17 Marketing Strategies for Artists

You’re an artist with a stunning portfolio, just waiting for the spotlight. But how do you catch that vital attention? It’s about more than just creating exquisite art.

Discover effective marketing strategies tailored for artists like you. Uncover tips to showcase your work, connect with your audience, and transform your art into a flourishing business. Let’s embark on this journey together, mastering marketing for your artistic success.

Digital marketing strategies for artists

Using smart digital strategies, you can engage potential customers and stand out from the crowd. Let’s see some strategies for you:

1. Leverage Instagram’s Art Communities for Exposure

Creating a presence on Instagram can significantly boost your exposure. Engage with art communities by sharing your art, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions. Instagram’s features like stories, reels, and IGTV can be utilized for showcasing your work, and Instagram’s algorithm can help your art reach a wider audience.

2. Create Time-Limited Online Art Exhibitions on Social Media

Creating time-limited online exhibitions can create a sense of urgency for your followers to engage with your work. Post your artwork on social media platforms and couple it with a countdown, creating a virtual ‘pop-up’ art show. This strategy can help increase engagement and potentially drive sales.

3. Collaborate with Digital Influencers Within Your Genre

Consider collaborating with influencers relevant to your art genre. This could involve them sharing your work, or even better, creating something together. This can introduce your work to their followers and increase your reach. Remember to find influencers whose style aligns with your own.

4. Utilize YouTube for Art Process Videos and Tutorials

YouTube is an excellent platform for sharing your art process through videos and tutorials. Showcasing the creation process can draw in viewers interested in the ‘how’ of your art, and tutorials can attract those wanting to learn. This can help build a loyal following and establish you as an expert within your field.

5. Develop a Signature Hashtag and Encourage Followers to Use It

Creating a unique signature hashtag for your art can help increase visibility on social media. Encourage your followers to use this hashtag when sharing or engaging with your work. This can help create a virtual gallery of your art and foster a sense of community among your followers.

6. Offer Exclusive Digital Previews of New Pieces to Email Subscribers

Engage your email subscribers by offering them exclusive digital previews of your new pieces. This is a great way to make your subscribers feel special while building anticipation for your new work. It could also lead to pre-orders and direct sales.

7. Run an Online Art Contest on Twitter with Your Artwork as Prizes

Online contests can significantly increase your exposure. Consider running a contest on Twitter with your artwork as prizes. This encourages engagement, increases your following, and can create a buzz around your brand. Plus, recipients of your art may share their prize on their own social accounts, further increasing your reach.

8. Use Pinterest Boards to Share Your Inspirations and Sketches

Pinterest is an excellent platform for artists. Create boards to share your inspirations, mood boards, and early sketches. This not only helps to convey your creative process but also draws in other artists and enthusiasts who share similar interests.

9. Deploy Facebook Live Sessions for Behind-The-Scenes Studio Tours

Facebook Live sessions can offer followers a unique insight into your work. Consider hosting a behind-the-scenes studio tour. This can make your audience feel connected to your process, increase engagement, and can help establish a personal connection to your artwork.

10. Establish an Affiliate Marketing Program for Your Art Prints

An affiliate marketing program can be a powerful tool for increasing sales of your art prints. This involves other people promoting your art in exchange for a commission on any sales made through their referrals. It’s a win-win situation; you get more exposure and sales, and your affiliates earn commission.

For a more comprehensive understanding of artists-specific marketing, don’t miss our comprehensive article, “Marketing guide for artists“, which provides even deeper into the subject.

Offline marketing strategies for artists

Even in an increasingly online world, offline marketing still maintains its substantial charm. Let’s jump into how you can maximize the impact of your offline marketing efforts:

11. Create an art installation in a public space

Creating a public art installation is an extraordinary way to catch the eye. Find a local park, public building, or high-traffic area where your artwork can be displayed. This strategy works great, as it not only exposes your artwork to a broad audience but also creates a direct visual impact.

12. Collaborate with local businesses for art displays

Joining hands with local businesses gives you access to new audiences. Collaborate with coffee shops, restaurants, or hotels to display your artwork. Every visitor is a potential customer, and your art could be the conversation starter that pulls in a new fan base.

13. Host a pop-up art gallery in unusual locations

Pop-up galleries are an unconventional and exciting way to present your work. Find unique locations like abandoned buildings, warehouses, or even outdoor spaces. This not only piques intrigue but also promises visitors a unique experience, enticing them to attend.

14. Stage a live art performance in crowded places

Performing your art live can draw a significant crowd. Choose a busy location, like a shopping mall or popular park, and let the audience experience your creative process. This interactive experience can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

15. Offer personalized art demos at local events

Offering personalized art demos is a great way to engage with the community. Attend local events, markets, or fairs and demonstrate your art-making process. This gives you the chance to showcase your skills and engage with potential clients personally.

16. Launch a community art project to involve locals

Involving the community in your work can yield immense benefits. Start a community art project that encourages local participation. This will help you build a strong relationship with locals, boosting your visibility and enhancing your reputation in the community.

17. Use your art for local billboard or mural advertising

Using your art for local advertising, like billboards or murals, can increase your recognition. Work with local businesses to feature your artwork in their advertisements. This gives your art massive exposure, helps to beautify the community, and serves as a colossal advertisement of your work.

BONUS: Get Inspired by Strategies of Other Industries’ Marketing

While our focus in this article is on artists-specific marketing strategies, it’s indeed beneficial to investigate tactics used in different fields. Here are some of our other guides to broaden your perspective:

There could be hidden gems that will inspire your marketing campaigns and help you stand out in a competitive market.

You can explore more insightful marketing guides by clicking here.

Also few specific marketing domain resources for enriching your idea bucket:

Thats it!

Now it’s your turn

And there you have it: my list of 17 advanced marketing strategies tailored for artists.

Now I’d love to hear from you:

Which approach from this list are you eager to implement first?

Are you excited to boost your online presence through digital marketing strategies?

Perhaps you’re planning to foster strategic alliances through partner marketing?

Or maybe, the aim is to craft a memorable customer journey through experience marketing?

Whichever path you choose, I’m all ears. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.