Being a successful artist is all about showing off your beautiful work to the right people, but unfortunately, some of the best artists can face unnecessary struggle by making a few core mistakes. Even if you put a lot of hard work into your designs, the business side of art can hold you back if you don’t know what you’re doing!
My name is Stacie Bloomfield, and I’m a full-time art business owner who can help your artistic career flourish. I became a professional artist the hard way, and I’ve created courses to help fellow artists find success a lot faster and easier than I did.
Today I’m going to give you some good advice that could change your art career… for FREE! Let’s talk about some of the most common mistakes you might be making that could prevent you from succeeding in the art world in the long run. If you can avoid all of these, you can skip years’ worth of stagnation and go right for the gold.
1. Not Taking Action: Many artists hesitate to share their work with potential clients because they’re afraid of making mistakes or facing criticism, and his prevents them from gaining exposure and opportunities. It’s extremely important to take the leap and share your work consistently. Remember, your least favorite piece might be someone else’s new obsession!
2. Overvaluing Individual Pieces: Some artists treat each piece of art as irreplaceable, so they won’t sell it. Parting with your best work can be tough, but one of the best things you can do with your art is share it with others. Understanding that artwork is a commodity can help you become more open to pursuing (and finding!) commercial success.
3. Copying Other Artists: Mimicking the style of other artists, especially those within the same community, is natural for an emerging artist before you develop your own artistic skills. However, it can be seen as unoriginal and “cringe-worthy,” which will stunt your success. It’s crucial to develop and showcase your signature style to stand out. (Not sure how to do this? Check out our blog post, 4 Signs You’ve Found Your Signature Style.)
4. Fear of Social Media Devaluation: Many great artists worry that sharing their artwork on social media will devalue it or lead to theft. This can prevent them from building a strong online presence. The truth is, sharing your work on various social media platforms can help you build an unforgettable portfolio and attract potential buyers.
5. Not Seeking Constructive Feedback: It is crucial for new artists to step outside of their comfort zone and get high quality feedback from a safe community. Constructive criticism from peers can help you refine your work, develop your own art style, and avoid unintentional mimicry. While it can be hard to hear this kind of feedback, your body of work will reflect your dedication to improvement.
What are the biggest mistakes you’ve made in your art journey? Whatever they are, you’re not alone! The world of art is full of obstacles, and there was no blueprint about how to make your art business succeed.
