art sales

Fall Sales Ideas for Artists

by Monika Blichar

As an artist, looking for new ways on how to market, promote and sell your work this fall can be intimidating. Many of us fall into the same routine and often forget that seasonal promotions are a great way to engage new customers, create special products or service packages, and most importantly have fun doing so! Today, I have compiled five fall sales ideas for artists to help you take advantage of a this wonderful fall season!

1-Create a Fall Promotion for your Product or Service

It sounds simple and it can be! What is your best selling product or service? What do you enjoy making or doing the most? Start with these two questions and then build from there. If you are a photographer, offer a Fall Mini Session for Kids in a Pumpkin Patch. If you are a painter, create an image of a fall harvest scene and then offer prints or greeting cards in time for Thanksgiving. Be sure to offer a special or incentive for customers to buy from you such as limiting the number of sales you will make for the promotion or offering a limited edition run of your prints. The possibilities are endless!

We partnered with WAVES Coffee in Yaletown in 2010 to host a Pumpkin Carving event.

2-Buddy Up!

Working together can be better than working on your own. Who can you partner up with to offer a special package, gift basket or service package with? Some of the benefits of working with others include reaching new markets, sharing the task of marketing, and cross promoting on each other’s networks.

3-Run a Contest!

A simple thing like “Guess How Many Candy Corn are in this Jar and Win” can help you gain new customers, get shared and also keep your followers engaged. If you’re always posting about your product and your service without giving your fan base something to look forward to like a contest or a special, you will loose opportunities for your fans and followers to help you build your brand by sharing it and tagging their friends. What could you do that will help engage your fan base this fall?\

4-Plan an Event!

Aside from things you can do to promote your business this fall online or via social media, be sure to host an open studio, special event, or workshop for your business! There’s nothing like connecting with people face to face! Here are some ideas for events:

-Fall Sidewalk Sale

-Start or End of Fall Season Sale

-VIP Fall Shopping Party

-Fall Customer Appreciation Event

-Fall Themed Art Show

-Halloween Event

Hosting a special event is a great way to feature your space and your business in person. Ask other businesses to donate door prizes, get involved or even donate their space and partner up with them if you don’t have a space that is suitable for the public. When I first started my business, I didn’t want people coming to my home studio so I often partnered up with other businesses and would host events, shows, and openings in cafes, restaurants and even car dealerships.

We have partnered up with Two of Hearts Boutique in Kitsilano to host a Halloween Party and Shopping Extravaganza! Monika will have her legging launch and we are pairing that with Cici Clothing, West Coast Hatters, and Carolyn Bruce Designs Jewellery! Get your ticket for only $10 HERE! Includes a drink, door prize entry ticket, and fashion show!

5-Community Events

There are lots of ways that you can join community events-and not just markets or fairs! Here are some ideas for you to look into this year or next:

–Kids Sporting Events: sponsor a tent and hand out samples, give out water with your logo on the bottle, or enter attendees into a draw.

–Pop Up: Ask a coffee shop if you can do a pop up for a day in their cafe, bring a table with your work and promote to the cafe goers!

–Local Businesses: Find other businesses in your area who are hosting events and offer your time, a product to donate, or ask if you can have a small table at their event.

So what are you waiting for? Pick something and get going on creating a cool fall promotion or event that will help you generate more brand recognition, new customers and followers, and most of all, create more fun and joy for you in your business!

monikaheadshot Monika Blichar has a B.A. in English and French and a British Columbia College of Teacher’s Certificate. She is the owner and founder of Art World Expo, Monika’s Art Boutique, Painting Dreams International Art Tours and her own brand Monika Blichar. Originally from Wroclaw, Poland, Monika is actively connected to her culture in Poland and works heavily to promote Canadian artists via her events. She is an avid creator, passionate about creativity and creating authentic connections in the communities where she works. Monika has produced Art World Expo in Vancouver since 2010, one installment in Toronto in 2015, an annual show in Edmonton since 2017 and has launched two Art World Expo Christmas Fairs in Vancouver and Victoria, BC. To learn more about Monika, visit www.monikablichar.com

5 Things You Can Do To Boost Your Art Sales

by Monika Blichar

Let’s face it-the world of painting and sitting back while an agent or gallery sells your art is over! With a large majority of galleries making the move to online sales and closing art houses, it is more important now than ever to become your own art agent and invest in your own sales and marketing strategies. Here are 5 things you can do to boost your art sales! If you enjoy or find these useful, please share and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

My exhibit at Art World Expo 2017 at Science World. I participate in about 15-20 exhibitions, markets, fairs, and trade shows annually.

