to market it by myself without anyone else. Thanks.
How do you get people to see your art? I have some of it out but I don’t know how to get it publicity. Such as different ways to market it by myself without anyone else. Thanks.
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4 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Max,
Good question. As a young artist, It is really good for you to think about how to share your art and give it exposure to other people. You will need to be patient, there are very few instant "stars" in the art world. It is really a matter of exposing your artwork by exhibiting and selling it in person or online.
If you are a student and you are taking art, then be sure to get your work in the student shows at your school. Talk to you teacher to see if there are other ways to show your artwork around the school. There is also the Scholastic Art Competition, an annual competition of art students in elementary and high school that has a national profile. Getting accepted into your school's Scholastic art competition or into the National Scholastic Art competition carries a lot of prestige and can you get noticed as a student artist. Also be on the lookout for other art competitions, local government agencies, libraries, and other commercial and non-profit organizations often sponsor such art competitions; your art teacher will probably know of some.
If you want to look outside of school, first you need to create a portfolio so that people can see your work. This would mean two types; digital and physical. There are websites for online art portfolios. Put your best work in both, all the work should be ready to mat and frame. Be thinking about pricing you work, and have a price list available. Look into DIY framing your pieces (when you get somewhere to display them). Think about using standard sized mats and frames, available at art supply stores, so that it will be easy to frame your work. This will be much cheaper than custom framing.
Check out social platforms. Instagram (IG) is really the best for artists because it is so visually oriented. Be sure to use the hashtags, so that your work will get more exposure. Be sure to post on a regular basis. Like other platforms, Instagram also has a section where you can create short videos about your work and how you make it. That is a great way to introduce yourself. You could also set up your own website, and have a link on your IG page. Chances are you will get more traffic on IG than your own website, but it will be good to have.
You could check out local businesses in your community to see if they would hang some of your work to sell or just to exhibit. Usually a business would take 20% of the sale price for hanging your work. Restaurants, coffee shops, doctors offices, gift shops, bookstores, libraries, would all be places to check out.
You might see if there is a community non-profit art gallery in your community and see if you can get into their exhibits. This is a great way to start exhibiting your work. You could also open a store on Etsy, the online marketplace; they have excellent tutorials to get started. Local art and craft fairs are also a possibility. However beware that if you decide to sell your work in non-profit galleries, craft and art fairs or markets, or online, you will need to take out a business license for your town and state, so that you can pay sales taxes on what you sell. If you sell at art fairs or markets, you will also need a way to collect cash and credit cards. The Square system is very easy to use. As I said earlier, Etsy has some really good tutorials on this area.
I hope this helps. Keep on creating and improving your artwork, and don't be discouraged if you aren't getting the attention for your art that you want. Think of this as a long distance race and not a sprint. Ask your art teacher for advice. I know you mentioned that you want to do this "by yourself without help from anyone else", please be aware that you might need some help and advice along the way, most artists do! You can always learn new ideas and ways of doing things, just like you are doing on Career Village. Best wishes!
Good question. As a young artist, It is really good for you to think about how to share your art and give it exposure to other people. You will need to be patient, there are very few instant "stars" in the art world. It is really a matter of exposing your artwork by exhibiting and selling it in person or online.
If you are a student and you are taking art, then be sure to get your work in the student shows at your school. Talk to you teacher to see if there are other ways to show your artwork around the school. There is also the Scholastic Art Competition, an annual competition of art students in elementary and high school that has a national profile. Getting accepted into your school's Scholastic art competition or into the National Scholastic Art competition carries a lot of prestige and can you get noticed as a student artist. Also be on the lookout for other art competitions, local government agencies, libraries, and other commercial and non-profit organizations often sponsor such art competitions; your art teacher will probably know of some.
If you want to look outside of school, first you need to create a portfolio so that people can see your work. This would mean two types; digital and physical. There are websites for online art portfolios. Put your best work in both, all the work should be ready to mat and frame. Be thinking about pricing you work, and have a price list available. Look into DIY framing your pieces (when you get somewhere to display them). Think about using standard sized mats and frames, available at art supply stores, so that it will be easy to frame your work. This will be much cheaper than custom framing.
