As an artist, discovering your own unique art style is like finding your voice in the world. Whether you’re selling your art online, through retailers, or at a craft fair, having a distinct look sets you apart from the crowd. But how do you find your own unique art style when there are so many options to choose from?
Try New Things
Start by experimenting! Digital and traditional tools let you try out all sorts of techniques and ideas. Especially when you are first starting out, don’t be afraid to play around with a wide variety of mediums to discover what you enjoy working with. Mistakes are part of the process, and sometimes they lead to unexpected discoveries. Every stroke of your brush or pen helps shape your style.
Pro Tip:Have a sketchbook that is designated just for you to practice, create ugly art, experiment, and test new ideas without the pressure of having to finish it or share it with anyone else.I also recommend this book: Wreck This Journal.
Take a Class or Follow a Tutorial
Taking online art classes and following tutorials have been a huge help for me in defining out my own art style. YouTube and Skillshare have loads of classes on different software, techniques, and styles. Implementing what you learn and putting your own twist on it can really help you find your unique look. In person classes can be really inspiring too! So, don’t be afraid to sign up for a class or watch a tutorial— it could make all the difference in your creative journey.
Get Inspired by Other Artists – Past and Present
Take inspiration from artists you admire. Look at their work closely—how do they use color, shape, and theme? But it’s not just about the famous artists; check out what’s happening in the art world right now. You’ll pick up tips and trends that can influence your own style. Be mindful not to copy others though!
Pro Tip: Visit art galleries and outdoor art events regularly in your city to get inspiration from a mix of classic and contemporary artists.
Trust Your Gut
Listen to your instincts. What subjects excite you? Which colors make you feel something? What types of marks or mediums do you enjoy working with the most? Your style should reflect who you are, so trust your inner voice when making artistic choices.
Keep Improving
Refine your work over time. Look back at what you’ve created and think about how you can make it even better. Listen to feedback from others, but remember to stay true to yourself. Improvement is about polishing your style, not changing who you are.
Pro Tip: Make a lot of art. It can take years to develop a cohesive art style, and having a large body of work to look back at makes it easier to identify consistencies which will help you define your style.
Pictured below: One of my old mandala illustrations vs. a newer piece. Note the improvement!
Be Flexible
While it’s important to have a consistent style, don’t be afraid to try new things. Your style can grow and change over time as you do. Adapt to new trends while staying true to what makes your art unique. This could look like incorporating a trending colour, like the Pantone Color of the Year, or a trending theme into your work – but making it your own. This could also be trying out a new software or medium to create your work.
Remember that your style is your brand. Make sure your work reflects who you are as an artist, but also as a unique person. Pour your heart into every design you create. Whether it’s original artwork, digital illustration, pattern designs for clothing, home goods, or paper products, let your art speak for itself and connect with people around the world.
Finding your art style isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a journey. Embrace the process, and trust that your unique voice will shine through in your work. So, grab your favourite tools and start finding your art style today!
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Print on Demand (POD) space, changes in popular platforms like Redbubble and Society6 have left many artists questioning their next move. With fees for artist plans and tiers becoming more common, the rise of AI art, and a general decline in sales, it’s crucial for artists to explore new opportunities. Despite these challenges, the POD industry still holds potential for artists in 2024 and beyond. This blog post aims to shed light on lesser-known alternatives to Redbubble and Society6, providing artists with fresh avenues to showcase and monetize their work.
*For a more comprehensive list of Print on Demand websites and suppliers worldwide, check out Print on Demand Central – it’s a great new resource for the POD space, you should check it out!
Alternatives to Redbubble and Society6 for Print on Demand
Zazzle is a versatile POD platform that stands out for its focus on customizable products. Artists can create templates from their designs, allowing customers to add their own text and/or photos to personalize the products further. This unique feature opens up new possibilities for collaboration between artists and buyers, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience. Learn more about selling your art on Zazzle.
As one of the pioneers in the POD industry, CafePress has stood the test of time. What sets CafePress apart are its diverse product offerings, including some unconventional items like oven mitts and pot holders. Artists seeking a platform with a broad range of unique products may find CafePress to be a worthy alternative to explore.
Threadless has carved its niche in the POD market by fostering a community-driven approach. Artists can submit their designs, which are then put up for community voting. The highest-rated designs get featured on various products. Threadless also allows artists to open their own storefronts, providing a platform to showcase and sell their work independently.
ArtsCase specializes in protective cases for smartphones and other electronic devices. Artists can leverage this platform to turn their designs into functional, stylish accessories. With a focus on quality and protection, ArtsCase offers a unique avenue for artists to expand their product range beyond traditional prints.
Spoonflower is a standout option for artists who want to explore the world of fabric and textile design. This POD platform enables artists to print their designs on various fabrics, allowing for the creation of custom textiles, wallpaper, and more. Spoonflower provides a unique opportunity for artists to venture into the realm of home décor and fashion. Learn more about selling your art on Spoonflower.
Design by Humans takes a curated approach, featuring handpicked designs on a range of products. The platform emphasizes the quality of artwork and encourages artists to showcase their creativity on high-quality apparel, phone cases, and accessories. With a focus on artistic expression, Design by Humans offers a space for unique and visually striking designs.
Spring stands out by offering artists the ability to sell both physical POD products and digital downloads. This platform provides a seamless integration with YouTube channels, allowing artists to connect with their audience through multiple channels. The flexibility to sell digital downloads alongside physical products can be a valuable asset for artists exploring various revenue streams.
For artists with a penchant for metal art, Displate specializes in metal posters. This unique medium allows for durable and visually striking creations that stand out from traditional paper prints. Displate’s emphasis on metal as a canvas opens up new possibilities for artists looking to make a bold statement with their artwork.
For artists seeking full control over their online stores, integrating a print-on-demand service like Printful with their own website provides a seamless solution. With Printful handling all of the printing, packaging, and shipping, artists can focus on creating and promoting their artwork.