1-Professional Branding

This means that you avoid slapping handwritten price tags on art that you want more than a few dollars for and you invest in proper branding! Logo, website, business cards, pamphlets, a portfolio and investing time into social media marketing with your branding. There is nothing worse than seeing gorgeous work without a price (or a handwritten scribble as a tag) out there! Serious collectors and buyers want to see you have taken the time to invest in proper branding and are representing yourself as a professional artist and business owner.

My new logo for 2018! I have decided to do an entire overhaul for my own brand.

2-Instagram

Instagram is one of the most powerful tools for artists today. When posting, remember to post photos related to your brand-works of art in progress, completed works for sale with prices, art exhibitions, art sales and any contests or awards that you may have won. Instgram is a wonderful place to create your visual portfolio where collectors and buyers can see your work without distractions. Be sure to remember to comment and connect with people on Instagram, the more you chat with people, the better your chances of building relationships and finding buyers.

Instagram also does great things like “Best Nine” where you can see which of your photos were the most popular in any given year.

3-Exhibit Your Work

If you haven’t done a show in a while-it’s time! (I recommend at least one show per quarter but of course, if you can manage more-then do it!) The more you are out with your work, the more your brand will be recognized, the more people you will meet and in turn, the more people will think of buying from your or asking for your assistance when they are looking for something. I also recommend opening your studio at peak times in the calendar year including Christmas as well as for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day Shopping events.

My paintings and mixed media work as part of a display for a Fashion Show by Blushing Boutique in 2011.

4-Collaborate with Others

For some artists, this seems counter-intuitive. Why would I want to partner with my competition? Well-you don’t partner with someone who makes exactly what you do-you partner with someone who is different! Collaborate with another artisan and promote a special offer online. Find a business to work with and create a special. The possibilities are endless!

A night to raise awareness for BC Salmon with artists and designers at Sheila Wong Fashion Studio in Vancouver, BC. This opportunity allowed me to work with Jay Peachy and acclaimed artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. Collaborations like this have given me great networking opportunities but also life long friends in the arts industry.

5-Start Writing!

This is one of the biggest tools I have learned that helps business in a lot of ways! My recommendation is to first start a blog, offer resources, share ideas, vlogs, and interview artists or business people you admire. Second, create a newsletter and build your mailing list. Third, create a worksheet, EBook, or course about your industry or specific type of art you are making. Last, write for other publications. All of this will help boost your authority in your industry and connect directly to fans, buyers and clients.

“You’re Going to Make It-A Creativity Workbook to Help You Make Your Best Art!” was a creativity workbook that I created in 2016 to help my students. It has since sold almost 300 copies and has enabled me to generate passive and ongoing income from a piece of work that I created one time. Buy yours here: HERE

As with anything in business and life, your success depends on yourself. No one is going to do the work for you even if you pay someone! Today’s world is so limitless in possibilities for expansion, marketing, and overall success with the tools that we are given that it is so easy to get yourself out there! Never before have we had this option-what will you do with this possibility? I challenge you to take up your goals this year and kick it up a notch.

“Fortune comes to those who are prepared to work for it.”

Monika Blichar, B.A. & B.C.C.T. University of Victoria

CEO & Founder-MAB Ventures Inc. An Arts & Entertainment Agency

MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery

Art World Expo-Vancouver, Edmonton & Toronto

www.monikablichar.com www.mabartstudio.com www.theartworldexpo.com

Artist Feature Galina Lukshina

Статья на Русском

portfolio_ab7cedcf7d (1).jpg
By Iryna Petrenko

Artists are people who live in their own world of fantasy, dreams, emotions and feelings. Each one of them chooses a way to express their ideas of the universe and show their inner world.

