People have the notion that being an artist means having zero balance in your bank account. It has always been a struggle to make a living as an artist; however, there have been many developments in the industry since the advent of the Internet age. People have found new ways of sharing and selling their art online.
Setting up an art merchandise business, for example, can be a great way to increase your income, especially if you already have an online following. Ordering in bulk from heat transfer vinyl services can help your art merchandise supply for business purposes.
The Internet has become a portal for almost everything you can imagine. These days, it is possible for an artist to gain thousands or even millions of followers on social media. This number can translate to high income if proper business management techniques are applied. Take advantage of the many available online platforms for artists to help you earn more.
Promoting your art online is just as important as creating your art consistently. Study the various ways you can market your creations online while minimizing the risk of having people pirate your works.
Setting Up an Art Merchandise Business
Setting up an online art shop may intimidate some young artists who are new to the industry. This is especially true for self-taught people who have yet to expand their network of connections in the art world. The art scene can often become too exclusive for newcomers. This trend or “tradition” should soon be debunked by young art professionals. It will help the art community thrive and be more inclusive.
While selling art such as paintings and sculpture is a tedious task for gallery representation, there are already new avenues where artists can sell their art.
Visual arts merchandising is one way to make money off your art to earn a decent living and help fund more creative projects. It is the reproduction of certain pieces of artwork onto another surface, such as T-shirts and mugs. This is a trend among online art communities nowadays, especially those who create “fan art.” Explore the various formats and surfaces you can print your artworks on so you can begin selling your art from home.
Consider the various products you can and want to make for your target audience. While artists often do works for self-expression, you still need to establish a target audience to market your art as a business.
Selling your art doesn’t mean that you have “sold out” as an artist. It only means that you have found a practical way of sustaining your art career and passion. Find the most appropriate online platform for the type of products you want to sell. You should also consider the niche you are trying to communicate to so that you can choose the right avenue to engage with them.
The important thing to remember when starting an art merchandise business is that everyone starts as a beginner. You will experience slow progress as you launch your business for the first time; however, this should not discourage you from sharing your artwork with the world. Work hard towards gaining more knowledge, skills, and connections in the art industry. Hone your creative skills further to let your talent shine through your artworks.
Being able to sell your art through merchandising can be a liberating feeling, especially for artists who have been used to having gallery representation. Gallery dependence can be exhausting depending on the type of people you interact with. Start your journey as your own boss by selling your art merchandise online. It will be a great learning experience for both your management skills and your art practice.
Promoting Art Online
There are artists in the industry who perceive online marketing as a way of “selling out.” While marketing your art online is a new way of going after a successful art career, it is a legitimate strategy that many artists should consider for themselves. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of modern technology and resources to improve one’s professional career. In fact, it is a smart move to learn to adapt to the changes of modern times.
Social media platforms have provided a more accessible avenue for artists to share their creations with a wider audience. Without the barrier of a traditional gallery, the audience may feel more inclined and welcome to view the various artworks available. Social media has made it easier for artists to widen their horizons across the globe. It is a great medium to expand one’s network and forge new and meaningful connections with other art community members.
Artists these days should not be discouraged by other members of the creative community who view marketing as an artificial means to achieve success. Adapting to modern times is more valuable, and it provides you with an advantage against people who are committed to their traditional notions of art. Sticking to these outdated notions may hinder an artist’s growth and development both in skill and personal level.
Explore the various ways you can sell your art through modern means. Technology has provided artists with various media and outlets to promote their artworks, so creatives need to utilize these tools.
