Building an art business is no small task.
You want to focus on creating your best artwork and make a living at the same time. For artists with little or no business background, this can be extremely intimidating. How do you even get started?
Good news! The answer is easier than you might think—start with the community right in front of you. Take a look at three reasons why you should start locally when building your art business and how to take the plunge.
1. Use Your Following to Gain a Following
When you start locally with your art business, you automatically have a built-in fan base—your friends and family. These people will be there to support you at openings and art fairs or can simply help spread the word about your art business. You never know whose acquaintance could be your next potential buyer.
Plus, with friends and family making introductions to other people in your community, you’ll be able to get to know your audience personally. This goes a long way in networking, word of mouth, and ultimately getting your artwork out the door.
2. Resources at Your Fingertips
People want to support local artists, making your local community the perfect resource to tap into. Does your town host an art fair? Does your community art center need teachers? These are just some of the opportunities out there!
Arts Business Institute suggests reaching out to coffee shops, theaters, libraries, and other local businesses that can display your artwork for sale. Then, try hosting informal openings. It’s a great opportunity for local businesses to bring in customers as well.
3. A Supportive Artist Community
Many cities have artist associations you can join, benefitting your career in multiple ways. Not only can you connect with other artists socially, but you can learn all sorts of practical lessons artists are dying to pass on. Get advice on everything from running an art business and who to network with, to techniques that could take your art to the next level.
Want to make it easier for people to support local artists like you?
You can with Artwork Archive. First, set up your Public Profile Page, a clean and professional way to display your artwork online. Then, potential buyers will be able to find you on Discovery as they search for local artists to support nearby.
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!
Connect with buyers while keeping your art business organized. Sign up for your free 14-day trial of Artwork Archive here.