This integration allows artists to maintain their brand identity and customize their storefront to reflect their unique style. By offering a wide range of print-on-demand products, from apparel to home decor, artists can cater to diverse customer preferences.
Conclusion
As the POD landscape continues to evolve, exploring these alternatives can provide artists with fresh opportunities and avenues for success. While Redbubble and Society6 have paved the way, these lesser-known platforms offer unique features and product offerings that can cater to different artistic preferences and customer demographics.
Remember, adapting to change and diversifying your presence across multiple platforms can be the key to sustained success in the dynamic world of Print on Demand.
While many people think of selling original artwork and taking commissions as the only ways to make money as an artist, there are actually many different ways to make passive income from your art. This can include selling products with your artwork on them, teaching classes, or even blogging. In this post, I’m sharing 10 different ways that artists can make passive income, many of which I’ve tried myself!
* Please note, some links in this blog post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!
Here are just a few of the many ways that artists can make passive income:
1. Print on Demand
Leverage Print on Demand services like Zazzle, Redbubble, and Threadless to showcase your art on merchandise like t-shirts, phone cases and more. Mitigate logistical concerns as these platforms handle all of the printing, shipping, and inventory management, allowing artists to concentrate on their craft – making art!
2. Blogging
Blogging serves as an effective platform for artists to establish their niche, showcase their artwork, and connect with their audience by delivering engaging content. Optimize the blog for search engines, promote it through social media channels, and monetize through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or product sales. A strategically managed blog can transform into a consistent revenue source.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Related to blogging, incorporating affiliate marketing into your online presence can increase your earning potential by promoting products you already use and love. Promote art-related products or tools and earn commissions for every sale made through your affiliate links. This requires minimal effort once set up.
4. Online Courses
Capitalize on your expertise by developing an online course. Select a subject of personal passion, structure it into comprehensible segments, and ensure an engaging presentation. You can use Youtube to get started and then branch out into platforms like Skillshare and Udemy to monetize your courses. You can also consider selling them through your own website or blog if you already have a dedicated following.
5. Books and E-Books
Design and sell printed books and e-books related to your area of expertise. Platforms such as Amazon KDP and Gumroad enable independent distribution. Crafting a series enhances visibility and ensures a sustained source of passive income. You can create things like colouring books, step-by-step “how to draw” or paint series, and more.
6. Digital Art Downloads
Monetize your digital artwork by selling instant digital downloads of art prints, patterns, illustrations, SVGs, and other types of digital art files. Platforms like Creative Fabrica and Gumroad allow artists to showcase and sell their digital creations without the need for physical production or shipping. You can also sell these through your own website.
7. Art Subscription Services
Launch a subscription service where subscribers receive exclusive digital art content regularly. Platforms like Patreon or specialized subscription services enable artists to generate recurring revenue.
8. Patreon
Establishing a Patreon account allows artists to convert loyal supporters into patrons. Offering exclusive content, ranging from behind-the-scenes material to early access, creates an incentive for patrons to contribute. Regular updates and occasional perks maintain patron engagement, ensuring a reliable income source.
9. Art Licensing
Explore licensing agreements with companies that want to use your art on various products. Earn royalties without the need for hands-on involvement in the production or distribution process. This requires some upfront research, and pitching your portfolio to companies and art directors, but if you can get a deal art licensing can be extremely lucrative.
10. Virtual Art Exhibitions
Organize virtual art exhibitions or galleries, either by yourself or with a group of other artists. Charge entrance fees or partner with sponsors to monetize the events without the need for physical set-up or maintenance.
There are an endless number of ways for artists to make passive income, and these are just a few ideas to get you started. The best way to find the right method for you is to experiment and find what works best for you and your art. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Hey there, fellow artists! Have you heard of Skillshare? It’s an online education platform for creative people who love to learn and teach. It’s not only an opportunity to learn and share our skills, but also has the potential to make us some extra money, or even a full-time income! So in this post, I’m going to be sharing with you my experience of how to make money as an artist on Skillshare.
Back in 2021, I took a leap outside my comfort zone and published my first Skillshare class. Now, with five classes under my belt and a growing income stream, I can attest to the great opportunities this platform has to offer.
Although the initial challenges of video creation were intimidating, the rewards have been fulfilling and it has opened new doors for my career as an artist and content creator.
So let’s jump in to this post on how to make money as an artist on Skillshare.
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform and community with thousands of classes in design, business, and more, taught by professionals in their field.
Members pay a monthly, or annual fee to access all courses on the platform, along with some other perks, such as live classes. They predominantly focus on creative disciplines like painting, illustration, and software tutorials such as Photoshop and Procreate.
As well as being an excellent platform to hone your creative skills, Skillshare offers the opportunity for artists to share and monetize their own expertise.
As a Teacher on Skillshare, you can create and publish your own courses, guiding learners through your unique creative process while earning money doing what you love.
How do you make money as an artist on Skillshare?
The most common way to make money on Skillshare is by becoming a Teacher and uploading your own courses.
When someone watches one of your courses, you earn a share of the revenue, based on how many minutes of your course(s) they watch. If you have a popular course with a lot of students, you could potentially earn a decent amount of money.
Another way to make money on Skillshare is by becoming an Affiliate. Affiliates are people who promote Skillshare courses and earn a commission when someone signs up for a Premium Membership using their affiliate link. You can promote your own and/or other teacher’s classes to earn this type of income.
If you have a blog or social media with a large following, you could make some decent money by promoting Skillshare courses.
How do you get started on Skillshare?
To get started on Skillshare, the first thing you need to do is create a free account and set up your profile. You can do this by going to the Skillshare website and clicking on the “Sign Up” button.
Note: If you’re not interested in becoming a Premium Member, you can still make money from Skillshare as a teacher and affiliate.
How do you make courses for Skillshare?
