Have you ever noticed how some phrases just stick in your head like glue? Think about “Ready, Steady, Go” or “Snap, Crackle, and Pop.”
Those aren’t just random words put together. They follow a special pattern called the Rule of Threes. It is like a secret code that our brains love to hear.
Artists can use this rhetorical device too. I’ve been using it for years.
To the casual observer, I am just a guy sitting at a market stall. I am drawing and chatting away all day, looking like I only have a charming little hobby. Little do they know, I am actually using a secret weapon to keep people interested.
Intrigued? I’ll keep this post brief, concise, and straight to the point.
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What is the Rule of Threes?
The Rule of Threes is a very old trick that people use to grab attention. It is a simple pattern that makes anything you say much easier for a customer to remember.
Think of it like a rhythm or a musical beat. It follows a simple flow of A-B-C or 3-2-1.
If you use only two points, your message does not have enough punch. But if you use four or five points, people feel overloaded and will stop listening to you.
Our brains are naturally wired to love this structure. It gives every story or sales pitch a clear beginning, a middle, and a satisfying end.
Using Threes in Your Sales “Patter”
Your “patter” is just the friendly talk you use to sell your work. When you use the Rule of Threes, it makes you sound like a pro who knows exactly what they are doing.
Sales should be short, sweet, and snappy. You want to deliver your message in the most economical way possible so you don’t bore people.
I always use three-part phrases to describe my business. For example, I tell people: “I draw ‘em, I print ‘em, and I sell ‘em”.
If someone asks why my prices are so low, I have a quick answer ready. I tell them there is “No rent, no rates, and no VAT”.
When talking about the quality of a print, I say it is “Drawn, signed, and numbered.” It sounds much better than a long, rambling explanation.
Using these short bursts of three gives you authority. It keeps the conversation moving and helps you close the sale before the customer loses interest.
Threes in Pricing: The Goldilocks Strategy
Pricing your work also works best when you offer three different choices. You have probably seen this online with plans like Basic, Premium, and Professional.
This is known as the Goldilocks Principle. One price is too cheap, one is too expensive, and the middle one feels “just right” to the customer.
I use this trick at my stall with multi-buy deals. For example, I might offer one print for £6, two for £10, or three for £12.
When you offer three tiers, customers see the value immediately. It makes the decision much easier and usually leads to them spending more money than they planned
Threes in Your Art and Display
Your eyes love the number three just as much as your ears do. It is a visual trick that makes your display look much more professional.
Artists often use a technique called the “Rule of Thirds” when they compose a drawing. This simple layout helps balance the image and makes it more pleasing to look at.
You can also sell your work in sets of three, which are sometimes called triptychs. I have noticed that people love to buy art that follows a logical, coherent theme.
A coherent series of three prints will often outsell single pictures. It encourages the customer to buy a whole collection for their wall rather than just one random image.
This turns a simple purchase into a “talking point” for their home. It makes your brand look solid and helps you move more stock at the same time.
The Magic Number 3: Final Thoughts
Finding a way to sell your art can feel like a huge mountain to climb, but the Rule of Threes makes it easier to sell.
It is a simple sales device that works every time because it respects the way humans naturally behave,. You do not need a fancy degree or special training to get it right,.
Bare these rules in mind when you develop your sales patter. Keep your message short, and to the point. Never use long words, where shorter words will do, don’t ramble, and no when to keep quiet.
Selling art involves hard work and long hours, so anything that helps you achieve your goals will help. Don’t dismiss these sales tricks as trivial, advertisers invest millions in catchy phrases for a reason.
Why reinvent the wheel?
I have put every tip, trick, and secret I know into my guidebook, Selling Art Made Simple. This book is for anyone who wants to start a small business but does not know where to begin.
I made many expensive mistakes at the start, like guessing what people would buy or using the wrong sizes for my prints,. You can avoid all that wasted time and money by following the blueprint I’ve tried and tested for twenty years,.
The guide teaches you how to gather a crowd, use humor to your advantage, and build a bargain that people cannot resist. It is a complete framework that shows you how to reach the right people and give them exactly what they want,.
Don’t leave your success to a roll of the dice. Grab your copy and start building your own dream life today.
These are related posts you will enjoy:
- 8 Selling Tips for Shy Artists
- 7 Art Booth Display Ideas
- 20 Art Fair Strategies That Sell Art
- Are Art Fairs Worth it For Artists? The Pros and Cons
- Art Fair Etiquette for Vendors: How to Fit in
- Art Fair Tips: Ethical Pester Power
- Art Market Tips: Dealing With Awkward Customers
- How to Prepare For an Outdoor Art Fair: Tips for Success
- How to Present Your Art Prints For Sale in a Market
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Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy