Aaaaaah… you’ve painted your first picture, created your first sculpture, made the craft you’ve dreamed about for so long, designed something completely new.
So now what?
Of course, no artist creates just for themselves, and neither should you!
It’s important to share your art, but what if you don’t have the money, connections, or know-how to get started?
It would be a real shame if, after all your hard work, your masterpiece sat hidden in your room for only you to see.
Because art is meant to be shared, to brighten everyone’s day.
So, where do you begin?
Publishing your art can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor, especially with so many platforms available.
Whether you’re an established artist or just starting, choosing the right place to share your creations is crucial.
In today’s digital world, the possibilities are endless, but some platforms stand out as great options depending on your goals and the type of art you create.
Social Media
One of the most popular places to showcase your art is social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook.
These platforms offer excellent exposure to a wide audience.
Instagram, with its visual-centric format, is especially suited for artists.
Its user-friendly interface and vast reach make it easy to share your work, connect with other creatives, and even discover potential clients.
With the right hashtags and a consistent posting schedule, Instagram can act as a powerful portfolio and marketing tool.
Yep, this might take some time to get used to, but hey, there’s bunch of free tutorials on youtube and other platforms that might help you improve your SM game, so, go for it!
Facebook, on the other hand, offers community-building features, allowing you to join art-related groups or create your own page for direct engagement with followers.
Share your work with friends and family, ask for their support, share it to local art groups, and you’ll get some traction for sure.
Now, if traditional social media isn’t your “forte”, specialized platforms might be.
Specialized Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to just these social media giants.
There are also plenty of other platforms that can help you get your art out there.
Etsy, for instance, is an excellent choice for artists who want to sell their work directly to consumers.
It allows you to set up your own shop and display your pieces for sale, making it a great option for those looking to generate income from their art.
Etsy is particularly known for handmade and unique items, so it’s a perfect fit for artists creating original pieces.
POD
Pod as a print on demand. Not the band.
If you’re looking for a more passive way to sell your art without handling the logistics, print on demand services like Redbubble and Printful offer a great solution.
You can upload your work, and they handle the printing, packaging, and shipping for you.
This means you can focus solely on creating new works while the platform takes care of the business side of things.
POD services are ideal for artists who want to sell products like prints, t-shirts, or mugs without worrying about inventory management.
If you’re in for the bucks, this might be the way you should pursue.
Communities
Another avenue that many artists turn to is online portfolios or art communities.
Websites like Behance and Dribbble are specifically designed for creative professionals.
Behance, for instance, is great for digital artists, graphic designers, and photographers to display their portfolios in a professional environment.
Dribbble, though more exclusive, offers an invite-only model where illustrators and graphic designers can showcase their best work.
While these platforms are more niche, they can be excellent for making connections within the creative industry and showcasing your work to a targeted audience.
Act locally
If you’re looking to go beyond digital platforms and take your art to more traditional spaces, local galleries can also be a fantastic option.
While the process may be a bit more hands-on, showing your work in a gallery provides an opportunity for personal interaction with potential buyers.
Galleries often offer an exclusive space to display your art, giving it an elevated sense of importance.
Plus, hosting an opening night or other events at a gallery can provide a more personal connection with your audience, something that’s sometimes lost in the digital world.
Approaching a gallery, however, requires a bit of preparation.
It’s a good idea to have an online presence, whether that’s through a personal website or social media profiles, before you reach out.
Galleries will want to see that you have a following and that your art is garnering interest.
Having a physical portfolio or even a thumb drive with images of your work to show gallery owners can help seal the deal.
And don’t forget to inquire about the terms of the agreement, many galleries charge a commission fee on any sales made, so you’ll want to ensure you understand the payment structure before committing.
Heard of Online Galleries?
While traditional galleries are one way to go, there are other hybrid spaces that blend the digital and physical worlds.
Many online galleries exist where you can submit your work for exhibition without the need to leave your home.
These virtual galleries often cater to a wider range of artists and give you the chance to present your work to a global audience.
Some even offer the opportunity to sell your work directly through the site, much like Etsy or POD platforms.
Your Own “Gallery”
Then there’s the option of starting your own website, which gives you complete control over how your art is presented.
Building a personal website may require more effort upfront, but it offers a unique space to showcase your portfolio without the restrictions of social media algorithms or commission fees.
You can add an online store, write about your creative process, or even start a blog to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
While it might take a bit more time and effort to attract traffic to your site, having a personal website can be one of the most professional and long-term ways to publish your art.