Now you’re ready to create your first course. This may take a significant amount of time, and there can be be a learning curve if you are not familiar with the hardware and/or software needed to produce videos. It’s okay, you can learn! (If I can do it, so can you).
There are tons of resources out there to help you product your first Skillshare class. Both on Skillshare itself, Youtube, and blog posts on the web.
The main things you will need to produce your videos are:
It’s possible to create your class without a microphone, but they do tend to perform better if you can speak directly to your students rather than just screen casting or using on screen text.
For editing my videos, I use a free video editing software called DaVinci Resolve. I was completely new to this software so I followed some Skillshare courses and YouTube videos to learn how to use it. You can use any video editing software you have or are familiar with.
Skillshare class structure
Skillshare has a very specific structure for their courses that you’ll need to follow.
They want a stand-alone introduction video which is kind of like a trailer or highlight reel for your class, which anyone can watch it (even non members). This is meant to entice people to sign up to take the rest of your class. Below is an example of a class trailer from one of my classes:
You’ll also need to film individual videos for the Supplies and Class Project, and an Outro or Conclusion video to wrap it all up.
So a typical class outline might look something like this, with each one being a separate video:
Introduction
Supplies and Class Project
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Outro
Skillshare also really encourages you to have some sort of Project at the end of the class that students create and can share with other students on the website and social media.
You’ll also need to come up with a great title, description, and an eye catching thumbnail for your class. This takes time and experience to master. Your first course might not be that great right out of the gate. But just keep working on it and making more more courses, and this will improve over time! The great thing is you can update your older classes with new thumbnails, revised descriptions, and even add or replace whole lesson videos in the future.
The Skillshare website has tons of information and tips about producing your first class. I highly encourage you to go through the articles in their Teacher Handbook before you get started.
Don’t worry too much about getting it just right the first time. After you publish your class, someone at Skillshare will review it within the first 72 hours and let you know if there are any issues with the video quality or content so you can address it and even re-upload if necessary.
How to Promote your Skillshare classes
Once you’ve created your course, you’ll need to promote it. There are several ways to do this, and I’ve listed just a few ideas below:
Share it with your following on social media.
Write one or more blog posts about it.
Post your intro video on YouTube with a link to the class in the description. (You are allowed to post the intro video but not the other lessons on YouTube)
Engage with your existing students and encourage them to leave reviews and share their experience with others, helping build your reputation as an instructor.
Collaborate with other Skillshare teachers and cross-promote each other’s courses to tap into each other’s audience.
Use email marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters to your subscribers, promoting your Skillshare classes and sharing valuable content related to the courses.
Use Pinterest: Create eye-catching graphics and pins that lead to your Skillshare class landing pages to attract organic traffic.
Create shareable content: Develop engaging and shareable content related to your classes, such as infographics, tips, and tutorials, to attract more attention online.
These are just a few ideas of ways you can promote your Skillshare classes to attract more students and make more money.
How much money can you realistically make on Skillshare?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to how much money you can make on Skillshare. Realistically, it depends on a variety of factors such as the quality and popularity of your courses, how often you promote your courses, and how many students enroll in your courses.
That said, some Skillshare teachers have been able to generate significant income from their courses. Some of their Top Teachers have reported earning over $100,000 in a year.
While it’s certainly possible to make good money on Skillshare, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Many Skillshare teachers supplement their income with other activities such as freelance work, consulting, or selling other products. If you’re looking to make a full-time income as an artist online, it’s important to diversify your income sources.
At the end of the day, how much money you can make on Skillshare depends on a variety of factors. If you create high-quality courses and promote them effectively, you can certainly make a good income from Skillshare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey of making money as an artist on Skillshare has been rewarding. From publishing my first class in 2021 to now having five classes and a growing monthly income, I’ve experienced the power of this platform.
So if you’re looking to make some extra money as an artist from teaching online classes, Skillshare is a great platform to consider.
Let me know what you think about making money as an artist on Skillshare in the comments section below! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this potential income stream.
But first, what exactly is Zazzle? In short, Zazzle is a print on demand marketplace where you can create designs for real life products, like art prints, t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Then, those products are printed and shipped to customers after they order them. This eliminates the need for inventory and allows you to focus on creating and marketing your designs!
Zazzle is just one of many print on demand marketplaces that you can use to sell products from your art.
I really like Zazzle because they offer a wide range of products, from apparel to home décor to electronics, so you can create a diverse product line that appeals to your audience.
With thousands of shoppers from around the world browsing the site every day, Zazzle has a huge customer base. And their platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you can focus on designing and marketing your products without getting bogged down by technical details.
In my Skillshare class, Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle, I’ll guide you through the entire process of setting up your own Zazzle store, from designing your products to customizing your storefront and much more.
Before diving in, check out the class trailer below to get an idea of what you’ll learn and see if it’s right for you. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or post a comment below. I’m here to support you and help you succeed!
Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover in the class:
Setting up your store
Navigating the Zazzle website
Creating multiple product types from simple to advanced
Raising your ZRank
Organizing your store using Categories and Collections
Tips and tricks to streamline product creation
Creating custom banners and cover images for Collections and Categories
Customizing your store front
Additional pro tips from a Pro Bronze seller with nearly 10 years of experience
You can watch my Skillshare class for free with a one-month trial membership using my link.
This means you’ll have access to not only my class, but also thousands of other classes on Skillshare, including classes on graphic design, branding, and social media marketing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Zazzle seller, there’s something for you in this class. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Running a successful art business requires more than just creativity and talent. It also requires a solid plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and resources. An art business plan can help you stay focused, organized, and motivated as you navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to take your business to the next level, or a beginner just starting out, this guide will help you create a roadmap for success.
As an artist who has turned my passion into a successful business, I understand the importance of having a well-crafted business plan. Over the years, I have honed my skills and learned what it takes to make an income as an artist, and I want to share my knowledge with you. By following the steps outlined in this post, I believe that you too can create a solid art business plan that will help you achieve your goals and build a sustainable career.
