Being an artist, or someone with a vision takes a lot of courage. Not only are you putting yourself on display to the public, but you’re creating things from the very essence of your soul.

Raw passion and emotion play a huge part in art, but unfortunately, with the advent of platforms like Instagram, the market for emerging artists is incredibly saturated.

On the whole, this is a good thing; the more people expressing themselves to the world, the better.

This does however, mean that standing out from the crowd and building your own presence as an artist is harder than ever before.

Many talented artists can feel invisible, isolated and unseen in a world ruled by algorithms and hashtags, so if you’re serious about becoming a successful artist, it’s time to expand your horizons beyond Instagram.

Whether you’re wondering how to become a successful artist or simply want to build an online presence that drives views (and income), these steps will help you go from hidden gem to mainstage act with real-world advice.

Sell in the real world, digitally

You need to get yourself into as many physical locations as possible: pop-ups, markets, exhibitions and local art fairs. Even selling your work on a street corner can be a great way to get eyes on your work and connect with potential buyers.

“Sometimes the old school methods work the best, but they’re supported with modern technology. “

It’s a lot of work, but as they say, nothing good comes for free in this world. Sometimes the old school methods work the best, but they’re supported with modern technology.

You need to make it as easy as possible for buyers to purchase your work. Whether that’s through a portable card reader, QR codes to your online store or a simple payment link on hand to take easy payments wherever you are. The easier you make it for someone to buy, the more likely they will.

Many artists still rely on in-person cash payments or “DM me” follow ups, but impulse purchases happen when there’s an opportunity for a seamless transaction. If someone falls in love with your work in person, give them the chance to act on it immediately.

Having an online platform, where clients can peruse your goods and make a purchase online, is a great way to sell your art outside of Instagram.

This gives them time to ruminate and make a calculated decision, which in the art world means they’re placing more meaning on your work, creating an emotional connection.

It’s these little nuances that separate the hobbyists from the pros, so if you’re figuring out how to sell art beyond Instagram DMs, this is step one.

Building a digital hub

Now, we’ve touched on the importance of having a website, but what we need to create is a digital headquarters that shows your clients who you are as an artist.

Your Instagram should not be at the heart of your digital hub, although it does play an important role.

You’ll need a place where you can express your journey, share your inspirations, allow your clients to become a part of your world, and, of course, make those all-important sales.

To get started, here we share your website checklist to ensure you’re capitalising at every stage.

A bio that reflects your story

Your story, your style and your magic are likely the reasons that a client will arrive at your website. Perhaps they’ve seen your work at the local art fair and want to know more about you.

This bio will introduce people to your life as a creative. It will allow them to relate to you, understand your intentions and feel connected to your work.

Be honest, be yourself and help them to enter your world.

A professional portfolio

This is an obvious one. But it’s amazing how many artists can get it wrong.

A portfolio is not simply a bunch of pictures that display your work. Instead, it should act as a visual guide to your style, your inspirations, your history and the reasons you create your pieces.

Create a portfolio that stands out against the crowd by highlighting your talent; you’re telling a story with images, so be as comprehensive as possible.

Contact details

Whether you’re accepting commissions, seeking to make connections or simply making yourself available, have a place where prospective clients can contact you with any questions or queries.

People might want to hear a story directly from the artist, or discover something deeper that your website may have missed.

Art is all about connection and interpretation, so don’t deprive your potential customers of the means to learn as much as they can about you.

A functional and professional online store

Again, this may sound obvious, but it’s very easy to get it wrong.

Don’t cheap out and undermine your hard work with a poorly made store that is difficult to use and poorly supported.

Your customers might be put off by a disorganised and unintuitive store, so make it easy for them to pay you!

Branding yourself as an artist is not an easy feat, but creating the perfect digital hub is a great way to start finding your feet.

Harness the power of email

Social media platforms come and go, websites rise and fall from the public eye, apps get constantly reinvented and recycled, but email remains constant.

Since the dawn of the internet, email has reigned supreme as the ultimate form of digital contact.

We all check our emails every day, personal and work; so why is it one of the most forgotten forms of client outreach and marketing?

With the power of email behind you, you can reach specific audiences about specific projects. You can experiment with:

Giveaways.
Getting potential customers signed up for monthly or bi-weekly newsletters.
Advertise a flash sale.
Announce news.
Offer early releases of new work.
Remain contactable.
Host surveys.

Using email marketing tools can be an incredibly powerful way to not only increase your community, but you can sell with incredible efficacy.

Collaborate with purpose

One of the most effective ways to gain notoriety in the art world is with successful collaboration. But it’s important to collaborate with the right people and brands.

It’s amazing to be approached by someone already successful and decide to work on a project together, but it’s all too easy to get swept up in an offer without considering the impact it could have on your artistic presence.

Perhaps you have a unique style, or a special way to use a material, producing an effect that is typical of your work, and your work alone.

Collaborating with an artist who does not align with your style and voice can actually be detrimental to your work and your audience.

Find artists that will allow you to push your limits and expand your horizons by complementing your style.

“…being yourself is the most important part of the pieces you produce.”

Don’t change who you are or create a new voice just to fit in with a well-known artist; being yourself is the most important part of the pieces you produce, so don’t compromise that, enhance it.

Artist residencies and bursting the bubble

If you’re in your studio, creating day after day and wondering why your audience isn’t growing, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and try something new.

Artist residencies are one of the best ways to supercharge your career. It’s a great way to give yourself more freedom to paint, create and find new ways of breaking the mold.

Residencies offer you the freedom to change things up, develop as an artist and offer the chance to gain credibility by networking with galleries, meeting curators, gallery owners and other creatives.

It’s time to burst the bubble you’ve found yourself in and forge a new path, use the numerous tools out there and get yourself set up with a residency; every day is a school day, especially when you’re looking to establish your art.

The final brushstroke

So there you have it, some real-world tips that you can put into effect straight away, hopefully seeing some quick results; it’s important to remember that nothing will happen overnight, but given time and effort, things will come your way.

Building an online presence, finding your voice, and conveying your artistic speciality are the best ways to gain attention.

But by telling your story, allowing your clients to interact with your work and displaying yourself for all to see, you’ll build an actual community of buyers, a presence that generates income and you’ll be able to emerge as the talent you know you are.

Take a look at some other helpful resources

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Many artists might wonder how to find, meet, and engage with collectors who might be interested in their work. Of course, there’s no straight-forward, easy answer to this. But there are a variety of ways to put yourself and your art out there and open up possibilities to connect with collectors both locally and internationally.

Are you in search of your next art residency? Check out our simple guide on how to apply to an art residency: from finding the right program to getting the result.

We’ve put together this guide on how to apply for an art grant to help you navigate the process — from researching funding sources to choosing work samples and writing your application. Plus a few things to keep in mind along the way.

There are many different types of art residencies out there. To make it easier when choosing a residency program that’s right for you, here is an overview of their ins and outs.

Practical steps for emerging artists to establish a presence beyond Instagram