How To Sell Your Art Locally In 6 Easy Steps
No matter how connected we become online, there's still something special about getting your work out in the real world. So why not start close to home? Even if you don't live near a cultural hub, chances are there are plenty of art opportunities nearby.
Start exploring your local area and attending art events to discover the place where you feel your artwork will fit in.
Assemble a list of contacts with names, addresses, and contact information as it can help when submitting artist packets later on. When you’re familiar enough with what's out there locally, try widening the scope for more opportunities!
Marketing yourself face-to-face allows building relationships— having meaningful conversations creates powerful connections that go beyond sharing work online.
To get started promoting your pieces near home or away from home: here are some easy approaches worth trying out!
Explore Local Art Fairs
Exploring your local art scene is one of the best ways to get started in marketing your work.
Start by attending and taking part in local art fairs and events. Collect names and contact info from decision-makers you meet at these places - this way you'll be ready for when it's time to reach out further afield!
Working face-to-face with your audience has many advantages too: personal connections can often make or break the success of an artist.
It’s such a great way to spread the word about your art. If you have an online presence, think of it as doubling up on marketing - announce where you'll be showing off your artwork in advance and who knows how many people might come out for YOU!
It's worth keeping this strategy in mind when deciding which events are right for bringing attention to what you do.
Open Your Art Studio Doors
Creating your art show doesn't have to be a daunting task. With plenty of options available, you can organize an event that best suits the season and works around your schedule!
Open studio events are great for exhibiting new pieces while connecting with members of the community — plus it's all on YOUR terms. If you don’t have a studio space already, you can use your garage, home or garden to showcase your work.
Make sure to promote yourself so everyone knows when and where they can see your art.
Connect With Local Galleries
Displaying your artwork in a local gallery is another amazing way to gain exposure and potentially find new buyers. Often you can find that smaller galleries rent some space. Fees, as well as terms and conditions, will depend on the gallery, so do your research.
Finding the right gallery is totally worth it for the extra exposure your art gets. Even if you don’t sell anything right away, word of mouth could bring you new customers looking for something new and unique!
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Get Adventurous With A Pop-Up Gallery
Have you considered opening a pop-up location for your art? It's perfect if your space doesn't allow for an open studio - and it could be the first step to taking physical sales more seriously.
Plus, people love exclusive collections they won't find anywhere else. That means limited time in one spot can increase buyer interest like never before! So why not give it a try without having to commit long-term?
Take Your Art Career Further With Local Retailers
If you're looking to take your art career further and make more connections, partnering with a retailer is an easy way for newer artists to get the exposure they need. You can place your work in stores that fit your style, allowing shoppers from all over an opportunity to meet (or purchase) their newest favourite artist!
In my town local artists often display their beautiful works in shop windows, this attracts many visitors from all over to admire and enjoy the display.
Even though this means having to share profits between yourself and the store owner, it's worth it – not only do you gain access to many fresh markets but also see increased engagement on other platforms such as online business too. - why not give it a go?
Share What You Know And Host Local Workshops
Have you ever considered hosting a workshop around your artwork?
From small group lessons in the studio to larger events at art fairs, teaching and leading workshops provides an excellent opportunity for expert knowledge-sharing. Sharing your work can not only help build relationships with local art lovers but also offer additional income sources.
Get creative when announcing classes – contact media outlets such as newspapers or radio stations that may be interested in covering them! Don't forget to share experiences on social media too; it's sure to create plenty of buzz about both yourself and your projects.
Conclusion
Getting your artwork out there and in front of a local audience can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be!
By following these five easy steps, you'll be on your way to becoming a well-known local artist in no time.
And remember, the most important part is just getting started - so don't wait any longer, get involved in your community today and see where it takes you.
Who knows, maybe we'll be seeing your artwork hanging in a gallery before long!