The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.

— Jim Morrison

Recognizing and embracing your distinct art-selling personality is critical for any artist. Selling tactics among creatives are as different as their artistic skills. While they differ from your social style, there is some overlap between personality and style. They are similar in that both are intended to help you and others understand you better.

Identifying your specific approach can boost your confidence, enhance your marketing strategies, and increase your art sales. But why is understanding this personality so critical, and how can it transform how you connect with your audience and the art market?

Why Identify Your Art Selling Personality?

Understanding your art-selling personality is about more than just sales—cultivating an authentic presence in a market that values individuality. Artists often feel pressured to conform to specific sales tactics or marketing strategies that may not align with their natural inclinations. 

By identifying your selling style, you can leverage your inherent strengths and minimize the stress of selling your art. This alignment makes the process more enjoyable and genuine, which resonates deeply with buyers.

This quiz will help you identify your natural strengths and inclinations when selling your art. However, remember, these are tendencies, not absolutes. Depending on the situation or the potential buyer, you may be dipping into other styles. That’s okay. Human nature is complex, and embracing your unique strengths is critical to reaching and influencing more people, ultimately selling more art.

 

 

 

The Art Selling Personality Quiz

Question 1: When discussing your art, you typically feel:

(A) Passionate and Captivated. You can’t wait to share the stories and emotions woven into each piece.
(B) Confident and Composed. You focus on the technical aspects and the creation process.
(C) Strategic and Savvy. You understand your market and know how to position your work for success.
(D) Curious and Open. You’re more interested in hearing what others think about your art.

Question 2: How do you approach pricing your artwork?

(A) Pricing is a Puzzle. You often seek guidance from fellow artists or online resources.
(B) Methodical and Consistent. You have a set formula based on time, materials, and size.
(C) Market-Driven. You consider the current market trends, your target audience, and the perceived value of your art.
(D) Flexible and Negotiable. You adjust prices based on the situation or potential buyer.

Question 3: What’s your preferred platform for selling your art?

(A) Through personal connections and recommendations. You build relationships and let your network know about your latest creations.
(B) The digital realm is your domain. You showcase your work on your website and leverage reputable online art platforms. 
C) Galleries and art fairs are your ideal stomping grounds. You thrive in settings where you can present your art to a broader audience.
(D) Commissions are your calling card. You enjoy working directly with clients who approach you with specific requests.

Question 4: How do you promote your art?

(A) Social media is your soapbox. You share your creative process, studio musings, and the stories behind your art.
(B) SEO and online marketing are your tools. You optimize your website to attract viewers and potential buyers.
(C) Networking is your middle name. You actively connect with galleries, collectors, and art influencers.
(D) Your art speaks for itself. You believe in a minimalist approach to promotion.

Question 5: When someone purchases your art, what is the clincher?

(A) The emotional connection Your story and the feelings it evokes deeply move your buyers. 
(B) The undeniable quality and detail. Your work impresses buyers with its technical mastery and craftsmanship.
(C) The reputation and investment potential. The buyer values your artistic standing and appreciates the potential for future appreciation in value.
(D) The personal connection with you. The buyer feels a genuine connection with you as an artist and your creative vision.

Unveiling Your Art Seller Persona

Now, let’s analyze your dominant responses. Here’s what your results can tell you about your art-selling personality:

Mostly A’s: The Storyteller

Your strength lies in the power of narrative. You captivate buyers by weaving stories and emotions into your art. They’re not just buying a piece but entering your artistic world.

Storytellers are artists who captivate their audience with the rich narratives behind each creation. This personality type creates an emotional bond between the artwork and the viewer. If you find yourself naturally sharing the inspiration, the story of conception, or the personal journey behind your pieces, you are likely a Storyteller.

Engagement Tips for Storytellers:

• Utilize social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for sharing short stories or anecdotes highlighting the creative process or the inspiration behind your pieces.
• Create engaging content: Consider writing blog posts or making videos that delve deeper into your art’s background, techniques, and the stories that inspired them.
• Host live sessions: Engage with your audience through live storytelling sessions or Q&A sessions where you discuss your art’s narrative in depth.
• Craft Compelling Artist Statements: Write captivating descriptions illuminating each piece’s stories and emotions. 
• Dig Deeper into Storytelling: Learn more about the power of storytelling in art on our blog: [Link to your blog post on Storytelling for Artists].

