Art Marketing Review

Marketing is a combination of everything you do to sell or gain recognition for your art.

Olivia Alexander, Ocean Dance 4. Mixed media on Belgian linen
Olivia Alexander, Ocean Dance 4. Mixed media on Belgian linen, 20 x 20 cm. ©The Artist

Artists frequently think of marketing in these terms:

  • Keeping up a mailing list (and using it!)
  • Printing postcards, brochures, and flyers
  • Maintaining websites and blogs
  • Interacting through social media sites
  • Writing newsletters and articles
  • Sending media releases
  • Exhibiting your art
  • Entering competitions
  • Networking
  • Speaking to audiences

But excellent marketing also consists of the following:

  • Making the best art you can
  • Pricing your art appropriately
  • Speaking kindly to others in your festival booth or co-op space
  • Handling business phone calls and emails in a professional manner
  • Being a valuable source for students in your classes and workshops
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Exceeding expectations
  • Following up with leads
  • Budgeting

Where is your marketing falling short?

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9 thoughts on “Art Marketing Review”

  1. Great post! I think the best thing you can do for your business is to keep your promises, even if you only make them to yourself. If you say you’re going to finish a painting today, do it. If you say you’re going to apply for a juried craft show, do it. If you keep your promises to yourself and to others, it’ll make a big difference in your marketing and business success.

  2. Sometimes we are enthusiastic in getting our name out there but fall short when it comes to the follow-through. Recently, I had the opportunity to recommend a friend’s artwork for exhibit. The artist was pleased with the exposure but when it came time to send in additional information and photos, it was like pulling teeth to get a response. I learned a lesson both in recommending others and making sure I always follow-up with the opportunities I have.

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Sharon: I hear this so much! Would you recommend this artist in the future? The problem is that then you have to expend too much energy following up with her.

  3. When I launched my website in May 2010 offering online jewelry making lessons – http://untamedspiritstudios.com, my mailing list sign-up page incorporated elements that Alyson recommends on page 100 of “I’d rather be in the studio” and in her course, Cultivating Collectors. I also included three free gifts as a thank you to people who join “Stay in the Loop”. Even though I’m a new name to many people, my mailing list sign-ups have been steady. Thanks for the great advice Alyson!

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Kim: Any idea what has been most effective? Do you tell people they get 3 free gifts?

  4. Alyson Stanfield

    For some reason Kim couldn’t post a response to my questions. Here’s what she wanted to say:
    Alyson: In response to your questions, I tell customers on my home page that they receive three free gifts (in bold and italics) when they sign-up for my mailing list. I also have two eye-catching images posted from one of the gifts they receive. In addition, I offer several free samples on my site that customers can download without needing to sign-up for anything. I recall this was one of your suggestions in a one-to-one consultation session we had. Thanks! This combination has been quite effective – http://untamedspiritstudios.com

  5. Pingback: Twitter Tweekly from @abstanfield — Art Biz Blog

  6. Pingback: How to Know When You’re Ready to Sell Your Art — Art Biz Blog

  7. Pingback: Make Time for Proactive Marketing — Art Biz Blog

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