When it comes to being a digital artist in today’s world of hyper–connectivity and social media, technology is no longer just a tool you use to create art, it is also the way through which you can get yourself noticed and exposed to people who will pay for your work. Regardless of what medium you use to create, Artists working in our new digital world must learn to leverage the power it holds.
For example, this platform, steemit, is the "holy grail" when it comes to being able to make money from simply posting your artwork (with a great article accompanying it, hopefully). If you are reading this, you are most likely already involved in steemit and know exactly what I'm talking about. But what if you want to explore all options possible? There are many other opportunities out there and this article is meant to give advice on other avenues to make a living as a digital artist, designer, or your artistic capabilities no matter what it might be. For the record, steemit is the best platform to monetize your creativity, but that is an entire article on its own to be published at a future date.
While it may seem daunting to have to try and plant your flag in a space already dominated by so many other artists (not to mention bloggers, models, photographers and celebrities), it would only really take a few steps. Some of these may be easy, while others may prove more difficult. No worries, we’ll take it one step at a time!
(royalty free photo by pixabay.com)
On the Matter of Style
First thing’s first. Do you have a distinct art style? That signature look, aesthetic or subject matter that’s automatically linked to you? Should you even attempt and develop one? Weighing the pros and cons will parse out whether you should or not.
The advantage of an art style, as said above, is that it’s a signature look. People see the work, and they already have the artist in mind. Having a style is like a calling card. Potential customers already know what to expect and what you can deliver. But the thing is, a style may be hard to develop. It will take a lot of experimentation and trial-and-error before you’re able to pin it down. And if people already like your style and you’re getting customers based on it, it may prove harder to innovate and change in the future.
On the other hand, being more of a generalist has its own advantages and challenges, too. First, it may be harder to stand out because your work is not unified under a certain aesthetic. Although tastes can bleed over, it’s likely that your target audience and customer base is more generic. The great thing about this, however, is you have more potential for commercial works where the client has a clear vision that they just need a professional to see through. Because you’re not necessarily stamping the work with your style, you can do broader, more diverse works in a range of subject matter or fields.
(royalty free photo by pixabay.com)
Maximize Social Media
Whichever strategy you employ in terms of art style, one thing that is non-negotiable is that you need to start putting yourself out there.
It doesn’t matter which platform you opt for. A lot of people are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Tumblr… AND OF COURSE steemit. You should be on all of those, updating constantly (more than once a day is preferable), cross-posting and providing links. You can even be on Deviantart, Pinterest or Youtube. Be strategic and post on active times of the day. Every month, assess which platform has more engagement or potential for growth and concentrate your efforts there. The key is to create a following and drive engagement.
To market yourself, be sure to post regularly. Always create new and more content to stay on people’s feeds. Doing so demonstrates your work ethic and improves your skills as well. You can even create process videos showing the behind-the-scenes of your work.
(royalty free photo by pixabay.com)
Monetize the Way to Success
Of course, social networking sites won’t pay you for posting… except for steemit of course. However, with the following you amass there, you can now attempt to monetize your work. This can be through ads, sponsorships or affiliate links, but most importantly, merchandise. For starters, sites like Society6 or Redbubble will be great since you only supply art while they handle products and logistics. Sell things like art prints in different sizes or frames. Put up original or numbered pieces for higher prices. Sell stickers, pins, shirts, bags, pillow cases, phone cases and more.
Once you’re more established and confident, you can transition into creating your own shop on your website. Since the internet audience is global, make sure to include easy payment options like PayPal or cryptocurrencies. Consider a giveaway for followers to drum up even more engagement.
(royalty free photo by wikipedia.com)
Free Up Time for Freelancing
Making money through merchandise might be intimidating for anyone other than professional graphic designers, however. So what else? Maybe you are interested in getting paid outright for your skills? Then freelance websites are for you. In this market, the best way to stand out is with a powerful and persuasive pitch. Some popular sites include Upwork, Fiverr or even craigslist.
Be detailed with what you can do on a fixed rate. Say, a banner or poster mock-up in an hour for $50. Or create a logo for $100. Perhaps, you can whip up complete publicity materials in 2 days for $1000. Create a video of you making artworks and designs in real time. Research other people with similar skill sets and determine a competitive price.
(royalty free photo by pixabay.com)
Consider Online Courses
While we’re talking about creating videos shot in real time, it would also be productive to talk about the growing market of online tutorial courses in such sites like Teachable, Skillshare or Udemy. With people busier than ever, and the demand for online learning higher than before, you can make money by creating online courses, self-publish and get a cut of the profit for each student you bring to the sites.
This requires a bit of work to get started on, but once done, all you need to do is publicize links to your courses and rely on this for a more passive income stream.
I highly recommend some of the courses from @jerrybanfield available at : https://u.jerrybanfield.com I have taken many of his courses but as it pertains to this topic, making money as an artist, I would recommend this specific course if you had to choose just one: https://u.jerrybanfield.com/courses/employed
Maybe vlogging your art or creative process is more appealing to you? Check out this course by @joeparys here : https://www.udemy.com/howtovlog/?couponCode=STEEMIT9 for only $9.99 with this promotional link.
I am also available personally for one-on-one coaching and mentorship if you are committed to making a living as an artist and bringing your potential to the next level. Please get in touch here : http://www.singlehandedstudio.com
(royalty free photo by pexels.com)
More Opportunities
By now, you’re a bit more familiar when it comes to marketing yourself and your art online through various platforms and social networking sites. You may even have a Youtube channel or a blog that earns through steady advertising revenue. You are selling merchandise, holding online workshops for thousands at a time, or winning through freelancing jobs you’re scoring one after the next.
Or perhaps not. That’s okay, too.
Wherever you are on this journey towards making a living while pursuing your dreams, be open to all sorts of other opportunities and possibilities. For instance, you can expand your portfolio further. Network within publishing circles and perhaps even get a magazine illustration gig. Who knows? You might even get a book cover design job. If your art style fits, you can be commissioned to do illustrations for a children’s book. You can also collate your works and publish an art book yourself! Foregoing that, a zine or web comic may work as well. Remember, One of the most important parts is finding exactly what you LIKE doing, not what you are forced to do. With that, your drive and creative focus will be at its highest.
Be on the lookout for open calls. Some art studios or galleries would sometimes invite artists for art fairs, festivals or exhibits. Don’t hesitate to try. When it comes to art shows, participate in local ones first. Test the waters. You can even work on an exhibition with fellow artists. Be sure to display your works well and publicize which tent, display or table people can find you. Play to your strengths. If the show is lower in cost, come prepared with small prints or stickers that you can price competitively. If there’s more range, you can even do on-site exclusives that fetch higher prices.
As an artist, your only limit is your passion and creativity. There are innumerable ways to be able to keep doing the work that you love and have it pay for itself, too. Gone is the image of the starving artist. In this era of technology, social media, and start-ups, you must be an artist, publicist, advertiser, marketer and agent all at once. With enough drive, motivation, engagement and savvy, you can paint the town red and all other colors of your choosing.
(royalty free photo by pexels.com)
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