Instead of focusing on building a website, artists should prioritize creating quality work, developing their skills, and establishing personal connections with potential buyers to successfully sell their art.
Many aspiring artists believe that creating a professional website is the first step to selling their artwork. However, this approach can lead to frustration and stagnation. In this post, we will explore why focusing on your art and personal connections is more important than building a website.
Imagine you are an artist eager to sell your oil paintings. You realize that you lack a website, so you decide to build one, thinking it will solve your sales problem. You might even ask a tech-savvy friend to help you. However, after months of waiting, you finally launch your site, only to find that sales are still nonexistent. This scenario is all too common and highlights a critical issue: the website is not the problem.
Before diving into website creation, ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, building a website should not be your priority. Instead, focus on improving your art and your confidence in it.
If you lack pride in your current work, it’s essential to address this first. Identify the types of paintings that excite you and that you would be proud to showcase. This may involve experimenting with different styles, subjects, and techniques until you find your unique voice.
Ensure you have the necessary skills to create the art you envision. This includes understanding the techniques required to translate your ideas onto canvas effectively. Continuous practice and skill development are crucial for long-term success.
Enjoyment in your art practice will encourage you to show up consistently. When you find joy in creating, you are more likely to produce work that resonates with others.
Once you have a body of work that you are proud of, you may not even need a website to start selling. Art collectors often prefer personal connections over online searches. Sharing your work with friends and family can lead to sales and new collectors through word-of-mouth.
Consider a scenario where you show a friend your latest painting. If they love it and decide to buy it, they may display it in their home. When their guests admire the piece, they might inquire about purchasing their own. This organic process can lead to multiple sales without the need for a website.
Once you have established a solid inventory and made some sales, it’s time to focus on pricing. Conduct market research by examining the prices of similar artists at your career stage. This will help you determine a sustainable pricing strategy that reflects your work's value.
Start by pricing your work at the lower end of your comfort zone. As you gain confidence and sell more pieces, you can gradually increase your prices. Remember, fine art is not valued based on the time it takes to create it but rather on the perceived value by collectors.
If you have checked off all the essential boxes—producing work you love, maintaining an inventory, and establishing a pricing strategy—then it may be time to consider building a website. However, even then, social media platforms like Instagram can serve as effective portfolios. Many collectors will ask to see your Instagram rather than your website, making it a valuable tool for showcasing your work.
In conclusion, while having a website can be beneficial, it should not be your first priority as an artist. Focus on creating quality work, developing your skills, and building personal connections with potential buyers. Once you have established these foundations, you can then consider building a website to further promote your art. Until then, keep painting and enjoy the process!
