Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sell Digital Art

There are many ways to make a living, but one of the most challenging and rewarding is running your own business. Creating and selling art taps into your creative energy and your business savvy. However, whatever else your business does for you, sales are still sales. To make a living you need to find ways to sell your digital art.


Instructions


1. Create a website or blog and network with family, friends and any fans you already have. Spread the word of your source online with anyone and everyone you meet, and ask them to pass it along. Print business cards with your name and your URL on them.


2. Promote your art. One basic principle of sales states that people will buy what they see: the more they see it, the more they want to buy it. Show your work and your name anywhere you can. Post your art on your website or blog. Find other virtual and digital venues to display and sell your art, like the Imagekind website (see Resources). Find venues in the real world where you can display your art. The more people that see your work, the more interest they'll have in buying it.


3. Publish your best work and nothing else. The higher the quality standard of your art that the public sees, the more apt they'll be to purchase your art. Don't post or display pieces that don't meet expectations technically or aesthetically.


4. Take yourself seriously. The people who want to buy your work also want assurances that you're a legitimate artist. Join artist organizations, and make sure your name shows up in the rosters. Publish an extensive catalog of your work, have your work reviewed by art critics, and make sure your name shows up every time you exhibit--even if it's only at a small fair. Mention these accomplishments on your website. Post links, if possible.