Graphic artists choose sharp lines, creative thinking and unstable space. They are able to reveal the infinity and variety of such laconic graphic work. Traditional painting requires the artist to obey the established canons, but it is the graphics that open up the whole breadth of possibilities, freeing the imagination of the artist, limited only by the white sheet of paper.

Galina Lukshina is a visionary artist. She is an amazing woman who creates truly beautiful, mystical and unique pieces, expressing her own perception of the world, revealing feelings and emotions, flaunting human weaknesses and joy. Because of her talent, skill, desire to create and irrepressible imagination, these incredibly beautiful, bright and at times bizarre drawings make it impossible to remain indifferent.

The secrets of the artist are very simple: the creation of an image, regardless of the subject, must pass through the prism of their own sensations and emotions. By investing part of her own soul in each painting, Galina fills it with positive energy and feelings that she wishes to convey to the viewer. What makes her work entirely different from other artists, is the sincerity with which she animated her subjects. The author chooses unusual angles and creates dynamic images. Sharp hatching makes the picture come to life, the characters soar, taking the viewer into their realm.

The main theme of Galina Lukshina’s works is the inner dialogue of Man with God. These conversations encompass the whole universe in her paintings, where you are greeted with silent sadness, hopes for the future, parental joy, and childish naivety. All this is closely intertwined with surrealism, mysticism, and sometimes esotericism. Somehow, surprisingly, this emotional whirlwind is brought into balance and harmony by the artist.

There is a deep connection with folklore in Galina’s art. Belief in one’s own creation is present in many ancient rituals. Ukrainian folk embroidery is one of them. Our ancestors believed that you can embroider your destiny. In the modern world, we call it visualization. Galina found her way to create the future. She embroiders it in her paintings, and it projects into her life. When she was a child, Galina painted her daughter, and this drawing became a reality. Her daughter Alisa is not only the artist’s favorite creation, but also an endless source of inspiration for her work.

“I drew her when I was a child and was working on finishing this drawing for a long time. And now we often draw together, and together we see much better vision ahead. Alisa now lives in another country, married, but space does not separate us at all. On the contrary, the world in our minds is compressed to convenient values and this does not affect the quality of our communication. Here is Alisa, this is my most Important, the Best and most Significant Creation. I understand the world more clearly and distinctly through her now. I had a quantum leap because of her birth. Transition to a new level of consciousness. “(From an interview with the artist)

Alisa Lukshina is also an artist, and an actress. Actively filming, she also helps with sales of her mother’s paintings and organizing exhibitions.

Galina Lukshina has repeatedly participated in international art competitions in Spain, France, Germany, China, Australia, the USA and Mexico, and in 2004 her personal exhibition in Russia was held. Her works are in private collections in Ukraine, Europe and the USA. Among other things, the artist and her team are now working on preparing for another personal exhibition in Moscow.

There is a wonderful person and a musician, who needs to be mentioned. Alexandr Balunov, the founder of a famous music group Korol & Shoot (The king and the jester). He loves Lukshina’s art and has commissioned a few paintings. He decorated his new house with the art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFtfxzYOJWU.

Today, Galina’s works can be seen and even purchased on the pages of the Internet store https://www.etsy.com/shop/LukshinaArt where the detailed photo gallery of the finished works is presented, and there is an opportunity to make an order for original artwork, as a custom order printed T-Shirt.

Unique presentation, bright and memorable images, kindness and true human warmth are all present in the artwork of Galina, who invites everybody to travel through her magical worlds.

Final Call for our Art World Expo Christmas Fair Vendors!

Are you an artisan or independent rep looking for a holiday event to participate in this year? Look no further and join our exciting Christmas Fair this year!

We have a limited number of tables left for vendors at our Christmas Fair on December 16! Submit your registration today here: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ Questions? Call Monika Blichar 6049996177

We love to small businesses and Artisans and our Christmas Fair will be no exception to sharing the love for all things unique and local this December!