Why You Need an Art Business Plan
An art business plan is a roadmap for artists to achieve their professional goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have been selling your art for a while, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. Think of it as a roadmap that will guide you towards achieving your goals and making your art business dreams a reality. Don’t worry if you’ve never written a business plan before, it doesn’t have to be super complicated or intimidating. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you like, just start somewhere!
As we go through this post, make sure to take notes on all the sections we cover. You can keep your art business plan in a notebook, a Google doc, or a Word document. I also have a Notion template that you can use as a starting point.
What to Include in Your Art Business Plan
When it comes to creating your art business plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your plan should be customized to fit your unique goals, vision, and circumstances. However, there are certain elements that most art business plans have in common. Here are some key sections to include:
Business Summary: This section should include a brief overview of your business, your mission statement, and your unique selling proposition.
Market Analysis: Here you will conduct research to gain an understanding of your target audience, your competitors, and the overall market.
Products and Services: Describe the products or services you offer, and what makes them unique.
Marketing Strategy: Outline how you plan to market and promote your art business to reach your target audience.
Financial Plan: This section will outline your projected income and expenses, as well as your funding sources and financial goals.
Remember, your art business plan can be as detailed or as simple as you like, depending on where you are on your art business journey. The most important thing is to just start somewhere, and make adjustments along the way as your business grows and evolves.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what should be included in your art business plan, let’s dive deeper into each of these points and discuss how you can create a plan that will help you achieve your business goals.
A Summary of Your Art Business
The Business Summary section is where you’ll give a quick and easy rundown of your business. It’s important to include your mission statement, which is essentially what your business is all about, as well as your unique selling proposition, which is what sets you apart from your competitors. Think of this section as an elevator pitch – it should be short, sweet, and to the point!
Identify your business’s purpose and goals: Ask yourself what your business is about and what you want to achieve with it. Write down your answers and summarize them into a few sentences.
Define your target audience: Think about who your ideal customer is and what they’re looking for. This will help you create a more targeted and effective summary.
Focus on your unique selling proposition: What sets your business apart from others in your industry? Highlight your unique strengths and what makes you different.
Use simple language: Your summary should be easy to understand and concise. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language.
Get feedback: Share your summary with others and get feedback. This can help you refine your message and ensure it resonates with your audience.
Conduct a Market Analysis
The market analysis section is all about doing your research to gain a deep understanding of your target audience, competitors, and the overall market. It’s important to know who your customers are, what they want, and how you can differentiate yourself from your competition.
This section can include data on your target market’s demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors. You’ll also want to research your competitors and identify their strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing the market, you can better position yourself to succeed.
How to conduct a market analysis?
Here are some actionable tips for conducting market research as an artist:
Identify your target audience: Think about who your art is meant for, what their interests are, and where they spend their time. Look at demographic data, such as age, gender, location, and income, to get a better understanding of your target audience.
Research your competition: Look at other artists in your niche and see what they are doing. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What makes your art unique compared to theirs? You can also look at their pricing, marketing strategies, and social media presence to get an idea of what works well.
Understand the overall market: Look at trends in the art market to see what types of art are popular right now. Consider the economic climate and how it may affect the art market. Look at art publications and websites to see what topics are being covered and what people are interested in.
Describe your Products and Services
In this section, you’ll want to provide a detailed description of the products and services you offer as an artist. Be sure to include information about the materials you use, the types of art you create, and any special techniques or processes that set your work apart. You can also talk about any additional services you provide, such as commissions or custom pieces. Don’t be afraid to get specific and really showcase what makes your art unique and desirable to your target audience.
Some examples of what you could include in this section are your original paintings, prints, commissions, workshops, or even merchandise like stickers or tote bags featuring your art. It’s important to be specific about what you offer, so your potential customers can understand what they’re buying and what sets your work apart from others.
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Now that you have a good understanding of your audience and products/services, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy that will help you promote your business. Some effective strategies for artists include social media marketing, email marketing, collaborations with other artists or businesses, and participating in local events and markets.
Choose the strategies that best fit your business and audience, and be sure to set goals and track your progress. For example, you could aim to grow your social media following by 100 followers each month, or to send out a monthly newsletter to your email subscribers. By developing a clear marketing strategy and tracking your progress, you can ensure that you’re reaching your target audience and achieving your business goals.
Come up with a Financial Plan for your Art Business
Managing the financial aspect of your art business may seem intimidating, but it’s a crucial step in achieving your goals. First, identify your start-up and ongoing expenses, as well as potential income streams, to determine your break-even point and set reachable financial goals.
You can use online accounting tools or create a budget spreadsheet to monitor your expenses and income regularly. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your finances, so you can make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and investments. In my Art Business Toolkit Notion template, I’ve included a budget tracker to help you get started. By tracking your expenses, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions that contribute to the growth and profitability of your business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an art business plan may seem overwhelming, but it is a critical step in achieving your goals as an artist. By breaking down the process into manageable sections, you can create a plan that reflects your unique vision and sets you up for success. Remember to use the tips and tools provided in this post, and don’t be afraid to start small and revise as you go. Once you’ve completed all of the sections, put it all together into a cohesive plan that will guide you as you build and grow your art business. With dedication, persistence, and a solid plan, you can turn your passion into a thriving business.
In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to leverage AI tools to enhance your art business. However, we will not be discussing the topic of creating and selling AI art, which is a separate subject altogether. If you’re curious about using AI to boost your art business, spark your creativity, and increase your productivity, then keep reading!
AI has been a hot topic in the art world lately, and for good reason. But it’s not going away anytime soon, so why not embrace it? By using AI as an assistant for your art business, you can supercharge your productivity and take your business to the next level. With a bit of creativity, there are numerous ways you can use AI to your advantage.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, is a branch of computer science that focuses on the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks which traditionally required human intelligence, such as answering questions, conducting research, and problem-solving.
