Transform Your Art Career with These Top 8 Strategies

A career in art begins with cultivating a distinctive artistic voice. If you're just starting out, experiment with different techniques, mediums, and subjects to discover what resonates with you. Spending time on this self-exploration not only helps you communicate authentically but also allows your originality to shine through, making it easier to build a career that is distinctly yours. The most successful artists often have a distinct style which is instantly recognisable.

In today’s digital age, an online presence is crucial for success. Build a professional website showcasing your portfolio, artist statement, and contact information. Maintain active social media accounts, especially visual forward ones like Instagram, Pinterest and X.  Sharing your journey and process online can attract potential buyers, galleries, and collaborators. We've seen artists blow up overnight from a single post on Instagram, so it's certainly worth the effort of creating content from time to time.

Online marketplaces like Etsy have become powerful platforms for artists to showcase and sell their work. These ready-made platforms offer a unique opportunity to reach a vast, art-loving audience without the complexities of building your own e-commerce site. One of the main advantages of using Etsy is its ease of setup. You can create a shop quickly with minimal technical knowledge, allowing you to focus on your art rather than website development. Moreover, by selling on a well-known platform like Etsy, you benefit from its established credibility and recognition, which can help build trust with potential buyers. Unlike running your own website, marketplaces like Etsy prints the customers to you.

Partnering with brands like East Side Studio London can provide significant exposure for artists. Working with licensing companies to turn your art into merchandise (think clothing, art prints, accessories, stationary) is a great way to earn an income from your artwork, whilst expanding your reach. You can find more about being a partner with East Side Studio London here. 

Research and apply to relevant local and international art fairs. Art fairs attract thousands of potential customers and often have a reasonable barrier to entry. Art fairs also offer excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with other artists, galleries, and industry professionals.

Research galleries that align with your artistic style and prepare a professional portfolio and artist statement. Attend gallery openings to build relationships with gallery owners and curators. Gallery representation can significantly boost your visibility and credibility.

Artist residencies can offer exposure to new environments and inspiration while providing opportunities to network with other artists and curators. These residencies often lead to new directions in your work and career. Reach out to local studies to see if they offer an artist residency program.

Engage with your local art scene by participating in art walks, open studios, and community exhibitions. These events help you connect with local art enthusiasts and fellow artists, strengthening your presence in the community.

An artist's career is a journey filled with creative exploration, dedication, and strategic planning, but one that can also be fuelled by luck. The path requires persistence and passion, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Keep creating, produce work that is true to you and have fun!