11 Ways To Become A Successful Artist Without Social Media

We live in a world filled with social media and the Internet. Yet, many people are tired of social media or do not like social media platforms. Many artists ask themselves if they can be successful without being on social media.

As an artist, if you do not want to be on social media, you can take steps to become a successful artist without being on social media. You can network, have an online website, and have an outstanding portfolio. You can also sell your art to an art gallery or an art show.

11 Strategies for Artistic Success Beyond Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions
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In an era where social media and the internet dominate much of our communication and marketing, it’s not uncommon to encounter those who are either weary of or disinterested in these platforms. This sentiment is shared by many artists who ponder the possibility of achieving success without relying on social media. For artists who prefer to steer clear of these digital platforms, there are viable approaches to building a successful art career.

These strategies focus on leveraging alternative methods to promote and share your work, ensuring that a social media presence isn’t a prerequisite for success in the art world. Below are my top 11 ways that you can still be a successful artist without having a huge presence on social media.

1- Network to Meet Potential Art Buyers

Networking in any business is important; as an independent artist, your ability to network is critical to your success. Networking means that you seek to meet people who could be potential buyers.

Being a great networker is actually a skill set that great networkers work to develop. This is because a great networker is a good talker and a great listener. A great networker is also curious about other people and will ask the right questions to know the right people.

A great networker can talk about their art without seeming pushy or seeming like their only objective is to sell their art. A great networker does not just focus on what someone can do for them; they are genuinely interested in the person they are talking to.

Networking is all about connections, but it is about connecting and meeting the right people and helping to connect people. Networking is essential if you do not want to be on social media; it is a skill you can actively develop.

2. – Have a Really Great Artist Website

We live in a digital world, so your digital exposure or footprint is essential. You must have a good website if you do not want to be on social media.

Today, more than ever, it is easy for you to build your web presence online. Many website programs will allow you to drag and drop photos and information into the program. So, even if you do not want a full-blown website, you can at least have a few pages online to talk about you and your art.

To learn why an artist needs a website, read Why Should An Artist Have A Website? 11 Reasons Artists Needs A Website by clicking here.

3. – Have An Amazing Art Portfolio

If you do not want to be on social media, it is also essential to have an amazing portfolio. Today, a lot of these portfolios are online. There are programs such as Behance Adobe Portfiolos where you can put up your art portfolio.

A lot of the websites offer great ways to be able to put your portfolios online, such as Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace. Also, companies such as Foiliolink or Fotomat have great portfolio-building websites.

There are so many choices out there, so pick a platform and ensure you have some online presence, especially if you do not want to be on social media. Most people will try to look you up online before seeing your art in person, so you need some online presence without social media.

4 – Sell Your Art In An Art Gallery

Many artists do not have much of an online presence but sell all their art through art galleries. I have been to many art galleries, and I remember going to one in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where an artist was actually painting.

An art gallery is one way to sell your artwork. If you can find an arrangement with an art gallery, it can be a great way to concentrate on your art while selling your art. One of the problems is that art galleries are becoming less because more is going online.

To learn more about Art Galleries, you can read our blog Do Artists Still Need Art Galleries In This Age Of The Internet? by clicking here.

5. – Sell in an Art Show

Many artists sell mainly at art or craft shows. I have seen many artists at some trade shows, like the High Point Furniture Show in North Carolina. I know many of these artists make an excellent living and get great exposure while selling at the shows.

But like anything, these shows cost money, are a lot of work, and require that you probably attend a few shows and start to get a following. In fact, in some art shows, you have to jury to get in, meaning they will not just allow you in; you need to show them why you should be selling in the art show.

I attend many tradeshows, and I have noticed over the last ten years that fewer people are attending tradeshows; many of those showing at the tradeshows have said that fewer sales are being made at the shows.

One reason is that many people now go to shows with the idea of marketing and checking out products and then go home to make their own decisions.

Even if you have a booth at an art show, it will probably mean that you will need to have a lot of follow-ups and do a lot of work after the show to be able to really get the sales from the show.

You can learn more by reading Is An Art Fair Worth Doing? Pros and Cons to Selling Your At Art Fairs by clicking here.

6. – Enter Art Competitions to Get Exposure

Art competitions are an excellent way for you to be able to get added exposure. It is all part of networking, and you do not really know who you will meet or who will see your art at an art competition.

An art competition may not bring you direct sales, but it can help you get the added exposure needed to get your art and your name out there. I also enjoy doing some art competitions because it allows me to have a deadline and focus on completing a piece of art. I find that Art Competitions also help challenge me and help me become a better artist.

7. – Show and Sell Your Art Locally

Many local shops in your area may want to promote and sell the artwork of local artists. The work can often be up on their walls and not sold. This really depends upon what kind of relationship you have with the shop and how active they are in selling your art.

