Practical tips and advice to make the most from your art business online and offline.
For many artists, the “social media treadmill” is an exhausting reality. You spend hours creating a video or a post, only for it to disappear from your audience’s feed within a day or two. This constant pressure to produce new content just to stay visible can lead to burnout. This …
We have all heard the stories. An unknown artist gets spotted. One post, one show, one lucky break. Suddenly everything changes. That is the exposure myth. It sells the idea that if enough people see your work, success will follow. It ignores the odds. Those stories are one in a …
An email list is essential for your art business. Not only is it the most effective way to market your art but it’s also your insurance against disaster. In this post, I will explain how to start an email list for artists, and why it’s such a good idea. Starting …
Starting a website from scratch sounds like a hassle, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. It begs the question “Do artists need a website?” and can you live without one? This post answers your most important questions. Artists need their own website to showcase their best artwork, build a brand, …
Christmas markets look inviting for artists trying to boost sales. The lights, music, and steady stream of shoppers make them hard to ignore. But are they really worth the effort and cost? These markets can be great for some artists and a waste of time for others. It depends on …
When a friend of mine advised me to sell fridge magnets I was sceptical. He swore they sold really well on his stall and urged me to try. I was torn, sure I wanted another sideline but let’s be honest, I thought they were a bit tacky and down market. …
Christmas cards always seem like a good idea for artists at Christmas markets. They’re cheap, easy to carry, and everyone buys them. A small stack on your table can draw people in and make your stall look busy. Plenty of artists use cards to boost their income over the holidays, …
Some artists make good money selling calendars at Christmas. It’s not for everyone, it very much depends on your type of art, but it can work if you plan it right. I know a few artists who do well with them, and the idea makes sense. This will interest you. …
Setting up an art booth can look complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need fancy gear or an expensive display to make people stop and look. In fact, the most elaborate stalls often feel intimidating and uninviting. These simple art booth ideas show how to create a …
If you want to make more money at your Christmas market stall, add some affordable art merch to your setup. People love small, giftable items they can pick up without thinking too hard. It’s fine to test a few ideas with small orders, but remember that Christmas trade is short. …
After 20 years of selling art at markets and art fairs, I’ve seen some absolute clangers.Here are a few awkward artist habits that still make me wince, and if you catch yourself doing any of these, it’s time to stop. Don’t do any of these art fair mistakes. 1. Ignoring …
Refunds and returns are one of those things that worry artists when they first start selling. The thought of dealing with an unhappy customer can feel stressful, and it’s easy to imagine it as a bigger problem than it really is. The truth is, refunds hardly ever come up, and …
I’ve been blogging as an artist for years, and I can tell you this: the hardest part is often just knowing what to write about. So I’ve put together a big list of blog content ideas to help you stay inspired and consistent without tearing your hair out. If you’re …
I’ve been selling both open and limited edition prints for over 20 years, and when I say selling, I mean face-to-face, from a market stall, day in and day out. I’ve talked to thousands of customers, seen what sells (and what doesn’t), and figured out what works through real-world experience. …
Shipping prints can be a daunting task. You want to make sure your art arrives safe and sound, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on postage. I’ll show you how to ship art prints the easy way. The safest way to ship art prints is in a cardboard …
Has anyone ever told you how lovely your signature is? No, nor me. Mine is boring on a good day. But here’s the thing, as an artist, you end up signing all manner of stuff, don’t you? Over the years, I’ve ended up with three different signatures: one for official …
I’ve been selling my wildlife art for years, and when it comes to making art prints, I’ve always chosen to bulk print my work through a commercial print shop. It’s worked well for me, but I’ll admit I don’t have tons of experience printing from home. Lately, I’ve been exploring …
As an artist, people often ask me how I can afford to travel around the world. They think I must be making a fortune. The truth is, I’m doing well, but I’m not rich. The only way I can spend so much time and money traveling is because I know …
Dreaming of turning your creative hobby into a real art business? It’s an exciting leap, but let’s be real, it takes more than just talent to pull it off. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate Art Business Checklist to help you figure out exactly how to start an art …
Upselling might sound a bit pushy but, when done right, it’s simply a way to help customers get a bargain while boosting your income at the same time. This works for any creative business. I’ve been selling my art for over 20 years, and upselling has been one of the …