As an emerging artist, creating your artwork is only the first step to making a living. You will also need to learn how to promote it so as to launch your career as a professional artist. And based on how the headline-grabbing art world is configured and how inequitable the high-end gallery system is for amplifying how the majority of artists struggle, you might as well take matters into your own hands.
That said, promoting your art shouldn’t be that difficult or overwhelming. Also, it shouldn’t take too much of your time from actually working on your art. The key to a successful art promotion campaign is focusing on your audience and targeting it aptly so that it meets your goals. Every action you take in terms of promoting your art and yourself as an artist should be focused on what you really want to achieve. In the end, if you don’t take the necessary time to make your work known, no one will know about it, nor will they be excited to purchase your work in the near future. Here are some valuable tips to get you started on promoting and advancing your art career in today’s competitive art market.
Pursuing art as a career is an exciting yet challenging path. Making a living off your creative passion requires dedication, persistence, and smart strategy. While artistic talent is paramount, you also need business savvy, self-promotion abilities, and real-world experience to build a sustainable art career.
If you want to take your artistic pursuits to the next level, here are 10 tips to advance your art career:
1. Improve Your Artistic Skills
Of course, the foundation of any art career is strong skills and aesthetics in your chosen medium. Developing expertise in drawing, painting, sculpture, design, or other art forms takes regular practice and education. Some ways to build your artistic skillset include:
- Take classes and workshops to learn techniques from experts
- Watch tutorials and how-to videos for self-study at home
- Practice fundamental skills like perspective, composition, and color theory
- Experiment with different mediums and styles
- Do studies of master works to understand what makes them effective
- Replicate challenging techniques to expand your abilities
- Draw from life and observation to sharpen your eye
Consistent practice is key. Set daily or weekly art skill goals and invest time improving the areas you’re weakest in.
2. Build a Diverse Portfolio
As you create new artworks, be sure to document and collect them in a professional portfolio. A strong portfolio demonstrates your abilities in a visual way and is essential for applying to exhibitions, residencies, galleries, and other opportunities.
Your portfolio should include:
- 10-15 strong pieces showing technical execution
- Range of styles, mediums, and subject matter
- Both observational and conceptual works
- Details like title, medium, size, and date for each piece
Ideally, have both physical and digital portfolios. Update and refine them regularly as your skills progress.
3. Create an Online Presence
Establishing an online presence allows you to promote your art, connect with others, and stay relevant. Some strategies include:
- Building an artist website to showcase your portfolio
- Starting an art blog or vlog to share your creative process
- Posting on art forums and communities for networking
- Using social media like Instagram and Facebook to market yourself
- Selling prints, merch, and artworks through online stores
Make sure your online profiles and sites remain active and professional Share new artwork regularly to engage followers
4. Apply for Opportunities
Submitting your work for art exhibitions, residencies, fellowships, and other opportunities is essential for gaining exposure and advancing your career. Some places to look include:
- Local art galleries, co-ops, and community centers
- Calls for entry from museums and art organizations
- Artist residencies and funded fellowships
- Public art commissions from local government
- Juried shows, contests, and pop-up exhibitions
Apply regularly and be willing to start with small local shows to build experience. Have a strong artist bio, statement, and portfolio ready to go.
5. Develop Your Style
Over time it’s important to cultivate a consistent artistic style and aesthetic. This gives collectors and fans something identifiable to follow and appreciate in your body of work. Ways to develop your style include:
- Exploring themes, subjects, and concepts you feel passionate about
- Using a signature color palette, medium, technique
- Maintaining elements of composition across pieces
- Drawing inspiration from movements or genres you enjoy
- Letting your personality and perspective shine through
Of course, allow your style to evolve organically as you grow. But a cohesive style helps strengthen your artistic brand.
6. Network and Collaborate
Connecting with other artists is a great way to exchange ideas, find mentors, gain exposure, and discover new opportunities. Look for:
- Local artist groups and organizations to join
- Art events, openings, and conventions to attend
- Artist communities online to engage with
- Collaborations with artists whose style complements yours
- Experienced artists and industry veterans from whom to learn
Developing networks and relationships within the art community can help progress your career immensely.