Recently, AI has become increasingly prevalent in various fields, including the arts, and has opened up new opportunities for creative business owners. Through machine learning and other AI-powered tools, artists can now generate personalized content, analyse data, and conduct market research with greater ease and efficiency. AI can be used in a number of different ways in your art business, from automating simple tasks to helping you out of a creative rut.
How can you use AI in your art business?
There are many ways to use AI to boost your art business. Here are some examples:
Writing a business plan
Creating a business plan is essential to the success of any business, including an art business. By using AI you can create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and strategies for success. Feed the AI as much data as you can about your business and ask it to create a business plan for you. You can then tweak and revise it as needed and go from there.
Conducting market research
To grow your art business, you need to understand your target market. AI can help you conduct market research to identify your target audience and their preferences. With AI-powered tools, you can analyse data on your customers’ demographics, interests, and behaviours to gain insights into what they may want. By understanding your target market, you can tailor your artwork and marketing messages to better meet their needs and preferences.
Generating ideas for new artwork
One of the biggest challenges for artists is coming up with new and innovative ideas for artwork. AI can help generate new ideas for artwork that will appeal to your target market. These tools use algorithms to analyse data on your target audience’s preferences and suggest customized artwork that is tailored to their interests. By using AI to generate ideas for new artwork, you can save time while creating pieces that resonate with your audience.
Writing marketing copy
Marketing is crucial for any art business. However, writing effective marketing copy can be challenging. With AI tools, you can create compelling social media posts, blogs, and product descriptions that resonate with your target audience.
When it comes to using AI for your art business, the output is only as good as the input. To learn more about how to use AI properly, and structure your prompts to get the best results possible, I highly recommend this Skillshare class: Chat GPT for Creatives by Peggy Dean
Using AI to improve your own artwork
One of the great things about AI-powered tools like CF Spark is that it can be used to generate new and unique artwork. Consider this: instead of looking at other artist’s work for inspiration, use AI instead! These tools are also great for getting out of a creative rut and help you find inspiration even when you’re feeling stuck. So, don’t be afraid to use AI to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of your own creativity.
AI can also help you with things like art market research and identifying trends. This information can be incredibly valuable for artists who want to create pieces that are more likely to sell, as it can help them understand what their target audience is looking for and what kinds of pieces are likely to be most successful in the current market. By using AI to stay on top of trends and market demands, artists can ensure that their work remains relevant and appealing to buyers, and can maximize their chances of success in the competitive world of art sales.
AI Tools for Your Art Business
Ready to get started using AI for your art business? Below is a list of some awesome AI tools that can help streamline your workflow, gather market insights, and even generate new artwork ideas. Of course, there are plenty of other AI tools out there too – new ones are popping up all the time! But these are a great place to start.
Chat GPT – a language model which can be used for generating ideas, writing content, and answering questions.
CF Spark – generate new and unique artworks to inspire your own work.
Notion AI – to streamline your workflow and help you with writing.
Canva AI – uses AI to suggest design layouts and color schemes for social media and marketing graphics.
Adobe Sensei – Provides AI-powered features in Adobe Creative Cloud
Considerations When Using AI for Your Art Business
There’s no one answer for how to incorporate AI into your art business. It’s going to vary depending on what you’re selling, who your audience is, and your art business goals. But, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure you’re using AI in a way that aligns with your business and values.
Supplement, don’t replace, human interaction. Your art business is built on human relationships. Whether you’re selling to collectors or working with galleries, you need to be able to build and maintain personal relationships. Use AI to supplement your relationships, not replace them.
Automate tasks, but don’t allow it to make decisionsfor you. AI can be a great tool for automating tasks like customer follow-up or marketing emails. But it’s important to remember that AI can’t make decisions for you. When it comes to important decisions like pricing or what art to sell, you need to rely on your own judgment.
Use AI to enhance your artwork, not replace it. AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for artists, but it’s important to remember that it should be used to enhance your artwork, not replace it. While AI can help generate new ideas, identify trends, and speed up certain processes, it can’t replicate the unique creativity and vision of a human artist.
Keep an eye on the future. AI is always changing, and new tools and applications are being developed all the time. It’s important to keep an eye on the future and be prepared to adopt new AI tools as they become available. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and make sure you’re using the best AI tools for your business.
Conclusion
AI can be a powerful tool for artists and art businesses, but it is important to use it wisely. With AI, you can manage your marketing, track trends, find inspiration for new artwork, and conduct market research. But you need to be careful not to over automate or you could lose the human touch that makes your business special. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can take your art business to the next level with AI tools.
What are your thoughts on AI and using it for your art business? Let me know in the comments below!
As an artist, it’s important to be constantly learning and growing in your craft. There are a lot of great books out there that can help you do just that. Here are 10 must read books for artists and art business owners that I’ve personally read and highly recommend to you!
These books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to both artists and art business owners. From managing your creative business to overcoming creative blocks, marketing, spirituality and more, there’s a book for everyone on this list. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and start reading!
* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!
Art Inc. is a great read for artists and art business owners for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it provides a comprehensive overview of the business side of the art world. For artists who want to commercialize their work, this book is invaluable. It covers topics such as marketing, PR, social media, licensing, and more.
In addition, Art Inc. offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of successful artists. Lisa Congdon interviews a number of well-known artists and art entrepreneurs, which provides insight into what it takes to make it in the art world. Finally, Art Inc. is simply a well-written and well-researched book. Lisa Congdon is a respected authority on the business of art, and her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is one of the most popular books on creativity and the creative process. In it, Cameron explores the idea that we all have a “inner artist” that is blocked by fear and self-doubt, and offers a step-by-step program to help readers overcome these barriers and reconnect with their creative selves.
