Becoming a full-time artist is a dream for many creative individuals, but some may feel discouraged by the idea of needing a large social media following to succeed. However, it is possible to build a successful career as an artist without relying on social media. Here are some tips on how to become a full-time artist with no social media following.
1. Network in the Art Community
Instead of focusing on building a following on social media, spend your time networking within the art community. Attend local art shows, gallery openings, and art fairs to meet other artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Building genuine connections with people in the art world can lead to opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, and sales.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
One of the most important aspects of being a successful artist is having a strong portfolio of work. Focus on creating high-quality, unique pieces that showcase your talent and style. You can also participate in juried exhibitions, art competitions, and open calls for artists to gain exposure and recognition for your work.
3. Establish Relationships with Galleries and Art Dealers
Seek out galleries and art dealers that align with your artistic vision and style. Building relationships with these industry professionals can lead to opportunities for representation and selling your work through established channels. Approach galleries and dealers with a professional portfolio and a clear understanding of your artistic goals.
4. Utilize Alternative Marketing Strategies
While social media may not be a part of your marketing plan, there are still plenty of alternative strategies to promote your work. Consider creating a professional website to showcase your portfolio and connect with potential buyers. You can also participate in art shows, craft fairs, and other local events to reach a wider audience.
5. Focus on Building a Brand
Building a strong brand as an artist is essential for success. Define your unique style, artistic voice, and the story behind your work. This will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract collectors who appreciate your authenticity and creativity.
6. Diversify Your Income Streams
In addition to selling your original artwork, consider diversifying your income streams by offering art classes, workshops, and commissions. This can help supplement your income and provide stability as you work towards becoming a full-time artist.
7. Be Persistent and Patient
Building a successful career as an artist takes time, effort, and perseverance. It’s important to stay persistent and patient as you work towards your goals. Keep creating art, networking, and seeking out opportunities to grow your career.
In conclusion, becoming a full-time artist without a social media following is possible with the right strategies and perseverance. Focus on building a strong portfolio, networking within the art community, and establishing relationships with galleries and art dealers. By utilizing alternative marketing strategies, building a strong brand, and diversifying your income streams, you can carve out a successful career as an artist. Remember to stay persistent and patient as you work towards achieving your dreams.
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An artist who does good work but does not bother to become successful is not a loser.
You left out craft shows and art fairs. I have done over 430 fairs and shows, in 31 states, over 40 years, with 3M in sales.
I was curious if I could get your opinion on something. I’ve been working on a few different art forms for sometime now and see potential for a business for each one. Would I have to choose only one art form to begin my business or could I try creating products for each art form I’m passionate about?
Beginning a transition through side hustles is wise before fully committing to a creative career. However, the challenge lies in managing these side endeavors alongside work commitments, which may limit available time and effort.
While avoiding social media might seem prudent, it's a missed opportunity for reaching potential customers; being where people are matters. Rather than refraining entirely, leverage its power to attract thousands of buying customers.
How is there so many views and subs but only 1 other like besides mine…
Has someone who started out with a dream and basically put it on hold for the better part of 20 years only to come back now in my 50s to try and restart what I wanted to do originally, I think it's never too late. I will agree that the market is definitely all kinds of different now than it was when I graduated art school but sometimes you just have to do the work and the rest will come
Social media takes our time it doesn't help us sell Art
Your pictures are stunning ! Great artist!
Thanks for this dude! Awesome guidance and advice!
draw por-
It's a little scary how this video showed up in my list to watch. I've been struggling with staying at a job. I've been telling myself, the reason why is because I'm no longer creative. I'm not doing the things I love AND am skilled at. So as I've spent the last few days battling my decision, your video came up. Everything was very helpful for me to hear right now. Thank you.
Thank u man, this is what I needed now 🙂 Hvala
Thank you for your time and insight.
6:17 I dont agree. Failing is so important. I think it’s vital that people watch these sort of videos with the intention of drawing tips and inspiration rather than reading it like an instruction manual. Please always remind yourself that any and everyone who’s ever made a “how to” video, first learned ~how to~ on their own without ever having one. They failed more than once to perfect their craft and there is no way around that part of life, if success is what you want. Do what you feel comfortable doing, fail; then, do what you feel uncomfortable doing. There are no shortcuts.
I appreciate your time and you teaching us mr pat thanks for you giving us these gems.
I like your content and organized presentation.
