Selling art on Instagram is a powerful way to reach a global audience and turn your passion into a profitable venture. Here’s how you can use this vibrant platform to showcase your work and connect with buyers.
One of the most important things is to create a visually cohesive feed
Your Instagram feed is your gallery. Each post should be a piece of art in itself. Create a cohesive look by using consistent filters or a specific color palette. This not only makes your profile visually appealing but also helps in building your brand. It helps to make you visible in a highly competitive market.
Using good-quality images is important. If you don't care about your work enough to present it well, why should anybody else care?
Quality matters. Post clear, well-lit photos of your artwork. This might mean investing in a good camera or learning a few photography basics, but it’s worth it. Your art deserves to be seen at its best.
Instagram users love a good story. Share the inspiration behind your pieces, your process, or even your day-to-day life as an artist. This personal touch can create a connection with your audience, making them more invested in your art.
Instagram is social for a reason. Engage with other artists, art lovers, and potential customers. Comment on posts, reply to comments on your work and participate in discussions. This builds relationships and keeps you visible in the bustling Instagram art community. At different times, I have tried out different formats in my feed. You can look at other Instagrammers and see what style of feeds you like.
Hashtags are the road signs that guide users to your art. Use relevant hashtags that are popular within the art community and words you think people might use when searching for your kind of art, as well as niche tags specific to your style or medium. This increases the chances of discovery by those interested in your type of work.
While originals are valuable, offering limited edition prints can make your art more accessible. It can also provide a steady income as you work on new pieces. Number and sign them to maintain their uniqueness. Or you might have some pieces with unlimited editions, which would be cheaper again.
When posting a piece for sale, include all the essential information: the title, medium, dimensions, price, and how to purchase. Make it as easy as possible for someone to say “I want it!” Don't forget you can post links to the piece in your Bio.
You can show your process through Stories ( Not something I have tackled yet) or go Live to engage in real time. This behind-the-scenes look can captivate people and make them feel part of your creative journey. This helps others to get a real feel for what it is like to be an artist.
Collaboration can also be an important element to pursue. Partner with influencers who can introduce your work to a broader audience. This can be a trade of art for exposure or a paid promotion, however, make sure to shop around and choose influencers whose aesthetic aligns with your art style.
Finally, at the end of the day, consistency is key. Post regularly, at regular times. For example, if you only do one live a week you might choose the same time and day of the week, but don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Be patient as you build your presence. It takes time to grow an audience, but the connections you make can be deeply rewarding. Also take note of which posts do well and do more of them.
By harnessing the power of Instagram, you can turn your artistic output into a thriving online business. Remember, your talent is unique, and there’s an audience out there eager to discover your art. Happy posting!