7. Seek Critique and Feedback
Honest feedback is crucial for improving as an artist. Welcome constructive criticism from:
- Peers and fellow artists
- Instructors, mentors, and teachers
- Art professionals like gallery owners
- Collectors and audiences
- Online art communities
Use critiques to identify weak areas to work on and receive impartial insight into how your art is received. Don’t be discouraged by negative feedback – see it as fuel for growth.
8. Consider Art Education
Advancing your education in the arts can expand your skills, network, and credibility as an artist. Some options include:
- Enrolling in specialized art programs or workshops
- Earning an associate or undergraduate degree in art, design or fine arts
- Pursuing a master’s degree such as an MFA
- Taking business classes related to marketing, branding, selling art
Figure out what level of artistic and professional education matches your career goals.
9. Explore the Business Side
Understanding the business aspects of art is mandatory for making a living. Gain experience with:
- Pricing and selling your work
- Dealing with galleries, licensing, consigning artworks
- Creating a business plan and marketing strategy
- Managing finances, invoices, inventory
- Establishing yourself as a brand
- Negotiating contracts and commission agreements
Consider taking business courses, attending conferences, or finding an experienced art mentor to provide guidance.
10. Stay Persistent
Finally, perseverance and grit are essential in any artistic career. Expect setbacks, rejection, slow periods, and challenges navigating the art world as an emerging artist. Stay motivated by:
- Setting measurable monthly or yearly artistic and career goals
- Surrounding yourself with supportive, creative people
- Celebrating small successes and milestones
- Finding ways to consistently enjoy the artistic process
- Gaining inspiration from the careers of established artists
With hard work, dedication, and passion, you can achieve your dream of being a professional, successful artist. Use these tips to progress your art career step-by-step!
Figure Out Your Goals
Your goal is to reach the right audience, build and cultivate a reputation, and meet potential art buyers. But before you start selling art, consider the main reason why you want people to see your work. This step is critical as it will dictate how you grow your creative business as a professional artist. Whether you want to get more exposure, you want to make more art sales, or you want to get a possible teaching or consulting job on the side, you will need to ask yourself what you hope to achieve by promoting your art. There is no such thing as a right or wrong goal, as long as it’s what you truly want.
Develop Your Brand, Message, and Style
All professional marketers know that consistency is key to their success. And whether you realize it or not, audiences, critics, gallery owners, and curators are paying attention to how you present yourself and your work. When it comes to promoting your art, this consistency translates to a coherent brand, message, and style. In other words, your overall body of work and messages around it needs to be aligned with your artistic vision and creative mission. This consistency allows your audience and the art industry to recognize and appreciate your work whenever they see it. On a similar note, you will also need a clear message that will help establish trust and will make it easier for your art buyers to get to know you and your art better.
Every artist needs a comprehensive portfolio. Its purpose is to express your creative talent and develop your brand and promote your artwork. Having a well-organized art portfolio will make it much easier to post on your website, submit to competitions and grants, attract art dealers and galleries, as well as to develop future art marketing material.
Just keep in mind to focus on the visual aspect of your portfolio as this is what will attract the most people and make your art accessible to your audience. In addition, each should also have a short but captivating story that describes your work. Don’t forget to add additional information such as the work’s title, size, and medium in which it’s presented. Likewise, your portfolio should also include your bio, artist statement, and contact information. If you capture a potential buyer’s attention or you spark the interest of a gallerist, you will want them to be able to contact you.
How To Launch Your Art Career in 2024 (seriously)
How can I Advance my art career?
Before you apply other strategies to advance your art career, it can be helpful to determine your professional goals. For example, you may want to sell more of your art, teach art history, increase public awareness of your art or develop your online presence.
Can you make a career out of Art?
Becoming an artist takes dedication, hard work, and a plan. Unfortunately, many people who would like to start an art career have no idea how to proceed. Learning to develop your skills, attract clients, and turn a healthy profit can help you make a career out of art. Art jobs can span a wide range, from painting to illustration to graphic design.
How do I become a better artist?
Practicing in a variety of mediums like paint will help you grow as an artist and craftsman. Exposure to art will inform your work and make you a better artist. Visiting museums, galleries, and art shows will open your eyes to the types of art in the world as well as the different ideas and theories that drive the various forms of art.
How long does it take to become an artist?
Still, an art career is not easy. You may take years to find your way and bring in a steady, reliable income. Hard work and dedication are required. With determination, tenacity, and smart decision-making, you can have a successful career as an artist. Jumpstart your art career with actionable steps!
