6 Great Tips on How To Start an Art Business

So you want to start an art business. That’s awesome. “But I’m not an entrepreneur, I don’t know what to begin”. Hush! That’s what we are here for. We’ve helped over 5000 artists, photographers, and designers take their art business to the next level.  More on that later. We want to help you take some initial steps to turn your artistic endeavors into a profitable business. We’re starting with the basics. Here are six simple tips on how to start your art business from scratch. 

Know Your Niche

So what exactly is your thing? Watercolor painting? Embroidery? Black and white family photography? Deciding on your artistic niche is all about finding what truly inspires you and makes your work stand out. Think about the subjects, styles, or themes that you’re most passionate about and explore them endlessly. Refine your skills in one area to start, and attract a dedicated audience. Once you’ve gotten your feet wet, think about expanding into other styles and do some creative experimenting. Think of your niche as your voice. It will not only define your brand but also connect you with like-minded art lovers and potential clients who vibe with your specific style.

Build a Website

Now that you know your niche, people need a way to find you. Setting up a website is crucial to building your online presence. It’s super easy and so worth the time and effort. Your site should showcase your portfolio, have an online store for selling your work, and include contact information so people can reach you. Think of it as your digital art gallery where people can discover your talent and purchase your work effortlessly. Having a dedicated website gives you a professional edge and helps your audience get to know you and your work. Think of social media as your appetizer and your website as the main course. 

Leverage Social Media For Your Art Business

Social media is a non-negotiable when it comes to promoting and marketing your art business. Most likely you are doing this already, but let us refresh. It is essential for showcasing your art and reaching a wide (even global!) audience. It’s not just about posting your work; it’s about engaging with your followers, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and connecting with other creatives. Instagram and Facebook are perfect for visual storytelling, and using the right hashtags can help you get discovered by potential clients and art enthusiasts. Remember to keep it authentic and have fun with it—your passion will shine through and attract the right audience. We encourage you to start sharing your journey and enjoy watching your community grow! 

Social Media Content Ideas for Artists

Set Up an Online Store

Not only do you need an online presence with your website, but you need a way for your clientele to actually purchase your art. Setting up an online store is a fantastic way to sell your art directly to consumers and reach a broader audience. Platforms like Etsy or Shopify offer you user-friendly tools that help you create a virtual storefront to showcase your work. By having your own online store, you can manage your inventory, set your prices, and establish a brand that reflects your artistic vision. But, it’s not just about sales. It’s about creating a space where your art fans and collectors can connect with you on a personal level. You’ll get to handle all the details ensuring that your buyers have a great experience. Whether you’re selling prints, original pieces, or custom work, an online store turns your passion into a lucrative art business. 

Here at Frame It Easy we’d love to empower you to be able to easily sell original framed or unframed art, photos, and prints. You make the art — we’ll print, mount, frame, and ship it for you!

Passive Income With Frame It Easy

Passive income is a no-brainer when it comes to your art business. We offer an easy way to a passive income with full printing, framing, white-labeling, and dropshipping support. Check out our free Shopify app, which offers artists just like you the ability to sell fully framed, ready-to-hang art and premium unframed prints from the comfort of your own home, with no inventory costs and no minimums! We’ve designed it so it saves you time. This way you can focus on what’s most important – your art…we’ll take care of the rest! With our responsive U.S.-based customer service team and eco-friendly materials, your customers are guaranteed to be impressed with the quality of our frames and the vibrancy of our printed art and photos! 

Market Locally at Art Shows and Markets

You will undoubtedly want to look into art shows and vendor events. These events are a great opportunity to get your art in front of your local community, build relationships with fellow artists, and connect face-to-face with potential buyers. By participating in local and regional art shows, craft fairs, and markets, you not only gain exposure but also gather valuable feedback and insights into what resonates with people. Be sure to chat it up with passers-by. Take note of what people find interesting in your booth. These events often attract art enthusiasts who are eager to support and discover new talent. Hey, that’s you!

Final Thoughts

Establishing an art business can take time and effort. But once you have all of the above in place, you can focus on what you do best…CREATE! Your social media, your site, and your online store will always be growing and evolving over time. Don’t feel like you have to get everything perfect right away. Ease into it, and be sure to use your artistic community to bounce ideas off of. Starting a business may seem like a huge undertaking, but most likely you are already doing some of the above, and well on your way to propelling your business forward. Keep on going! You’ve got this!