The Artist’s Way is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt creatively stuck. Cameron’s writing is both funny and inspirational, and her program is easy to follow and really works. If you’re looking for a book that will help you get in touch with your creative side, this is it.
If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, Cory Huff’s book is a must-read. The creator of TheAbundantArtist.com, Huff offers a wealth of practical advice, from choosing the right platform to promoting your work, pricing your art, and dealing with inevitable rejection.
He also addresses the emotional side of being an artist, and offers advice on how to stay motivated and inspired. Perhaps most importantly, Huff stresses the importance of living a creative life on your own terms – something that is often harder than it looks. This book is an essential read for any artist who is serious about selling their work online.
If you want to lead a more creative life, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring read, touching on spiritual. The book dives into what it means to be creative and how to live a life without fear. If you’re a fan her most famous book, Eat Pray Love, then you’re going to love this one.
Gilbert offers readers plenty of advice, such as to embrace curiosity, take risks, and enjoy the process. She also provides inspiring stories from her own life as a writer. Big Magic is an empowering read that will leave you feeling ready to conquer your own creative endeavors.
One of my favourite books for artists is Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. It’s a quick and easy read, and one of the most inspiring and insightful books that I’ve read on the creative process.
Kleon’s book is structured around 10 principles for artists, which he refers to as ‘stealing’: finding inspiration in the work of others, embrace collaboration, embrace your influences, work hard and be persistent, be open to new ideas, and embrace your inner weirdo. Each of these principles is explored in depth, with Kleon sharing examples from his own life and work, as well as from the lives and work of other artists he admires.
Steal Like an Artist is an essential book for artists who want to tap into their creative potential and create meaningful and lasting art.
If you’re an artist or business owner who wants to better understand how to inspire others, then you need to read Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. In this book, Sinek argues that the key to success is not what you do, but why you do it. Sinek explains that businesses and individuals need to start with their purpose, or their “why.” Once you know your purpose, it’s easier to communicate your message and connect with others. This is because people are more likely to be inspired by a shared purpose than by a product or service.
Sinek provides plenty of examples to illustrate his point, including Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright brothers. He also explains how to apply the “why” to your own life and business. If you’re looking for a book to help you “find your why”, then you need to read this book.
In today’s business world, it’s all about standing out from the crowd and being unique. If you want to be a successful artist or art business owner, you need to be constantly creating and marketing new and innovative content. One of the best ways to learn how to do this is to read Gary Vaynerchuk’s book, Crush It.
In Crush It, Vaynerchuk explains how to use your passion and creativity to build a successful business. He provides practical advice on how to market your work, connect with your audience, and stand out from the competition. If you’re looking for a motivational read that will inspire you to take your art business to the next level, Crush It is a must-read.
There are a lot of books out there that claim to be helpful for artists and art business owners, but many of them are full of big promises and not much substance. However, there are a few diamonds in the rough, and one of those is Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work.
Kleon is a writer, artist, and speaker who tackles the modern world of marketing and networking in a way that is both simple and effective. In Show Your Work, he provides 10 easy-to-follow steps that will help you get your work out there and start getting noticed. One of the most helpful aspects of Kleon’s book is that he doesn’t try to sell you on the idea of self-promotion as some sort of necessary evil. Instead, he shows you how self-promotion can be a fun and rewarding process that will help you connect with your audience and build a career that you love. If you’re looking for a practical, no-nonsense guide to marketing your art, then Show Your Work is a must-read.
The One Thing by Gary Keller is a book about finding your focus and achieving success in your chosen field. Keller argues that focus is the key to success in any field, and he provides readers with actionable steps for how to achieve it.
He also includes inspiring stories of people who have attained great success by singularly focusing on their chosen field. This book is a must-read for anyone who is looking to achieve success in their career or creative endeavors. The author provides a clear and concise roadmap for how to achieve focus, and the stories of successful people provide motivation and inspiration.
The final book on our list is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book is all about how to change your habits and make them stick. If you find yourself struggling to make changes in your life or business, this is the book for you.
Clear lays out a step-by-step process for making changes and gives you all the tools you need to make sure those changes stick. One of the things I love about this book is that it’s not just about changing your habits, it’s about changing your mindset. If you want to make lasting changes, you need to change the way you think about change. This book will help you do just that.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 books for artists and art business owners that I think you should read. Hopefully, at least a few of these books resonate with you and provide you with the information, inspiration, or push you need to take your art business to the next level. There are plenty of books out there for artists, but these are the 10 that I think are essential for artists and art business owners. These books will teach you about the business of art, how to market yourself, and how to run a successful art business. If you’re serious about making a living as an artist, I highly recommend these books for artists.
When it comes to running a successful art business, a big part of standing out from the crowd is creating a strong and recognisable brand identity. But what does that actually entail? In a nutshell, your brand identity is how your business is perceived by both your current and potential customers. It’s more than just your logo or website design – it encompasses everything from your company values and mission statement, to your overall aesthetic and the way you communicate with your audience.
Luckily, creating a strong brand identity for your art business is not as daunting as it may seem. By following a few simple steps, you can develop a clear and recognisable brand that will help you to attract and retain customers.
Define your art business and what it does
An art business is anything that involves creating, marketing, and selling art. This could be anything from fine art to digital art to craft supplies. To create a brand identity for your art business, you need to first define what exactly your business does and what makes it unique.
One way to do this is to sit down and brainstorm what your business offers and what makes it different from other businesses in the same industry. For example, if you sell paintings, what makes your paintings different from others? Do you have a specific style or focus on a certain type of painting? Who is your target market?
Once you have a good understanding of what your business does and what makes it unique, you can start to create a brand identity that reflects this. This can be anything from creating a logo and tagline to choosing a colour scheme and overall aesthetic for your business.
Whatever you do, make sure that your brand identity is cohesive and reflects the overall tone of your business. Creating a brand identity for your art business is an important step in making your business more visible and recognizable. By taking the time to define what your business does and what makes it unique, you can create a strong foundation for your brand that will attract new customers and help you stand out from the competition.
