Many artists create because it’s their passion, and they love their work. However, there comes a time when the reality of paying bills and sustaining a comfortable life sets in.

While many artists pick up full-time jobs to cover their expenses, others are intrigued by the idea of turning their art into a business. If you’re the latter, a shift in mindset and an intense focus on marketing is necessary to make a lucrative business out of your work.

These three strategies can help you think like an entrepreneur and market your art effectively.

Understand What It Takes To Succeed

Your mindset is critical if you want to market your art successfully. When you decide to go from creating art for pleasure to making it for profit, it’s no longer always about what you like, want, or need. Instead, it becomes primarily about what potential buyers want, like, and need. 

Educate yourself on the following as well:

• Managing business finances;
• Effective marketing strategies for artists;
• How to structure an art-related business;
• The likelihood of success in the art world;
• Potential downfalls of an art-related business;
• Artists who’ve managed to create successful businesses.

Understanding what it takes to succeed online, in particular, is incredibly important as well.

Traditional marketing strategies are helpful. However, the business world is becoming increasingly digital. Knowing how to market, connect with customers, and run your business online is the only way to ensure you don’t get left behind. Start by studying the ever-changing nature of the digital world, the behavior of digital natives, and the importance of flexibility while marketing your art.

Understanding what success takes will help you think more like a business owner. It’ll also help you approach marketing with intent and strategy.

Lean Into Digital Marketing

As mentioned above, the world is becoming more digitally focused. This means digital marketing is a must. Without it, you won’t have as broad a reach, nor will you have as many opportunities to boost brand recognition and awareness.

Educate yourself on the basics of digital marketing first. After that, create a detailed digital marketing strategy. Include the following details:

• What you want to achieve with digital marketing;
• Your budget for investing in specific digital marketing techniques and tools;
• A list of the digital marketing channels you’ll use;
• Goals for and details about what you’ll use each channel for;
• The kind of content you’ll create and post on each platform;
• How you’ll track the performance of each channel;
• How you plan to engage with your audience on each platform.

Ultimately, your digital marketing channels should work together to give potential customers and fans a cohesive experience with your brand. It’s also essential to network relentlessly on your digital marketing channels and pursue other networking opportunities.

Network Relentlessly

Digital marketing can get any artist’s foot in the door, but networking can take you a step further. Genuine relationships with successful people in the industry can help strengthen your reputation as an artist and get the right eyes on your work.

Social media marketing is a tried-and-true strategy for artists and small businesses with a tight marketing budget. You can consistently post original content and take advantage of user-generated content from those who’ve purchased your art. 

More importantly, social media is beneficial for not only increased traffic to your art website but also for networking. You can connect with other artists and partner with them to promote your work. You can join groups on these platforms and share your online portfolio, advice, and thoughts. You can spark and contribute to meaningful conversations with thought leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs in the art world.

Networking can also happen through crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing for any business involves getting feedback, work, or information from a large group. You can ask for feedback on works-in-progress and marketing content, opening up the opportunity to connect with fans and potential buyers.

Get into crowdfunding, as well, and it’s a win-win. You get your name and art out there while raising funds to put back into marketing or another aspect of your business.

Networking can get you and your business into doors that talent alone can’t. So, don’t neglect its importance.

Conclusion

To market your art as a company would, you must first shift your mindset to mirror an executive's. Then, lean into digital marketing and network relentlessly to turn your passion for art into a profitable business.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.