Welcome to my blog and Happy New Year! These blogs posts are going to contain updates about my art business process and steps I’m taking to further my business. I’m hoping to reach emerging artists like myself in order to share what works well and what to avoid when creating a brand/business.
After a lot of back and forth, I finally took the leap and quit my job as a Social Media Marketing Director at a medical spa. I didn’t feel that I was doing anything productive at this position, I spent more time wasting time than anything else. While I was at the office, I was wishing that I could work on my art or site updates instead. By the time I got home each day, I was too mentally exhausted to take care of my house, myself, and Megsterpieces. It was also disheartening that when I did have the chance to use my creativity at work, it was to make designs that I felt promoted fatphobia, body insecurity, and an overall unrealistic body image. I enjoyed my coworkers and learned a lot about website design at that position; it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
Leaving behind job/income security:
Starting a business is a crazy mixture of excitement, nervousness, and learning along the way. I accept that I will make mistakes and may experience periods of time with little to no income. I’ve been brainstorming ideas on how to further my business, make small steps forward, and get organized. While I’m so fortunate to currently have some savings to support me, I also plan to pick up odd jobs here and there until I can fully support myself with my artwork. Some accessible ways to do this could be to baby/pet/house sit, become a food/grocery deliverer, or pick up a part-time job.
It’s been less than a week since my last day at the medispa. Since then, I’ve gone to a couple of local Knoxville stores/restaurants and inquired about ways to sell my work through them. Many local places are looking for artwork to display or sell, you just have to be bold enough to ask. With a few simple conversations, I already have tentative plans to sell my work at some awesome Knoxville spots in 2022!!
Ways to get your work noticed:
- Visit local stores/cafes/restaurants: and ask if they have interest in selling or displaying your work. I’ve displayed my work in a local restaurant and made up a QR code that brings interested viewers directly to my website.
- Contact local real estate agents: Many times, you can find somebody who would be happy to include your art when staging a house or other location. Work out a way with them to ensure that you’re being recognized for your art.
- Social Media: Find platforms that work for you and your desired audience. Do some research on how often/what kind of content to post. It also never hurts to plan out a social media content calendar! Use hashtags that are relevant to the work you are posting. Share any part of the process of creating/promoting/mailing that goes with your work, even if you think it may be boring!
- I personally focus on Instagram and TikTok for sharing my work.
- I occasionally post on Facebook groups around Knoxville with a link to my website and a bit of information about myself (make sure this doesn’t break the page’s guidelines if you do this!)
- Zapplication: This website is a great way for artists to find events and exhibits in their local area. You find the events that you’re interested in, read the guidelines, and apply! It walks you through the whole process and will email you with other upcoming events.
Please leave a comment with any tactics you’ve tried that were (un)successful when it comes to promoting your work/business! In your comment, share any professional contact information or social media account(s) you have! I can use any help that I can get and would love to network with you!