Unusual And Creative Ways To Sell Your Art

 The art world is brimming with creative souls, and so are the ways they choose to sell their work. Beyond the conventional galleries and online platforms, here are some unusual yet interesting avenues to explore:

1. Pop-up galleries in unexpected places: Ditch the white walls and set up shop in a vintage bus, a laundromat, or even a public park. The surprise factor attracts attention and generates buzz around your art.

2. Art vending machines: Imagine your artwork dispensed right next to a candy bar! Vending machines offer an interactive and accessible way to sell smaller pieces like prints or stickers.

3. Collaborations with businesses: Partner with local cafes, bars, or bookstores to display your work. Your art adds ambiance, while you gain exposure to a new customer base.

4. Interactive installations: Go beyond static canvases and create live, participatory art experiences. This could involve light projections, audience-driven creations, or even temporary tattoos featuring your designs.

5. Augmented reality (AR) experiences: Overlay your artwork on buildings, public spaces, or even people's phones through AR apps. This creates a unique and memorable way to engage with your art.

6. Upcycled art and found objects: Turn everyday items into new artistic creations. Transform discarded tires into sculptures, paint on old furniture, or create intricate mosaics from broken glass.

7. Art barters and exchanges: Organize events where artists swap works or trade their skills for services. This fosters community, supports fellow artists, and expands your collection.

8. Public art projects: Pitch your ideas for murals, sculptures, or installations in public spaces. This leaves a lasting mark on your community and broadens your audience.

9. Crowdfunding platforms: Utilize platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon to raise funds for specific art projects or even ongoing creative endeavors. This allows fans to directly support your artistic journey.

10. Subscription boxes: Curate boxes featuring limited-edition prints, sketches, or even mini-workshops, delivered monthly to subscribers. This creates a recurring revenue stream and fosters a close connection with your audience.

Remember, the key is to be creative, think outside the box, and experiment! Embrace the unconventional and let your personality and artistic vision shine through. As always, authenticity and engagement are key to attracting new audiences and finding success in the world of art.

Using Subscription Boxes To Sell Your Artworks

 

Image created by Midjourney
(Surprise your customers!)

Selling your artwork through subscription boxes can be a fun and creative way to connect with a dedicated audience and build recurring income. Here are some ways you can use subscription boxes to sell your work:

Curated Art Boxes:

• Theme-based Boxes: Create different boxes with specific themes, like landscapes, animal portraits, or abstract explorations.
• Limited Edition Prints: Offer signed and numbered limited editions in your boxes for an exclusive feel.
• Collections: Release artwork in series, with each box revealing a new piece in the collection.
• Mixed Media: Include other artist-made items like stickers, postcards, or small sculptures alongside your main artwork.

Interactive Boxes:

• Art Supplies & Prompts: Provide curated art supplies and themed prompts to inspire subscribers to create their own art based on your style.
• "Behind the Scenes" Boxes: Offer sketches, process photos, and inspirational materials that give subscribers a deeper look into your artistic journey.
• Collaborations: Partner with other artists to create unique boxes with collaborative pieces.

Subscription & Platform Options:

• Self-managed: Build your own platform and handle packaging, shipping, and customer service.
• Subscription Box Services: Partner with established subscription box companies who handle logistics and marketing for a fee.
• Kickstarter/Crowdfunding: Use crowdfunding platforms to generate initial funding for your subscription box idea.

Additional Subscription Box Tips:

• High-quality packaging and presentation: Make the unboxing experience special with unique packaging and thoughtful touches.
• Community building: Engage with your subscribers through social media, exclusive newsletters, and online communities.
• Content marketing: Create blog posts, videos, and social media content showcasing your artwork and the subscription box experience.
• Pricing and tiers: Offer different subscription tiers with varying price points and content levels to cater to different budgets.
• Data and analytics: Track subscriber preferences and adjust your boxes based on feedback to maintain engagement.

Remember, selling art through subscription boxes requires consistent effort and creativity. But with a well-curated concept, engaged subscribers, and a sprinkle of marketing magic, it can be a rewarding and sustainable way to share your art with the world.

I hope this gives you some ideas!