Check out social platforms. Instagram (IG) is really the best for artists because it is so visually oriented. Be sure to use the hashtags, so that your work will get more exposure. Be sure to post on a regular basis. Like other platforms, Instagram also has a section where you can create short videos about your work and how you make it. That is a great way to introduce yourself. You could also set up your own website, and have a link on your IG page. Chances are you will get more traffic on IG than your own website, but it will be good to have.
You could check out local businesses in your community to see if they would hang some of your work to sell or just to exhibit. Usually a business would take 20% of the sale price for hanging your work. Restaurants, coffee shops, doctors offices, gift shops, bookstores, libraries, would all be places to check out.
You might see if there is a community non-profit art gallery in your community and see if you can get into their exhibits. This is a great way to start exhibiting your work. You could also open a store on Etsy, the online marketplace; they have excellent tutorials to get started. Local art and craft fairs are also a possibility. However beware that if you decide to sell your work in non-profit galleries, craft and art fairs or markets, or online, you will need to take out a business license for your town and state, so that you can pay sales taxes on what you sell. If you sell at art fairs or markets, you will also need a way to collect cash and credit cards. The Square system is very easy to use. As I said earlier, Etsy has some really good tutorials on this area.
I hope this helps. Keep on creating and improving your artwork, and don't be discouraged if you aren't getting the attention for your art that you want. Think of this as a long distance race and not a sprint. Ask your art teacher for advice. I know you mentioned that you want to do this "by yourself without help from anyone else", please be aware that you might need some help and advice along the way, most artists do! You can always learn new ideas and ways of doing things, just like you are doing on Career Village. Best wishes!
kate turnamian
IT Auditor
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
kate’s Answer
Hey Max,
I'm super excited to see your artwork! Why not showcase it on Instagram or another social media platform? If it's photography, vsco could be a great option. Using hashtags can help categorize your art and attract more viewers. Don't forget to tell your friends about it - they can help spread the word!
Consider showing your portfolio to a teacher too. They might have some creative ideas on how to get your art out there. They might even know about a local exhibition or suggest displaying it in your school for everyone to appreciate.
Can't wait to see your art in the spotlight, Max. I'm sure it's fantastic!
I'm super excited to see your artwork! Why not showcase it on Instagram or another social media platform? If it's photography, vsco could be a great option. Using hashtags can help categorize your art and attract more viewers. Don't forget to tell your friends about it - they can help spread the word!
Consider showing your portfolio to a teacher too. They might have some creative ideas on how to get your art out there. They might even know about a local exhibition or suggest displaying it in your school for everyone to appreciate.
Can't wait to see your art in the spotlight, Max. I'm sure it's fantastic!
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Max,
It's great to have an artistic occupation: Art is a positive contribution to the world.
First of all, keep creating new works of art, either your works will be seen or not. The more you do, the beter your artistic skills become.
What refers to publicizing them, yes, of course it's important: Works of art need to get recognition and be valued anyway. Use the internet as a great tool. Find relevant platforms to sell or just present them, but make sure your works are well marketed, otherwise no one will see them in the ocean of internet.
Participate in reliable and worthwhile competitions. Try to find ways to have your own exhibition if possible.
Good luck and great achievements in publicizing your art.
It's great to have an artistic occupation: Art is a positive contribution to the world.
First of all, keep creating new works of art, either your works will be seen or not. The more you do, the beter your artistic skills become.
What refers to publicizing them, yes, of course it's important: Works of art need to get recognition and be valued anyway. Use the internet as a great tool. Find relevant platforms to sell or just present them, but make sure your works are well marketed, otherwise no one will see them in the ocean of internet.
Participate in reliable and worthwhile competitions. Try to find ways to have your own exhibition if possible.
Good luck and great achievements in publicizing your art.
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Create a Portfolio Website: Build a professional website to showcase your art, including high-quality images, descriptions, and an artist statement. Make sure the website is easy to navigate and reflects your artistic style.
Social Media Presence: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to share your art regularly. Use relevant hashtags, engage with your followers, and interact with other artists and art enthusiasts.
