The Power of “How”: Crafting a Compelling Narrative for Your Art

This isn’t controversial (lame), it’s just common sense and it’s helpful for artists to know.

Instead of delving into the abstract and often elusive “why” behind your art, storytelling is far more powerful because it’s grounded in real, relatable experiences. For example, did you go way off the beaten path? Was it raining? Talking about these experiences takes the viewer along for a magical ride and helps them to understand the process. Why you chose that particular colour or chose that type of paint and how difficult it was to blend, etc. will not be as engaging as opposed to how it came about. Furthermore, telling how helps you to talk about your art without coming off as boastful. It showcases your skills and dedication.

Sharing the tangible “how” draws your audience into your creative process and makes them feel a part of your journey. It’s not about saying, “Look how deep and meaningful my work is,” but rather, “I’m inviting you along to experience this journey with me.” This approach is entertaining and it humanizes the experience. It creates an emotional connection between the art and the viewer.

Storytelling helps to build trust and loyalty. It gives the client something to hold onto and take with them by putting it in their home. So give them something that makes them feel special with a special take home story. Sweep them away whenever they look at your piece of art. Whether it be a postcard or a painting.

Finally, from an SEO perspective, the more people talk about you and your work, the more conversations are had and from different perspectives and this boosts visibility. People search for all kinds of artistic processes for all kinds of reasons. By sharing your “how,” you’re not only engaging your audience but building a narrative about your work.

So in the end, it’s about them. People want to experience things. From the comfort of their chair. At home. And they can do this by having a piece of your art. It will transport them to that story, just like sharing your iTunes library with someone. You’re both linked through that connection. It helps Google, it helps you, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Art Festivals: The Superior Choice for Promoting Your Art Beyond Social Media

Seems backwards right? Like I should be promoting only social media considering my services, but here we are.

But it still stands—social media is only one piece of this two piece puzzle here. Since COVID restrictions have lifted, festivals are back in full swing.

Why am I posting this now instead of at the beginning of summer? Well because registration is usually in Feb March, and this will give you enough time to come up with the required minimum you would need for submission.

I’m sure you already are attending said festivals in your area (or out of town), so another reason I am justifying this bit of information.

And finally, nothing beats face-to-face interactions with the public. You can really show off your shining personality and explain the “how” part of why you painted the piece, where you went to get the pictures, etc. (You should have a website for people to go to and an email list as well).

So there, why art festivals are the superior choice for promoting your art.

Why AI Will Never Replace the Unique Creativity of Artists

I wrote this for my Facebook page.

I’ve been learning a lot about AI and how to use it. And as a traditional artist (uses oil paints, charcoal, pencil, physical stuff, etc.) and who took way too many art history classes, it reminds me of learning about when the camera first came out (late 1800s or so). Everyone lost their minds over it saying it wasn’t “real art”. It’s just a replica. (Some people say the same about painted, photorealistic art saying it’s “just a copy and there’s no imagination or interpretation—the purpose of art they say) 🤷‍♀️ But that’s a topic for another day.

Then Photoshop and the like came out. Computer graphics improved and artists lost their minds again. “It’s a computer, it’s not real art, it’s fake, and will take away from artists and replace them”, etc etc). But we adapted and learned how to utilize it. Myself included.

And now we arrive at AI and everyone is losing their minds again. Writers and artists alike. So I believe AI will take a turn like that in the past. We’ll learn to adapt and understand how to use it 🤷‍♀️

So there’s a (very expensive) history lesson in art and its evolution. Roughly speaking.

Attention artists: Stop chasing likes and follows and start attracting paying customers.

One of the biggest misconceptions about social media is the importance placed on vanity metrics. You know, the likes and follows—things that are meaningless really. Unless they are paying, loyal, repeat customers.

It’s incredibly hard to change this mindset as an artist because I am one! I thrive on likes, follows, comments and emojis🫶☕️🤷‍♀️💫

😬

The only things that matter are saves and shares. Mostly. Oh, and reach. The number of new people that see your work.

The word on the street is that the algorithm has changed again for Instagram—Notorious for being impossible to gain any kind of traction on. But now Instagram is said to be favouring smaller, tiny accounts. So like, 50-200 followers. So rejoice! If you are just starting out, the universe is in your favour!

Get out your phones and start clicking away at the art you’ve done and post like your life depends on it. 🫡 God speed.

Are you an artist struggling to gain traction on social media? Say goodbye to obscurity and hello to a thriving online presence.

