The #1 Way to Sell More Art Online - How To Improve Your Artist Statement for Art Buyers
Did you know your artist statement is the #1 factor if your art sales are flourishing or flopping?
The Problem is most artists are sharing the wrong things
and they are NOT diving into the most compelling parts of their artist statement to convert browsers into art buyers!
Learn why the artist statement is the foundational piece of your marketing, how to improve yours, and specific examples of how to do it.
Even the most seasoned artists I work with see MUCH better results selling art online when they fine-tune their artist statement.
Why?
A person will buy your original art because they are emotionally connected to you, your story, and what your art means or makes them feel.
When building online relationships, we have to take that extra step from behind the screen, to make our ideal client (who is sitting behind another screen) feel c-o-n-n-e-c-t-e-d to us.
If you don’t share WHY you created your art, how can anyone feel connected to it?
A compelling artist's statement peels back the curtain and lets strangers (potential buyers) into your world, and feel like they know you personally, even if they have never met you.
People buy from people they know, like, and trust.
Buyers have a CHOICE! They are filling a blank wall or upgrading their space. So, they can either
a. Buy space filler art for cheap from Target or
b. Buy original art from another artist who told a better story they connected with.
To write a compelling artist statement, begin with the basic elements…
Name + Location
What you create (subject)
Medium
Materials
These are really important to paint the complete picture
In order to make the Artist statement magnetizing, to turn browsers into buyers, you have do go a few layers deeper
Why you create (inspirations/story/personal beliefs)
What makes your work unique
This is where your statement will SELL.
This is where the SPARK is made.
I'm going to give you specific examples of Artists from Artpreneur Academy who applied these principles.
Once again the most compelling parts of your artist statement is when you share why you create, what your story is, and what you belief.
You’ll hear the before and after in these examples and the big difference your WHY and STORY make to an art buyer.
EXAMPLES
Ian
He start applying Secret #1 using his purpose and art materials.
“My work serves as a reminder to be critical, pointing to the finite nature of our lives, comforts, and surroundings, to foster urgency. I collage using only upcycled materials to allude to the "disposable" nature of our consumerism.”
When Ian applies more of Secret #1, e expands on a very strong WHY
“My undergraduate years were full of the social sciences and taught me about the meaning of sustainability.
Renewable energy became a focus of mine, but the money-oriented decision-making of the energy industry deterred me from pursuing a career there.
After spending some years in education, art was my way back into promoting a sustainable consciousness.”
So much more intriguing right?
Hannah
Hannah begins to apply Secret #1 using her subject, medium, and inspiration.
“I create surrealist art with darker themes in acrylic and watercolor paint for unconventional people who are interested in expressing their individuality and revolutionizing the human experience.”
But her statement totally transforms after she after applies more of Secret #1
When she strengthens her WHY and adds her personal beliefs.
“Being an artist is integral to my identity. I’ve been illustrating, painting and creating ever since I was old enough to wield the tools necessary to do so.
I provide art for people who make friends with their shadow, find solace in the unconventional and who aren’t afraid to wear their individuality on the outside.”
I mean WOW. She killed it!
Annamarie
At first she shares her purpose
She says: “By connecting pet owners with portraits of their loved ones, I hope to share the spirit of my subjects through art with others who understand the deep relationship and love we share with our animals.
Ten percent of commission artwork will be donated to animals in need.”
After applying more of Secret #1, her artist statement is so freaking irresistible to animal lovers!
Listen how this detailed PURPOSE brings it home to the heart.
“If my client has an animal charity or rescue that is close to their heart I prefer to make the donation there.
If not, I keep it relevant to the pet and their owner.
For example, I made a donation to K9's for Warriors, who provide service dogs to wounded veterans.
I’ve donated to no-kill animal shelters, and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Association.”
Incredible. Much more magnetizing.
Francesca
My student FRANCESCA’s first shares her inspirations
“My art combines everything I love and everything I've lived; my experiences with death, my love of laughter, my admiration of nature, fashion, and history.”
Then Francesca strengthens Secret #1 by adding her powerful STORY
She writes: “After remembering a death experience I had as a young child I began examining death as a theme in my work.
I believe death is part of what makes life precious and the two can only exist with each other.
I deeply enjoy creating and believe it's my purpose to use my art to, even in some small way, leave the world better than I found it.”
SO compelling right?!
I'm going to read you a small portion of my artist statement.
I didn’t go to art school and didn’t pick up a paintbrush until my 30s. But once I finally did, my entire soul was shaken.
I paint to practice self-love as it is my second meditation of the day. As a recovering perfectionist and chronic illness warrior, abstract art and “letting go” has saved my soul.
Painting transcends me to another world. It connects me to my higher self and reminds me of my personal magic. I want my art to do for others what it does for me. Through painting, I can connect with the world and give good energy back.
The trick when you post your artwork for sale, every single time, you have to talk about why.
So the HACK is to recycle pieces of your artist statement. Borrow a sentence or two and tie each artwork your create back to your wHY, and your inspirations
Give your art buyers meaning and story. Make them FEEL something special about your art. It will compel them to buy.
Try to practice this every time you post.
If you are on my website jennawebbart.com you’ll see the rest where I talk about my materials and the other key elements.
Your homework to do today is this.
Make sure you know your WHY. Why do you create art. What does it mean to you to be an artist?
Work on your artist statement based on today’s episode. You kind find today’s show notes linked or on my jennawebbart.com/podcast.
Share your why online today
Your WHY is the foundation of your marketing.
Your online customers absolutely 100% need to know your why to care about your artwork as much as you do.
Your why can really supercharge your marketing!
I LOVE to create art because __________.
Add the statement above to your next piece of social media content!
LMK how it goes! Tag me @jennawebbart
In the last episode, we talked about how success is 95% mindset and 5% strategy.
I want you to have the biggest confidence injection your art business as ever had!
Thats why I am inviting you to my Artpreneur Challenge.
why Having an unshakeable Artpreneur mindset is the #1 key way to be able to sell your art full time and live the life you’ve always dreamed of
Usually, I charge about $800 for the Challenge. But right now, It is available on my website for free for a limited time only.
To start the challenge today click here!
Love and Positive Vibes,
Jenna
PS - Would you do me a solid, my love? Would you take a quick minute to Subscribe + Rate the Show 5 Stars!? ⭐️ Your support means the world to me & it really helps artists like you discover a message they need.
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