So you have learned all the basics, you know the colour theory pretty much by heart, you’re a familiar with every watercolour technique possible, you know pretty much everything from perspective, composition and cross hatching, to a complex realism and 3D technique? That’s amazing, but what do you know about business?
At some point, that’s pretty much when you’re out of storage space and walls to hang your art, you probably will start to wonder, what do I do with all that? And most importantly, how do I make money from it?
The truth is, if you would like to become successful as an artist, you have to become successful as a businessman!
Good news, you’re living in the best time possible, where e-commerce is blooming and the social networks are growing faster than ever!
You probably still under the old school impression that being an artist means hardly making a living? Forget about it! With today’s tools making money with your art became much easier than you think!
SIDE HUSTLE OR A FULL TIME JOB
Many new artists make their most sales from social media, by getting more and more followers and constantly sharing their journeys.
However, far not everyone jumps in to the freelance lifestyle straight ahead, many artist have to start growing their audience along with having a part –time or casual job.
Think of the other ways to monetise your skills quicker?
Here are some of the ways you can make a side income why starting your artistic journey:
- Become a freelancer illustrator, that way you can actually get to do something that you like. You can create your freelance account on the website like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer
- If you have another great set of skills, in marketing, writing, book-keeping etc, you can also switch to a freelancer via the same websites.
- Love animals? How about dog-walking or cat-seating? If you’re like me located in Sydney, check out this freelance pet seating service to join.
- Get a casual job at your local art store, what can be better than an extra stuff discount for your art supplies, when you’re just starting out?
- Become an art-teacher, see if there are community centres or pre-schools around your area, that are looking for someone to do arts and crafts with kids? It can be fun and who knows, may be those kids can inspire you for a masterpiece, them unlike us have imaginations that doesn’t have the limits!
Selling Artworks Yourself or Rely on Others?
If you’re one of those artists who just want to focus on their art and don’t have any interest in business whatsoever, you still can succeed as a well-paid artist.
You can work with galleries and online platforms such as Saatchi Art , Etsy or Bluethumb is you’re in Australia.
The down side of working with a third party, means you will have to share your profits, however they will do all the marketing work for you and all you will need to focus on is your art.
Alternatively, you can do both and have your own website and get 100% profits from sales as well as have your artworks displays elsewhere.
The good thing about art dealers and galleries, is that they already have connections and buyers, and based on there previous experience they can always give you an honest feedback, on what you can do better to sell more art.
Art prints or original artwork
Some artworks, such as sculpture or 3d modelling, would be much harder to reproduce.
However most of the artworks, such as paintings, drawings and illustrations, can be reproduced in multiple copies and in many ways:
- Original Artworks
- Limited printed editions.
- Digital format- wallpapers, photo prints etc.
- Various products: t-shirts, cups, coaters, phone cases, scarves art.
- Collaborations with other artists or photographers.
Your Online Store
It is a good idea to invest some time or money, in order to create your own online store.
To make your job easier it is always a good idea to use own of the proven website builders, such as Shopify or Woocommerce:
When setting up your store, make you pick the right theme, which will show your art in the best way. Stick with neutral or white tones for you background, to make sure your works stand out.
See if there are some handy plug ins and apps that will make it easier for you to manage your website.
If you decided to feature your art on the products, Shopify apps like Printify, CustomCat, or Printful, will come quite handy, as they will take care of the printing for you, as well as shipping. You can also make prints and feature your artworks on all sort of products, by creating account at Redbubble.
Taking photos of your artworks
It is quite important to make sure that photos of your artworks art done well and display the original as close as possible. Not only because that will be the only way for your online customer to see the work, but specially if you’re sending your works to print.
At the end of the day, you’re selling your art online and the visual representation of the work matters the most. Without a pretty picture you won’t be able to sell it!
When it comes to taking photos of the art, it can be quite tricky, as even a minor mistake in the light settings; can cause unwanted reflections and uneven colours.
It can be even harder with 3d objects, so may be think of investing some money and hiring a professional photographer,when it come to taking a photo of your sculpture.
However, there is an easer option for you if your artworks are made on a flat surface, instead of trying to figure out the way to set up the light and the camera, think of using a scanner instead. The most economical option will be to use a small A4 scanner and make copies of your work in smaller parts that can be collated together in a Photoshop. Can be quite tricky, when it comes to oils paintings or resin artworks, but for most of the illustrations that can be done quite easy.
How many prints to make.
The best part about printing your art, is the fact that one work can make you money forever! However making you art prints “limited” is also a good way to show the value of the product. This way you create the urgency and the customers will be more likely to make their decision to buy faster, before it all goes. Making your art works limited also makes it more special and valuable, as whoever buys it, will one of not that many other happy owners.
Printers and Printing
You can always choose to create high quality prints yourself, by using the right paper, ink and a printer. As well as offer DIY framing. For someone who is only starting out, this can be quite a good option, that will save you the costs, however at the same time, there is only this much you can do. Finding the time for your art, as well as prints, framing, along with marketing and advertising, can be quite challenging and you will be less likely able to make a big quantity of the works.
Think of looking into the local printing business instead, and see if you can negotiate a good price for the bulk orders. In case you would like to outsource the shipping as well, check out these online printing companies instead:
Exhibitions and art shows.
Since we are mainly focusing here on the online world of art selling, you might be still wondering if you should exhibit your works in the physical galleries.
One thing for sure – it won’t hurt. Particularly if your artworks are quite big, textured and detailed and no matter how hard you try, no photograph can show what you can see.
Another great thing about participating in art shows and displaying your physical artworks, is that your customers will have the opportunity to see you and who knows may be by falling in love with your great personality, they will automatically fall in love with your art!
In case you would love to display your works for real, but not quite sure how, check out the following way:
- Have a look at your local galleries; quite often they will have Art Prize Exhibitions on, where you can submit your works.
- Check out local markets and consider hiring a stall for a few days.
- Open your own art space.
- Open a Pop-Store- that way you can avoid monthly expenses on your rent and get to display all you work at the same time!
With all that, you can also combine your online presence with all these options, by promoting and advertising upcoming events to your followers.
Packing and Shipping.
If you chose to mainly sell your original artworks and make the prints yourself, you will also have to pack and ship them yourself.
Prints and posters are always best to send in tubes, or you can use tough envelops for smaller works. Make sure to always use plastic sleeves or acid free paper, for extra protection.
When it comes to works made on canvas, it will be quite helpful to keep the boxes form the canvas when you buy them, that way you can use the same box later on to send your work. Using some extra bubble wrap will also insure your artwork will not get damaged. However, sometimes no matter how well you packed your work, incidents can happen and it’s always best to get an insurance with your delivery.
Insurance is very important, specially when sending the original works, as this is not something that can be easily reproduced.
Majority of the courier companies, such as FedEx and USPS, offer a basic cover package for the bigger parcels, however it is important for a sender to go through all the terms and conditions thoroughly.
Artist in a business world
Growing your business, as an artist, means constantly creating new works, to make sure your followers becoming your frequent buyers.
To keep the flow, you need to find your ways to find your inspiration. Visiting galleries and other artists profiles can be quite inspiring, as well as just a little walk in the nature or a weekend get a way. Sometimes taking a stroll, even in well familiar surroundings, can make you find things that you have never seen before, taking a different look to the same things, can make a difference!
