Blog Post: Tips to Boost Art Sales (Kiʻikau Printers)

Selling your artwork and prints can be an exciting and challenging endeavor. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out in the creative industry, having a strategic approach can make a significant difference in your success. Here are some top tips to help you navigate the art market, effectively sell your fine art prints, and build a sustainable creative business.

Defining your unique artistic style is essential for standing out in a crowded market. Your style is what makes your work recognizable and memorable to potential buyers. Spend time reflecting on what themes, techniques, and mediums resonate most with you. Consistently incorporating these elements into your work will help build a cohesive body of art that reflects your distinct voice and artistic personality.

Next up, it’s time to put together a collection of your best work. A well-curated catalog showcases the breadth and depth of your artwork while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Select pieces that complement each other and showcase your unique offering. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes your work more attractive to collectors and galleries. Remember, a thoughtfully curated collection can significantly boost your marketability as an artist. This is especially important if you decide to pursue licensing and/or surface pattern design, where most licensees look for collections of work with 5-10 complementary designs.

Understanding your potential buyers is crucial. Take the time to research who is most likely to be interested in your artwork. Are they fine art collectors, interior decorators, art directors, or casual art enthusiasts looking to spruce up their living spaces? Knowing your audience helps you tailor your artwork, marketing messages, and sales channels to appeal directly to them. For example, a marketing strategy built to attract fine art collectors or museum curators would likely be vastly different than one that targets college students looking for dorm room decor. Understanding your target audience ensures you make the most of your time and effort as an emerging artist.

In today's digital age, having a robust online presence is essential. Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, includes an artist statement, and provides contact information. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest to share your work, connect with potential buyers, and engage with your audience. In addition to viewing finished pieces, buyers might also like to see behind-the-scenes photos, stories and/or inspiration behind your artwork, or in-process shots. Depending on your target market, you can also consider listing your artwork on online marketplaces such as Etsy, Faire, Society6, or Redbubble to reach a broader audience.

Pricing your artwork can be challenging. All too often, artists struggle with assigning a price that authentically reflects the worth of their work while maintaining accessibility to potential customers. Consider factors such as the cost of materials, the time invested, the size of the piece, and the current market demand. Research similar artists and their pricing strategies to help guide your decisions. Remember to value your work appropriately—undervaluing can diminish perceived worth, while overpricing can deter potential buyers. For an in-depth look at this topic, check out our Guide to Pricing Art Prints.

To increase demand for your work and create a sense of scarcity, try offering limited edition prints. As the title suggests, limited edition art prints are produced in a limited quantity, typically restricted to a predetermined number of copies, also known as the “edition size”. In most cases, the smaller the edition size, the more valuable or collectible the print is. To learn more about the pros and cons of limited edition prints, read our latest blog post: Limited Edition Art Prints: What Sets Them Apart?

Participating in local art shows, craft fairs, exhibitions, and gallery events can provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities. These events allow potential buyers to see your work in person, which can be a significant advantage. Additionally, having your work displayed in reputable galleries or at popular markets can enhance your credibility and visibility as an artist.

Local artist and entrepreneur, Sheyla Stevens (@sstevensart), frequently attends markets and art fairs to sell her prints, stationery, tea towels, and other products. Here are her top three tips for artists looking to sell at markets:

“Create prints in common frame sizes. Make it as easy as possible for customers to get your prints. Having odd or custom sizes may prevent people from purchasing because frames can be expensive. Don’t let a frame size be an obstacle in a customer’s purchasing decision.”

“There are different paper options available that can change the quality, look, price point, and feel of your artwork reproductions. This variety creates an opportunity for you to offer prints in a range of options and price points. Some people love the look of hand-torn edges, while others seek eco-friendly and socially responsible paper options. Some want matted prints, while others like their prints to fully fill the image area in a frame. Get to know your customers and be open and flexible in your offerings.”

“Whether customers are passing tourists or local residents, they value supporting the local economy. Let them know that you work with a local printing company and add a label to your prints or display area to make it known. This will give you a sense of pride, and will give your customers a sense of wellbeing for their support. Do not be shy about it!”

Selling your artwork and prints wholesale can be a great way to increase your revenue and reach a wider audience. Begin by identifying potential retailers that align with your brand and the style of your artwork. Create a professional wholesale catalog that includes high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and pricing information. Approach retailers with a well-crafted introduction and be prepared to negotiate terms, such as order quantities and payment options. Building strong relationships with retailers through excellent customer service and ongoing communication is key to long-term success in the wholesale market.

Local artist, Priya Hazari (@petals.by.priya) shares, “Offering my fine art prints and stationery to the wholesale market opened up a world of opportunities for my business. While the wholesale profit margins are slimmer than retail, the brand exposure and potential growth far outweighs that. Since starting my wholesale line, my products are now stocked in retail stores throughout the United States, and my artwork has reached customers I likely never would have reached on my own.”

One of the quickest and easiest ways to get started with wholesale is on the online marketplace called Faire (think of it like Etsy for retailers!)

Building relationships within the art community can open up new opportunities. Connect with other artists, galleries, art organizations, and professionals in your field. Collaborations, joint exhibitions, and cross-promotions can help expand your reach, attract new buyers, and build a supportive community of like-minded creatives.

Local artist, Sarah Farris (@artbysarahfarris), shares, “For me, the importance of community plays a huge part in getting your work out there. The intention is not to make connections to promote yourself, but to build connections to uplift those in the community. In my journey, most of my connections that turned into collaborations were made by simply supporting other artists or businesses that share the idea of aloha and the goal of uplifting each other. When we support others, they will support us, and it's important to have good intentions. I believe most of the opportunities I have received came from these reciprocal relationships of helping creatives. By helping those in your community, you create an environment that will continue to support people like you. Those relationships can grow into a vast network of people who will help you grow as an artist and support you in promoting your work.”

Engaging with your audience goes beyond simply showcasing your artwork; it involves creating meaningful connections that can turn viewers into loyal customers. Share the stories behind your pieces, discuss the inspiration, the creative process, and personal anecdotes to add depth and relatability. Provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into your studio and work-in-progress to build intimacy and trust.

Personalized interactions, such as responding thoughtfully to comments and messages, enhance customer loyalty. Utilize social media for regular engagement through live Q&A sessions, contests, and interactive content, and maintain direct communication through email newsletters with updates on new releases and exclusive offers. Encourage customer feedback and share positive testimonials to build credibility and trust. Participate in events like art shows and exhibitions, and consider hosting workshops to engage your audience more personally.

These strategies help create a supportive community around your art, fostering long-term relationships that lead to repeat sales and word-of-mouth referrals.

Ensuring that your artwork and prints arrive safely to buyers is crucial. Invest in high quality packaging materials to protect your work during transit. Offer reliable shipping options and provide tracking information to give buyers peace of mind. Clear communication about shipping policies and estimated delivery times is also important. Be sure to read our blog post, Wrapped with Care: Expert Packaging and Shipping Tips for your Fine Art Prints for practical tips and strategies for protecting your fine art prints during transit.

Listen to feedback from your customers and be willing to adapt. Whether it's about the quality of your prints, the pricing, or the purchasing process, feedback can provide valuable insights. Stay informed about market trends and be flexible in adjusting your strategies to meet the evolving preferences of your audience.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your ability to sell your artwork and prints, build a loyal customer base, and achieve greater success in the art market. Remember, selling art is not just about showcasing your talent—it's also about strategic planning, continuous learning, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Ki’ikau Printers is always here to help you on your artistic journey! Be sure to stop by, send an email, or connect with us on Instagram to get started with your prints.