Research your competition
When you’re ready to start creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to do your research and find out what similar businesses are doing. This will help you get an idea of what’s working well and what you can improve upon.
One of the best ways to research your competition is to simply search for them online. Check out their websites and social media pages to see what they’re doing right. Make a list of the things you like and the things you don’t like about their branding. This will help you narrow down your own preferences and come up with a brand identity that’s unique to you.
Another great way to research your competition is to talk to them directly. If you know any other artists or art business owners, reach out to them and ask for their advice. They may be willing to share their own experiences and help you avoid making the same mistakes they did.
Finally, don’t forget to ask your customers for feedback. They’re the ones who will be interacting with your brand identity the most, so it’s important to get their thoughts on what you’re doing. Send out surveys, post on social media, or simply ask them in person what they think of your brand. By doing your research, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that’s unique, appealing, and sure to attract more business.
Find your niche and focus on what makes you different
When it comes to creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to find your niche and focus on what makes you different. This can be a difficult process, but it’s worth taking the time to figure out what sets your business apart from the rest.
One of the best ways to find your niche is to think about what you’re passionate about. What are the specific areas of art that you’re most interested in? What do you enjoy creating the most? Once you’ve identified your passions, you can start to focus on creating a brand identity that reflects those interests.
It’s also important to focus on what makes you different from other art businesses. What are your unique selling points? What can you offer that no one else can? By highlighting these differences, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that really stands out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to be bold with your brand identity. This is your chance to really put your own personal stamp on your business. So go ahead and be creative! Use your brand identity to show the world who you are and what you’re all about.
Create a mission statement for your brand
Creating a mission statement for your brand is a good place to start shaping your brand identity. This statement should be a clear and concise description of what your business is and what it stands for. It should be easy to understand and remember, so that your customers can quickly identify with your brand.
Your mission statement should be reflected in everything you do, from the products you sell to the way you market your business. It should be an integral part of your brand identity and should be communicated to everyone who comes into contact with your business.
If you take the time to create a strong and clear mission statement for your brand, you will be well on your way to creating a successful and recognizable brand identity.
Mission statement examples for an artist’s brand:
To create art that evokes emotion, inspires creativity, and encourages a deeper appreciation for beauty in the world.
To use my artistic talents to shed light on social issues and promote positive change in the world.
To connect with audiences on a deep, personal level through my art, and inspire them to find their own creativity and passion.
To bring joy and happiness to people’s lives through my colourful and whimsical artworks.
To use my art as a platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability.
To capture the beauty of nature and the human experience through my paintings, and share it with the world.
To create art that transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through the universal language of beauty.
To inspire and empower women through my art, celebrating their strength, resilience, and unique beauty.
Develop a visual identity for your brand
As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is develop a strong visual identity for your brand. Your visual identity is what will help you stand out from the crowd and attract attention from potential customers and clients. This includes your brand colours, logo, banners, avatars, social media posts and more.
Here are five tips to help you create a visual identity for your art business:
1. Define your brand. What are your core values and attributes? What makes you unique? Once you have a clear understanding of your brand, you can start to develop a visual identity that reflects who you are as a business.
2. Consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your art business? What kinds of visuals, colours, textures etc. will resonate with them? When you know your target audience, you can create visuals that appeal to them.
3. Keep it simple. When it comes to visuals, less is often more. You want to create a simple, elegant visual identity that is easy for people to remember.
4. Use high-quality visuals. The visuals you use should be high-resolution and professional-looking. This will help you create a strong impression and build trust with your target audience.
5. Stay consistent. Once you have developed your visual identity, it is important to stay consistent with it. Use the same colours, fonts, and overall look and feel across all of your marketing materials. This will help people easily recognize your brand.
Check out this Skillshare class DIY Branding for Creatives to help you design a visual identity for your brand!
Monitor and adjust your brand identity as needed
Like any business, it’s important to regularly monitor how your art brand is performing and make changes and re-iterate as needed.
Here are a few tips:
1. Keep an eye on your sales. If you’re not selling as much as you’d like, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t resonating with your target audience. Take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to better appeal to your desired customers.
2. Pay attention to your online presence. What are people saying about your brand? Are they sharing your content? If not, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t strong enough. Again, take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to make a bigger impact.
3. Monitor your competition. See what they’re doing that’s working and try to replicate it. But also, be sure to differentiate yourself from the competition so you’re not just another “me too” art brand. By regularly monitoring your brand identity and making changes as needed, you’ll be sure to stay ahead of the game and keep your art business thriving.
4. Update your branding regularly. It may take some re-iterating until you’ve reached a point where you feel like your brand truly reflects you and your art business.
Conclusion
Creating a brand identity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a professional and unique brand identity for your art business that will help you stand out from the competition. With a little time and effort, you can develop a strong brand that will attract new customers and help grow your business.
Marketing your art in the digital age requires a diverse set of skills. Artists must not only be well-versed in the creation of their work, but also in digital marketing and SEO.
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing a piece of content for search engines with the goal of earning higher web traffic and improving visibility. For artists, this can help your art get found more easily online.
There are a few SEO tips that artists should keep in mind when creating and marketing their work online.
Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions for your art.This will help Google index your work and make it more searchable.
Use social media to promote your work and drive traffic to your website.
Add alt text to your images. This will help Google “read” your images and include them in image search results. This also includes the file name!
By following these simple SEO tips, you can make sure that your art can be found online and reach the widest possible audience.
How can you help your art get found online?
Some artists are under the impression that all they need to do is to post their art on social media and wait for the likes and comments to roll in. But if you want to reach a wider audience, you’ll need to put a little more thought into your online presence.
Here are a few tips to help your art get found online:
Start by creating a website for your art. This is a great way to showcase your work in a professional manner. Make sure to include high-quality images of your work, and a bio or statement that gives visitors a sense of who you are as an artist.