Thank you to Two of Hearts boutique in Kits for donating $5-$25 gift cards to spend in store! Lots of raffle prizes every 30 minutes!

Preview products, join the convo and connect with participants on our Official Facebook Event Page!

When you attend this COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY EVENT, you’ll find:
-Over 50 vendor tables including art, jewellery, fashion, hand knit goods, make up, skin care, chocolate, baked goods, kids accessories, essential oils, dog accessories, home decor, and health and wellness products and services and much more! Everything you need in one venue to complete your holiday shopping and networking! Ask our vendors about collaborations, participating in your events or if you’re a gallery or boutique owner, come browse to see if you could work with one of our Artisans in 2018!

-Fashion Shows by John Pfaff, Carolyn Bruce Steampunk Jewellery, and West Coast Hatters on models provided by award winning female body builder fitness models from Team Fitness! Yes! Exciting!

-Cheeses Crust Food Truck-Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Drinks! Really good sandwiches!

-Raffles every 30 minutes-Prizes from local vendors and of course, many of our sponsors from Art World Expo! Tickets sold on site!

-First 100 people through the doors receive a complimentary goody bag! No purchase necessary! Just be one of the first 100 people at 11:00am sharp!

-Face Painting for kids and adults by award winning body painter and visual artist Francoise Boise ($10/person) She’s amazing! Don’t worry, she will do Holiday themed paints too!

-Silent Auction Benefiting Make and Break Arts Foundation-all proceeds support independent Artisans and Arts Programs and Exhibitions in BC. It’s a win win! (Huge line up of awesome stuff to bid on-great for holiday gift ideas and of course-gifts for ourselves!)

-Arts & Crafts Station for Kids-leave them at the craft station and go shop and mingle! We have you covered!

-Finally, when you’re all done, take a photo at our photo booth with visitors from the North Pole! Capture a memory and celebrate Christmas 2017 with us!

Current vendors:

Monika Blichar

Art by Edy

Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry**FASHION SHOW**

West Coast Hatters**FASHION SHOW**

John Pfaff Art & Fashion**FASHION SHOW**

Fashion Show models sponsored by Team Fitness-Award Winning Female Body Builders from BC!

LumberJax Custom Wooden Jewelry

Karolyn’s Tupperware

Inner Harmonious Peace

Kathline Essential Oils Accessories

Jennifer Haase, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

SPOIL YOURSELF, Cristina De Vellis

Jessica’s Homemade Alfajores-Baked Goods

Fifth Avenue Collection by Pardeep

Younique, Amanda Cherewick

The Sweet Doodle

Whisk Premium Matcha

Copper Paw Designs

Coastal Storm Gallery

Dagmar Doubkova Herbal Life

Bodacious Butterflies

Scentsy Kristi Weaver

SweetLegs Vancouver with Julia

Love Eco Jewels

Spain Gourmet Canada

Radiant Life Hoops & Styles

Petite Hippo

Earth Meets Spirit

Boise Art Works-Face Painting for Kids On Site $10/each

Deanna ArtFORMS

Diamond Movement

Andrea Renée Blackett MONAT

Diva’s Niche

All Day Shine by Julie SeneGence Independent Distributor # 384814

Crafts By Julia

Bryce Musil Azrael’s Forge Gems and Fine Jewelry

Taylore Mcmanne Jewellery

Art World Expo Tips-Gaining Recognition for Your Art

By Monika Blichar

Carolyn Bruce Designs at Art World Expo 2016

No matter what industry you are working in, the primary goal is to sell products and services that customers will keep returning for again and again. As artists, we must remember that this is our main goal-to sell art that people will want, again and again. As we near our annual Art World Expo in Vancouver, here are some vendor tips for gaining recognition for your brand as an exhibitor and well into the future of your art career.