Well done Pat. This is such a serious consideration for creatives. Know your customer, your niche, market, what ever it is. Be brave; be bold; be confident. This can be quite a challenge for those creatives who are introverts; as many are. Whatever you create, in my opinion, be true to yourself. If it is important to you; do it. There is no better time than now.
Thank you for countering the "starving artist" stereotype. It's a cruel stereotype that probably caught on because selfish people don't think artists work very hard and they want it for free or very little money. It's getting better, but this is still strong.
what happened on IG with photographers??
The hardest part of all this is knowing what to dedicate to everything you've got.
« The best artists » don’t equal to successful artists ! A lot of successful artists are selling crap just because they have a strong marketing presence and strategy.
Top class, thank you.
i just got here, i'm starting to watch the video and no, social media hasn't help me at all, 4 years in instagram and the algorith keeps buring me even when i follow the guidelines or try to do what they ask for. I'm at that point, where idk if it makes sence to continue….. if i should just throw away my dream……. that's why i'm here
You don’t need social media, just go in front of stores like a Safeway and play just to see peoples reactions. I’ve made 40$ for a half hour of play in front of Safeway. On another occasion, I was tipped 100$ from a random stranger. Don’t underestimate your self and just go for it!
Am I the only person who didn't actually get anything really solid to take away from this video? There wasn't much actual advice here. Things like 'be good at what you do', 'be good at marketing', or 'approach businesses for work' isn't advice it's ideas. There's no information in this video on how you might carry out these things (except for the first one that's just obvious that time + learning = improvement). Perhaps I missed a key point or something, but my mind wasn't exactly blown like other people in this video, the advice seemed generic?
Billing for 2 hours for something that takes 1 hour is not profit, thats a scam lol
Hi, I am a pet portrait artist and I've spent years improving my art but not being good at showing what I do. Last night I created my youtube channel (not this one tho) just to give it a shot at showing my art, but now that I watched your video I feel excited to start showing what I do 🙂 hope it's a fun journey. Thanks for your guidance 🙂 it's helped me out
Thanks Pat for sharing all of this insight, it's generous considering how much time and effort you've put in to learn about it all. Thanks
Thank you so much!
What you are saying is too black and white. The starving artist is a romantacised loser? Like Van Gogh? the dude had mental issues and made the best of his life. In his lifetime people certainly thought he was a loser. Did it turn out that way? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvgfucVF5cU&t=38s It's just fine to be mediocre if that's what you want. And when you call people a loser, some of that sticks to you.
Thank you for this wonderful advice
I agree. It does take a few years & a lot of hard work, but it will be SO worth it! I’ve been diving deep into my ad research. Thank you for sharing your insight
Thank you soooo much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your experience! This was pretty useful!
This video is crazy.! I’ve been waiting for someone to put this into words and a plan. This saved me from getting discouraged. Thank you.
UpWork just screwed me back then. Got my first client and started working… just banned me for no reason and did not give any reason nor answer my emails.
Basically made a video call with me and lied, that she can not show her webcam because of "technical reasons" (which was lied, as a software developer it was really obvious). Asked literally no important questions and after that closed my account. :))))) Has happened to many others also.
People absolutely, massively overvalue social media in terms of earning a living as a creative. A social media presence is worth even less now that all platforms are oversaturated with AI generated images that are drowning artists who do not use these tools. I would absolutely recommend taking the time that would be spent on attempting to build a social media presence (because it does take a very deceptively large amount of your time and energy), and putting that time and effort towards doing the opposite of what the current trend is and finding your own avenues to stand out, source clients, and get your work in front of people who want to buy it in one form or another. There's a billion different niches to fill, you just have to find them and figure out how to fill them.
Good morning from Puerto Rico. I’m 63 and retired. Ever since I was younger I always liked drawing. However, I never did it professionally but I think I’m good at drawing horses. Terrible at drawing faces. I’d like to make money selling my art but I’m not sure. Should I pursue it professionally? Is there an email I can send you a copy?
This will be my template, you've got everything I've been thinking of or looking over in one vid. Great work man! Now! … to get gud.
I am a landscape artist and it helped me to hear the 3 things that are important—mostly I feel galvanized now to treat my art as a vehicle for income! I was relieved to hear that this can b done without social media but I will use it as one of my platforms to show my work! Ty
Two years or three doing commerce for nothing, it was better being a creation than trying to sale something, something that actually that can vent the world to create better and faster together with a few at start.