Many abstract artists ask themselves how they can make money from abstract art. The truth is that making money from abstract art is no different from making money from other kinds of art.
To sell your abstract art is the same as selling any other art. It will take a lot of time and effort. To sell the art, you must first have the product or the artwork, and then you must work on finding a way to promote your art. There are many ways that you can promote to sell your art.
Table of Contents
Making Money With Art Takes Time And Effort
Even if you think you’re the most important global artist and that all of your paintings should be in the museum, it will take a lot of time and effort to make money and sell your abstract art.
Selling your art is like any other business. To be successful with your art, you also need to treat it as a business venture.
First, you must create the products; it cannot be any product but needs to be unique, and something people want to buy. If you are producing artwork no one wants to buy, you will not be selling much art.
It is not easy to make money from your art. Many artists try to make a full-time job selling art, but few can support themselves full-time with their artwork.
Heard of the saying “starving artist?” There is a reason for that saying – most artists who try to go full-time for their art find it very difficult.
Success does not happen overnight, and if you study the artist who has been able to sell their art and earn a lot of money doing it, you will find out that almost all of them struggled at some point in their lives. Many of them never saw any success during their lifetime but only became appreciated after their death.
To Make Money With Art, You Need The Art And Promotion
Like any other business venture to make money with your art, you need to have the product (art) and know-how to promote yourself. Many artists may be great at their art but struggle with promoting themselves.
Learning to promote yourself as an artist will be critical to your success. Especially today, an artist needs to maintain a visual web presence. If anyone is interested in your art, one of the first things they will do is check for you online to see about your online portfolio.
Basic things every artist should be doing:
- Website – A website is no longer optional in doing any business. And this is also true for an artist. All artists should have some kind of web presence that talks about them and their art.
- Social Media – Social media is just as important as web presence. Social media platforms are free, but it does take time to maintain them and to put relevant material on them. It is also a way for the artist to get exposure they would not otherwise get.
- The Way For People To Buy Your Art – Today there is so much going on digitally and online, that people want to know how to purchase your art online. If you only sell originals, you need to tell them that so they can find a way to contact you about your artwork. Many artists forget, that today when the world has gone digital, they need to make sure they have a digital presence where it can be a platform telling people where and how they can buy their art online or in-person.
Art Galleries And Art Collectors
Of course, another option is that you can find a gallery that may want to take you on as one of their artists. The galleries will usually do a lot of promotion for you, which allows you to concentrate on your art. This gallery model used to be the model that almost all artists at one time followed.
The last few years trends have been that many Art Galleries have closed their doors. At least 30% of the Art Galleries worldwide are unsure if they will survive the pandemic. Of those that do, they expect a massive decrease in their profits.
Art galleries are an industry that has been hurting. It is not just due to the global pandemic but also because many artists have started to sell their paintings directly online or through social media and bypass the art galleries. Also, there are many more online avenues where collectors can buy art that they did not have access to before.
This means that both the artist and the art galleries have had to become more creative to find ways to ensure that they can survive in the current business environment. Many art galleries will be more particular about which artists they will show in their galleries and how much they will invest in promoting artists, especially those unknown.
As a new artist, to even get into a gallery, you will probably need to prove yourself or prove that your art is worthy of taking up space within the gallery walls. It would help if you remembered that an art gallery runs like any other business, and the walls they have to put the art on cost them money.
Today, many online art galleries are causing many brick-and-mortar art galleries to disappear. Some of them as Saatchi Art or Art Finder are great places to sell your art. These online gallery platforms are where you can put your art online to be sold.
Go to your local art gallery, especially if you have art to gain a local following. A few years ago, I went into a gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, All the art in the gallery had to do with Western art and artists. An artist in the gallery was painting a scene from Wyoming.
If your art is locally focused, this may be one of the easier ways for you to get into an art gallery and get a local following.
Sell Your Art At Art Fairs
Many artists sell their art at an art fair. If you live in a location where they have an art fair, this could be an excellent way to get exposure and sell your art.
