By Elizabeth Davis, Marketing Director for Blink Art Resource
Blink Art Resource is an annual high end print publication and online site guide use by interior designers, art consultants and art dealers to source artwork for projects. Blink works with and promotes hundreds of artists annually to make the valuable connections need for artists to succeed. Blink’s five “go to” art marketing tips:
- Establish Your Brand
It’s important to create an identifiable brand for your business. Establishing an image for yourself is easier than you think, since many artists are already working with a specific artistic style and color palette. Website, brochures, business cards and invitations should all be consistent. The colors, fonts, photos and language of everything you do—from printed materials to social media posts—should all reflect your works’ personality and your brand.
Next, bring your brand to life and into the digital age. Having a functional and up-to-date website is critical to increase sales out of your studio. The two most important things to include on your website (besides your art and contact information of course) are a headshot so customers can see who their working with and an email sign up list.
- Take it Outside
One of the best ways to reach new customers is to display art in creative places.
- Research galleries locally and nationally. Which one is the best fit for you? Make and send “personal” calls and emails.
- Set up a “mini” art exhibit that at your local opera, ballet or symphony. Most fine art enthusiasts also love music and dance.
- Enter art contests and exhibits which can connect you with industry professionals
Most artist scoff at the idea of investing their money in promotional materials. But it’s worse creating an abundance of beautiful artwork for no one to see. Having money set aside to pay for an email marketing service provider, buy a promotional page in an art catalog or rent a booth at an art fair is important, because it’s all about building your client base and reminding them of the incredible artwork you’re making.
See Blink’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/blinkartresource
3. Set a Marketing Budget
Most artist scoff at the idea of investing their money in promotional materials. But it’s worse creating an abundance of beautiful artwork for no one to see. Having money set aside to pay for an email marketing service provider, buy a promotional page in an art catalog or rent a booth at an art fair is important, because it’s all about building your client base and reminding them of the incredible artwork you’re making.
4. Stay in Touch
Remember all those people who signed up on your website or that you met and the booth you rented at that last art fair? Well they are now all potential clients! It’s crucial to always stay connected with (past, present and future) customers, and weekly emails and social media is a powerful, low-cost way to do just that. For example, create a Business Facebook page for your art, and use it to invite people to your art events, share photos of current and commissioned works, post testimonials from satisfied customers and let everyone know what’s happening behind the scenes in your studio and on the road at art fairs. Only create social media accounts that you are willing to update frequently.
5. Never stop growing
No matter how long you’ve been in the art business, treat every day as an opportunity to learn more, expand your contact list and think creatively. Take courses on social media, sales and small business strategies; join your local chamber of commerce and networking groups; attend art and business events in your community. As you expand your horizons, you will find that you can meet allies, clients and friends in the most unexpected places.