There are many successful artists in the world, but what do they do differently? How do they achieve such fame and recognition? In this blog post, we will explore the lives and work of some of the most successful artists of all time and see what we can learn from them. We will look at their backgrounds, their techniques, and the ways in which they have pushed boundaries and broken new ground. So, if you're interested in becoming a successful artist yourself, read on!
A successful artist devotes regular time to production
Any artist will tell you that creating art is not always easy. There are days when the muse just doesn't strike, and the blank canvas seems like an insurmountable challenge. However, successful artists know that the only way to overcome these moments of creative block is to keep working.
By making a commitment to produce new artwork on a regular basis, they ensure that they will always have something to show for their efforts. Even on those days when the results are less than stellar, the process of creation itself can be deeply satisfying. In addition, regularly producing new art helps to hone one's skills and develop a unique style. So for any artist who wants to achieve success, making time for regular production is essential.
A successful artist experiments with freelancing and consulting
Being an artist is about more than just creating beautiful works of art. It's also about finding ways to sell your work and make a living. While some artists choose to sell their work through galleries or online shops, others opt for a more direct approach by freelancing or consulting.
Freelancing is a great option for artists who want to maintain control over their work and their career. Working as a freelancer gives you the freedom to choose your own clients and projects, set your own rates, and work on your own schedule. It can be a great way to build your portfolio and gain exposure for your work. However, it's important to remember that freelancing is not without its challenges. In particular, you'll need to be good at marketing yourself and your work in order to find clients and secure projects.
Consulting is another option that can be successful for artists. When you consult, you use your knowledge and skills to advise other businesses or individuals on a project or issue. This can be a great way to earn additional income and build your reputation in the industry. However, as with freelancing, it's important to remember that consulting is not without its challenges. In order to be successful, you'll need to be able to effectively communicate your ideas and explain complex problems in simple terms. You'll also need to be comfortable working with clients who may not have the same level of knowledge or experience as you do.
Art Marketing Expands Your Audience Beyond The Art World
As an artist, it's important to think about how you can market your work in order to attract new audiences. There are a number of ways to go about this, and the approach that you take will depend on your goals and the resources that you have available. One option is to participate in art fairs or exhibitions. This can be a great way to meet potential buyers and get your work in front of a larger audience.
But not all art business can be found at art fairs and exhibitions. Your art career could be built in a totally different place, like at craft fairs or entirely online. Even if you're a fine artist, expanding your art marketing techniques will help you follow in the footsteps of other artists who are very successful.
Another option is to sell your work online. This can reach a global audience and give you a wider platform for marketing your work. Selling online moves your art business to the next level. Whatever approach you take, remember that marketing is an important part of expanding your reach as an artist. At the end of the day, you need to figure out how to stand out against other artists. Many artists don't even try.
Diversify and prosper through tough times
Some of the best musical artists I follow nowadays struggled when the pandemic hit. Suddenly, they couldn't tour, which drove most of their income. The successful ones? They started doing subscriptions for their fans. Delta Rae, an Americana band, started their own “Behind the Door” featuring exclusive videos on cooking, crafting, singing, and more. Sister Hazel did random Facebook live events. Many artists I love took the leap into Patreon-esque stuff, and for good reason. They needed a paycheck. And you do, too.
Being a professional artist is a challenging career path, and the journey to success is often long and difficult. For many professional artists, the key to survival is diversification. While it's important to focus on honing the artist's work, it's also crucial to be open to new opportunities. For example, a professional artist who specializes in painting may also offer classes or workshops, or sell prints or merchandise featuring their work.
By diversifying their income streams, artists can insulate themselves from financial turmoil and keep their careers afloat during tough times. Selling art isn't rocket science, but many artists require patience and dedication to be able to pursue art full time. So if you're an aspiring artist, remember: don't be afraid to branch out and try new things. It just might be the key to your success.
Create a consistent body of artwork
Artists have freedom in creating what they desire. You could choose a subject that attracts your imagination and depict your subjects in a way that interests you. I believe artists with passion are the best long-term performers. The challenge, particularly for artists at a young age, is finding your passion. While some artists have a clear artistic vision, some artists are still trying to find out the true passions they are seeking.
If you're not sure what you're doing, why not expand your horizons? Taking a class at an art school, experimenting with digital art, or even talking to art consultants about what they're seeing in the market are all great ways to understand your role as a professional artist.
Final thoughts
Dedication to your creative process will always pay dividends. So make it a daily habit to improve your own work as a visual artist. After all, hard work is the one thing that any professional artist shares with a famous artist.
The more time you spend on your art, the better chance you have of making a name for yourself in the art world. And once you find success, don't forget to share your knowledge with other aspiring artists. Helping others is one of the best ways to pay it forward and keep the artistic community alive and thriving.
