What’s a Mondrian without primary colors? Or the Mona Lisa without her smile? Unfinished and just not the same. While your Public Page might seem a stretch from these iconic pieces, we like to think it has the potential for its own kind of star power. You just need to make sure it has all the right components for success. From a compelling, concise biography to stand out images, you can create a professional, beautiful experience for buyers that showcases your credibility and talent. Follow this checklist and you’ll be ready to stop potential art buyers in their well-heeled tracks and make those sales.
UPDATE: We’ve made the Public Profile even more amazing! Take a look at what’s new.
1. Use a High-Quality Profile Image
Your Profile Image allows you to leave a fantastic first impression. According to a recent study from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden: "Facial appearance can affect judgments of attributes such as trustworthiness...and competence." While it is tempting to put your best work of art in this section, buyers do like to put a face to a name. It can spur recognition and is part of your personal brand. We recommend using a well-lit, high-quality image of yourself - photograph or self-portrait - or an image of you with your art.
Veronica Bruce's Public Page has beautiful photography, links to her social channels, and includes a bio.
2. Include a Compelling, Yet Short Bio
Your Public Page biography acts as the ambassador for your art business. It gives you the opportunity to share your background, inspiration, credentials, and achievements with potential art buyers. The biography will appear in the left-hand column of your Public Page, so be sure to keep it short. We also suggest labeling the different sections of your biography so buyers can easily skim for the information they want. You can include a concise version of your artist biography or artist statement in the biography section. Need help with what to write? Read our articles on How to Write an Appealing Artist Bio and 5 Tips for Writing a Memorable Artist Statement.
3. Showcase Excellent Images of Your Art
Beautiful images of your art are critical to drawing in buyers, especially when it may be very difficult for them to view the work in person before purchasing. Business of art expert Carolyn Edlund asserts that “Artists spend many hours creating something of value [so] you need to honor your work by showing it in an excellent image.” Poor-quality images reflect badly on your business and prevent art buyers from seeing your true work. Your images should be crisp, clear, and well-lit. And steer clear of distracting backgrounds, so your work is the main focus.
Peter Bragino includes detailed information about each piece to make it easy for buyers to learn about his work.
4. Add Detailed Information to the Pieces
We recommend adding as many relevant details to your Pieces as possible. Be sure to include the Title, dimensions, medium, and a short description about the work. The more art buyers know, the more they can visualize if your work has a place on their wall. Also, the more background details the buyers know about the work, the easier it is to form an emotional connection with it. The description allows you to convey a multi-layered story about the Piece without being there in person. Depending on your business model and galleries’ preferences, you can also include the prices of your work. Read our article on the pros and cons of displaying prices online here.
5. Provide Social Proof with Some “Sold” Work
People often want what others want or already have. Displaying work marked as “Sold” on your Public Page provides art buyers with social proof that your art is desirable. It has the power to make people take another look and could push potential buyers towards a purchase. Make sure to include only a few, strategic “Sold” works though, otherwise the available work can’t shine through.
Lisa McShane includes a few "Sold" works to provide social proof to buyers.
6. Link to Your Social Media Channels and Website
Linking your Public Page to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. allows potential buyers to get to know you on a more personal level. As long as you have active and engaging channels, buyers can watch videos, see works in progress, hear about upcoming exhibitions, see what inspires you, and more. Art buyers often purchase work from artists they know and like, and social media is a great way to bridge any geographical distance. Your artist website also helps bridge that gap and is one more way art buyers can become more familiar with you and your work.
7. Answer Piece Inquiries Quickly
Customer service is key to any successful business relationship. Inquiries about the art on your Public Page go directly to the email you provided Artwork Archive upon signing up. Make sure you check this email on a daily basis, so you can answer any questions about your art or set up a transaction for someone who wants to buy work. It’s best practice to respond to emails within 24 hours. Answering emails in a timely fashion also displays reliability and your customers will take note–and are more likely to make another purchase.
Public Page Ready to Go?
That's great! All subscribers who turn on their Public Page and mark at least four Pieces as "Public" are featured in Discovery. This platform connects buyers directly with artists, so Public Artists can increase their exposure and sell more artwork.
Did you know you can use your Public Profile to make art sales? Interested buyers can contact you directly through your Artwork Archive Public Profile. All they need to do is click on the “Contact Artist” button. Viewers can also easily ask about a specific piece through the “Inquire About Piece” button. Buyers can even start to set up a sale by sending you a "Purchase Request" for an artwork.
Once you have a buyer for a work, you can process the sale. Artwork Archive has the option for you to be paid directly for your sale with the PayPal integration on Artwork Archives invoices. You can create and send an invoice and be paid directly through that invoice!
Even better? Artwork Archive never charges a commission for your sales, your profit goes to you!
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