Consistent Posting: Establish a posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps you stay on your audience's radar and builds anticipation for your work.
Engaging Content: Share not only your finished artworks but also behind-the-scenes glimpses, work-in-progress photos, and stories about your artistic journey. People love to connect with the creative process.
Blog/Vlog: Start a blog or vlog on your website or platforms like Medium or YouTube. Share insights about your techniques, inspirations, and experiences. This can establish you as an authority in your field.
Email Newsletter: Collect email addresses from interested individuals and send out regular newsletters with updates about your latest works, exhibitions, and art-related news.
Collaborations: Collaborate with other artists, influencers, or brands. Joint projects can expose your art to new audiences and create networking opportunities.
Art Fairs and Exhibitions: Participate in local art fairs, galleries, and exhibitions to showcase your work and connect with potential buyers and fellow artists.
Online Marketplaces: Sell your art on platforms like Etsy, Society6, Redbubble, or Saatchi Art. These platforms provide exposure to a wide audience.
Art Challenges and Contests: Participate in online art challenges or contests. Even if you don't win, these events can increase your visibility and help you connect with other artists.
Art Podcasts and Interviews: Reach out to art-related podcasts, blogs, and magazines for interviews or features. This can give you a platform to discuss your art and share your story.
Networking: Attend art-related events, workshops, and conferences to network with other artists, collectors, and industry professionals.
Local Community Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses, cafes, and galleries to display your art. Offer to create murals or participate in community art projects.
Video Content: Create time-lapse videos or tutorials showing your art creation process. Video content can be engaging and shareable.
Leverage Influencers: Partner with social media influencers or bloggers who align with your style. They can introduce your art to their followers.
Online Ads: Invest in targeted online advertisements to reach specific demographics interested in art.
Press Releases: Write press releases for significant achievements or milestones in your art career, such as exhibitions, awards, or collaborations.
Remember that self-promotion is an ongoing effort. Be authentic, engage with your audience, and adapt your strategies based on what works best for your unique artistic style and goals.
Social Media Presence: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to share your art regularly. Use relevant hashtags, engage with your followers, and interact with other artists and art enthusiasts.
Consistent Posting: Establish a posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps you stay on your audience's radar and builds anticipation for your work.
Engaging Content: Share not only your finished artworks but also behind-the-scenes glimpses, work-in-progress photos, and stories about your artistic journey. People love to connect with the creative process.
Blog/Vlog: Start a blog or vlog on your website or platforms like Medium or YouTube. Share insights about your techniques, inspirations, and experiences. This can establish you as an authority in your field.
Email Newsletter: Collect email addresses from interested individuals and send out regular newsletters with updates about your latest works, exhibitions, and art-related news.
Collaborations: Collaborate with other artists, influencers, or brands. Joint projects can expose your art to new audiences and create networking opportunities.
Art Fairs and Exhibitions: Participate in local art fairs, galleries, and exhibitions to showcase your work and connect with potential buyers and fellow artists.
Online Marketplaces: Sell your art on platforms like Etsy, Society6, Redbubble, or Saatchi Art. These platforms provide exposure to a wide audience.
Art Challenges and Contests: Participate in online art challenges or contests. Even if you don't win, these events can increase your visibility and help you connect with other artists.
Art Podcasts and Interviews: Reach out to art-related podcasts, blogs, and magazines for interviews or features. This can give you a platform to discuss your art and share your story.
Networking: Attend art-related events, workshops, and conferences to network with other artists, collectors, and industry professionals.
Local Community Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses, cafes, and galleries to display your art. Offer to create murals or participate in community art projects.
Video Content: Create time-lapse videos or tutorials showing your art creation process. Video content can be engaging and shareable.
Leverage Influencers: Partner with social media influencers or bloggers who align with your style. They can introduce your art to their followers.
Online Ads: Invest in targeted online advertisements to reach specific demographics interested in art.
Press Releases: Write press releases for significant achievements or milestones in your art career, such as exhibitions, awards, or collaborations.
Remember that self-promotion is an ongoing effort. Be authentic, engage with your audience, and adapt your strategies based on what works best for your unique artistic style and goals.