Mostly B’s: The Technician

You’re a craft master whose buyers recognize exceptional technique and quality. You impress with meticulous detail and dedication to your chosen medium.

Technicians pride themselves on their craftsmanship and technical skills. If discussions about your art often revolve around the materials used, the intricate processes involved, or the precision of your techniques, you fit this profile. Technicians attract buyers who appreciate their meticulous effort and expertise in creating art.

Engagement Tips for Technicians:

• Offer workshops or classes: Share your technical skills and knowledge through in-person or online seminars to connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise.
• Exhibit at art fairs: Showcasing your work in environments where craftsmanship is valued, like art fairs or galleries, can help attract an audience that appreciates the technical mastery.
• Invest in High-Quality Artist Photos: Professional photos will capture your work’s intricate details and textures.
• Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Create video tutorials or online content demonstrating your process and skills.
• Target Collectors Who Value Craftsmanship: Research galleries and collectors who specialize in appreciating the technical aspects of your chosen art form.

Mostly C’s: The Strategist

You’re a business-minded artist. You understand the art market, strategically position your work and confidently navigate the art world.

Strategists keenly understand the art market and excel at positioning their work to appeal to the right audience. They are adept at setting prices and choosing suitable venues for their work and often have a clear marketing strategy that targets specific art market segments.

Engagement Tips for Strategists:

• Market research: Conduct market research regularly to understand the latest trends, pricing strategies, and customer preferences.
• Networking: Build relationships with gallery owners, collectors, and other artists to learn from their experiences and better position your artwork in the market.
• Strategic pricing: Develop a pricing strategy that reflects the value of your work and aligns with market demand.
• Use Online Analytics Tools: Track your artwork’s online performance with analytics. Use Google Analytics or social media analytics to determine which content is most popular, where your traffic comes from, and what keywords drive traffic. This data can improve your SEO, marketing, and audience targeting.
• Attend industry seminars and conferences: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and webinars to learn more. These events provide networking opportunities and instructional information on industry standards, trends, and marketing strategies. Knowing the industry will help you choose where to sell your art, price it, and market it.

Mostly D’s: The Connector

You’re a natural people person. Your charisma and genuine interest in others build strong connections that translate into sales.

Connectors excel at building personal relationships that help them sell their art. They are naturally personable and relatable, often selling their art through direct interactions. If you thrive in social settings and form quick connections with potential buyers, you might be a Connector.

Engagement Tips for Connectors:

• Personal outreach: Maintain relationships with past and potential buyers through personal notes, updates about new work, or invitations to your events. Create opportunities for potential buyers to interact with you and your art, like studio visits or private viewings.
• Participate in community events: Engage with your local community through art shows, fairs, and other public events where you can meet buyers face-to-face.
• Utilize customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Track your interactions with buyers and collectors to enhance relationships and personalize your communications.
• Develop Artist Talks and Workshops: Share your knowledge and passion through engaging presentations and interactive workshops.
• Nurture Relationships: Connect with potential buyers, collectors, and fellow artists. Build friendships and cultivate genuine connections.

Remember, There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

The beauty of this quiz lies in discovering your inherent strengths. Regardless of your results, here are some additional tips to remember:

• Embrace Authenticity: Showcase your unique selling style and let your personality shine.
• Continuous Learning: The art world is constantly evolving. Stay informed and adapt your strategies as needed.
• Track Your Progress: Analyze what’s working and what’s not. Experiment with different approaches and refine your strategy over time.
• Celebrate Your Successes: Take pride in accomplishments, big or small. Selling your art is a journey, so enjoy the ride.

By understanding your art-selling personality, you can develop a sales strategy that feels comfortable and authentic. Embrace your strengths, nurture your weaknesses, and watch your artistic endeavors flourish. Now, go forth and ignite your art sales journey.

Conclusion

Embracing your unique selling personality allows you to market your art more effectively and authentically. Whether you are a storyteller, technician, strategist, or connector, understanding and utilizing your natural strengths can lead to greater satisfaction and success in art. Remember, the key to successful selling in the art market lies in the quality and how it is presented and sold. Tap into your innate selling style and watch how it transforms your art career.