Artists have always been entrepreneurial. From the days of the Renaissance masters, who were effectively running their own businesses, to the contemporary artist-run galleries and DIY art spaces of today, artists have always had to be creative and resourceful in order to survive and thrive. In recent years, however, the term “artist entrepreneur” has become more widely used, as the line between art and business has become increasingly blurred.
With the rise of the internet and social media, it has never been easier for artists to connect with potential customers and sell their work directly to them. At the same time, however, there is more competition than ever before, and artists need to be smart and strategic in order to stand out from the crowd.
So how do you become an artist entrepreneur? Here are 9 tips:
Develop a thick skin
If you’re going to be successful in any field, you need to develop a thick skin. This is especially true in the art world, where critics can be brutal and rejections are commonplace. Learn to take constructive criticism on board and use it to improve your work, but don’t let the haters get you down.
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Believe in yourself
One of the most important things you need to do as an artist entrepreneur is to believe in yourself and your work. It can be easy to doubt yourself when you’re constantly bombarded with messages telling you that you’re not good enough, but remember that only you can decide whether or not your work is worthy of success.
Be persistent
Persistence is key in any business, but it’s especially important in the art world. You will likely face a lot of rejection, but don’t give up – keep putting your work out there and eventually someone will take notice.
Create a brand
In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s essential to create a strong brand for yourself and your work. This goes beyond just having a clever name or logo – it’s about creating an identity for yourself that sets you apart from other artists. Think about what makes you unique and use that to inform everything from the way you present your work online to the way you interact with potential customers.
Build a website
A professional website is essential for any artist entrepreneur. Not only does it give you a platform to showcase your work, but it also allows you to sell directly to customers and collect payments through secure online channels. Make sure your website is optimised for search engines and easy to navigate, and consider investing in some basic marketing skills so that you can drive traffic to it.
Use social media
Social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach new audiences and promote your work. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to share images and updates on your latest projects, and don’t be afraid to engage with other users – building relationships is key to success in any business. Just make sure you don’t overdo it – nobody likes a spammer!
Network
Get out there and meet people! Attend art fairs, exhibitions and other events where you can network with other artists, gallerists, collectors and potential customers. The more people you know, the more likely you are to find success as an artist entrepreneur.
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Collaborate with other artists
Collaboration is a great way to reach new audiences and promote your work. Find other artists whose work you admire and see if there are opportunities to collaborate on projects or exhibitions. Not only will this help you to broaden your reach, but it can also be a lot of fun!
Teach art classes
Teaching is a great way to earn some extra income and promote your work at the same time. If you’re a skilled artist, why not share your knowledge by teaching classes or workshops? This is a great way to connect with potential customers and build up a loyal following.
Summary
Becoming an artist entrepreneur takes hard work, dedication and a bit of creativity. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be a very rewarding experience. Use these tips to get started on your journey to success!