The Artist's Life: There's Only so Much You can DO!

A while back, I found myself down one of the web's many rabbit holes, in this case doing some "loose" research on the issue of art and how to improve the online business of art.

It was an interesting journey, to say the least, and the slightly depressing conclusion I came to was that most ostensibly "successful" artists (online) weren't actually that successful with their art, they were successful at being social media wizards.

Allow me to expand on that, for a moment.

Somebody claiming that are "making $5,000 a month as an artist online" likely isn't making that sum from art, but from marketing programs, blogs, referrals, instruction courses and the like.

In fact, one such "successful artist" I looked at in fact didn't seem to have any art for sale at all, in any form. Unless you count a few very basic designs that could be printed on a plethora of products from mugs to t-shirts on venues like Zazzle to be "selling art."

Maybe I am just getting bogged down in Semantics here... but being a good marketer and being an artist are two different things. At least in my book.

Regardless...

I have been spending the first month of the new year really spiffing up my online stores with new listings (of things already in my art show inventory bins) and making sure my social media profiles are up to date.

I don't fancy myself a brilliant marketer, but at least I want to give it a shot.

What I keep running into is the time factor. As I thought back to some of those successful artists I encountered, I realize (now) that they probably don't have time to actually sit down and create art, given how much effort and energy they are putting into their self-marketing campaigns.

Of course, art is not my primary job/occupation (although I would LIKE it to be!) and there's no way I can keep turning out a stream of new work, and engage in a constant social media marketing presence while also managing my actual paying work that puts food on the table and keeps the electricity turned on.

As I move into my 15th year of doing this, I know that I have a valid art form, based on how well we do when we go to arts and crafts shows. So that's not the issue.

The issue is getting the online end of the equation to become meaningful, in some way.

One of the other things I am going to tap into is the fact that several of my serious "fans" are also fairly successful teachers and influencers in the metaphysical and self-development world, and since the mandala stones definitely have a spiritual angle, I'm hoping I can negotiate some kind of cooperative agreements to get mentions/sponsorships in connection with some of their (online) teaching events.

A few good words from someone who has 100s of thousands of followers couldn't hurt!

But until then, I'm going to continue putting effort into "cleaning house" so there is support for a potential increase in interest.

Thanks for stopping by and reading; Do leave me a comment if you feel so inspired — interaction and engagement are always welcome!

If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!

Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!

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Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!

Thank you for supporting independent art!

2023.01.27 AS-TXT-140/108