1-BRANDING 101

Making sure that your exhibition looks good is crucial. No one wants to buy art or products from a shabby stall that is disorganized, lacking presentation, nor one that is ill managed. Some of the simplest things to be sure you have when you are displaying your work and business publicly include:

-business cards with your logo, contact information and website

-a banner behind or in front of your booth with your name

-links to social media accounts with the same logo and banners

-price tags, inventory sheet and receipt book

-a way to take payments

-a sales person working for you if you are not comfortable selling your own work

2-PRESS RELEASES & MEDIA

If you are doing the marketing for your brand, don’t forget that the media is your best friend! The more that you can gain media attention, the better! Draft a simple press release with your information, dates for an upcoming exhibition, and invite media such as newspaper journalists and bloggers in your industry to interview you in your studio prior to the event. There is a lot to be said about artists and businesses who are being talked about in the media and likely, they have sent their information to the press deliberately. A buzz from many websites is amazing, so be sure to send to many media outlets. After all, getting attention on varied sites and in publications just helps you get more visibility and brand awareness in new networks and social circles. Be creative too-consider creating good karma by helping raise money for local shelters, food banks or other worthy charities by donating proceeds of your sales.

3-MERCHANDISING

Many artists are shy or leery of merchandising their work. In my opinion, the best thing about being an artist is that you can work on something one time, and then sell it over and over. As an independent artist, this has been a very lucrative way to continually improve and add to my business model. You don’t have to go all out and purchase stock like you used to in the olden days either! There are many sites which help you design work and will even market it for you for a commission. Some of these sites include Zazzle.com and Society 6. I’ve heard mixed things about merchandising; some artists believe that selling prints or cards can be like selling out-while others make fortunes by selling prints, Iphone cases and home décor items. I tend to recommend that with more merchandise options, you are able to do more with your art and reach wider audiences: cards, books, ebooks, tshirts, IPhone cases, home décor throws and much more can get to the hands of people who normally couldn’t afford your work or perhaps are looking for unique designs on different items. Have a look at multi-million dollar artist Damien Hirst’s site and link to his online shop http://www.damienhirst.com/ A great site to start with if you haven’t yet is Society 6 https://society6.com/prints

As always, best of luck! If you found this useful, please share. If you have a comment to add, get in touch! artists@theartworldexpo.com

Top 3 Tips for Art Sales in 2017

By Monika Blichar

Have you thought about what you need to do in order to prep for art sales in 2017? It’s never too early to start and we love to help artists and art dealers stay on top of their game especially in the sales department. Here are our top three tips to prepare for a successful year of art sales.

1-Create a Monthly Calendar and Sales Plan

Knowing your weekly and monthly goals as an artist or dealer is crucial to helping you stay on target throughout the year. We like to have a sales goal monthly and also break down our product sales goals. For example, when we have new cards or prints at our gallery, we try to find a number for sales of those products and meet them by month’s end. This can work with original pieces, accessories or even service packages and if you have staff or affiliates, can be motivating for them also -especially f you offer a sweet prize for top sales. We recommend a monthly goal sheet made in the last few days of December. Once you’re done, post each month goal in your studio and revisit each sheet at the end of the month to keep yourself and your team accountable.

2-Partner Up

Most artists and dealers work alone. This is hard! Who can you partner with? Can you find a local coffee shop or business and propose a month long exhibit in exchange for a commission on any sales? What about finding an intern or sales agent who would like to help by promoting your work in exchange for commissions on everything they sell? Get creative and find partners who are motivated to sell your product to help you. Two heads are always better than one! Not only will you increase your chances of sales, but you will also spread out your workload making more time for you to create!

3-Register for Shows

The best way to sell your work is to be part of a variety of events that are targeted to your market or demographic. Register for a variety of markets, trade shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Do your research and find out how many guests are anticipated, where they are marketing and how long the show has been running. The flip side of being in events is also being prepared. Always make sure you engage with guests, have cards and a draw to gather emails, and then follow up. Being present at the events is especially important if you are the artist because it is great way for local buyers to get to know you and gain access to you and your work. Maybe they have questions they would not otherwise ask unless they meet you in person. Perhaps they were too intimidated or too far to come to your studio to ask about a commission or buy products. Be sure to consider a sales agent at events only if you are absolutely sure they know your products inside and out and they know how to sell. As a business owner, you want to make it as easy and as pleasant as possible for customers to find, connect and buy from you.