How To Use Augmented Reality Experiences To Sell Your Art

 

Image created by Midjourney
(all fingers present)

Using Augmented Reality (AR) experiences to sell your art can be a powerful and innovative way to engage potential buyers and boost your sales. Here are some ways you can do it:

Visualization and Scale:

• Place artworks in potential buyers' spaces: AR apps can superimpose your artwork onto walls, shelves, or other surfaces in the user's environment. This allows them to visualize how the piece would look in their own home or office, helping them overcome size and scale concerns.
• Create interactive exhibits: Build AR experiences that let viewers explore your artwork in detail, revealing hidden layers, animations, or additional information. This adds a layer of interactivity and intrigue, making the art more immersive and memorable.

Marketing and Engagement:

• AR-powered previews: Share snippets of your art through social media or email campaigns, using AR to allow followers to view and interact with the pieces instantly. This generates excitement and curiosity, driving traffic to your website or online store.
• Virtual galleries and exhibitions: Host virtual exhibitions or pop-up galleries using AR platforms. This allows you to reach a wider audience than a physical location could, and offers a unique and accessible way to showcase your work.
• Interactive storytelling: Use AR to weave narratives around your art, linking it to historical events, personal anecdotes, or other contextual information. This adds depth and meaning to your work, fostering a deeper connection with potential buyers.

Sales and Ownership:

• AR-enabled purchasing: Integrate AR experiences with your online store, allowing buyers to see the artwork in their space before purchasing. This can increase confidence and lead to higher conversion rates.
• NFTs with AR components: Combine your artwork with NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and unlock exclusive AR experiences for owners. This adds value to your digital assets and creates a community around your work.
• Location-based AR experiences: Create AR art installations in public spaces that viewers can access with their smartphones. This can generate buzz and awareness around your work, leading to new sales opportunities.

Platforms and Tools:

There are various platforms and tools available to help you create AR experiences for your art:

• Artivive: A popular platform for artists to share and sell AR-enhanced artwork.
• EchoesAR: An AR creation platform offering various features for artists, including interactive elements and spatial mapping.
• MeshLabs: Offers tools for 3D scanning and modeling, allowing you to create AR-ready versions of your physical artwork.
• Instagram and Facebook Spark AR Studio: Create and share AR filters on these platforms to reach a wider audience.

Remember, the key to using AR effectively is to create compelling and interactive experiences that showcase your art in a unique and engaging way. Focus on adding value to the viewer's experience, not just promoting the sale. If you can do that, you'll be well on your way to using AR to take your art sales to the next level.

Creating Upcycled Art Through Found Objects To Then Sell

 Upcycling art through found objects and then selling them can be a rewarding and sustainable way to express your creativity and make some money on the side. Here's a roadmap to get you started:

Finding your materials:

• Treasure hunt: Keep an eye out for interesting discarded items during your daily walks, thrifting trips, or beach cleanups. You can find anything from vintage cameras and keys to bottle caps and driftwood.

• Think outside the box: Don't limit yourself to traditional art supplies. Consider using bicycle chains, old records, or even broken electronics as part of your creations.
• Ask around: Put the word out among friends and family that you're looking for found objects. You might be surprised at what people have stashed away in their garages or attics.

Creating your art:

• Experimentation is key: Don't be afraid to try new things and let your imagination run wild. There are no rules in upcycled art!
• Think about function: Can your art be used for something besides decoration? For example, you could turn old suitcases into lamps or vintage teacups into bird feeders.
• Consider your audience: Who do you think would be interested in buying your art? This will help you determine what kind of pieces to create and where to sell them.

Selling your art:

• Online marketplaces: Etsy, Artfinder, and Saatchi Art are popular platforms for selling upcycled art. You can also set up your own online shop using Shopify or Squarespace.
• Craft fairs and art shows: These are great opportunities to showcase your work in person and connect with potential buyers.
• Consignment shops: Some consignment shops will sell upcycled art. This can be a good option if you don't have time or space to run your own shop.
• Social media: Use Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to promote your art and connect with potential buyers.

Tips for success:

• Take high-quality photos of your art: This is essential for online sales. Make sure your photos are well-lit and show your pieces from all angles.
• Write clear and concise descriptions: Include information about the materials you used, the size of the piece, and its function (if any).
• Price your art competitively: Do some research to see what similar pieces are selling for and price your work accordingly.
• Be patient: It takes time to build a successful art business. Don't get discouraged if you don't make sales overnight.

I hope this helps! Upcycling art is a great way to be creative, sustainable, and make some money on the side. So get out there, start collecting your found objects, and let your creativity flow!

