Ever feel like your art is out there, but… it’s just not getting the love it deserves? Like, you’ve posted, you’ve shared, you’ve done -the thing-, but buyers are still keeping their distance? Yeah, it’s frustrating. But here’s the kicker—it’s not always your art. Sometimes, it’s how you’re showing up (or not showing up) for the people who want to buy from you.
The Often Overlooked Power of Professionalism in Art
I know, I know—when you hear “professionalism,” you probably think of stiff suits, boring emails, and... meh, not so artsy vibes. But hear me out. Art collectors?
They’re not just buying a piece of your work; they’re buying into you. Yes, you! And how you present yourself can totally influence whether they feel confident investing in your art.
Here’s the deal: being professional doesn’t mean you stop being your creative, quirky self. It just means making sure your interactions with potential buyers are smooth and trustworthy. You know, basic stuff like:
- Clear Communication: Responding to messages, emails, or inquiries like a real human who cares (and not three weeks later with a “sorry for the delay”). People like quick responses—don’t we all?
- Organized Online Presence: If someone wants to check out your work, they shouldn’t need a treasure map to find your portfolio. Make sure your website (or Instagram, or wherever you showcase your stuff) is easy to navigate, and that your contact info isn’t hidden in some dark corner.
- Reliability: Ohkay, this one’s huge. When you say you’re going to do something—like send over details or ship a piece—do it. Nothing turns off buyers more than flakiness, trust me.
Personal Branding: Making Sure Collectors Remember You
Here’s where things get fun. Personal branding is just a fancy way of saying, “How do people see you and your art?” It’s the vibe you give off to the world. And yep, it’s super important. If you’ve been neglecting this part of the game, it might explain why people aren’t knocking on your (virtual) door.
Why should you care about personal branding?
- It Builds Trust: Look, collectors want to feel like they know the artist they’re buying from. Share your story. Talk about what inspires you. Show the messy side of your studio (everyone loves a good behind-the-scenes shot). When people feel connected to you, they’re more likely to invest.
- It Makes You Accessible: In today’s world, buyers don’t just stumble into a gallery and buy something off the wall. They’re looking online, scrolling through Instagram, and if you’re personal brand isn’t out there… well, you might miss out. Get your name (and art) out there in a way that feels real.
- It Establishes Authority: Ohkay, we all want to be taken seriously, right? When you share your journey, your wins (even the small ones), and how much you’ve grown as an artist, it shows people that you’re legit. You’ve got this!
Making It Easy for Collectors to Reach Out
You know what makes people not buy your art? When it’s hard to reach you. Like, if someone loves your work but has to dig through a million links just to find your email, they’ll probably give up. Don’t be that artist. Make it easy!
- Call-to-Action: On your website or socials, tell people how to buy your art. Like, literally say it: “DM me for inquiries” or “Click here to shop my work.” Don’t be shy!
- Be Active on the Right Platforms: Not everyone uses the same social media. If your buyers hang out on Instagram, cool—be there. If they’re more into LinkedIn (weird, but okay), go there too. Be where they are.
- Streamline the Purchase Process: Ugh, nothing kills a sale faster than a complicated checkout. Whether you’re selling through a site or directly, make sure it’s simple. No one likes jumping through hoops.
A Quick Checklist for Artists Just Starting Out
- Create a Professional Portfolio: Whether it’s online or a physical portfolio, make sure it shows off your best work. Not everything needs to go in there—just the stuff that represents your style and quality.
- Set up a Website: You don’t need anything fancy. Just a space where people can see your art, learn about you, and easily contact you. Oh, and make sure your contact info is right up front!
- Get on Social Media: Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or whatever’s trending next, be active where your audience is. Post regularly, share your process, and engage with your followers. You never know who’s watching.
- Have Clear Pricing: Don’t make it awkward for potential buyers. Be upfront about your pricing, whether it’s on your site or by inquiry. And no, you don’t have to apologize for your prices—own it!
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your contact info, orders, and communication. Seriously, nothing worse than losing a potential sale because you misplaced an email.
- Prepare Your Artist Bio and Statement: Have a killer bio ready for your website, galleries, or anywhere you showcase your art. Let people know who you are and what you’re about!
- Network: Whether it’s going to local art shows, popping into gallery events, or even just joining online art groups—get out there and meet people. The art world is all about connections!
Embrace the Balance Between Art and Business
Professionalism in art doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity—it’s about creating a bridge between your passion and your potential buyers. Embrace it, and you might just see your art journey transform.
In Conclusion
Let’s be real—being an artist today means more than just creating beautiful things. You’ve got to put yourself out there in a way that feels real, approachable, and professional. Make it easy for collectors to find you, trust you, and buy your work. These little steps? They can make all the difference between your art being admired from a distance or hanging proudly in someone’s home.
So, go on—be the artist and the professional. You’ve got this!