If you have any suggestions or ideas about you plan to do for 2017 art sales, leave a comment or send us a message! Remember to share this post with artists or dealers who could use these tips!

Good luck in 2017 everyone!

Early Bird Tickets Close in 10 Days!

We are excited about our 6th annual event on Friday, May 13, 2016 at our beloved Science World. Join us for “Glamour Noir”, an evening of art, fashion and music. Dress code is RED, WHITE and BLACK.

glamournoir

$25/TICKET UNTIL FEBRUARY 29, 2016

$50/TICKET MARCH 1, 2016

Special 6th Year Event Features:

100+ Artists!
Vendors: Painters, Photographers, Jewellery Designers and much more will be onsite showing and selling a collection of their best works. All original, all unique.

Lala’s Art-Click on the Image to see more!

Catalog Launch: Fashion Show
Fashion show by Nancy Perreault, one of BC’s most interesting designers. Nancy has worked with hundreds of brands and is an expert designer whose experience ranges with work for brands such as the BC Lions, Bacardi, Coors, Kokanee as well as costumes for exclusive events such as the Vancouver Olympics. Please visit her website for more information: Nancy Perreault

Food Vendors!
We are pleased to offer unique LOCAL BC foods by culinary experts. Savoury and sweet, treat yourself to experiencing some of the local foods that will be available at the event this year.
Elena Krasnova Patisserie and Hot Arusha will be just some of the fabulous foodies attending!

Click on the images to learn more about Elena and Hot Arusha!
World Famous Body Painting Competition!
Always a crowd favorite and not to be missed!

Learn more about Little Monsters Studio by clicking on the photo!

Live Music & Performances
Kara Lockwood
The Strangest Days

Silent & Live Auction
Unique Pieces: Over 50 pieces of original art work from artists who are participating in our event!
Hotel Packages, Things to Do Around Town, Beauty Packages, Travel Excursions, Services from local businesses and much more! Live Auction will take place on main stage at 10:00PM from artists who will be live painting at the event. Watch as artists create their masterpieces and then bid on them after they are finished!

All proceeds from the live and silent auction benefit Make and Break Arts Foundation to support facility rentals for exhibitions, arts programs for children and adults, mentorship for youth employment programs and opportunities for local and international artist development.

Art World Expo | 604 999 6166 | artists@theartworldexpo.com |
http://www.theartworldexpo.com

20 Tips on How to Market Your Art Work

by Monika Blichar

A large majority of artists that I work with throughout the year tell me the exact same thing. “I just want to paint, I don’t want to learn how to market. I want someone else to do that for me.” While that is a great goal to have, the reality is, if you don’t promote yourself, no one will. Period.

Over the years, I have been able to get quite good at spotting trends, meausring statistics, and learning new tools to help promote my own work and also my projects. I can say that even though technology is constantly changing and new platforms are emerging all the time, once you have a basic idea of how to promote effectively, you will see some great results that will make your art career THAT much more successful.

Here are my top 20 tips on how to market your art work. If you enjoy, be sure to send this post to a friend and connect with me on my varied social media platforms. I love to help artists grow and by sharing, you can help others succeed too!

1-Be Consistent. Share on your networks on a regular basis. Your networks are like storefronts, make sure they are not empty for long periods of time or you won’t get any visitors!

2-Be Positive. No one likes a negative nancy on social media or at events. Remember that you are the FACE of your brand as an artist and that you will attract positive customers and affilates if you are positive, enthusiastic and energetic about your work.

3-Engage with Your Followers. When your followers comment on a post or share your newsletter, be sure to thank them or respond in a timely fashion. This makes your followers feel as though they are really becoming a part of your community and in turn, they will help you share and engage when you post.

4-Offer Tips and Education. Offering tips on “HOW TO USE GLAZES” or releasing a video of yourself creating art to help other aspiring artists engages other in your work. Think outside the box when you release tips, how can you help your audience?

