How to promote your artwork in an oversaturated market 

The world of art and creativity has evolved remarkably in the past century, with contemporary paintings and expressionist pieces addressing societal problems more than ever and encouraging viewers to notice the underlying story.

Modern art involves digitality to the point where artists leverage complex technical tools, such as NFTs, to appeal to an emerging customer audience. However, the increase in AI use threatens creativity and personal input, which doesn’t help creators thrive in an oversaturated market.

AI-generated art has become a serious problem in this sector, as some consider it to promote the devaluation of human work, which takes time and effort and leverages a unique style. There’s also an issue with unethical data collection that AI programs use to develop art pieces. So, as you can see, the whole situation is a mess.

In this situation, you may wonder, as an artist, how you can promote your hard work so that it pays off. How can you overcome challenges and be more confident in your path? Let’s see.

Photo by Ruben RamirezNurture a specific style

Unfortunately, despite your excellent skills, it’s hard to stand out with a regular approach to art. If we look at famous artists throughout history, we see how they became popular with a signature style ― Salvador Dalí is known for his surrealist approach, Henri Matisse became a staple in the Fauvism art movement, and Wassily Kandinsky was a leading avant-garde artist.

All these artists were regular people before establishing their unique drawing methods, and this trend has continued into the following centuries. So, if you want to list your contemporary drawings for sale online to gain an audience, you should first imprint a style on your name.

Bring your personality to light

Viewers are usually impressed by the story behind the picture, lyrics, or sculpture, elements which usually include a part of the creators’ soul. Whether you like it or not, what we create reflects our personality and tendencies. For example, Frida Kahlo used her self-portraits to show her physical limits and the emotional difficulties that challenged her, while her vibrant and intricate patterns reflected her personality. She also introduced parts of her Mexican culture and heritage into her art.

Hence, don’t be afraid to be authentic when creating art because showing vulnerability is exactly what people appreciate in artists. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin can all make us emotional with their songs because they can transfer emotions through words.

Photo by Darya TryfanavaExpand your selling points

Besides being in the spotlight for your creativity, knowing when and where to sell your art is essential to earning success in the industry. Usually, it’s recommended to sell art online, but that’s not the only channel to bring you income and network connections.

Today, the online environment is genuinely a helper for connecting creators with audiences, but in some countries around the world, shopping offline is more popular as people are seeking human connection more than ever. In New Zealand, Portugal, and Austria, we can see how online shopping is overcome by in-store purchasing, as going to a gallery setting provides an enhanced experience.

You can list and sell your art online on social media and specialized websites, but you may be surprised to find more availability in art fairs, coffee shops, restaurants, and pop-up shops. Even craft markets are great for showcasing your paintings, as many art lovers stroll around these places looking for unique pieces.

Participate in art competitions

What other method to make yourself known and show your abilities than in rewarding competitions? You may be surprised at the multitude of art prize contests that take place globally online and offline, so even if there aren’t as many local opportunities as you’d like, a single search on the internet will take you to foundations, colleges, and academies that organize such competitions for everyone interested.

Depending on the occasion, the reward may consist of funding, a chance for exhibition or publication, and even traveling opportunities. Even if the prize itself won’t help you considerably, it may motivate you to do your best and find further golden opportunities. If you’re a beginner, there are many contests with no fees, so you can participate freely, while others require a financial contribution.

Volunteer at cultural centers

Luckily, the age of the internet has made it easier for people with similar mindsets and goals, so you can find cultural centers, art organizations, and even museums to volunteer at and get more knowledgeable about your sector of interest.

A more thorough search will take you to architecture internships in Ecuador, volunteering at an art campus in Alaska, or learning about earthbag construction in Romania. Surrounding yourself with abundant cultural events can shape your future creations, as they influence your view of the world and enhance your experiences.

Volunteering and making new friends or simply increasing your networking connections will also get you out of your comfort zone, another crucial aspect in evolving your art.

Quick tip ―Approach merchandise

The merchandise trend started from fan culture and expanded to art as well. In some instances, people love your art but would prefer for it to be printed on a T-shirt that makes them look cool or a pen to remind them of the reason why they admire your work. While this implies additional financing, it’s a low-risk investment, as you can print per request or have a limited supply to keep customers coming.

Do you have what it takes to become an artist?

The art sector is overly saturated in the age of digital media, and aspiring artists find it difficult to promote their art and make a job out of their passion. Therefore, they should try developing a unique style that sets them apart from others and leverages their personalities. The rest is just proper marketing and networking, so get going.

Written by FM For Music