Why Your Art Isn't Selling And What You Can Do About It

 

As an artist, one of the biggest challenges you may face is trying to sell your artwork. It can be incredibly frustrating to pour your heart and soul into a piece, only to have it sit unsold in your studio or online shop.

However, if you're struggling to sell your art, know that you're not alone. In fact, many artists have a hard time finding the right buyers for their work. But don't worry, there are plenty of strategies you can use to increase your chances of selling your art.

I will share with you my experiences about it and hope it will help.

 

 

 

 

Identify Your Target Audience

 

One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of selling your art is to identify your target audience.

Who is your ideal customer? What kind of art are they interested in? What are their demographics, interests, and purchasing habits? By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your marketing and sales strategies to reach the right people.

 

Let me give you an example, so if you create abstract paintings, your target audience might be younger generation, urban professionals with a taste for contemporary design, business owners looking to add a touch of creativity and sophistication to their workplace, or interior designers and decorators looking for bold, statement pieces to enhance a space.

On the other hand, if you create realistic portraits, your target audience might be older, more traditional art collectors.

 

 

 

 

Once you've identified your target audience, you can begin to research where they like to shop for art, what kind of events they attend, and what their favorite social media platforms are. This will help you create a more effective marketing plan. 

"Guide for Artists: How to Define Your Target Audience" is packed with insights to help you define and reach your target audience effectively. "Get Your Guide Here"

 

 

 

 

Build Your Brand

 

As an artist, your brand is everything. It's what sets you apart from other artists and helps buyers remember who you are. Building your brand is essential if you want to sell your art successfully. Start by creating a strong online presence. This means having a website that showcases your artwork, as well as a presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Make sure that your website and social media profiles are consistent in terms of branding. Use the same color scheme, fonts, and imagery across all of your platforms to create a cohesive look and feel. Your brand should also reflect your personality as an artist. Be authentic and true to yourself, and let your personality shine through in your marketing materials.

 

 

 

 

Network with Other Artists

 

Networking with other artists can be an effective way to build your reputation and increase your chances of selling your art. So what you can do for example, is: attend local art events and connect with other artists in your area. Join art groups and organizations that cater to your specific niche. This will help you build relationships with other artists who can share their experiences and advice with you.

 

You may also want to consider collaborating with other artists on joint projects or exhibitions. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain exposure to new buyers.

 

 

 

 

Attend Art Fairs and Exhibitions

 

Art fairs and exhibitions are a great way to showcase your work to a wider audience. These events are attended by art collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts, giving you the opportunity to network and make new contacts. While attending these events can be expensive, it's an investment in your career as an artist.

When attending art fairs and exhibitions, be sure to bring your best work and present it in an attractive and professional manner. Make sure you have business cards and other marketing materials on hand to give to potential buyers.

 

 

 

 

 

Offer Limited-Edition Prints

 

Limited-edition prints are a great way to make your artwork more accessible to a wider audience. These prints are often more affordable than original pieces, making them a popular choice for buyers who may not have the budget for an original work of art.

When creating limited-edition prints, make sure you work with a reputable printer who can create high-quality reproductions of your work. Offer your prints in a variety of sizes and formats to appeal to different buyers.

Here are some examples of high-quality print companies in different countries:

WhiteWall (Germany) (https://www.whitewall.com/de/)

Hahnemühle (Germany) - https://www.hahnemuehle.com/en/digital-fineart.html

Printler (Sweden) - https://printler.com/se

Pixartprinting (Italy) - https://www.pixartprinting.com/

Lumejet (UK) - https://www.lumejet.com/

Printique (USA) - https://www.printique.com/

ProDPI (USA) - https://www.prodpi.com/

 

 

Consider Selling on Online Marketplaces

Here are some popular online marketplaces for selling art:

• Etsy is a well-known e-commerce platform for handmade goods and unique items, including art. Artists can create their own online store on Etsy, where they can list their art for sale and connect with potential buyers.

• Artfinder is an online marketplace that connects buyers with independent artists from around the world. Artists can sell original paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures on Artfinder.

• Saatchi Art is an online platform for buying and selling original art. The platform features a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

• Artsy is an online platform for discovering, buying, and selling art. The platform features artwork from leading galleries and museums around the world, as well as emerging artists.

• Art Brokerage is an online marketplace for buying and selling original art, prints, and sculptures. The platform specializes in works by well-known artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.

• UGallery is an online art gallery that features original artwork from emerging and established artists. The platform offers a curated selection of art in a variety of styles and mediums.

• Artplode is an online marketplace that allows artists to sell their art directly to buyers without any commission fees. The platform features a wide variety of artwork, including painting, sculpture, and photography.

• Zatista is an online platform for buying and selling original art. The platform features artwork from artists around the world, and offers a range of styles and mediums.

• Redbubble is an online marketplace that allows artists to sell their artwork on a variety of products, including apparel, home decor, and accessories. The platform offers a print-on-demand service, which means that products are only produced when they are ordered by customers. 

 

 

 

 

Tell Your Story

 

Art is personal, and buyers often want to know the story behind the artwork they are purchasing. By telling your story and sharing your inspiration, you can create a deeper connection with potential buyers.

 

Use your website and social media platforms to share your process, inspiration, and personal story. This can help potential buyers connect with your artwork on a more emotional level.

 

 

 This guide is perfect for artists who are ready to learn how to make money from their art. It will show your simple but powerful methods to draw people to your art. It combines personal insights with practical tips that have worked for both myself and other artists. It focuses on strategies that are effective in today's art market. Want to sell your art successfully? Click here - "Take me to the guide" 

 

 

 

 

Get Your Work Out There

 

One of the main reasons artists struggle to sell their work is that they aren't getting it out there enough. The more people that see your work, the more likely they are to appreciate it and buy it. Use social media to your advantage by sharing your artwork regularly.

Join online art communities and groups to share your work with a wider audience.

 

You can also consider collaborating with local businesses, such as cafes or galleries, to display your artwork. This can help increase your exposure to potential buyers who may not have discovered your work otherwise.

 

 

 

 

Give it Time

 

It's important to remember that selling art takes time. It's rare for an artist to become an overnight success, so be patient and persistent. Keep creating new work, networking with other artists and potential buyers, and promoting your brand. As you gain more exposure and experience, you'll increase your chances of selling your artwork.

 

 

 

 

Advertise to the Right Market

 

Advertising to the wrong market can be a major barrier to selling your art. Make sure you're targeting the right audience for your artwork. If you're creating abstract paintings, don't advertise to traditional art collectors who prefer realistic portraits. By targeting the right audience, you'll increase your chances of finding buyers who are interested in your style and subject matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Develop a Cohesive Style

 

Having a cohesive style is important for artists because it helps you create a consistent brand and allows buyers to recognize your work. Develop a style that is unique to you and stick with it. This doesn't mean you can't experiment and try new techniques, but make sure your work has a consistent look and feel.

 

 

 

 

Know What Sets You Apart

 

There are thousands of artists out there, so it's important to know what sets you apart from the crowd. What makes your artwork unique? What do you bring to the table that other artists don't?

By identifying what sets you apart, you can create a more effective marketing strategy and attract buyers who are interested in your specific style and subject matter.

Last but not least, selling art can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding buyers who appreciate and value your work. Identify your target audience, build your brand, network with other artists, attend art fairs and exhibitions, offer limited-edition prints, sell on online marketplaces, tell your story, get your work out there, give it time, advertise to the right market, develop a cohesive style, and know what sets you apart. By implementing these strategies, you'll be well on your way to a successful career as an artist.

Good Luck!

Marisol