How to Start an Art Business in 2023

Starting my art business, Elle Nine, in 2020 during the pandemic has been an incredible journey that’s transformed me.

I’ve always had a talent for art, but I struggled to find a way to make money from it. I’ve had a few attempts at different businesses before – photography, freelance web development, graphic design – but they all had one thing in common: I couldn’t STAND doing commissioned work.

The thought of creating something based on someone else’s vision drained my inspiration and creativity 😦

But then came Elle Nine, and everything changed!

This time, I could create the art I loved and sell it to people who appreciated it. The path I’ve walked – from discovering my true passion, choosing the right name, setting up my LLC, gathering art supplies, building my website, to making my first sale – has taught me invaluable lessons that I’m excited to share with you.

1. Uncovering Your Passion & Defining Your Style:

The first step is to understand what truly excites you creatively and how you can present it to the world.

If you’re a painter, you can sell original pieces and offer prints for those who love your work but can’t afford originals.

Digital artists can explore putting their art on various products like mugs, keychains, and stickers.

If you’re into custom designs, you can create packages tailored to different budgets.

Stick to what ignites 🧨your passion and consider outsourcing tasks that drain you creatively.

2. Crafting Your Unique Identity: Name & Logo:

Selecting a business name and designing a logo is both fun and pivotal.

Take your time – your business identity is vital. Whether you go with your name or create a brand-new one, ensure it resonates with your essence.

Make sure it’s available as a domain name and in state business registries (You don’t want to come up with a cool name and later find out that it’s taken already).

Design a logo that encapsulates your identity, keeping in mind the colors and fonts that connect with your target audience.

3. Developing a Solid Strategy:

While many suggest creating a business plan upfront, I found that logo creation and brand colors initially inspired me. This visual foundation guided my business strategy.

Look up business strategy templates and don’t hesitate to use ChatGPT to get the ball rolling. You want to clarify what makes your business unique and understand your target audience.

By defining your essence and values, you’ll stand out in a crowded market.

4. Utilizing the Power of Social Media:

With your brand identity established, create consistent profiles across various social media platforms.

Secure your domain name to ensure a cohesive online presence. If you’d like, you can begin with platforms like Etsy before considering self-hosted sites.

Strive for consistency in your handles and create detailed but SHORT descriptions that capture your brand essence.

If you’re building a website, explore user-friendly platforms like WordPress or Shopify. Don’t underestimate the impact of free templates that align with your brand.

5. Navigating the Legalities:

Taking care of legal matters is paramount to safeguarding your business.

Registering an LLC is a crucial step, along with obtaining necessary permits and sales tax certificates. It’s wise to consult legal experts to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Acquiring an Employer Identification Number (EIN) separates your personal and business taxes.

Creating a dedicated business banking account will streamline financial transactions and it will also simplify your tax management.

6. Finding Your Artistic Medium:

Now comes the exciting part – selecting the medium through which your art will shine.

Depending on your chosen path, whether it’s offering downloadable digital products like PDFs, PNGs, or digital art brushes, or crafting tangible items like stickers, art prints, phone cases, tote bags, and t-shirts, this step is crucial.

If you’re opting for digital products, you won’t need to worry about physical inventory. However, if your heart is set on transforming your art into tangible items, it’s time to explore high-quality wholesale options.

7. Sourcing Wholesale Items:

For artists delving into physical products, platforms like Alibaba.com can be a treasure trove.

I personally use it to discover top-notch wholesale phone cases.

This platform offers a vast array of items, including blank products that can be sublimated with a heat press at home, or pre-designed items that can be shipped directly to you for selling.

Starting out, I chose pre-designed cases, later transitioning to sublimating them myself. This switch empowered me to feature a broader range of designs since I adopted a print-on-demand approach. With no worries about unsold inventory, I had the freedom to experiment with various designs.

When working with wholesale vendors on Alibaba, make sure to ALWAYS purchase small samples first to test out the quality before making a large purchase. I will make a dedicated post on how to successfully find a vendor or Alibaba.

8. Exploring Drop Shipping:

If handling in-house production doesn’t align with your vision, drop shipping might be your ideal route.

Various platforms provide drop shipping services, enabling you to upload your art. Once a customer places an order, the drop shipping company handles the rest, sending the product directly to the customer.

While I haven’t personally used a specific service to recommend, thorough research will help you find a reputable and reliable partner for your drop shipping needs.

Of course, each option has its pros and cons. Drop shipping offers convenience and requires no upfront investment, but relinquishes some control over the customer experience.

On the other hand, in-house production demands a substantial initial investment for inventory, equipment (like printers and heat presses), packaging materials, and personalized touches like thank-you cards. However, this approach grants you complete control over packaging and delivery, allowing you to curate a unique and memorable unboxing experience for your customers.

9. Amplifying Your Business through Promotion:

Promotion is essential to expand your reach. Share your art across various platforms – TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, and more – to gain visibility.

Study similar brands for inspiration, while creating your unique content. Repurpose your content across platforms to maximize your audience.

Subscribe to newsletters like mine that offer tips and strategies to grow online.

In Conclusion:

Embarking on this journey has been enlightening, and I’m eager to share my experiences.

By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation for your art business. Remember to cherish the creative process and avoid burnout.

Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments.

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