8 marketing tips from successful working artists

You can read tons of theoretical marketing articles and often none of them make sense for your artistic career. Sometimes it's nice to hear advice from artists who've been in the trenches, tested theories, and succeeded on the other side.

Maybe you're wondering how to get more buyers for your art, or you're deciding whether or not to start a blog. Or are you just looking for fresh art marketing ideas.

These artists from the Art Archive—including Lori McNee and Jeanne Bessette—here to help and shared some of the art marketing strategies they used to turn their art into a successful career.

1.: Expand your market

Randy L. Purcell understands the importance of networking outside of your own art scene. Randy is involved in various community groups and a business group, and he shares: “It helped me a lot. Because of this, I know people who don't usually collect art, but who can buy my work because they know me and want to support me."

Randy's connections also helped him organize an exhibit at Nashville International Airport.

Beach House Randy L. Purcell.

2. : Get social networks (media)

During our interview with Nan Coffey, she told us she's been in contact with a bunch of "cool" people from all over the world - people she would never have met if not for social media.

Her advice to other artists: “If you haven’t already, set up your social media. Just start showing your work and get out of the house."

Nan recently reached out to her over 12,000 Facebook fans and asked them to tell her about themselves. She included 174 of their responses in her latest project. Check it out below!

3.: Express your art with words

Is anyone postponing their artist statement? Jeanne Besset advocates writing about her work because “people want to know what motivates an artist to create. They like to know more because we do what they think is special, and that's the way it is."

She claims that the ability to express your art in words can only help you in your artistic career.

You can read Jeanne's fantastic statement about the artist and hear some words of wisdom on this subject from the artist's sister.

Standing in awe of a new day Jeanne Beset.

4. : Share your news (letter)

When we asked Debra Joy Grosser about her marketing strategies, she immediately opened her monthly newsletter—and with good reason. She sells work from everyone!

She also sends out a paper newsletter several times a year. She "worked in real estate for ten years and turned that list of contacts into a list of [her] artists." Debra said: "This is a very effective way to stay in touch with my collectors, friends and fans."

Be sure to read some interesting topic suggestions.

Awe Debra Joy Grosser.

5. : Show your personality

If you ask any artist about the power of social media marketing, it has to be artist and Huffington Post #TwitterPowerhouse Lori Macnee. Laurie recommends sharing her artistic world with her fans.

She states, “You need to focus on building your personal brand so you can sell it. Share your personality, a bit about your life and what you create in your art studio."

It definitely works for Lori, who has over 101,000 followers on Twitter. Check out some of her social media tips that you can apply to your .

Monet Moment – ​​Redwing Blackbird Laurie McNee.

6. : Engage people with a blog

Lisa McShane started her blog when she first started her full-time career as an artist. According to Lisa, "a blog is a great way to interact with other working artists as well as supporters."

She also notes that "having an active blog linked to your artist's site boosts that artist's ranking in search results."

Lisa writes about her latest work, her new dream studio on Samish Island, and artist resources.

Storm at dusk Lisa McShane.

7. : Create your own tribe

One of Peter Bragino's friends, who also does illustrations for Disney, gave him the idea of ​​branding and tiering prices and products. Peter creates options like prints that people can afford and shouts about it from the rooftops.

Peter states, "The more traction you have, the bigger the tribe you can create." You can explore Peter's fantastic e-commerce website and see how he builds his tribe on .

house of wisdom by Bragino.

8. : Stay informed

Lawrence Lee has been an artist for over forty years and knows the importance of keeping up to date with the latest marketing techniques.

He shared this wisdom with us: “Give yourself as an artist every possible advantage, because not many people can make a living creating art. Stay up to date on the best ways to use social media and video streaming."

Lawrence hosts live streams of his drawings in his studio to provide collectors and supporters with a unique perspective. He has also created a website for his art fans and gives them exclusive access to his LeeStudioLive channel.

Learn more art marketing tips from Lawrence in our article.

Almost Lawrence Lee Lawrence Lee

Want even more art marketing to grow your business? Check it out and let us know your art marketing tips in the comments.