Here are some additional ideas for upcycled art projects that you can sell:

• Jewelry: Make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from old buttons, bottle caps, or vintage keys.
• Mobiles: Create mobiles from driftwood, seashells, or vintage toys.
• Sculptures: Use found objects to create sculptures of animals, people, or abstract shapes.
• Home decor: Make lamps, vases, or picture frames from old jars, bottles, or suitcases.
• Mixed media art: Combine found objects with paint, fabric, or other materials to create unique pieces.

With a little creativity and effort, you can turn everyday trash into beautiful and valuable art. So get started today and see what you can create!

Using Crowdfunding Platforms To Sell Your Art Or Art Related Projects

 

Image created with Midjourney
(Oi, tidy your mess up, only joking!)

Crowdfunding platforms can be a great way for artists and creative entrepreneurs to raise money for their projects, including selling their art. Here's a general overview of how you can use them:

Choose the right platform:

• General platforms: Kickstarter and Indiegogo are the most well-known, but they cater to a wide range of projects, so your art might get lost in the shuffle.
• Art-specific platforms: Patreon is perhaps able to focus specifically on art and creative projects, so you'll have a more targeted audience.

Create a compelling campaign:

• Clearly define your project: What are you creating? Why is it important? What will the funds be used for?
• Set a realistic funding goal: Don't ask for more than you need, and make sure your goal is achievable.
• Offer attractive rewards: What will backers get for their contributions? Prints, originals, exclusive content, etc.
• Create high-quality visuals: Use great photos and videos to showcase your art.
• Tell your story: Connect with backers on a personal level and explain why your project is important to you.

Promote your campaign:

• Share your campaign on social media: Get your friends, family, and followers excited about your project.
• Reach out to the media: Let local newspapers, blogs, and websites know about your campaign.
• Run ads: Paid advertising can help you reach a wider audience.

Fulfill your promises:

• Keep backers updated on your progress.
• Deliver rewards on time and as promised.
• Be grateful for your backers' support.

Here are some additional tips for using crowdfunding platforms to sell your art:

• Build a community: Before you launch your campaign, start building a community around your art. This will give you a built-in audience for your campaign.
• Offer a variety of rewards: Make sure you offer rewards at different price points to appeal to a wider range of backers.
• Get feedback: Ask your backers for feedback on your project, both during and after your campaign.
• Be patient: It takes time and effort to run a successful crowdfunding campaign. Don't get discouraged if you don't reach your goal right away.

Drawing And Inking A Clicker From The Last Of Us Timelapse Reel

 Timelapse Ink Sketch Of A Clicker Creature From The Last Of Us

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A post shared by Horror Artist (@waynetully)

Using Public Art Projects To Sell Your Work

Image Created By midjourney.com
(that tiny ladder is special!)

 Using public art projects to sell your artwork can be a creative and strategic way to gain exposure, build recognition, and ultimately find buyers for your work. I did this with an Art card Deck local Artist project. Here are some ways you can achieve this:

Increase Visibility:

• Create impactful public art: Go beyond the ordinary! Think about location-specific pieces that interact with the environment, provoke thought, or spark conversation. These pieces will attract attention and generate buzz, leading people to inquire about the artist behind them.
• Showcase your skillset: Choose a project that allows you to showcase your strengths and preferred medium. If you excel at intricate murals, consider proposing a large-scale wall painting. If you specialize in kinetic sculptures, design a piece that moves with the wind or interacts with passersby.
• Collaborate with other artists or organizations: Partnering with established groups or artists can broaden your reach and tap into their existing audience.

Generate Interest and Sales:

• Include subtle calls to action: Incorporate information about your website, social media handles, or upcoming exhibitions into the artwork itself. Use QR codes or hidden messages to encourage viewers to learn more about your work and potential purchase options.
• Offer limited-edition prints or reproductions: Create high-quality prints or replicas of the public art piece, making it accessible to a wider audience at a lower price point. This can act as a gateway to your larger, original pieces.
• Host events or workshops: Organize artist talks, demonstrations, or workshops related to the public art project. This allows you to directly connect with potential buyers, build relationships, and showcase your artistic process.

Additional Tips:

• Document your work: Capture high-quality photos and videos of the public art project from different angles and stages of creation. This content can be used for marketing and promotion across various platforms.
• Network with relevant stakeholders: Connect with local businesses, community leaders, and art organizations. Gain their support for your project and leverage their networks to reach potential buyers.
• Promote your work online and offline: Utilize social media, your website, press releases, and local media outlets to spread the word about your public art project and highlight its connection to your other artwork for sale.