5-Create Good Content. No one will keep reading if you post boring, out dated or irrelevant content. When was the last time you kept reading a boring book or watching a bad movie? Think about it.

6-Cross Promote. Who can you cross promote with? The art supply company that you shop at? Another artist? The restaurant where you sell your work? Be creative and work with others to create cross promotions that will help both parties gain followers and fans.

7-Be Real. Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. Be yourself, everyone else is already taken….

8-Share your WIPs. When you are working on a piece, be sure to share your work in progress. It’s interesting for others to watch HOW you create.

9-Learn How to POST effectively. Schedule time to analyse your website stats and find programs that help you measure and post on social media. I use HOOTSUITE. You can check it out FREE FOR 30 DAYS by visiting my affiliate link here:

10-Experiement. Not all your marketing will be online. Be sure to take advantage of local community boards, schools, events and fairs. Donate to auctions, offer different services like painting murals or doing art cards. Experiement with your work and the market.

11-Contests. Everyone loves winning! #winning

12-Giveaways. Reward your fans by giving away tickets to an event, prints or cards. The investment that you make into giveaways will bring you more returns when your winners or fans feel appreciated. #everyonelovestobeloved

13-Sales. When you make a sale, be sure to share on your networks that it has sold. If you have sold something in a show or restaurant, be sure to practise a RED DOT for a few days so that others see you are an artist who sells. Some people are strange like that…they will ONLY buy if you demonstrate that you are successful in your sales records. (Be sure to keep track of your sales too-this will help you later in your career.)

14-Customers. Take photos with customers or ask them to take a pic with your art in their homes. Share on social media or even print pictures for a portfolio you can share with potential customers in your studio.

15-Affilates. BE AN AFFILIATE for other companies. Whether you promote products, software or events that you are using or exhibiting at, creating an affiliate income stream helps you share products, services or events you love while earning money for sharing. (Yes, you can make residual income by promoting other people’s products or services so long as they give you or you sign up for your own affiliate code!)

To sign up to be an Art World Expo Affiliate, visit: BE AN ART WORLD EXPO AFFILIATE!

16-Brands You Use. When you think of all the tools that you use, be sure to refer the useful ones with others so they can take advantage of great tools too! Sign up for an affiliate link first and then promote that link to people you think might like it too. For example, we use Freshbooks for our accounting software and when we recommend it, we share our affiliate link here:

17-Share Other People’s Work. Your fans and followers will appreciate you sharing because it will introduce them to new people and other areas in your industry, but because if they are really interested in your work, they too want to see what’s going on in your creative journey. This also helps you cross promote with other artists which helps both of you build bigger communities!

18-Inspirations. Post things that inspire you as an artist. Nature, fabric, old tires. Memes. W H A T E V E R. Show your audience how your mind works and don’t be afraid to open up.

19-Professional Development. Be sure to post when you are enlisted in professional development realted to your career. A painting retreat, specialty classes, or workshops are great ways to show your audience that you are always trying to improve your craft. If you are intersted in travelling to Europe with me this summer, please visit: Painting Dreams Art Tours Info (Our next info session is February 5 at my studio and gallery in North Vancouver.)

20-Participate in Events. Last, but not least, whatever kind of art or craft you practise, be sure to participate in events in your community or outside of it. Paint live on stage at a fashion show, organize an open studio at your space, enroll in events where you can set up an exhibit in your city or others. By far, the most effective way to sell your art is to be available in person so that you can share your story and why you do what you do. Make sure you participate in at least one event each quarter.

If you enjoyed these tips, be sure to share the love with other creative people you care about!

Have a question? Follow me on Periscope and ask questions during my live broadcasts! https://www.periscope.tv/MonikaBlichar

Monika Blichar possesses a B.A. from the University of Victoria with a major in English and minor in French. She has also successfully completed the post degree teaching program and is a member of the BC College of Teachers. She is fluent in English, French, Polish and basic Spanish. Her love for culture, languages and artistic pursuits continues to grow as she develops her own creativity and imagination through her varied interests in the art world.

This post is sponsored by Twin Peaks Construction.