Hi artists, In my previous blog post, I talked about the limitations of social media in generating online sales. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend reading it to understand the full spectrum of social media vs online marketing. You can read the blog here.
How To Use Social Media To Leverage Your Online Business. Social media is a powerful tool with 2.8 billion users, you can't deny the impact that it could create for your business. But because organic posts can only reach 6% of your followers, it takes time and effort to grow. To remedy the algorithm problem, advertising on these platforms can help you reach your target audience effectively. Once you have their attention, encourage them to sign up for your newsletter by offering them an enticing freebie in exchange for their email address and that is how you grow your subscriber list. Once you have subscribers on your list it is time to create engaging newsletters to nurture your subscribers into buyers and collectors. And that is what email marketing is all about.
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One of the questions I often get from artists is wanting to sell their art online. Unfortunately, the misconception of online business is severely misunderstood because most artists think that online equals social media.
Because of this misconception, artists are hopping on to Social Media, thinking they will instantly get discovered and their artwork will fly out of their studio effortlessly. Hoping that all they have to do is make art and create posts, and their business will work like clockwork. Unfortunately, that is not the case, or else we should all stay home and do just that. In this newsletter, I want to educate you on:
Hi, Ting, I am following up on my previous blog post about my experience as an amateur artist and how I learned that following my passion is the key to a thriving art collection. In case you missed it, you can read it here.
I'm curious to know what you've been working on in your studio lately. Are you planning on launching your art collection by the end of the year? Or do you need help putting together a cohesive portfolio? As a creative, forward-thinking artist, I know that you have dreams of turning your art into a business, but you may not have the time to commit to a full-blown art marketing program at the moment. Hi, Ting, If we haven't met yet, my name is Ting, I have been an artist for over 23 years and 13 years as a gallerist. Now, I coach artists on how to build a viable business with their talent.
If your art is not consistently selling, it is due to having an incohesive collection. This also means your target audience is undefined and your messaging is incoherent. If you desire to be a professional artist, an extensive and cohesive collection should be your #1 goal. Here is my story. How Covid Has Changed Lives Hi, artist, The past few years after my husband, Paul, and I closed our gallery have been a mixture of emotions. Covid changed many peoples’ lives; some of us are grieving for lost ones or lost professions, and most of us are still in transition because it takes time to build or start something new.
For Paul and I, the business side of things is of inspired excitement because we started something new. We have been working nonstop at home; I’m working on my online coaching, and Paul is working on financial investment. Many artists dream of turning their passion into a profitable business and leaving their day job, but they often need help knowing where to begin and how to make it happen. If this sounds like you, rest assured that you are not alone.
Although the art business is complex but it also offers many options for monetizing your talent. After over 20 years as an artist, I know having an artistic talent is a gift because it is a reliable lifetime money-producing asset. You can earn money from your creative skills in many ways, unlike other vocations where the skill can be marginal or streamlined to a specific target. By combining your talent with effective marketing techniques, you can continue making money from your art for as long as you desire. Once you start your creative business, you will be addicted instantly because it's inspiring, and you are calling the shots! Which means you can design your life the way you want it. Let's talk about the options of what your talent can do for you. I have come up with 24 ways to make money from your art. Because of the many options available to you, pick at least two to diversify your revenue streams so that you can create a steady flow of income consistently. Throughout the years of running my gallery, I have engaged in numerous conversations with customers regarding my artwork.
And I've also received numerous inquiries from fellow artists asking me about building a successful art business. These inquiries reminded me of when I was in their position, eager to establish a thriving business venture with my creative work. Do you know that nagging feeling that nudges you to turn your art into a side hustle and eventually a full-time business so you can quit your 9-5 or earn money with your talent? Have you done anything about that yet? As we approach the last half of the year, you may feel discouraged that you have yet to make progress toward your dream. It's easy to blame external factors for the lack of change, but reflecting on what could hold you back is essential. I am sure you know that the guilt of not accomplishing something dear and near to your heart can be draining. I get it; before I started my art business that was how I felt. I was overwhelmed because I didn't know how to start selling my art, and I also felt like I had no time, which wasn't true because I had time to paint.
My paintings were filling up my tiny 600 sq. footage apartment which inevitably reminded me that something had to be done, or else I would continue working on my soul-crushing job with an apartment that looked like a storage space for art. So what was stopping me from pursuing my dream at that time? Fear. I was protecting my ego from getting hurt. I was afraid that if I put myself out there and no one liked my art, the rejection would destroy my self-esteem, and I would look like a fool. So instead of doing something healthy and good for my self-development, I decided to remain small and keep myself from harm until the guilt got so big that it swallowed up my happiness.....until I had enough. Listen, friends, don't let that be your truth because keeping your ego safe does not dissolve the urge to quit your 9-5 or make a living with your special gift. The only thing it does is keep you small. And you know that you are meant for more. The only thing that is stopping you is your mindset. Nothing else; therefore, to get to the stage when you are ready to take action, you must work on your attitude. Maintaining a never-give-up attitude and a healthy mindset is essential to success as a working artist. Mindset Solution I have created a short and apprehensive workbook to help you break through the barriers holding you back and keeping you stuck. This exercise will show you the old habits that keep you safe but unaccomplished, and it will also show you what you can do from your experience. And by the end of the practice, you will undoubtedly reframe your mindset. Click here for your workbook. It's essential to take action if you want positive things to happen in your life. Once you're ready to make changes, your life will transform, and you'll feel energized about your day because you're no longer just going through the motions; you are doing something that matters. With Joy, Ting I know many of you are dreaming of becoming an artist. And I know some of you don’t have the time to sell your art, so you are contemplating if gallery representation suits you.
At the beginning of my art career, I sold my art through traditional galleries and I also represented myself. But for 23 years, I have been a self-represented artist and gallerist, meaning I am the marketer, seller, and maker. It’s a tall order, but I make my own decisions and earn 100% of my art sales. I also personally know everyone that purchased my art; which is truly an honorable experience. And the longevity of my business proves that I have made the right decision by representing myself. But just because it’s the right decision for me doesn’t mean it’s for you. Only 25 % of new businesses make it to 15 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And mine has lasted over 23 years, which says something about my artistic ability, entrepreneurial skills, and mindset.
Mindset and Confidence are the main problems I manage over 500 creative members, and the problem I see with artists is not the need for more talent or skill; instead, they need confidence and the right mindset. It is the conviction that their talent can make them an income that paralyzes them. Often creative people are so afraid to fail they don’t even try because it is easier to be on automation. But is not taking action that much easier? I don’t think so because there is always that nagging whisper urging them to use their talent to better their life. I know this, because I heard that nagging voice, too, before I began my artistic journey. If this sounds familiar, then you must realize that by not trying, you take your gift for granted. |
Ting YuenI am an artist and art marketing strategist that is passionate about creating meaningful art and courses that inspire your life, business and home. Archives
September 2024
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