Use social media to your advantage. While it’s important not to rely too heavily on social media, it can be a great way to promote your work. Post interesting and engaging content, and be sure to use hashtags to increase your visibility.
Get involved in the online art community. There are many forums, websites, and online groups dedicated to promoting and discussing art. Getting involved in these communities can help you reach new audiences and connect with other artists.
Stay active and consistent. One of the best ways to stand out online is to simply be active and consistent. Post new content regularly, interact with other users, and make sure your website and social media channels are up-to-date.
By following these tips, you can create a strong online presence for your art that will help you reach a wider audience.
Optimize your website for search engines
When it comes to SEO for artists, one of the most important things you can do is make sure your website is optimized for search engines. This means making sure your site is easy to find and navigate, and that it contains keyword-rich content that will help it rank high in search results.
There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your website is optimized for search engines.
Make sure your site is easy to find and navigate. Include clear and concise titles and descriptions for each page, and make sure your navigation is easy to understand.
Create keyword-rich content that is relevant to your art. Use keywords and phrases that potential customers are likely to use when searching for art online.
Include links to your site on other websites and in online directories. This will help to build up your site’s reputation and improve its ranking in search results (also known as backlinks).
Create compelling and original content. This means writing blog posts and articles that are interesting and informative, and that will help to promote your art.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your art is more visible online, and that you attract more viewers and potential buyers.
Use unique and descriptive keywords for your artwork
By using unique and relevant keywords and phrases in your titles, tags, and descriptions you can ensure that your artwork is more likely to show up in search engine results.
Here are some tips for creating keyword-rich titles and descriptions for your artwork:
Use descriptive keywords. When choosing keywords for your titles, be sure to use words that accurately describe your artwork. This will help potential customers find your work when they search for terms related to what you create. For example, if you paint landscapes, you might use keywords such as “landscape”, “nature”, or “scenery”.
Use keyword-rich phrases. In addition to using individual keywords, you can also use keyword-rich phrases in your titles and descriptions. For example, instead of just “painting”, you could use “original oil painting” or “hand-painted watercolour”. These phrases are more likely to be used by people who are searching for specific types of art, and they can help your work stand out.
Use relevant keywords. It’s also important to use keywords that are relevant to your specific artwork style. For example, if you create abstract art, you might use keywords such as “abstract”, “modern”, or “contemporary”. By using relevant keywords, you can ensure that your artwork is more likely to appear in search results for people interested in that style of art.
Make sure you have unique titles for your artwork. It’s important to have unique titles for each piece of artwork you create. This not only helps potential customers find your work, but it also ensures that your work is more likely to show up in search engine results and won’t be competing with each other for ranking.
Use alt text to describe your artwork
When uploading images to your website, always include alt text to accompany each image. This is an especially important SEO tip for artists. Not only is this good practice for general accessibility purposes, but it also allows search engines to index your images, improving your site’s overall ranking. You can also add alt text to your Instagram posts.
When deciding what alt text to use, be sure to include key phrases that accurately describe the image, as this will help your site come up in relevant image searches.
For example, if you have a painting of a nature scene, some suitable alt text might be “oil painting of a river in the mountains”. This not only tells users what they can expect to see if they click on the image, but also tells search engines what the image is about, making it more likely to appear in results for relevant searches.
Alt text can also used to describe an image to someone who is blind or partially blind, so it can also help with the accessibility of your art and website.
In addition to improving your site’s ranking, using alt text also provides another opportunity to include relevant keywords and phrases on your site, which can further improve it’s visibility in search engine results. So next time you upload an image to your site, don’t forget to include alt text!
Optimize your website’s metatags and meta descriptions
One of the most important aspects of SEO for artists is optimizing your website’s metatags and meta descriptions.
There are many different metatags, but the most important are the title, meta description, and keywords. The title is the main heading of the page or blog post, and it should include your most important keywords. If you’re using WordPress, there are sections for each of these that you can fill out for every piece of content you publish.
The meta description is a brief summary of your website page or blog post, and it should also include your keywords. Keywords are what people will use to search for your website, so it’s important to include them in both the title and meta description.
You can use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO (which is what I use) that will help you fill out all of the relevant metadata.
Optimizing your website’s metatags is a great way to improve your SEO and get your art noticed online.
Promote your website on social media
It’s no secret that social media is a powerful tool for promoting just about anything – and that includes websites. By promoting your website on social media, you can reach a large audience of potential customers and clients who may not be aware of your site otherwise.
Here are some tips for promoting your website on social media:
Make sure your website is ready before you start promoting your site on social media. Take a look at your site and make sure everything works as it should, looks good, and is something that people will want to share. A well-designed, user-friendly website with interesting and informative content is more likely to be shared than a site that’s difficult to navigate or that doesn’t offer anything new or unique.
Use social media to drive traffic to your website. Once you’ve ensured that your website is ready, it’s time to start using social media to drive traffic to your site. Posts about your website on social media should include a link, if possible, so that people can easily visit it. You can also include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “check out my website for more information (link in bio)” or “visit my website to see more of my art”.
Make it easy for people to share your website by adding share buttons to your site. With social media share buttons on your website, people can easily share your site with just a few clicks.
Monitor your analytics. Monitor your analytics to see how your posts are performing. Look at the engagement metrics for your posts, such as likes, comments, and shares. You can also track how much traffic your website is getting from social media using Google Analytics, and see which social media platforms are sending the most traffic to your site.
By following these tips, you can promote your website on social media and reach a larger audience.
Conclusion of SEO for artists
The most important thing for artists to remember when it comes to SEO is that content is king. Creating high-quality, keyword-rich content is the best way to help your art get found online.
In addition to great content, artists should also focus on building backlinks and creating social media profiles to help promote their work. By following these simple SEO tips, artists can attract more viewers and potential customers to their online portfolio.
