Are You Throwing Away Your Artistic Freedom?

You may feel very strongly about having freedom of expression when it comes to creating your art. You would never place handcuffs on yourself before walking into your art studio or  impede your creative growth in any way. However, when it comes to other areas of your art career, are you equally diligent and protective about your independence? Are you throwing away your artistic freedom in other related areas?  Here are a few ways you may be denying yourself freedom, control and self-sufficiency and what you can do about it.

You Still Don’t Have Your Own Website

You might think Instagram is all you need, or perhaps you’re a member of an online art gallery that does a wonderful job at displaying your art. These are positive platforms; however, neither of these venues provides the freedom and career success that comes with having your own website — yourname.com. If you take yourself seriously as an artist and want true power and control your goal should be to build your own captivated audience on your own website.   Read this article “How to Get Started With Your New Art Website” to see the many options you have today for creating your own website presence.

If you have your own website it’s important not to neglect it.  Keep an up to date Artist’s Biography, Artist’s Statement, and your images in your “Gallery” pages in the best format. If not, you’re throwing away chances of career growth and opportunities. Read this article “Does Your Art Website Pass This Test?”

Your Email Newsletters Do Not Contain Action Steps

First, let me remind you of the importance of having regularly scheduled email newsletters and a growing database of subscribers. If you have any aspirations to increase your income and recognition as an artist an email newsletter is a necessary aide. Second, if you do send an email newsletter make sure to add more than one action step in each one. An example of an action step is when you write something like this: “Click here to see more work like this.”

You Post in Social Media Without A Link to Your Website

You’re wasting your time if you sign up for a social media account and post a few words and image and think that is effective art marketing. Always add your website. If not, you’re throwing away the advantage of one of the most powerful marketing tools available. It’s free advertising, so add more content that will be more visible and drive traffic to your website. If you want to see good examples, follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.

You’re Only Using Megasites to Sell Your Art

Aside from a few rare exceptions, I have yet to meet a serious fine artist who is financially prosperous using the mega online galleries. Fine Art America and Etsy are fine for many creative individuals who are starting out or sell low price craft items, jewelry, etc.  They are not the authorized respected sites for you if you’re a serious professional. If you do, you give up your control. Participating artists may fantasize that when they join they will immediately gain thousands of potential buyers who will be lining up to buy their art. The reality is far from that dream.

Here are some facts. These megasites  place ads and links to other art galleries and artists on your page, which drives traffic away from you and on to the next — often cheaper — alternative. You’re thrown in with wannabe artists and amateurs. You may begin to be tempted to lower your prices to stay competitive or create lower quality artwork.  That’s a huge sacrifice of artistic freedom, and sure way to give up your control and self-esteem..

Furthermore, on sites you are not informed about the identity of the buyers who purchased your art, or where your art may end up being sold without your knowledge.

I encourage you to maintain control and seek other options.

You’re Only Relying On Galleries to Sell Your Art

You may have one or more brick and mortar galleries and the best relationship with them at this time. However, keep in mind that nothing lasts forever. Galleries may go bankrupt. Owners may decide to take an early retirement. They may take on new artists and replace you. The gallery may decide to take a different artistic turn and your art is no longer suitable for them or they clientele. A myriad of things can happen.

Continue your existing relationships and develop contingency plans should any changes in your existing relationships with galleries occur. It may cause you unnecessary anxiety if you have to scurry around for a solution after any of the aforementioned events take place. It’s better to be prepared. Develop a variety of relationships upon which you can rely, build and prosper.

To gain more control and freedom read Create Your Art Business Plan

Wishing you a growing art career filled with freedom, independence and self-sufficiency!