I had worked for many years
and was fortunate to no longer need a traditional job, which allowed me to
explore art, first only as a playful hobby. Initially, painting and creating
three-dimensional art for my own enjoyment was enough, but as my skills progressed,
I wanted to sell my work.
2-What were the first five actions you took to get started?
I studied the work of artists I admired in order to improve
I read as much as I could about how to market my work
I began participating in local arts and crafts shows
I created an Etsy shop in order to reach a broader audience
I met the owner of a local gallery who agreed to host a show for me
3-Did you come across with challenges and doubt yourself (thinking "am I going to succeed?" ) ?
Marketing, both locally and online, was a big challenge initially, and it continues to be challenging. As an artist, I expect to always strive to improve my work, so jumping those hurdles isn’t discouraging. But getting my work out there can be a struggle. Especially with an online shop, driving traffic to that shop requires creativity and effort beyond painting, and sometimes it seems exhausting. I worry it might be a younger person’s game, but I keep plugging away on social media, and I keep apprised of various events local galleries are hosting.
4-How did you overcome them?
Etsy provides lots of information about how to market your online shop, and I do my best to follow those tips, maintaining a social media presence and updating my shop with fresh work.
For face-to-face art sales, I joined a local arts organization, which gave me leads for local galleries and sales opportunities, and I now exhibit in two galleries and participate in other arts events when I can. Getting outside of the studio and being bold in showing my artwork has been essential.
The easy thing to do would be to hide away in my little studio and paint and paint, but I really do want exposure, and I am proud to show my work to potential collectors. So, I keep putting myself out there, and I keep expanding on the kind of work I create.
5-Did you invest a lot of money?
I have been economical in setting up my home studio and in choosing art supplies. It’s never good to skimp on paint or painting surfaces, so I cut costs elsewhere in order to invest in those things. I look for sales, I avoid impulse buying when I see ads marketed to artists, and I keep my studio rather sparse—just enough to do what I want to accomplish.
Also, there is a small cost in operating an Etsy shop, and I have invested in my own website (www.robymartinsart.com), which has an annual fee.
6-How do you see the future of your business?
As long as I have the opportunity and the space to paint, I intend to keep going. Art is not the sort of thing you age out of as long as you are healthy enough to do the work, and I know several successful and active artists who are 10 or even 20 years older than I am.
Wherever I find myself living in the future, I will defintely connect with other artists and local galleries, and as I refine my online shop, I imagine the little business only improving.
7-Do you have any advice for people who want to start a business?
I hestitate only because I am not financially dependent on my gallery and online sales. I have the luxury to relax in that regard.
I can speak to maintaining an online business, however, regardless of which host site you choose. I would suggest putting only your best work out there, honing your work to reach your market, and being energetic and bold in your social media presence in order to drive customers to your online business. Also, patience is essential—it can take a couple of years to be discovered out there regardless of what products or services you are selling, so don’t give up if early sales are slow.
Most importantly, let potential customers see how proud you are of your work. Every maker/doer/creator/service provider is unique, and there is a market out there for all we have to offer. Do the work, and you will find your people.
