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I need to rant a bit about something that has been bothering me for awhile now.  The very big difference between creating your art and marketing your art.  It seems to begin for many of us when we are brave enough to show our work to others, privately or in a show, and someone wants to purchase it. I remember the surprise, excitement, ego boost, and joy in that experience.  Mostly it was about the idea that someone had connected with my art in a way that was important enough that they were willing to make a purchase. 

Now begins the spiral of what comes first - the creativity or figuring out what people want?  I am strongly in one camp, but before I tell you which one, there is another important question to ask yourself.  Why are you an artist? Why do you make art?  The answer will tell you which side of this question you support.

Wait, you say, it isn’t all that clear!  You might be thinking, I love making art, but I really need to sell it to support my habit. Materials and classes are expensive!  Agreed, but you still need to answer the “Why do I make art?” question.

Usually an artist statement is a strong tell about why people create.  Personally, I am drawn to capturing the moment in plein air sessions.  Out of these experiences I’m motivated to create studio pieces, get better at what I do, continue to find the drive to create as often as I can, and share what I have learned with others as an instructor.  I can’t image an artist statement that says something like, “I’m passionate about figuring out the best selling art to create.”  Yet, recently this seems to be a question that I am hearing from those newer to the business of selling art.  Questions that come up are related to what people will buy, do i have a product yet, and how do I test the market? There is nothing wrong with these questions, but in my world they sound more like product development than the process of creativity.

Where is the middle ground for those of us who are driven by the passion of creating art and the need to figure out how to sell art?  I think the answer is learning to identify the right place to get the help you need and establishing clear boundaries between the creative process and the selling process.  If you want to get better at creating your art take a class, find an art mentoring group, and practice as much as you can.  Always listen to the creative inner passion that launched you into this adventure. Follow your heart, express yourself as authentically as you can and your artistic voice will connect with others willing to purchase your art.

How do you find a larger audience for your art?  Finding a marketing service, get business coaching, make networking connections, be active to practice this kind of support.  These are all legitimate ways to reach potential clients and have sales, but never confuse these services with driving your inner creativity.  First listen to the voice that makes you want to get up each day and be creative. Once you are actively creating art then look for ways to share your work.