This could be a great thing if you are painting a lot of local scenery, buildings, or other things that could interest tourists. It could also be a great way to build up a following within your community.

8. – Volunteer or Do “Free” Art To Get Exposure

Many artists get some excellent paid work by first volunteering for free artwork. This free work helps them to network within their community while at the same time offering a service that others see and are willing to pay for. This can also help you get involved in your community and build up a network.

9. – Take Online Freelance Work

Many artists have gone online to sign up for freelance work on a program as Upwork. Freelance programs like Upwork have been extremely successful. Many of these freelance work has led to artists making a full-time income as freelancers.

If you were doing the kind of art that would allow you to be able to do freelance work in this could be a really great way for you to get exposure and earn income.

10. – License Your Art

Some companies may be willing to license your artwork. Many of these companies will reproduce your artwork and then give you a percentage of every piece they sell.

I have personally signed some licensee agreements, but it did not really amount to much for me. But I know of other artists whose main source of income is their licensee artwork.

A company’s willingness to license your artwork may have to do with whether or not the company likes the style of your artwork and if they feel that they can sell it. Some companies may want exclusivity; others may only license those artists who have a large social media following.

A lot of this will depend on your artistic style and the policies of the company. If you can get a good licensee agreement, this can be a great way for you to sell your artwork.

11. – Sell Art Online Direct To The Customer

You can also sell prints of your art yourself by selling online through a company like Fine Art America or Red Bubble. Even by placing your artwork on these sites, you usually still need to do a lot of self-promotion to get some sales.

I have shops on both Fine Art America and Red Bubble. I have found that to get any sales, I need to promote myself and my artwork. If you are interested, you can read our blog Pros and Cons of Selling Your Artwork on Fine Art America by clicking here. You can also read The Pros and Cons of Selling Your Artwork on The Red Bubble Website by clicking here.

You can also do your own print-to-order business or sell on Etsy. There are companies like Printful and Printify where you can print the artwork through their print-to-order services.

If you really do not want to have to be on social media, there are many ways that you can still promote yourself and your art without being an active social media user. Many artists make a full-time income without posting anything on social media.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I truly succeed as an artist without using social media platforms?

Yes, absolutely. Many artists have thrived without social media by utilizing alternative strategies like networking, gallery representation, and showcasing work at art events.

How can I effectively network without using social media to promote my art?

Attend local art events, join art organizations, and collaborate with fellow artists and professionals in your community. Building personal connections is key.

Is having a personal website important if I’m not on social media?

Yes, having an online presence through a personal website is crucial. It serves as your virtual portfolio and allows potential clients and galleries to find and learn more about your work.

What are some offline avenues for showcasing my art besides social media?

Participate in art shows, exhibitions, and local galleries. Seek opportunities to display your work in physical spaces where art enthusiasts can experience it firsthand.

Can I sell my art without the reach of social media?

Absolutely. Explore traditional avenues such as selling through local art galleries, art fairs, and even approaching businesses or cafes to display and sell your artwork.

How do I promote myself without relying on social media marketing?

Utilize traditional marketing methods like creating business cards, flyers, and brochures. Attend community events and distribute your promotional materials to reach a local audience.

Is it possible to get commissioned work without social media exposure?

Yes, network with local businesses, interior designers, and art collectors. Attend events where potential clients might be present, and word of mouth can play a significant role in getting commissions.

What role does a strong portfolio play in offline success as an artist?

A compelling portfolio is essential. Make sure it showcases a diverse range of your best work, demonstrating your skills and style to potential clients, galleries, and collaborators.

How can I stay informed about the art scene without social media?

Subscribe to art magazines, attend art events, and join local art associations. Networking with other artists and attending exhibitions will help you stay connected to the art community.

Can I find mentorship and guidance without social media connections?

Yes, seek out local artists, art professors, or community leaders who can provide mentorship. Attend workshops, art classes, and events to connect with experienced individuals in the art world.

What Are Some Business Skills You Need To Succeed As An Artist?

The top 6 basic business skills you need to succeed as an artist are 1) time management, 2) marketing and sales, 3) branding, 4) social media, 5) digital savviness, and 6) accounting. These business skills will help you be more successful as an artist and with your art business.

You can discover more by reading 6 Basic Business Skills You Need to Succeed As An Artist by clicking here.

Does An Artist Need An Artistic Statement?

An artistic statement is a statement of the artist and their artwork. It is an essential part of your art branding and marketing, yet many artists write a very poor artistic statement that no one really wants to read. There are steps you can take to write a great artistic statement.

You can learn more by reading Why Every Artist Needs An Artistic Statement by clicking here.