Remember, using public art projects to sell your work is a long-term strategy. It's about building brand awareness, establishing yourself as an artist, and eventually leading to sales.

Using Art Barters And Exchanges For Selling And Promotion Of Your Art/Skills

 

Image created by midjourney.com

Using art barters and exchanges to sell your art can be a creative and rewarding way to get your work out there while potentially acquiring other valuable goods and services. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

Finding platforms:

• Online platforms: Websites like BarterQuest, ArtistExchange, and SwapThing provide dedicated spaces for artists to barter work. You can create a profile, showcase your art, and browse through offerings from other artists, businesses, and individuals.
• Local groups and communities: Look for Facebook groups, subreddits, or local organizations focused on art trades. Participating in these communities allows you to network with other artists and barter locally.
• Events and gatherings: Art fairs, festivals, and open studios can be excellent opportunities to meet potential barter partners in person. Set up a display with your art and advertise your openness to bartering.

Making the barter work:

• Value your work: Before entering any barter, estimate the fair market value of your art piece. This helps ensure you're making a fair exchange and not undervalued your work.
• Be open to possibilities: Don't limit yourself to exchanging art for art. Explore bartering for goods and services you need, such as website design, photography, printing, legal advice, rent, or even vegetables from a local farm.
• Negotiate clearly: Discuss the value of your artwork and the offered item or service openly and honestly. Be prepared to negotiate to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Set expectations: Before finalizing the barter, establish clear expectations regarding delivery, quality, and timelines. Ensure both parties are comfortable with the agreed terms.

Additional tips:

• Highlight the benefits of bartering: Promote the advantages of bartering for your art, like acquiring unique items, building relationships, and supporting local businesses.
• Showcase your artwork well: High-quality photos and engaging descriptions are crucial for attracting potential barter partners.
• Be professional and reliable: Maintain clear communication, deliver on your promises, and build a positive reputation in the barter community.

Remember, while bartering art is a great way to diversify your income and access valuable resources, it might not always be the fastest way to sell your work. It requires patience, networking, and flexibility. However, the creative, community-driven aspect of bartering can be a rewarding and enriching experience for artists.

Using Interactive Art Installations To Sell Your Art

 

Interactive art installations can be a powerful tool to sell your art in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Create a unique and memorable experience that will stay with viewers long after they leave. This could involve using technology, such as sensors or virtual reality, to create an immersive and engaging experience. For example, you could create an installation that reacts to the viewer's movements or emotions, or that allows them to step into a different world.

• Use the installation to showcase your artistic skills and vision. The installation can be a way to show off your creativity and technical ability, and to give viewers a deeper understanding of your work. For example, you could create an installation that uses light and sound to create a particular atmosphere, or that tells a story through a series of interactive elements.
• Generate buzz and excitement around your work. Interactive installations can be a great way to get attention from the media and potential buyers. They can also be a lot of fun to participate in, which can help to generate positive word-of-mouth. For example, you could create an installation that is part of a larger event, or that is designed to be shared on social media.
• Sell limited-edition prints or merchandise related to the installation. This can be a great way to generate income from your work, and to give viewers a way to take a piece of the experience home with them. For example, you could create prints of the installation itself, or create merchandise such as t-shirts or tote bags.
• Use the installation as a platform to connect with potential buyers. The installation can be a great way to meet new people and to build relationships with potential collectors. For example, you could host events at the installation, or give talks about your work.

Here are some specific examples of how artists have used interactive installations to sell their work:

• TeamLab Borderless is an immersive art experience in Tokyo that uses projection mapping and other technologies to create a world of light and sound. The experience is so popular that it has been featured in numerous travel articles and blogs, and it has helped to make TeamLab one of the most famous art collectives in the world.
• The Museum of the Future in Dubai is a museum that uses technology to explore the future of humanity. The museum features a number of interactive installations, including one that allows visitors to create their own personalized future. The museum has been a huge success, and it has helped to put Dubai on the map as a center for innovation.

Of course, using interactive installations to sell your art is not without its challenges. It can be expensive to create and maintain these installations, and it can be difficult to measure their effectiveness. However, if you are done well, interactive installations can be a powerful tool for selling your art and reaching a wider audience.