Like many other things in art, a fair will take time and money. You usually will need to have a booth at the fair. The booth is going to take time and money to set it up. Some art fairs are curated; they will only accept certain artists.
Producing your art may be fun, and it may be the only thing you enjoy. But almost all artists do not have the luxury to create art and not get involved in the business side or promote their art.
The business side of selling your art is where the hard work comes in. This is one of the most challenging things that most artists will have to do. Because it is difficult, there is no easy answer as to the best thing for you and your art. Only you as an artist can answer that question: What is the best way to sell my art?
Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!
If you are interested in seeing any of my art, you can find out more by clicking here. If you are interested in what inspires me and my paintings, you can discover more by clicking here.
We have a free newsletter and would love you to be part of our community; you can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here. I would be happy to talk to you if you have any questions. You can reach me, Anita, by clicking here.
Subscribe to our Anita Louise Art YouTube Channel filled with great videos and information by clicking here.
Join us for our podcast “5 Minutes With Art.” Spend 5 minutes a week with us to discover and learn about great art and artists. You can find out more about our podcast by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I determine the value of my abstract art?
The value of your abstract art can be influenced by factors like your reputation as an artist, the uniqueness of your style, the size of the artwork, and the materials used. Consider researching similar artists and their pricing to establish a competitive yet fair value for your pieces.
Where can I sell my abstract art online?
Numerous online platforms, such as Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder, provide a space for artists to showcase and sell their abstract artwork. Explore these platforms to find the one that aligns with your goals and target audience.
Is social media an effective tool for promoting my abstract art?
Yes, social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your abstract art. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook allow you to reach a wide audience, showcase your portfolio, and engage with potential buyers. Consistent and visually appealing posts can help build your online presence.
Do I need to attend art fairs to sell my abstract art?
While attending art fairs can provide exposure and networking opportunities, it’s not mandatory. Many artists successfully sell their abstract art through online platforms. Assess your target market and preferences to decide whether participating in art fairs aligns with your business strategy.
How can I protect my artwork from copyright infringement?
Consider copyrighting your artwork to protect it from unauthorized use. You can also use watermarks on digital images and clearly outline your terms and conditions for the sale of your art to deter potential infringers.
What are some alternative revenue streams for abstract artists?
In addition to selling original pieces, abstract artists can explore other revenue streams such as selling prints, offering art classes or workshops, collaborating with businesses for commissioned work, or licensing their art for various products.
How do I build a strong online presence as an abstract artist?
Create a professional artist website, regularly update your portfolio, and maintain an active presence on social media. Engage with your audience, share your artistic process, and participate in online art communities to build a loyal following.
Should I consider offering limited edition prints of my abstract art?
Limited edition prints can create a sense of exclusivity and scarcity, potentially increasing the perceived value of your art. However, carefully plan and market limited editions to maintain the integrity of your brand and artistry.
How can I collaborate with interior designers or businesses to sell my art?
Reach out to local interior designers, art consultants, or businesses that may be interested in incorporating your abstract art into their projects. Attend networking events, create a professional portfolio, and be prepared to showcase how your art can enhance their spaces.
What role does networking play in selling abstract art?
Networking is crucial in the art world. Attend art events, connect with other artists, gallery owners, and potential buyers. Building relationships can open doors to exhibitions, collaborations, and sales opportunities that you might not have access to otherwise.
Related Questions
Pros and Cons of Selling Your Artwork on Fine Art America
Leonardo da Vinci is a man known to have had many different titles and professions during his lifetime. He was able to master this profession because he was a genius. But more than just being a genius, Leonardo is also self-educating and never stops learning. He had an insatiable amount of curiosity about all kinds of subjects.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading the Pros and Cons of Selling Your Artwork on Fine Art America.
Pros and Cons Of Selling Your Artwork To An Art Gallery
When selling your art to an art gallery, you need to consider many pros and cons. One of the major pros is that the gallery usually helps you to market your artwork. A major con is that you usually lose control over who buys your artwork. An artist needs to weigh out if selling through an art gallery is what they want to consider to sell their artwork.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading the Pros and Cons Of Selling Your Artwork To An Art Gallery.
