Visual artists benefit themselves and the world by employing the time-honored practice of creating art for sale.
— Barney Davey
As a visual artist, have you ever felt conflicted about creating art for sale? Perhaps you thought it was a sellout move or jeopardized your artistic integrity. It’s time to reframe your mindset. Making marketable art is not only acceptable but also necessary for your success.
In this post, we’ll talk about why artists should embrace the archetype of the art marketer, the artist’s role in society, and how to find a balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability.
The Role of the Artist in Society
Art has always been essential to society because it reflects cultural values, shapes public discourse, and allows people to be creative. You are responsible for sharing your work with the world as an artist. By creating art that is in demand, you can reach a larger audience, leading to discussions and sparking new ideas. This is why creating art for sale is not only acceptable but also critical for the success of visual artists.
As an artist, you have the unique ability to bring about change and inspire others. Through your art, you can raise awareness for social issues, evoke emotion, and stimulate thought. In this way, artists play a critical role in shaping society’s thinking and behavior.
By embracing the art marketer archetype and creating art that is in demand, you’re contributing to the art world and making a difference in the world at large. So, use your creativity and your art to positively impact the world and share your message with the world.
Embrace the Art Marketer Archetype
To succeed in art, artists must view themselves as entrepreneurs and recognize that their craft is a business. This means embracing the art marketer archetype, a role that requires strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the art market.
The art marketer archetype is all about creating art that is both meaningful and profitable.
It means thinking about your art business strategically and making pieces that collectors and buyers will like. Knowing your style and voice is how you make genuine but still marketable work.
Balancing Artistic Integrity and Commercial Viability
Creating art intended to be sold does not mean sacrificing artistic integrity. Making meaningful and profitable art is possible by finding a balance between creative expression and commercial viability. By understanding the market while staying true to your unique style and voice, you can create work that speaks to you and resonates with viewers.
Finding the right balance between being true to your art and making money from it can be challenging for any artist. However, it’s important to remember that you have complete creative control over your work as an artist. You can create marketable and authentic art by remaining true to your unique style and vision.
Embracing Commercial Success
The art world is notorious for being elitist, and commercial success is sometimes viewed negatively. But artists should see their success in the marketplace as a sign of their skill and hard work.
Creating art people want to buy is evidence of an artist’s ability to connect with others and make an impact. Artists can control their careers and build a viable future by welcoming commercial success.
If you want a long career as an artist, you must be open to making money. The negative perception of commercial success in art stems from the belief that it compromises an artist’s creative integrity. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
When you accept commercial success, you give yourself the power to make more things, connect with more people, and make a big difference in the world. So, don’t shy away from creating marketable art and embracing commercial success as an artist. It’s an opportunity to take control of your career and positively impact the world.
The Power of Art to Change Lives
Art can change lives, and creating art people want to buy can profoundly impact the artist and the collector. You can inspire, educate, and create positive change by sharing your work with the world. Art can make a difference by raising awareness for social issues or simply bringing joy to someone’s life. Artists can share their ideas with the world and make a lasting impact by making art meant to be sold.
Art can also bring joy to people’s lives and provide comfort during challenging times. By embracing the art marketer archetype and making art that can be sold, you can make a positive difference in the world. So, use your art to raise awareness for issues you care about, educate others, and inspire positive change. Art can affect people’s lives, and by creating art meant to be sold, you can share your ideas with the world and make a difference.
You Are Not a Sellout
Making art to sell is not a sign of selling out; it’s a smart move that lets you reach more people and make a difference in the world. By understanding the market and creating art that is in demand, you can develop a strong brand and cultivate a loyal following. This can lead to more opportunities, partnerships, and a steady stream of income that lets you focus on making more art.
It’s essential to remember that creating art for sale is not a sign of selling out but rather an innovative and strategic move that allows you to share your unique vision with the world. By creating commercial art, you’re building a prosperous career and creating an opportunity to reach a larger audience and make a difference in the world.
Understanding the market, staying true to your artistic vision, and creating art that speaks to you and resonates with viewers are critical to building a solid brand and cultivating a loyal following. By taking on the role of the art marketer archetype, you set yourself up for success and give yourself more chances as an artist. So, never feel guilty about creating art to sell. It’s essential to building a successful career and positively impacting the world.
You Are a Change Agent
Remember, as an artist, you have the power to change lives. Art can inspire, educate, and create positive change in the world. By embracing commercial success and creating art people want to buy, you can share your vision with the world and make a lasting impact.
So, don’t be afraid to create art that is intended to be sold. Instead, take pride in connecting with others and making an impact. The art marketer archetype is about making art that is both meaningful and profitable, finding a balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability. By understanding the artist’s role in society and embracing the archetype of the art marketer, you can build a long-term career and make the world a better place.
The Uniqueness of Your Art
To embrace the art marketer archetype, you need to be strategic in your approach. Consider your art’s unique aspects that set it apart from others and how it can appeal to a specific market. Be intentional with your branding and communication, and seek opportunities to showcase your work. Research pricing strategies and be willing to adjust your prices to remain competitive.
Building and maintaining relationships with collectors, buyers, and other artists is also essential to being an art marketer. Connect with other artists and art professionals and ask those who have done well in the field for help and advice. Be responsive to inquiries and requests, and always provide excellent customer service.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s time to reframe your mindset about creating art for sale. To have a long-lasting career as a visual artist, it’s important to accept the art marketer archetype, understand the artist’s place in society, and find a balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability.
By creating marketable art and utilizing marketing strategies, artists can reach a larger audience, create positive change, and build a loyal following. Remember, as an artist, you can change lives through your work. So, embrace the art marketer archetype and create art that speaks to you and makes a difference.
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Great article Barney about aligning ourselves (the Artists) with a positive commercial mindset and attitude whilst maintaining our integrity. Helpful, encouraging and empowering.
Thanks for your comments and observations. They are much appreciated!