Inking A Skewered Rotting Zombie Timelapse Art Reel

 Drawing and Inking a Rotten Zombie Skewered Timelapse art reel

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Collaborate With Businesses To Sell Your Art

 

There are many ways to collaborate with other businesses to sell your art, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Partner with complementary businesses:

• Retailers: Consign your artwork to shops and galleries that cater to your target audience. This gives you access to a new customer base and allows them to benefit from your art's visual appeal.
• Interior designers: Offer your artwork as an option for their clients' projects. This can be a great way to get your work into high-end homes and offices.
• Framers and art supply stores: Partner with local framers and art supply stores to offer discounts or promotions on your artwork. This can help drive traffic to both your businesses.
• Event planners and venues: Collaborate with event planners and venues to showcase your work at art fairs, festivals, and other events. This is a great way to get exposure to a large audience in a short period.

Offer unique products or services:

• Limited edition collaborations: Partner with another artist or business to create a limited edition product, like prints, clothing, or home decor items. This can generate excitement and exclusivity around your work.
• Custom commissions: Offer custom artwork commissions to clients through collaborating businesses. This allows you to tap into their existing customer base and create unique pieces tailored to their needs.
• Workshops and classes: Teach workshops or classes at art supply stores, community centers, or other relevant locations. This is a great way to share your skills and expertise, while also promoting your artwork.

Leverage online platforms:

• Social media collaborations: Team up with other artists or businesses on social media for joint live streams, art challenges, or cross-promotion. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain new followers.
• Online marketplaces: Sell your artwork through online marketplaces like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Society6. This can give you access to a global audience and make it easy for people to purchase your work.
• Curated online exhibitions: Participate in online curated exhibitions or galleries that showcase the work of emerging artists. This can be a great way to get your work in front of art collectors and curators.

Remember:

• Research potential partners: Make sure the businesses you collaborate with are a good fit for your brand and target audience.
• Negotiate clear terms: Set clear expectations and ensure you have a written agreement outlining the terms of your collaboration.
• Promote your collaboration: Market your collaboration effectively through social media, press releases, and other channels.

By thinking creatively and building relationships with other businesses, you can open up new opportunities to sell your art and reach a wider audience.

Using An Art Vending Machine To Sell Your Art

 

Photo credited to vancouverisawesome.com

Using an art vending machine to sell your art can be a unique and fun way to reach a wider audience and add an element of surprise and delight to the art buying experience. Here's how you can make it work:

1. Choose the right type of vending machine:

• Traditional vending machines: These are readily available and can be customized with your branding and artwork. They're best for selling smaller pieces like prints, stickers, magnets, and jewelry.
• Repurposed vending machines: Get creative and upcycle an old vending machine for a unique touch. This can be a great conversation starter and attract attention.
• Custom-built vending machines: If you have a specific vision in mind, consider having a machine built to your specifications. This allows for more features and interactivity.

2. Prepare your artwork:

• Format: Consider the size and format limitations of the vending machine. Prints, photographs, greeting cards, and small sculptures are popular choices.
• Packaging: Design attractive and protective packaging that complements your artwork and fits the vending machine dispenser.
• Pricing: Set competitive prices that factor in production costs, vending machine fees, and desired profit margin.

3. Find a location:

• High-traffic areas: Place your machine in places with a lot of foot traffic, like galleries, cafes, bookstores, or even public transportation hubs.
• Complementary locations: Partner with businesses that cater to a similar audience as your art.
• Events: Set up your machine at art fairs, festivals, or pop-up markets for temporary exposure.

4. Promote your vending machine:

• Social media: Use social media to build anticipation and excitement around your vending machine launch. Share pictures, videos, and the location.
• Collaborations: Partner with local artists, influencers, or businesses for cross-promotion.
• Signage: Create eye-catching signage that explains the concept and entices passersby to interact with the machine.

5. Maintain and refill your machine:

• Regularly restock: Ensure your vending machine is always well-stocked to avoid disappointing potential customers.
• Clean and maintain: Keep the machine clean and in good working order to create a positive experience.
• Track sales and data: Monitor your sales data to understand what's selling well and adjust your offerings accordingly.

Additional tips:

• Offer variety: Provide a mix of artwork at different price points to cater to diverse budgets.
• Create a surprise element: Consider including mystery boxes or blind bag options for an element of fun and discovery.
• Run promotions: Offer discounts or limited edition pieces to generate excitement.
• Get feedback: Encourage customers to leave feedback on your social media or website to improve your offerings.

Using an art vending machine can be a fun and rewarding way to sell your art and connect with new audiences. By carefully planning and executing your idea, you can turn this unique concept into a successful venture.