Some things to consider…

Legit. Who knows who really said it 🤷‍♀️

Talk about obscurity overload 😢

There is so much talk about how to stand out from the crowd and to do this, or that or say this or that and it all seems to gimmicky to me 🤔 I think it’s why most artists struggle is because selling is quite the taboo subject in some circles. Not my circle, however.

As I once heard, social media marketing is a long-ass marathon, not a race.

Idk if it’s because I come from a a small town and I have a community mindset, but you can decide the value of the art, but the public will decide the price (if you know what I mean).

In conclusion, the best way to sell your art I think (without coming off as sales-y or arrogant) is to talk about the process in which you got there. Talk about the places you went to, the difficulties you faced and the approach you took to arrive at the final product.

As I said, you can decide the value but the public decides the price.

Artists, rejoice: Conquer social media marketing without compromising your artistic vision.

A few marketing tips…

1. Don’t just say that you are having a sale, explain what you are going to do for the client. What problems are you solving? Explain the benefits of having your art in their house.

2. Instagram is for nurturing relationships. They’re likely your crowd. Most of Gen X is on that platform and they’re the ones that you specifically want to reach.

3. Likes and follows don’t matter that much. Conversions, saves and shares matter more. Your content needs to speak to your audience, it isn’t for you.

4. Have a clear idea of who your ideal buyer is and cater to that niche. How old are they? How much do they make? What are their interests? Think about that (a lot) before you press “publish”.

Find me on Instagram, WordPress & Pinterest for more tips and tricks about social media management for artists.
2021

How to unleash your creativity: Navigate social media marketing for artists with soul and substance.

When you remember it, it’s a gift (your abilities).

I think the biggest stumbling block for me when putting my art out into the wild was naming it. Omg I hated naming my paintings. I really overthought it. I ended up naming them randomly but like, then what?

Sometimes it’s things like that which inhibits us from sending out our creations into the world. Sometimes it feels wrong and imposter syndrome creeps in.

All this means is something isn’t aligning in your head with your skill set.

But sometimes we have too many voices competing in our head and taking the leap proves too difficult. If this is the case, wait. Sit down and think about it—what would really make me feel proud to send my stuff out there? What skill? What goal? What? Then focus on working that out in your head and do what you need to get it sorted. A lot of the time, it’s composition. Legit. This means you may have to start over again. Huge deterrent. Problem solved. You’re welcome. Just kidding.

Sure.

Word on the street: social media is over saturated

If you focus on your unique selling points and niche down to your target audience, you’ll find your people and start selling your art.

See, social media isn’t about spreading the word about your art to everyone, it’s about finding what’s special about you, and discovering your target audience with a buyers persona.

And that’s what I’m here to help you with: finding that audience. And also others stuff but that’s for another post.

6 things to consider before selling art

1. Do you have a way to intake money?

2. Do you know your target audience (buyers persona/know who you want to sell to)

3. Do you have a website?

4. Do you have a pricing strategy?

5. Have you considered the financial and legal aspects?

6. Do you have an online platform selection? Or various ways to reach a wide audience?

7. Bonus: taxes.

How to revolutionize your art career: Discover the art of social media marketing without sacrificing authenticity.

But actually.

There’s this disdain towards going digital. And I get it. I was skeptical at first myself but then I realized that I needed it for tempering colours in my paintings and it was as bad as I thought.

“But it feels inauthentic.”

You need to realize that you have a gift, and the only way to give back to the world is to share it with the world. People need to see your art. You were blessed with a talent not everyone has.

“I don’t understand it. I don’t have the tools anyway.”

Fast forward to today, I understand it’s an essential part of my art. Photographing my art (even under real sunlight) requires a bit of tinkering with the colours. I now have the knowledge and tools and can help you achieve results and overcome the hurdles. I have over 10 years experience working with programs like Adobe. I went to school for 7 years for this stuff.

We can go through some tactics to start you off so you’re not so overwhelmed. I have a free sheet you can have when we meet so you can read and understand the basics without sacrificing your artistic integrity.

Email me if you are still skeptical or want to know more. I am here for you.

Time in the studio 🎨👩‍🎨🖌️

Underpainting

Started a new painting of a Wedgwood vase with a dog handle.

I am thinking to do the edging as orange/taupe of some kind and grey-blue for the vase and lime green highlights. It can be tricky because with those colours, it can look cartoon-y. But in this case, they aren’t deep, intense hues. I just want to use the combination for practice.

I’m thinking of using burnt umber, white, cad red & Prussian blue. Prussian blue cause who else a giant tube sitting around?

Please, stay tuned meus amigos…